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1. Prepare a business plan – Overview
A business plan is a written document that describes a business. It covers objectives, strategies, sales, marketing and financial forecasts. A business plan has many functions, from securing external funding, to measuring success within your business, so preparing a business plan is an important step when starting a business.
This guide will show you how to prepare a high-quality business plan using a number of easy-to-follow steps.
2. The benefits of a business plan
Creating and managing a realistic business plan can help you secure finance and funding and measure success.
Potential investors, including banks, may invest in your idea, work with you or lend you money as a result of the strength of your plan. Grant providers, potential partners and anyone interested in buying your business will also likely want to see your business plan.
Even if you just use it in-house, it can:
- help you spot potential pitfalls before they happen
- structure the financial side of your business efficiently
- focus your efforts on developing your business
- work as a measure of your success
A business plan is a living document that will help you monitor your performance. It will need updating and changing as your business grows. Whether you use it in-house or for external finance, it should still take an objective and honest look at your business. Failing to do this could mean that you and others have unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved and when.
3. Business plan template
Use this template to create a business plan that outlines your executive summary, your vision, your marketing strategy, how you plan to run your business and how to plan to finance your business.
4. What a business plan should include
Your business plan should include:
- how you are going to develop your business
- when you are going to do it
- who's going to play a part
- how you will manage the finances
It's important to be clear about these areas in your business plan if you're looking for finance, funding or investment. The process of building your plan will also focus your mind on how your new business will need to operate to give it the best chance of success.
Your plan should also include:
- An executive summary - an overview of the business you want to start. It's vital. Many lenders and investors make judgments about your business based on this section of the plan alone.
- A short description of the business opportunity - who you are, what you plan to sell or offer, why and to whom.
- Your marketing and sales strategy - why you think people will buy what you want to sell and how you plan to sell to them.
- Your management team and personnel - your credentials and the people you plan to recruit to work with you.
- Your operations - your premises, production facilities, your management information systems and IT.
- Financial forecasts - this section translates everything you have said in the previous sections into numbers.
5. Presenting your business plan
To make sure your business plan has maximum impact, there are a number of points to consider.
Keep the plan short - it's more likely to be read if it's a manageable length. Think about the presentation and keep it professional - even if you only intend to use the plan in-house. Remember, a well-presented plan will reinforce the positive impression you want to create of your business.
Make sure your plan is realistic. Once you have prepared your plan, use it. If you update it regularly, it will help you keep track of your business' development.
Tips for presenting your plan:
- Include a cover or binding and a contents page with page and section numbering.
- Start with the executive summary.
- Ensure it's legible - make sure the type is ten point or above.
- You may want to email it, so ensure you use email-friendly formatting.
- Even if it's for internal use only, write the plan as if it's intended for an external audience.
- Edit the plan carefully - get at least two people to read it and check that it makes sense.
- Show the plan to expert advisers - such as your accountant - and ask for feedback.
- Avoid jargon and put detailed information - such as market research data or balance sheets - in an appendix at the back.
- You may have detailed plans for specific areas of your business, such as a sales plan or a staff training plan, but it is best not to include these, though it is good practice to mention that they exist.
While it's sensible to seek advice from external advisers, it's not a good idea to get them to write the plan for you. Investors and lenders need to have confidence that you personally understand your business plan and are committed to the vision for the business.
6. The executive summary
The executive summary is often the most important part of your business plan. Found at the front of the document, it is the first - and might be the only - part to be read. Your plan might be placed into a 'worth considering' or 'discard' pile by lenders or investors based on this section alone.
The executive summary is a synopsis of the key points of your entire plan. It should include highlights from each section of the rest of the document.
Its purpose is to explain the basics of your business in a way that both informs and interests the reader. If, after reading the executive summary, an investor or manager understands what the business is about and is keen to know more, it has done its job.
It should be concise - no longer than two pages at most - and interesting. You should write this section of your plan after you have completed the rest.
The executive summary is not:
- A brief description of the business and its products. It's a synopsis of the entire plan.
- An extended table of contents. This makes for very dull reading. You should ensure it shows the highlights of the plan, rather than restating the details the plan contains.
- Hype. While the executive summary should excite the reader enough to read the entire plan, an experienced investor or business person will recognise hype and this will undermine the plan's credibility.
7. Your vision
You must be able to clearly describe what your business does and set out your vision for your business. This includes who you are, what you do, what you have to offer and the market you want to address.
Start with an overview of your business:
- when you started or intend to start trading and the progress and investment you have made
- the type of business and the sector it is in
- any relevant history - for example, if you acquired the business, who owned it originally and what they achieved with it
- the current legal structure
- your vision for the future
Then describe your products or services as simply as possible, defining:
- what makes it different
- benefits it offers
- why customers would buy it from you instead of your competitors
- how you plan to develop your products or services
- whether you hold any patents, trade marks or design registration
- the key features and success factors of your industry or sector
Remember that the person reading the plan may not understand your business and its products, services or processes as well as you do, so try to avoid jargon. It's a good idea to get someone who isn't involved in the business - a friend or family member perhaps - to read this section of your plan and make sure they can understand it.
8. Marketing and sales
You should describe the specific activities you intend to use to promote and sell your products and services. Often, it's the weak link in business plans so it's worth spending time on it to make sure it's realistic and achievable.
A strong sales and marketing section means you have a clear idea of how you will get your products and services to market.
Your plan will need to provide answers to these questions:
- How do you plan to position your product or service in the market place?
- Who are your customers? Include details of customers who have shown an interest in your product or service and explain how you plan to go about attracting new customers.
- What is your pricing policy? How much will you charge for different customer segments, quantities, etc?
- How will you promote your product or service? Identify your sales process methods, eg direct marketing, advertising, PR, email, e-sales, social marketing.
- How will you reach your customers? What channels will you use? Which partners will be needed in your distribution channels?
- How will you do your selling? Do you have a sales plan? Have you considered which sales method will be the most effective and most appropriate for your market, such as selling by phone, over the internet, face-to-face or through retail outlets? Are your proposed sales methods consistent with your marketing plan? And do you have the right skills to secure the sales you need?
9. Financial forecasts
You will need to provide a set of financial projections which translate what you have said about your business into numbers.
Look carefully at:
- how much capital you need if you are seeking external funding
- the security you can offer lenders
- how you plan to repay any borrowings
- sources of revenue and income
You may also want to include your personal finances as part of the plan.
Financial planning
Your forecasts should run for the next three (or even five) years and their level of sophistication should reflect the sophistication of your business. However, the first 12 months' forecasts should have the most detail associated with them.
Your forecasts should include
Sales forecast - the amount of money you expect to raise from sales.
Cashflow statements - your cash balance and monthly cashflow patterns for at least the first 12 to 18 months. The aim is to show that your business will have enough working capital to survive. Make sure you have considered the key factors such as the timing of sales and salaries.
Read Cashflow management guidance.
Profit and loss forecast - a statement of the trading position of the business. Show the level of profit you expect to make and the costs of providing goods and services and your overheads.
Your forecasts should cover a range of scenarios. New businesses often forecast over-optimistic sales and most external readers will take this into account. It is sensible to include subsidiary forecasts based on sales being significantly slower than you are actually predicting. One for sales starting three months later than expected, and another forecasting a 20 per cent lower level of sales.
Risk analysis
It is good practice to show that you have reviewed the risks your business could be faced with. Show that you have looked at contingencies and insurance to cover these. Risks can include:
- competitor action
- commercial issues - sales, prices, deliveries
- operations - IT, technology or production failure
- staff - skills, availability and costs
- acts of God - fire or flood
Get the support you need right now
You can connect with us through the contact form, call us or contact your local Business Gateway officeContact Us Find my local office

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The Gunnels Law Firm LLC Reviews
The Gunnels Law Firm LLC
based on 13 user reviews.
Mr. Gunnels understood the exasperation I felt with the legal process and the personal pain I was enduring. He clearly understands the details and the timing of what was for me a long complicated process. His advise was clear and succinct and often showed patience and excellent timing. He led me through to a favorable conclusion of my case. I'm pleased to recommend him and his law firm.
The Gunnels Law Firm handled my personal injury case. I was in a car accident and the insurance company for the at fault party was the worse to deal with! I felt at ease the first day meeting Luis. He was welcoming and very professional. This firm is very attentive to their clients. I was pleased with the outcome of my case and would highly recommend them!!!
Carter via
As the liaison between our government finance company and other various attorneys, I deal with those in the legal profession on a daily basis. I am fairly certain I can distinguish a quality lawyer from an amateur. Procuring Mr Gunnel's services for a personal matter, I found him to be both professional and knowledgeable, and I am convinced he had nothing but my best interests in mind. We were being threatened by a former employer for mentioning them as past work experience, which I found to be a frivolous statement. After legal action was threatened, Mr Gunnels was eager to help. He worked extremely hard with my case and I found it remarkable how much extra time he put in, most of which was not reflected on the bill. I would recommend Mr Gunnels to anyone looking for legal counsel. He is one of the only attorneys I will go to.
I was referred to The Gunnels Law Firm by a Friend, and since our first communication, Chris and Luis have been both supportive and Knowledgeable. I DO recommend them to anyone that needs professional assistance with there case!
Naomi via
Personally, I am one who tries to resolve matters without getting lawyers involved; however, in one case I was unable to do so. Chris came highly recommended by a friend of mine and he turned out to be not only reliable and extremely knowledgeable, but also such a personable and caring lawyer. He resolved my personal matter very quickly, allowing me to win my case and allow me to feel safe again. I would definitely recommend him to someone looking for a GOOD and STRONG lawyer and, even though I hope to never need a lawyer again, I wouldn't hesitate to use him again if needed!
Dan via
When I started my small business several years ago I never imagined that I would ever need an attorney. Recently, I found myself in a situation with a customer where I was quickly over my head and knew that I needed help.
Frankly, the thought of finding and engaging with an attorney was almost as scary as the issue I was muddling through. I met Chris Gunnels through a referral from another attorney. I found Chris to be very personable and interested in my case. All along the way he has been very professional, courteous, and timely, and he worked hard to resolve this potentially devastating issue in the best possible way for my company.
I hope I never go through another situation like this again. But, if I do I will not hesitate to call on Chris.
William via
As a former member of a large corporations loss prevention team I was named in a lawsuit for inappropriate conduct. When contacted by Mr. Gunnels I was unaware of the lawsuit and didn't have an attorney. Mr. Gunnels went to bat for me and contacted the corporation to provide me counsel. Once Mr. Gunnels became my legal counsel, he went right to work. He traveled over 3 hours to review video and get my testimony. Mr. Gunnels kept me updated every step of the way to the eventual voluntary dismissal by the plaintiffs.
Mark via
Chris has been such an amazing lawyer and contact for me and my business. He is always looking out for my best interest and is very quick to respond to any questions that I may have. There are never any surprises and he is straight to the point. Chris also has lots of high quality referrals so no matter what you are dealing with, he can find someone to help. I'm so thankful that I found Chris and I'm looking forward to growing my business with him at my side.
Debby via
Chris was very personable and made sure he understood our company thoroughly before attempting to proceed with our defense. He was always so polite and respectful. Chris explained everything about the case in detail so that we could understand it easily. How nice!! I hope I never ever need an attorney again, but… If I do, I will call Chris Gunnels. Our company settled out of court, which was a win, win for both sides. Thanks again, Chris. Debby
Maureen via
Chris was referred to us from another attorney. He was extremely responsible throughout the litigation process which lasted approximately 4 months. Chris did an excellent job explaining the process, associated legalities, the risks and possible outcomes. He was very responsive to our correspondence and kept all parties on track. It was a personal matter to which he was sensitive, yet informative and transparent. I would recommend Chris, as well as consult with Chris in the future.
Tara via
Chris was recommended to me by a friend of a friend. He handled my divorce case with the perfect mix of caring, serious getting down to business, and levity, making a bad situation much easier to handle. He was very knowledgeable about everything, helping me avoid having to go to court, while securing a favorable outcome. I would definitely recommend Chris to anyone who needs legal representation.
Scotty via
Chris Gunnels was hired by me through a friend after my accident in 2015. I was involved in an accident that was a life changer for me and my family. I ended up having surgery I fell behind tremendously on bills. Chris was dedicated and involved in my financial obligations and went far beyond to assist me to getting things caught up. When things were all said and done I walked away with a settlement that was able to help me get all of my debts paid in full and to have a massive nest egg just Incase anything like this was to ever happen again. Thank you Chris for going above and beyond my expectations and the time invested in my life on a personal and business level I will be forever grateful.
anonymous via
I was referred to Chris from another attorney who basically sold me on my decision by telling me how hard Chris works. How calculated he is with his motions. It's an open canvas that he turns into a Picasso! How dedicated he is to the clients that he chooses to work with. Chris is a man of character and integrity which is important in a world full of attorneys that elude those characteristics or sell those traits for the almighty dollar. I must say, I admire his perception of the law and his diligence in his motions and the intuition that he has with his offensive strategy. To be a great lawyer, you have to submerge yourself in your clients case, and you must take the initiative to get to know your client. How can you represent me if u don't know me, if you have no idea of how I think or my idealology and perception of life and circumstance? Chris takes the time to get to know you and understand your story which I think is imperative to the outcome of your case. We were constantly in communication, I was always "in the loop "with progression and information pertaining to my case. Mr Gunnels went above and beyond with my lawsuit and although the judge is making a decision in the next few weeks, I'm confident that we put our best strategies and work towards the outcome that we desire. Chris is definitely a people's person and …. I'm not, so I also learned a lot about perception and impressions that we leave on those that we come into contact with. Any case that I have from this point forward will go to Rohan/Gunnels law firm and all of my recommendations will be sent their way as well. It was my honor to work and learn from this gentleman. The force is strong with him and I strongly advise you to hire him if you want to be impressed. A lot of these lawyers are full of TIHS and they are money hungry sharks preying on your desperation and lack of knowledge pertaining to the law! Chris is an Angel amongst a field of demons. Just come correct and be honest, it helps! God Bless


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Foundation Commits $200,000 to Re-Connect Kids with Outdoors
ATLANTA, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Speaker Series will host best-selling author Richard Louv for a program on February 16, 2010, focusing on the importance of re-connecting children with the outdoors.
Author of Last Child in the Woods, Louv is the recipient of the 2008 Audubon Medal. His book identified a phenomenon many knew existed but couldn't quite articulate – the "nature-deficit disorder" – and sparked a movement around the disconnection between children and nature. The latest edition of the book includes a "field guide" with 100 actions individuals and communities can take.
Louv is the co-founder and chairman of the Children & Nature Network, which supports people and organizations working to reconnect children with nature.
The Speaker Series event is sold out but will be available via live webcast beginning at 6 p.m. ET. Click here for information on the webcast (or go to http://blankfoundation.org/news/webcast.html. No registration is needed to view the webcast.)
"Better than anyone, Richard Louv explains the magic that occurs when children engage with nature, including the health benefits, the learning and the spiritual development," said Penelope McPhee, president of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. "Spending time in safe, outdoor spaces is a necessary ingredient to a robust life."
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and two of its affiliated funds, the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation and the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Fund, have invested more than $40 million to increase access to great outdoor spaces in the City of Atlanta, to get kids more engaged in physical activity across Georgia, and to promote youth development through connections with the natural environment in Montana.
For 2010, the Blank Family Foundation and its affiliated funds are committing up to $200,000 for new grant investments that help more children engage with the outdoors. As part of this effort, concurrent with the Richard Louv Speaker Series event the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation is announcing the following grants:
Piedmont Park Conservancy, Atlanta, GA
$2,500 to provide students from Title I schools with at least 20 scholarships to Piedmont Park's 2010 summer day camp, EnviroVentures, which focuses on natural experiences within the park.
Park Pride, Atlanta, GA
$12,000 to provide neighborhood parks groups in Atlanta with equipment and resources to engage children in outdoor activities, including bird watching and astronomy, in city parks.
"Parks are an inexpensive, easy and fun tool for promoting health and strengthening the connections kids have to the outdoors," said George Dusenbury, executive director of Park Pride. "We have more than 60 'Friends of the Park Group' partners that will use this new lending library of equipment to engage kids in their community park and the natural world."
In addition to Piedmont Park Conservancy and Park Pride, several organizations are joining the Foundation's Feb. 16, 2010, Speaker Series event to promote outdoor opportunities for kids. Partner organizations include Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics, Mothers & Others for Clean Air, the Georgia Conservancy, the Atlanta Taskforce on Play, Outward Bound, the National Football League's Play 60 initiative, and Georgia's Department of Natural Resources, home to the Get Outdoors Georgia campaign.
About The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Speaker Series:
By convening individuals around issues, innovations and ideas that will shape the quality of life for families in Atlanta and beyond, the Blank Family Foundation aspires to spur civic action and citizen involvement for positive change in people's lives. Recent Speaker Series programs have featured New York Times business columnist Joe Nocera, architect William McDonough and CBS News correspondent Jeff Greenfield. Visit the Foundation's web site for more information on the Speaker Series. (www.BlankFoundation.org)
About The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation:
The Foundation promotes positive change in people's lives and helps them build and enhance the communities in which they live. The Foundation has an especially strong interest in the creation of and access to inspiring outdoor spaces and in the physical fitness of children. In addition to its direct grant making, the Family Foundation supports the work of The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation and the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Fund.
SOURCE The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
|SOURCE The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Copyright©2010 PR Newswire.
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Check out this super sweet real wedding! It's filled with lush blooms, rustic charm and and bright colors! Thank You for letting me be a part of your Big Day!!! Love Kims Bouquet? Get the look! Ingredients: Coral Charm Peonies Sarah Bernhardt Peonies Silver Dollar Euculyptus Pink Majolica Spray Roses Coral Spray Roses Peach Finesse
Browing tag: wedding bouquet
I recently got together with 2 of my fave local florists to showcase our ideas for whats next in bridal bouquets and the results were swoon worthy! We had a great time shooting at Bucks County's very own, La Belle Mariee Bridal, http://www.labellemarieebridal.com with Jackie Averill, http://www.jackieaverill.com/ who captured some jaw dropping images! Check out these fab designs ranging
Ever wish you could do it all again? These 5 ladies including yours truly got to spend the day at Bucks County's very own La Belle Mariee Bridal for a second chance at finding their bridal style! I decided to have some fun and go for a bold look with a black top paired with
Who doesn't love the idea of a downtown Princeton Wedding? The downtown landscape and scenic university grounds are the perfect setting to say I do! Check out this styled shoot at the Historic Nassau Inn full of lush blooms, rustic charm and preppy details! The Colors~ Navy, Dusty Blue, Dusty Green, Leather, Chocolate, Slate, Pink, Rouge, Orange, Purple, Red, Peach The Flowers ~ Peonies, Roses, Garden Roses, Ranunculus, Hydrangea, Thistle, Tweedia, Silver
Valentines day weddings are oh so sweet! This valentines day inspired look has a modern flare with black and white stripe details, a touch of elegance with gold sparkling votives and mirrored chargers with a feminine and flirty twist! Here's what you need to get this look! 1. A pop of pink in every shade.
This white vintage bridal bouquet with a dash of whimsy is perfect for a winter bride. See how this beauty came to life on our video tutorial and get all the details, ingredients and how to's below. Whether you are planning a wedding, DIY bride or aspiring floral designer this video will give you the
Check out this sweet whimsical winter wedding bouquet! Blush Gardenia Peonies, Mojito Hydrangeas, Seeded Eucalyptus and white tipped pine-cones make this bundle of blooms oh so sweet! With unexpected feminine colors and a touch of wintery details, this beautiful bouquet showcases the softer side of winter! Want to know what it takes to create this
Looking for the perfect wedding bouquet? Find it in our bouquet gallery. Lush Blooms, Eclectic Designs, and Unexpected Style!
This simple mix of roses, hydrangea and greenery full of bold hued blooms is a stunner! The local hydrangea and brunia balls give it a natural look with lots of texture while the dusty greens add that soft and sweet country charm. The burlap ribbon with pearl trim I picked up from #Michaels Arts and Crafts gives
Say hello to this beautiful boho bouquet bursting with lush garden blooms! This little lady is a mix of just plucked from the garden blossoms as well as some of my favorite go to flowers like hydrangeas and roses. What makes this bouquet special is the eclectic mix of flowers in every size, shape, texture


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Espresso nel caffè: Rai 3 Report
Posted by TheShot on 07 Apr 2014 | Tagged as: Barista, Beans, Consumer Trends, Foreign Brew, Home Brew, Machine, Quality Issues, Robusta, Starbucks
As we noted last month, tonight on Rai 3 — a regional TV news network in Italy — they aired an investigative exposé on the state of espresso in Italy titled "Espresso nel caffè": Report Espresso nel caffè. Rai 3 produced this as an episode of their Report program, which has been something of a platform for barebones investigative journalism since its inception in 1997. (Think a scrappier 60 Minutes on a shoestring budget.)
The 51-minute segment isn't groundbreaking for either journalism nor for any awareness of coffee standards. That said, it is aspirationally legitimate coffee video and television. Far too often on the Internet, the idea of a good "coffee video" — with few exceptions — is equated with a sensory montage on YouTube or Vimeo packaged like a roaster's wannabe TV commercial.
There's never any storytelling ("Plot? We no need no stinkin' plot!") — just coffee porn close-ups of the stuff either roasting or brewing, complete with a coffee professional's platitudes voiced over B-roll. Coffee fanatics have largely only encouraged these low standards by joining in on the self-congratulatory social media circle jerk that follows video after identical video.
The Report episode begins by covering the necessary espresso machine hot water purge before pulling an espresso shot — and by noting how few baristi know to follow this practice. A Lavazza trainer notes how 70% of the aromatic properties of coffee are lost within 15 minutes of grinding it. Comparisons are shown of a correct and incorrect coda di topo (or "rat's tail") pour from an espresso machine, showing how equipment can get gummed up without proper and immaculate cleaning. The program also reviews how few baristi know how much arabica versus robusta is in their blends, noting the resulting impacts on flavor and costs.
They visit cafes such as Gran Caffè Grambrinus and Caffè Mexico at Pizza Dante, 86 in Napoli. They interview some heavy hitters — from Lavazza to Caffè Moreno to Kimbo, from Biagio Passalacqua himself to Davide Cobelli of the SCAE (featured last month in Barista Magazine) to Luigi Odello of Espresso Italiano Tasting fame. And probably too many guys in lab coats.
Overall, the program is a bit condemning of espresso standards across all of Italy. But remember, this is a national news program that targets the general public: the goal is to educate and, in some ways, outrage the public about what they may be putting up with currently. If only one percent of the coffee porn videos in English would attempt something so high-minded as that.
Defensive posturing aside (he's not alone), the commissioner also welcomes those interviewed for the program to visit local Napoli coffee shops and producers to witness the mobilization Napoli has mounted in response. As such, Andrej Godina has done God's work: raising public awareness of lagging coffee standards, starting a dialog, and inciting action to improve these standards.
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This article was written by Contributing Writer Erik van Mechelen with input from Jun Loayza and Yu-kai Chou. A Wide versus Narrow Lens Talk to anyone you know who uses a non-phone camera. She'll likely talk about what she's trying to accomplish first, then explain the type of camera, the lens, and other features helping her accomplish … Continue reading Trello vs Pivotal Tracker: How Potential Use Cases Attracts Users
The post Trello vs Pivotal Tracker: How Potential Use Cases Attracts Users appeared first on Yu-kai Chou: Gamification & Behavioral Design.
Author: Erik Mechelen
Source: http://yukaichou.com/gamification-analysis/trello-pivotal/… Read the rest


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These pics are late afternoon in the outdoor dining area of a little country pub, about 2hrs south of Brisbane. Zoey the cat is allowed anywhere in the pub except the bar tops and tables. The cat is part Manx.
Not much to do with woodworking but we are seated at a wood table. I see graphic images like this as marquetry, maybe as headstock or fingerboard designs on an instrument. To be truthful, I'm flat out just making my simple logo, two squares and two rounds..
-- Mama calls me Texcaster but my real name is Mr. Earl.


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i got a rose quarts too im hoping to find love too
The soft clear pinkish-rose hue of rose quartz immediately suggests its association with love. It can be a wonderful tool if you are looking to attract more love in your life, maybe even your soulmate! However, it's said that if you want to attract love, you have to love yourself first. Rose quartz can balance and open your heart chakra to help you love yourself. When you fill yourself up with loving, positive energy, since "like attracts like," even more love will be bound to come your way.
When you work with rose quartz with this intention, you are focused on your own energy. Ethically, you don't have to worry that you are imposing your will on another. As another benefit, the focus on balancing your own heart chakra can bring healing and a greater sense of peace in other areas of your life.
Try this meditation to open and balance your heart chakra. Get a piece of rose quartz. (It's great to work with a rose quartz pendant, because you can wear the pendant later as a reminder that strengthens your intention.) You'll want to cleanse the stone of any residual energy, and program it with your own intentions. This article has some great tips on cleansing and programming gemstones.
Find a quiet place to relax. Hold the rose quartz in your left hand, as the left hand is the receiving hand. (Interestingly, the left hand is also the hand we wear our engagement and wedding rings on—there are no accidents!) Get into a meditative state.
Visualize the loving energy that comes straight from Source surging through the rose quartz, up through your left arm and into your whole body. As your body is filled with this loving energy, bring the focus to your heart chakra. (You can then place the rose quartz over your heart center if you wish.)
Finish your meditation, thank Source, and ground yourself. As you go about your day, carry the piece of rose quartz with you, or wear your pendant as a reminder close to your heart.
Do this meditation as often as you like. (Since rose quartz is associated with Venus, it might be nice to try this each Friday, a day also associated with Venus and love!) Keep in mind that this meditative exercise is a reminder of what is already within you. To paraphrase Wayne Dyer, "You are love and you emanated from love."
i got a rose quarts too im hoping to find love too
hello pls help my love and u send me this Rose Quartz stone in india


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Fall. I decide it's time to do a deep purge in my house. First, I tackle my bureau drawers and then my closet.
Oh, god, there's my great grandmother's wedding dress. What do I do with that? I'll send it to my great niece. She can put it in a time capsule for her children.
I find a dusty, but still good, velvet-covered riding helmet. When was the last time I went horseback riding? Don't ask. I pack it into one of the twenty-five big plastic bags jammed with stuff for my local thrift shop. Another five full-to-bursting bags end up in my garbage bins. I'm sure I could get rid of more, but that's the best I can do for now.
My office is next but I resist it for days. The Paper Tiger is growling in there waiting for battle: my old plays, screenplays, a novel or two, and lots of odd writing. I knew that picking through these things would bring up uncomfortable feelings of some losses and disappointments. I dreaded starting.
I slump into the room and begin by taking out an old fax/copier and a box full of cables that connect to god knows what. No problem letting those go. I stand on a stool and start taking things off a top shelf. Phone books from 2010—an easy toss. An old map. I fling it to the floor. Then, I pull out a big, three-ring notebook. It's a 177 page memoir called Living without Plans written by a dear friend Anna. I haven't looked at it in years. Opening it, I read the first lines: I have cancer. What a fucking relief. The cancer is treatable. I was clinically depressed for a year and thought I was dying…
I take a deep breath. The treatment wasn't successful. She did die from it.
A deep sadness draws me down off the stool, and I walk with the book into my bedroom. So many memories of our times together flash through my mind—the afternoon when I let her be the first one to read my play about sisters called Juno's Swans. I sat in the room with her, relieved every time she laughed.
"I LOVE it!" she screamed when she finished. "I want to play Cary!"
I was horrified. "Oh, no, Anna! I wrote that part for myself!"
She kept insisting, so when I scheduled a workshop of the play, I relented and let her play that part while I played the conservative sister which was probably better for me. I'm glad I gave in. Anna was brilliant and hilarious in the part. We had a great time together.
When did she die? Oh, god. Almost twenty years ago.
I sag down onto my bed. My office neglected, I read the book. It's very well-written. How can I throw this away? I pray that this isn't the only copy. I'm finding it hard enough to let go of my own old scripts and writing that will probably never get published, but this may be strangely more difficult.
As I put it down, I get the idea to look up her daughter on Facebook. I had tried to find her once through the white pages to no avail. I find her and send a "friend" request. I haven't heard from her yet, but I will keep the book until, hopefully I do.
I put it back on the shelf in my office.
The paper tiger is a hard one to tame.


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Flipping through an old journal, I came across a passage I copied down from the book Cave: Nature and Culture:
W. H. Auden, who so loved the karst shires of the Northern Pennines, adored limestone. What most moved him about it was the way it eroded. Limestone's solubility in water means that any fault-lines in the original rock get slowly deepened by a process of soft liquid wear. In this way, the form into which the limestone grows over time is determined first by its flaws. For Auden, this was a human as well as a geological quality: he found in limestone an honesty—an acknowledgment that we are as defined by our faults as by our substance.
In my own personal work, I have seen a gradual transition, mapped in the pages of my journals, from trying to eradicate my perceived faults to learning how to simply be present with them and to see what they have to teach me. And in my clients, the most striking transformations I have been lucky enough to witness have taken place, not as a result of further self-denial and hard-handed discipline, but from a compassionate acceptance of self.
It seems that the main challenge to self-acceptance is the fear that if we accept these "awful" things about ourselves, they'll run rampant and ruin our lives.
The ego believes that our rejection of these faults is the only thing keeping us from destruction; it's the dam holding the waters at bay. And all the while, we search and search for a feeling of wholeness, yet, as long as we continue to reject aspects of ourselves, this wholeness eludes us. It is only when we accept ourselves, fully–wholly–that we can feel whole. So, rather than serving as gateways to our destruction, these faults are our ticket home, our return to a state of wholeness.
There's another interesting facet to these "faults." I have found that, hidden in their core, these faults contain my greatest gifts, unique creations wrought by my history, my individual fault-lines, and erosion patterns worn by the waters of my life (water being symbolic of emotions and the unconscious realms). These ingredients interact to shape the gifts that I, and I alone, have to offer.
So, too, your gifts are a unique alchemical mix of your fault-lines and their interaction with life. When we accept these faults, they teach us. They teach us about our weaknesses, yes, and this can trigger feelings of vulnerability and shame, but they also teach us of our greatest strengths. If we can be present with the uncomfortable emotions that arise when we witness our fault-lines, we can penetrate the veil, beyond which lies our hidden gifts.
And as Auden intuited, "we are as defined by our faults as by our substance," so even if we choose to shun these qualities, they shape us nonetheless, but in this shunning we lose the precious gifts they contain. Far better to embrace these fault-lines, weathering the discomfort (and it will pass; it always does), so we can reclaim the gifts they bring.
And if you are feeling adrift, unsure as to what your soul is being called to do, tracing your inner fault-lines will lead you back to your purpose. Remember, these lines are unique to you and you alone, and they contain gifts that require activation in order to fulfill your soul's purpose. Like a spiritual scavenger hunt, the more of these gifts you assemble, the more their purpose will be come clear. If, metaphorically speaking, you unearth a whisk, a book of pastry recipes, and a bag of flour, perhaps yours is the path of a baker.
My path has led me from being painfully shy (as a child, I cried when people–my own family–gathered around to watch me open birthday presents, and later in life, I agonized over quitting jobs that required me to stand up in front of even the smallest of groups), to sitting with the extreme discomfort that arose in these situations, to eventually uncovering a powerful desire to teach, to speak, and to lead. What clues and gifts do your discomforts contain?
Follow your fault-lines. They will lead you home to yourself and to the wholeness and purpose that awaits.


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Aspac Sponsors Pavilion in Beijing
Aspac Developments Ltd. is a proud sponsor of the British Columbia Canada Pavilion in Beijing, China for the period May to September 2008. During this period, visitors to the Pavilion discover different aspects and enjoy wonderful images and descriptions of culture, trade, tourism and investment in British Columbia and Canada.
Situated near the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the 21,000 square-foot Pavilion greets visitors with a dramatic view of 13 stunning wooden arcs, representing Canada's 10 provinces and three territories. The exhibit is organized according to the five elements of Chinese philosophy: metal, wood, water, fire and earth.
As a sponsor, Aspac showcases its past, current and future projects at the "Water" Element, including Waterfront Place, Harbour Green Place, The Wesbrook at UBC and River Green which will be a whole new community built around the Richmond Oval after the 2010 Winter Olympics. In fact, Aspac is recognized as having a tradition of creating urban living along water, which perfectly fits the theme.
Aspac Developments was honoured to attend the Grand Opening of the BC Canada Pavilion on May 22 and pleased is to have the chance of sharing the BC experience with many people from Beijing and other parts of China.
The ceremony was officiated by Federal Minister David Emerson, Premier Gordon Campbell, Minister Colin Hansen, who were joined by influential business and cultural dignitaries from Beijing, BC and other parts of Canada.


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Come join us in January for our general meeting! Stamford Hospital specialists will share their wisdom about pediatric care - what to know/not know about your kids: when should you see the doctor, when to go to ER, common injuries, etc.
Young Women's League of New Canaan, Inc. -- P.O. Box 981, New Canaan, CT 06840


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Private Equity Makes Your Company an Offer
The first question: Is it an offer you can't refuse? The second is can you still see the forest despite the trees? That's important, because initially you might be swayed by the money, but what comes with the money is the question.
A private equity firm will have a hefty pool of capital, but their ultimate goal will be to sell the company or business you worked hard to build for a sizable profit. A good portion of which goes to them because they will own it. If you can live with that, fine. If not, continue reading.
As a manager-owner who will have skin in the game, it had better come with good chemistry. Make sure everyone gets along and has similar business philosophies. And never do a deal without first performing your own due diligence. And that should include speaking with other portfolio companies of the private equity firm that's approached you.
Next question? Will the private equity firm be hands-on or hands-off in regards to daily management? And how will your team feel if the firm wants to put their own management in place?
Other things to consider? What's your best alternative to taking the offer? Could it be an operating change? A bank loan perhaps? Maybe it's someone else who will buy out your silent partner? Or something as simple as a staffing change?
One last thing...what if you find the formal offer looks a lot less rosy than the get-to-know-you dinner? With all that in mind, if you feel a little like a fish out of water, maybe it's time to talk to us?
Find the Ideal Successor
Is it Time to Seek Venture Capital?
Why Can't My Portfolio Company Forecast Results?
How Do I Maximize the Value of My Company?
How to Get to the Sale and Avoid the Legal Mumbo Jumbo
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Customer Service / Administration
Please see a selection of customer service & administration candidates, who are based in and around the following areas, Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend, Port Talbot, Pontypool, Crumlin, Blackwood, Abergavenny, Llanelli, Ebbw Vale, Tredegar, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, llantrisant & Neath.
SR11236653 Customer Service Manager £22K+
An experienced customer service manager that has around 9 years working in various customer focused roles within the automotive industry. Holds a HNC in business management and an ILM level 5 in leadership and management. Has been able to gain an insight into logistics, planning and manufacturing processes as part of their role. Comfortable dealing with a high volume of production. A skilled communicator that has demonstrated a high level of problem solving to maintain excellent customer relations through their career. The candidate is available for an immediate start after a recent redundancy. Is currently located in the Pontypool area and would be open to commuting for the right role.
SRJS34992 Sales/Customer Service Manager £35K+
Highly motivated manager with circa 7 years of experience within technical and manufacturing environments. A proven understanding of the management of sales support teams, data analysis and process improvement. Holds an IOSH in managing safely and is familiar in using SAP, Epicor and in-house accounting programmes. Familiar in preparing monthly sales forecasts, designing and issuing KPI reports for various parts of the business and identifying root causes of issues, proposing improvement systems and processes. Currently based in the Newport area and is available for an immediate start.
SRMS34071 Multi-lingual Sales / Customer Service Coordinator £25K+
Masters qualified and experienced sales and customer service professional who is able to communicate in English, German and French. Holds a BA in modern languages with business and management (2:1) and has also completed a Masters in Interpreting and Translating. Has 10 years of sales and customer service experience within technical and manufacturing environments. Used to having responsibility for managing key accounts, generating sales quotations, achievements of KPIs, attending exhibitions to represent employer and also has some experience of contributing to production planning/scheduling and inventory control.
SRMS58085 Customer Service Advisor £23K+
Experienced customer service advisor/supervisor with 20+ years within an FMCG manufacturing environment. Used to being involved in setting objectives and KPIs within a team as well as monitoring and reporting on KPIs to ensure performance and customer satisfaction are achieved. Holds an ILM Level 3 in first line management along with having completed PRINCE2 project management training. Keen to find a customer service/supervisory role within a customer service environment to utilise existing skills and is currently available for an immediate start. REQUEST MORE INFO
SRJT58165 Customer Account Manager £26K+
Talented and ambitious account manager having progressed from a graduate account manager within 1.5 years at a large manufacturing organisation. Responsible for overseeing accounts that have a collective revenue of nearly £15 million per annum. Excellent customer service skills having built strong customer relationships with a clientele within the medical sector. Key achievements include co-managing and growing the company's largest account by 10% within 1 year. Oversees request for quotes (RFQ's), new product introductions (NPI), from concept through to launch. Acts as the company's key customer representative through daily interaction and face to face visits, and well as business development in helping the business grow its exciting and new accounts. REQUEST MORE INFO
SRJT57651 Customer Service / Technical Support Manager £45K
Customer service and technical support manager highly experienced in IVD, management, and product support within multinational life science organisations. The candidate is looking to relocate to Cardiff and is actively looking for opportunities in the South Wales region. Proven success of implementing new strategies and driving change to ensure customer satisfaction and business success. Has developed strong relationships with international clients across complex clinical IVD product ranges. The candidate also has expertise within quality assurance (ISO 13485 / FDA / GMP), project management, and continuous improvement. Degree qualified holding a BSc (Hons) biomedical science. REQUEST MORE INFO
SRCH46734 – Operations Support – £18k+
Excellent planning, organisational and administration skills with accuracy and attention to detail combined with analytical and problem solving skills. This candidate processes resourceful and imaginative skills with the ability to assess situations and react accordingly. Experienced in task prioritisation and time management.
REACT funding available £3K towards recruitment and 50% of training costs up to £1.5K.
41538 – Customer Service Specialist (Language Skills) – £25K
Hard working customer service specialist fluent in several languages including Romanian, English, French and Italian. The candidate holds an MA in the theory and practice of translation and a BC in English and French language literature and possesses a wide range of skills such as strong customers service, sales dealing with overseas and UK based customers, administration with good IT skills having used Lotus Notes, Microsoft Excel and various MRP systems such as Navision in the past, knowledge of transport and logistics particularly regarding the export of goods, and experience of translating documents in to English. A results focused individual with a range of skills that would make them an asset to any potential employer.
41816 – Quality Administrator – £27K
Experienced and focused Quality Administrator with experience gained within the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devise sectors. Experience of ISO 9001, GMP, GDP and ISO 13485 including external Supplier Auditing, Vast experience of Internal Auditing to GMP, GDP, ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 holding an ISO 9001 Lead Auditors qualification. Hardworking, punctual, well presented with a proven ability to build excellent working relationships at all levels.
38685 – Comm Sales & Marketing Professional – £40K
Candidate is an experienced professional from within the Automotive Industry having gained around 16 years experience within this sector the last 8 years of which have been on the Commercial side of the business. They possess a full understanding of the Technical side of things having spent around 8 years working in Engineering roles mainly on the Production side of things. Candidate holds a BEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering along with a recently completed MBA (Distinction gained). They have managed large commercial projects in their career worth up to around $70 million and in their current role has been responsible for producing the quotes and business strategy to win major contracts including one worth around £3 million per annum. Has experience of setting and maintaining Commercial Policy, managing and promoting a brand, managing a global sourcing program and formulating strategies in order to win new business. Candidate is experienced in managing a small team and is a Six Sigma Green Belt.
26626 – Marketing Executive/ Professional – £22K
Driven Marketing Professional with a Degree in Business Excellence and Marketing with experience gained in the Medical Manufacturing sector. Highly motivated and currently responsible for a wide range of Marketing communications. Experience includes: Assisting with Product Launches and Advertising campaigns, producing internal communications, controlling and managing all content on companies global intranet and producing material for internal magazines and external press releases. Very thorough and efficient continually seeking opportunities to further enhance both knowledge and experience.
36122 – Language Graduate – £18K
Ambitious Language Graduate with a 1st class honours degree in Linguistics and Spanish Studies who is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. Looking to build a career that will utilise their language skills and ideally involve some foreign travel. Previous experience gained working in a Customer Service capacity with a natural ability to build rapport with customers.