Apple Hits Grand Slam!

Those who know me know that I like my cell phones! It should not come as a shock to learn that I finally broke down and purchased the iphone. I resisted as long as I could (and longer than my family imagined), but in the end, the curiosity got the best of me. I have to say, it was a revealing experience. Many news reports detailed long lines and activation hassles; I experienced no such trouble.

My boys and I bought the iphone at the local apple store. Despite moderate Sunday traffic we managed to get in and out of the store pretty quickly. apple has set sales up to be a relatively painless experience. You buy the phone and activate it by hooking it up to your computer at home Their music software, (iTunes), takes care of the rest. I must admit, it was really cool and took less than 10 minutes when we got home. It was intuitive, easy to follow. And there were no complications.

More importantly, the cell phone buying experience wasnt like the normal trip to the wireless store that Ive experienced before, Ive written about wireless carriers before Often, the buying experience is far from fun, and returning to a store to fix a problem has the same kind of dread as going to the dentist. To hit the Grand Slam with your customers (and associates) it is essential that you motivate the buyers and make buying from you fun. Get this right and your customers will return again and again.

Here are a few tips to help you motivate and make it fun for your customers and associates.

1) Keep things simple!
By creating a simple activation procedure that customers can do in the comfort of their homes, apple greatly enhanced the retail experience. After spending 10 minutes activating my new iphone, I dont understand why it should take so long in a wireless store. Watching paint dry is more exciting than a trip to the wireless store, unless, of course, Catherine Zeta Jones is working the register.

2) Avoid demotivating policies!
Many times I have watched disinterested, unmotivated associates dutifully enforce ridiculous rules and policies. The most ingenious part Apples strategy is the activation process so that problems that might crop up take place in the customers home! Imagine if it was taking place at the apple store. Instead of helping eager customers hand over $500 for their new devices, Apples associates would be helping people sync their address books. You choose what seems like more fun!

3) Generate a light atmosphere!
Just walk into an apple store and you will know what I mean. The stores are bright (the lighting is perfect), and there is music playing throughout. The apple associates always seem to be enjoying their work. I realize that ones enjoyment at work has a lot to do with the product being sold and how popular it is; however, theres more to it. apple works hard to remove obstacles that might otherwise impede their associates enjoyment. For example, lines at check-out are stressful for both customers and associates. Apples associates have little hand-held devices that act as cash registers for those paying with credit cards. This makes things go very smoothly.

For many years, I was the President and owner of one of the countrys most popular wine stores. I always tried to maintain a light mood as I knew the companys psyche would rise and fall with my own attitude. It wasnt always easy; however, I always tried to maintain an easy-going style. apple has hit the Grand Slam with their easy, delightful process. Now, if you will excuse me, Im loading some Barbra Streisand on the new phone!

Please see The Price Wasnt Right at: http://www.grslamresults.com/articles/?id=50

Toute Les Positions De Yoga

6 Gifts You Should Never Give Your Girlfriend

Its your girlfriends birthday or your first Christmas together, and you want to get her the best gift shes ever had. Gifts mean a lot to women. The right gift tells her youre thoughtful, observant, and you really understand her. The wrong one, however, can tell her just the opposite. Dont get stuck in her bad Boyfriends book of Records. Heres a list of the six worst gifts to give your girlfriend.

Exercise equipment. Nothing says, I think you could stand to lose weight like a Stairmaster. The same goes for a set of barbells, a Pilates instructional video, or a gym membership. Even if shes talked about getting fit, this kind of gift will make her wonder whether you like her body the way it is.

If you really would like to see her exercising more, lead by example. Join the gym yourself. Chances are, when she sees how great you look and feel, shell be inspired to join as well. You could also take up a physical activity you could do as a couple, such as cycling, jogging, or hiking. To increase the chances shell get into it, pick an activity shes expressed interest in before. It should also be one you can do relatively easily. Dont decide to take up sea kayaking if youre two hours drive from the ocean, for example, and dont pick one that you need a lot of expensive equipment to get started in.

Cookware. The subliminal message here is Get in the kitchen and make me some supper, woman! This is a bad gift even if shes expressed interest in cookingor if youd like her to. If you have a master chef for a girlfriend, its especially important to pass on this kind of gift. Its likely she has everything she needs already, and most high-level cooks are picky about their equipment.

If you really would like to encourage her to cook more, start with some positive reinforcement. Praise the meals she does cook. If you tell her you see her as a great cook already, shes more likely to take more of an interest in the culinary arts.

A vacuum cleaner. The same goes for feather dusters, mops, bottles of Pine-Sol, oven cleaner, Lemon-Scented Joy, and any other household cleaning products. These gifts tell her that you see her as more of a maid than a girlfriend.

A puppy. Animal gifts are tricky. Sure, puppies and kittens are adorablebut theyre also a lot of work. Food and vet bills can be expensive, and many pets require a change in lifestyle to take proper care of. For these reasons, its best not to surprise your girlfriend with a new pet.

part of the fun is choosing the pet yourself. If your girlfriend has told you she wants a dog or cat, offer to take her to the local animal rescue shelter instead and pay for the pet she picks.

Something you want for yourself. You know youve been tempted to buy her that subscription to Fly fishing magazine, new set of golf clubs, or Playstation II. Dont do it! Shell see through it instantly.

Jewellery. Jewellery has a great deal more meaning for most women than other gifts. If you give the right one, shell see it as a sign that youre the right guy for her. If you get it wrong, however, at best shell laugh about it with her friends for ages. At worst, she could see it as grounds for doubt about the relationship. If youre going to give her jewellery, youd better get it right the first time.

What makes giving jewellery so difficult is that every woman has distinct tastes. The jewellery you pick could be too chunky, too eccentric, too classic, too delicate, too cheap-looking or expensive-looking for her. Some women never wear gold, some never wear silver, and most women have a preference for certain precious stones over others. If you really do want to give her jewellery, casually take her into a few stores. See how she reacts to the merchandise. Make note of any pieces she especially likes. Then go back later to buy them.

Most women dont want practical gifts from their boyfriends. They want gifts that send a positive message about how you see them. A sparkling diamond bracelet tells her you see her as precious and beautiful. Elegant lingerie can tell her you see her as sexy and desirable. A book about something she finds fascinating tells her you take her interests seriously. However, its important to take her unique tastes into account before buying her any present. If you do, and if you follow our tips, you should be able to find her the perfect gift.

Janette Vince is managing director of http://www.thanksdarling.com a website full of great gift ideas whatever the occasion. For a range of interesting, novel and exciting gifts visit the website at http://www.thanksdarling.com.

Yoga Tai Chi Instructional Videos Dvds

Risks of Obesity Cited as #1 Health Issue in 2020

Obesity states U.S. national Institute of health (NIH). Today, ninety-six million Americans are considered obese. But, what can be done to reverse the trend?

Try a low glycemic diet that is rich in whole grains and low in refined sugars

exercise regularly and for sustained periods of time

Get enough sleep (studies show that adult dieters who get less than eight hours of sleep per night lose less weight than those who get eight hours or more)

Drink water - at least eight glasses per day

The trend is not absolute and can be altered dramatically. There are factors that contribute to obesity.

1. Genetics 2. Environment

3. Our Behaviors

What are some of the negative impacts of obesity?

• diabetes. A large majority of diabetics have acquired the disease directly because of their obesity. They are now chained to a life of taking pills, or even worse, taking insulin shots. diabetes leads to all sorts of other health complications, as well.
• Heart attack. people who are obese are at a significantly higher risk of having a heart attack. This fact is proven over and over again. Sudden cardiac arrest is a fairly common cause of death for someone who is obese.
• cancer. obesity also increases the chance of acquiring a number of cancers. Yes, it is true. Although this connection wasn't clear for years, it is crystal clear now.
• Joint problems. obesity also leads to joint problems. Excess weight puts significant stress on each joint, even with the simplest of activities. Many obesity sufferers have knee problems for this very reason.
• Sleep apnea. Respiratory problems are quite common, as well. The most common is sleep apnea. people who are diagnosed with this have a very difficult time breathing while they sleep. This makes them more tired during the day.

A recent study published by the Center for disease control (CDC) states that the combined direct and indirect health care costs resulting from obese and overweight Americans is estimated to be $117 billion per year. Statistics also demonstrate that death rates increase at least 200% for people who are 50 pounds or more overweight.The national Institute of Health (NIH) has stated that an increase of 20% beyond ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk. There are many diseases which often follow obesity such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, bone and joint problems, coronary artery disease, stroke, some cancers, and many others. Each of these independently can have serious consequences to ones health. The medical risks of diabetes are indeed profound.

Dr. Janet L. Bruno MD is a recognized expert on obesity and weight loss surgery. Deciding to have weight loss surgery is a series of complex decisions --wouldnt you want a coach and mentor to guide you all along the way? As a Board Certified Family Physician, her step-by-step instruction, motivation and guidance are unparalleled. Visit http://www.OvercomeObesityNow.com to receive a free gift and to learn more.

Dr. Janet L. Bruno MD
Phoenix, AZ USA
Contact Phone: (602) 325-1585

Yoga Teacher Training In Asheville Nc

Wireless Home Security Camera - The Benefits And Drawbacks

In the recent years, many households and even business establishments have been using the wireless security cameras. There are plenty of reasons as to why various people make use of the wireless home security cameras.

One of which is because they want to make sure that their homes are secured both inside and outside, day or night. Some other people employ the wireless home security camera so that they could eye on their nannies, helpers, and other employees.

Other people, especially those who are engaged in business use the wireless home security camera to do a close surveillance of their office or store.

Why the Wireless Home security cameras are Popular

The wireless home security cameras have become so famous for quite some time because they could be placed anywhere even without the wires.

No drilling of holes on the walls is needed. The installation of the wireless home security camera is easy and flexible too. These tools are likewise cheaper and equipped with warranties.

The wireless home security cameras function by means of sending the video signals to the recipient through the transmitter installed in it. Such receiver may be connected with a TV, a VCR, a computer, and the likes. There is no need for wires of course.

The receiver may be situated between the ranges of seven hundred feet up to ten miles away from the main wireless camera. It all depends on the model of your wireless home security camera.

The receiver could also infiltrate up to as much as eight walls, most solid things like wood, glass, metals, plastic, fiber glass, and many more. This is a very relevant idea for those people who would like to mount the wireless home security camera in certain spots.

The Drawbacks of the Wireless Home security Cameras

One of the drawbacks of the wireless home security cameras is that the battery needs to be charged up at every four up to eight hours. The batteries may be put out for charging so it would be better if you have spare ones.

If there is the difficulty in viewing the images, you would need to move the camera. Most of the times, moving it would create a major difference.

Another is that you've got to consider the type of material wherein the signal would need to pass through. The thing is that the denser the material is, the weaker the signal transmitted becomes.

For tips on choosing home security systems, visit http://www.homesecuritykit101.com

Yoga Mat And Design