Questions Auto Dealers Should Answer

Car buying is not an easy task to do, especially if you are looking for a used car. Thus, there are certain questions, you as a used car buyer, should ask the dealer. And accordingly, there are certain questions auto dealers should answer.

Following are the main questions that the dealers are obliged to give answers to:

1. What is the history of the vehicle?

The used car dealer is obligated by the law to disclose all known facts about the vehicle's history. If the vehicle's odometer is rolled back or the vehicle is previously flooded or salvaged, then the dealer must inform the used car buyer about it, otherwise he/she may have to face the law for misrepresenting vehicle.

2. Can I get the VIN?

Knowing the VIN of the car will give you the chance to examine the car's history by yourself. You can enter the Vehicle Identification Number in such websites as, for example, Autocheck or CarFax and get all the needed information for just a little sum of money.

3. Who certified the vehicle?

Used cars that are sold at renowned dealerships usually undergo different vehicle certification programs. During these programs, certain car parts are being examined by skilled mechanics and if there happen to be some faults with the cars, those faults are fixed and the problematic parts are replaced. However, the bad news is that there is no set criteria for vehicle certifications and different manufacturers certify vehicles in a different way. The auto dealer though is required to disclose all known facts about the used car certification process to the potential buyers.

4. How long of a test drive can I have?

All of us know that a test drive is a necessary part in a car purchase. Test drives do not last long, but if you are dealing with a used vehicle, then it may be easier for you to persuade the dealer to let you take the car for a good while. The dealer may allow you to take the vehicle for a longer test drive provided that you do not put more than 100 miles on it. Also, make sure you bring the car back with a full tank in case you have taken it with a full tank.

5. Will you provide me with a warranty?

New vehicles come with original manufacturer warranties. Used vehicles that are sold at high-ranking auto dealerships also come with some kind of a warranty or a service contract. Thus, make sure that the dealer sells the vehicle with a warranty and not "as is."

How to Ship a Car Through an Auto Transport Service

When we talk car shipment, the words "convenience" and "efficiency" immediately spring to mind. For these are the very forces driving the auto shipping industry today. It's ironic though, as automobiles themselves were created as a means of transport, yet at some point, they need to be physically transported without being driven, for a variety of reasons. The car shipping industry has experienced massive growth since the conceiving of the internet. People purchase cars from anywhere in the world and have it conveniently and safely shipped to their homes.

Generally, there are some steps involved that are good to know when having your vehicle moved. Know that you're completely responsible for "readying-up" your car or vehicle for shipment. This will help ensure the shipment process from the company's end goes smoothly. You may also want to get a heads up on tips your vehicle shipping service may be able to provide. Car shipping really isn't a hassle at all, provided you've done your homework.

Your car insurance company might be willing to provide coverage while it's being moved. Go ahead and check with your insurance company to verify whether your car insurance carries over to the auto shipping company or not. Though it must be noted a handful of auto shipping companies insure vehicles during transport. However, items left in the car are not insured. Your home policy may cover those items; you can check with your home insurance agent. It is good practice to always ensure there are no valuable or personal items left in the car.

Companies usually offer several modes of shipment. This is governed by the time you have or the time you're willing to allow for the vehicle to be moved, how much you want to pay and the location etc. The common type of service typically involves door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping and offers savings over other chosen channels or methods. Most companies transport vehicles in an open carrier. You may have come across a few while driving down the highway. Vehicles transported this way are of course visible under the open sky; weather and other conditions might get them unusually dirty.

Many car owners are rather protective of their vehicles and they should be. Some companies are willing to use plastic wrap or heavy tarps to protect vehicles from weather and open air-related elements. You can always choose to opt for an enclosed one altogether, since you're not only getting protection from weather and road related elements, but there's also the benefit of added protection and safety.

Keep in mind when you're transporting a priceless exotic car, supercar, or even a classic one, extra care and experience are required on the shipping company's part. Only trust a company that has had a proven track record and history of safely and effectively moving really expensive and high-end cars.
Vehicle shipping companies are rarely able to provide an exact pick-up and delivery time. This is only normal, considering there may be unforeseen problems such as heavy traffic or breakdowns. Again, what you can do is be patient and make adequate preparation pre-shipping, to make sure your vehicle is delivered in a timely manner.

How To Shop For Used Auto Parts

Used car components are a good, pocket friendly alternative when your budget is limited. Additionally, it proves a worthwhile option if you're considering a replacement in the near future. While there is no harm in buying used auto parts, the question of concern is how to shop for them.
Given below are tips to buy used auto parts. Also learn the different places, online and local sources, where you can look for them.

Tip 1# Product specifications
Whether you opt for brand new or second-hand components, there are certain product specifications you have to take note of. This includes the vehicle make, model, the year of manufacture and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). An auto part that does not fit is no good. The Vehicle Identification Number is a very important requirement to find a best fit. We would also advise carrying the old part for comparison as you shop for the necessary items.
Tip 2# List the parts you need
Examine your vehicle to identify the specific part that needs replacement. If the part to be replaced is an electronic or mechanical one, such as an alternator, brake rotors or starters, we would advise against the use of second-hand components.
Tip 3# Head to the nearest junkyard sale
Junkyards are one of the most convenient sources for used auto parts. The local newspapers usually advertise the nearest junkyard sales. There are different ways to trade parts at a junkyard sale. Sellers exchange parts for money. The second method of dealing is exchange the defective component for an operational one. The dealers require you to maintain a deposit until you hand over the defective part. They repair and resell the defective part at a later date. At junkyard sales, you can procure substantial quality products at highly discounted prices. However, there are certain precautions you need to take when shopping at junkyard sales. Take care to ensure that the dealer does not pass inferior quality, poor condition auto parts.
Tip 4# Swap Meets
Vehicle owners can also give swap meets a try. Vendors at swap meets specialize in auto parts for specific makes and models. At swap meets you can guarantee you will get quality products. The other advantage of shopping here is greater price negotiation.
Tip 5# Online Websites
The online market for used auto parts is growing rapidly. Websites team up with vendors of second-hand parts. They list multiple products of the same model giving you a greater selection to choose from. It also enables a better price comparison. The internet is a good source to find components for vintage vehicles. The only drawback of purchasing auto parts online is they cannot be physically examined. Beware of duplicate products manufactured at local markets. They may be dirt cheap but are neither reliable nor durable.
Tip 6# Ask for a return policy
This becomes a necessity especially when you shop online. You may unconsciously order a wrong product or a wrong fit. Therefore, before placing the order, inquire if the dealer will exchange it for you should such a situation arise.

Serious Errors in Haulage Contracts You Need to Avoid

Haulage contracts are the bread and butter of every haulier, especially when it comes to major clients that seek to work with firms in the long term. This is why it is imperative that all documents, from brief one-time delivery contracts to long-term heavy haulage contracts, are written up flawlessly. Make sure to correct these common errors found in many ill formulated contracts out there:

No definition of terms and parties involved in the contract

There is a good reason why many formal contracts start out by defining the terms they use. Differentiating the pickup points from the destination points, the customer from the haulier, the transportation services offered from the transportation logistics needed to plan out the trip - all these things need to be clarified right at the very beginning to prevent anyone from misunderstanding any parts.

Ill-defined range of services subject to misinterpretation

Speaking of definition, you have to clearly outline the scope of your duties as the haulier in the haulage contracts. Make sure to define what you will be carrying and how you will carry it in order to make sure you are not overextending your services to areas not covered by the contract. Carrying heavy loads to the agreed upon warehouse is one thing, but handling return loads is an entirely different matter that needs to be clarified.

Using unnecessary adjectives and adverbs

Adjectives and adverbs may be very useful for marketing purposes, but they have no place in formal documents. The papers should contain quantifiable facts, not words that can be interpreted differently depending on the person reading them. If you must use adjectives, like "heavy" (in heavy loads), then you must define them in a measurable manner. In our previous example, you have to define the minimum and maximum weight limits to differentiate heavy from light loads.

Unfair charges and indemnity clauses

Always make competitive offers and be fair when it comes to your responsibilities should you fail to render the services outlined in your agreement. Clients will feel better knowing you will take measures when something unforeseen happens, so give them the assurance they need in the form of reimbursements should problems arise. And make sure to continually study the rates being offered by your competitors - you don't want to lose customers to other hauliers because they are making better offers than you.

Lack of negotiation and clarification

Remember that contracts are only set in stone once both parties agree to the terms involved. Everything is subject to change until that happens, so don't stonewall your clients when it comes to finalising the details. Present the document as is but listen well when they ask to modify a part. Make counteroffers or concessions as you see fit, but never rebuff them by saying you cannot change the terms.

How to Maximize Efficiency When Hauling Loads

Hauling heavy loads to and from destinations relies heavily on good logistical management. Being able to maximize efficiency - improving profits and cutting out unnecessary expenses - is key to the success of haulage firms around the world. These tips ought to help you do just that:

Keep track of all revenues and expenses 

An up-to-date accounting log that reflects all money flowing into and out of your business is one of the most important things for your haulage business. An accurate log allows you not just to spot areas of your firm that bleed money but also allows you to make an educated guess as to how much money you can expect to earn (or lose) over a 12-month period. This will allow you to determine if it will be a good idea to finance more trucks to handle additional heavy haulage loads or whether you will need to minimize spending to better weather fluctuations in the market. All the efficiency tricks out there won't matter if you are not even aware of how money moves in your business.

Keep vehicle cargo as low as possible

Wind drag can be a significant petrol-eater, especially for large lorries carrying tons and tons. Stacking cargo too high increases this drag, which means that your vehicles will eat up more petrol as they make their rounds. The costs may not be dramatic at first glance but will definitely add up over time, which is why few hauliers regularly carry tall and wide loads that stick out of the vehicle frame. Only stack cargo up high when you have no other choice, but otherwise try to keep it as low as possible.

Plan low-traffic routes

This provides two distinct benefits. One, your transport vehicles will get to their destinations faster and two, you reduce the amount of time they spend idling in traffic. Lorries that drop off faster will allow you to plan out more haulage return cargo, which in turn will increase overall profits. Reducing idle time in traffic is also a major fuel saver as well. It takes a lot less energy to keep an already moving heavy truck going forward but a lot more to get it started once it stops dead in the middle of the road. This is also why it is more effective to instruct your drivers to maintain a measured driving pace instead of aggressively accelerating all the time.

Invest in a health programme for drivers

Why should you bother incentivizing your drivers to work out and maintain a healthy diet? Simple: they will be more reliable in the long run. The typical haulage driver's lifestyle makes him prone to fatigue, stress and even cardiovascular disease. You may not see immediate returns in your budget, but the last thing you want is to lose heavy cargo to road accidents or have your sick drivers keep messing up your carefully crafted schedules.

Brand Ambassador

Via @MeganBlake: Nice parking job Metro work truck! Not cool. @wmata pic.twitter.com/3gZe3k7d

So Metro launched yet another, very expensive looking marketing campaign called "Momentum."  Metro won't say what it cost.

The agency is fast becoming a PR firm pushing the idea of transit rather than actually moving people around in an efficient, safe and economical way. It's like they're in campaign mode full-time now.

But thanks to brand ambassadors like the one above, and all of the other Metro high-jinx, none of this incessant campaigning will work. Nor should it ever be needed.

When will Metro learn that good service, a safe ride and polite employees are all the marketing it needs?

Until Metro is accountable from the top to the bottom, I don't think much will change.

As a marketing footnote, Metro was heroic in accepting money from Living Social to stay open for possible late-night, post Nationals game service. I don't think I've ever seen any organization try to glom onto another's good deed quite like Metro did.

Video of GM Richard Sarles announcing the @livingsocial late-night, post-season @nationals deal.twitvid.com/LSOBT
— @wmata (@wmata) September 27, 2012

Fallacy of the False Choice

So WMATA paid $200,000 for a """"study,"""" the crux of which was to imagine what the DC area would be like if there wasn't a Metro!

Predictably, since this was done as a PR stunt by those ridiculously overcompensated PR peeps (all Sarles' cronies) who want more money for Metro, the conclusion was, of course, that the DC area would be a traffic hell hole (unlike now) and that huge swaths of downtown would be grim, paved parking lots--if Metro never existed.

Big if.

There are lots of opinions about how much mass transit should be funded, but Metro doesn't help the discussion be presenting a false choice like this. It's a pointless, counterfactual exercise. It's the Drake equation of mass transit, full of unprovable conjecture, aka BS.

Why?

Because there is a Metro (sort of), and even you folks along the Red Line have half a Metro half the time.

What I want to see is an independent study on what the region would be like if the existing Metro was better and worked like a real, live grown up mass transit system. Or, on the downer side, how much Metro's sucking retards the normal benefits one would associate with robust, functional mass transit.

Metro's doomsday "argument" is the same kind of thinking one finds in the "you're either with us, or you're against us" proposition. It's terrible, nonconstructive, black-or-white thinking with the added bonus of a not-so-veiled threat.

There is an argument for transit, but this is not how you make it.

Sadly, the PR stunt seems to have worked on some and here. Sure, they caveat their articles to a degree, but they basically repeat Metro's ridiculous, random, plucked-from-a-nightmare scenario, which is designed to propel this sort of insidious meme (repeated by many on twitter):

It's a Wonderful #Wmata Life theatlanticcities.com/commute/2011/1… Metro has its problems (like Clarendon, wkend delays), but DC life would suck w/out it

or this

Everyone occasionally gets angry at #Metro, but imagine what the #DC region would look like without @wmata: theatlanticcities.com/commute/2011/1…

It's like Metro is a surly, abusive husband in a spaghetti stained tank top slouching in the glow of a TV set in some dingy apartment drinking too much beer and telling his downtrodden wife how lucky she is to have him.

Hey Metro, try a little charm for crying out loud.

Instead of telling us how much it would suck in a completely made up "without you" scenario, try to step up the service you ostensibly already provide because right now, it sorta sucks to be with you.

Footnote: Why is only the executive summary available to the public? We paid for the whole thing!

Other items:
Loose floor tiles close Clarendon station (ARLnow.com)
A good report on how WMATA governance should change

Grasping new initiatives

InterGaming speaks to DJ Smith, managing director of New World Gaming, who, in his 30 years in the gaming industry, has built an extraordinarily rich portfolio of experience in casino operations, new casino development, technical compliance consulting, project management and new product development.

“The biggest challenge facing traditional casino operators and investors in jurisdictions affected by the credit crunch,” explains DJ Smith of New World Gaming, “is the need to meet the demands of a reduced market populated by those who are demanding more value for their money.”

Describing one recent trend in both the retail and casino sectors as a “flight to quality”, particularly in the UK, Smith suggests that premium quality establishments are showing significant growth.
“For the others the challenge is to find the necessary funds and retain and motivate the necessary talent to meet customers’ new and growing levels of expectation.”

New World Gaming, which was founded by Jake Waller in 2008, “fills a niche” in the gaming consulting market between the large and more traditional consulting firms and the many individuals who provide consulting services. Smith joined NWG in the role of managing director in 2009 and was joined afterwards by associates Martin Watson, David Mills and most recently Steve Karoul.

“Our flexible structure and the mix of overlapping capabilities among us allows us to respond very quickly to our clients’ needs and to deliver personalised service that is backed by the promise of continuity of business,” says Smith. The company’s areas of expertise include management consulting, as well as management, development and investment services.

“There are several ways in which we can help to overcome today’s challenges, one of which is a hard hitting five-day marketing review programme,” he continues. “We also introduce systems to optimise customer service by aligning staff with traffic flow, systems to enable flexible scheduling and accurate payroll management and systems to measure footfall conversion rates.”

10 best cars for new drivers

Face it think girls guys different cars (with exceptions of course) and I thought the same for mothers and fathers. The list of things to consider, and priority in the list will be different. Mix together and you get a super-hard, a lot of points in the final list of the first car. This article may not be appropriate for all parents who are trying to have a new car to get for their children. However, you can read and used versions of the car in front or below. Today you get a lot of car brands competing for everything under the sun that will fit in a car and your budget at the same time.
Choose the best car
The best car for a beginner tends. A long list of accessories and safety features than most other cars Here's what you before you set foot in the car stop or need a car.
Center of gravityMore of the car, the higher the center of gravity on the road. This causes the car to roll prone slopes and go faster than those with a lower one. He leans on the misconception that if you buy a big car, the chances of injury are reduced. What happens is that even if you do not hurt the chances of an accident increases. It is not uncommon for beginners, forget the hand brake by the title.
Safety FeaturesThis is the first thing that comes to parents and beginners security conscious mind. They will be looking for things like anti-lock brakes, advanced front airbags in several stages, side and head curtain airbags and electronic stability control.
PriceEverything you try, you know, the budget always that safety always, before buying money. It would be the end of the day, it is cheaper to buy a car safer than a cheaper car. As relates to the overall budget cars are down around or below $ 20,000, which is not really affordable for the parents, when it comes to their children. That's why you can scroll through the list to get an idea of ​​what the used car market should buy.
StyleDo not worry, most of these cars will find buyers because of their appearance, they are strong or extravagant.
AccelerateStill, do not let your muscles use to drive child for the first time, you need to pay attention to the acceleration of the car. There is nothing comparable for driving too slowly caught. You also need a car that can be easily combined on the streets.
Fuel EfficiencyA major concern in the long term. This is another factor to stay away from big cars, because not only sparingly.
List of the 10 Best Cars
Taking into account all these factors into account, we obtain the following list of the 10 best cars that are safe, look good and do the trick.
Kia Soul 2011This is the lowest fuel consumption wheeled box today. The car has 142 hp from its 4-cylinder engine, has great maneuverability and stylish comes with a price tag of $ 16,190.
2009 Toyota RAV4This car is old to meet Toyota solution for size and fuel consumption in a car. Go, like SUV, the RAV4 is smaller than most. But what it lacks in size it makes up for the energy efficiency, security and control and manages to spit out the extra legroom. It comes with the price of $ 18,666 and distributor offers 27mpg on the highway.
2009 Honda CivicIs one of the best values ​​for money cars, the Honda Civic is an enjoyable car to drive. The only place in the Civic success is its convenience, it takes a little time to get used to it. You do not have traction control on the lower levels of the surface either, so you have to pay a little more to get the best features. The Civic has excellent maneuverability and has a list price of $ 17,863.
Chevrolet MalibuThe upper end of the Chevy Malibu LTZ comes with a 6-speed gearbox and a choice between a V6 2.4-liter 4-cylinder ECOTEC and a 3.6-liter. If you are a beginner, stick to the save ECOTEC, fuel and not risking control over your car. The only reason that this car will not be a good buy for beginners, the 6-speed manual transmission and a paddle shifter to change the automatic and manual transmission. LT automatic is the best option that comes at a price of $ 13,754 distributors.
Kia ForteIn the fiscal year before, the Kia Forte cost reduction especially. So much so that it may be a little sore. The average price you pay for the car starts at $ 15,000. The car has all the safety features, fuel economy and a decent space and comfort. But you can find inside a little too cheap. The fact that the car is loud on rough roads can be a statement. But if you are restrictions on the amount that can dish out, Forte is right, even just a little more than if you drive right.
Subaru OutbackIf money is not an issue for you and you just want an SUV or full-size pickup, the Outback is the car for you. It's a bit expensive and has a low fuel consumption, but makes up for everything, and security management. The car can be driven on a road without any compromise. The disadvantages of the car are its price (they are very expensive as trim levels go higher) and a direction a little difficult.
Ford FiestaOne of the best ways to buy a new car as a beginner. It has all the standard safety features, comfort to a high degree, the optimal control of the team, all for a starting price of $ 13,000. Leather upholstery and heated seats make you think the price is. However, the Fiesta is very comfortable, practical and good looking car.
2011 Honda FitA small car with a big bunker, the Honda Fit the most practical car on the market. It has a high energy efficiency (27/33mpg) and excellent maneuverability. The starting price of the Fit is $ 16,260. The car is fun to drive, looks great and is very fast and is always under control.
2012 Chevrolet SonicIf you remember the Chevrolet Aveo, like it's nothing. Sonic is much, much better. Sonic offers everything you expect from a small Chevrolet, at a starting price of $ 10,000 everything - $ 13,000. Yes, there are many luxury accessories in the car, but the Sonic more than offset that. With his brilliant performance and stylish appearance Sonic offers high efficiency with a small car.
Toyota PriusThis is one of those cars that will eventually buy a smart for the long term has become. If your child is aware of his / her carbon footprint, then you probably want to get a Prius. Although the 2008-model has a base price of $ 21,000, with a consumption of 48/45 city / highway and near zero emissions, it is certainly an option to consider.
All cars mentioned quite capable of delivering the goods. There are more ways than you can spend, but if you're willing to spend on a new car for teen your are, it's likely to be one of them. To make your choice and go for a test.

Like flying cars

Were invented over a hundred years from the time the aircraft, the people who worked on the invention of a "flying car." It is only now, when science and technology are reaching new heights, the dreams of the common man, a personal aircraft have plausible. One of the biggest events of this new reality is the seal of approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the series production of the vehicle air Terrafugia Transition personally. Therefore, to know exactly how this vehicle air staff at work, let's start with the basics.

Basics of flying cars
A flying car, as the name implies, is a vehicle that can fly through the air and used on the roads. I mean, obviously, you need the basic functions of a plan (such as propellers) and a car (such as road tires). It should be easy enough. In the air and strong enough to fly to move on the road As a flying car would end up in a position to go and you should be able to take the impact on the way and then move continuously without problems. It should work with additional safety features before they are released for public use installed.

Modern laboratory flying cars

Although frequently used "flying cars" and "street configuration aircraft" as synonyms, a small difference (which is easy to find) have. Flying cars are vehicles adapted to control aircraft while the aircraft is suitable configuration for road use on the road. Inventor of the first flying car has worked more on the adaptation of a car flying in the air as recent inventions of flying cars have been in the adaptation of an aircraft for paved roads.

Whatever the case, should a modern personal aircraft have the following properties changed (all described on basic concepts related):

Engines
These motors have to be strong enough to lift the vehicle in the air and at the same time to be able to deliver a controlled energy so as to move the vehicle on the road. The flying car is an additional engine when an engine failure in flight.

Aircraft Propeller
Since the vehicle is stolen, is a clear need to find propeller (blades and wings) on all devices. But how are you do not need wings (obviously) on the road, they must be easily removable or folding.

Undercarriage
Land at your flying car on the ground, they must be presented with the main elements in the cockpit of a vertical level. It should be able to take the effects of the road and to be able to maintain the balance can be used on the road.

Equipment
Needless to say, a flying car to be easy, but proper grounding have mobility. While on the road, a vehicle is more likely to be damaged, but light damage in an aircraft may be dangerous. Thus, the material used in a flying car to both lightweight and strong.

Design
Road vehicle greater flexibility than airplanes. An aircraft must be a better aerodynamic design for flight. The conclusion? A flying car should be small enough to fit on the road, and large enough to fly. Requirements increase as the personal air vehicle should be parked in a garage at home!

Fuel
When the oil crisis of the 90s would not have occurred, Ford Motors sold the first flying car (Aerocar Fulton) at this time. The point here is that the rise in fuel prices and reduced availability of fuel, a flying car that will be on green fuel, performed safely and inexpensively, for better success in the market.

Safety Features
The reason why manufacturers have invested heavily in trying to offer low-cost private jet has probably something to do with safety issues related to flight. Aircraft accidents Traffic accidents are more dangerous and deadly. So, if the inventor of a flying car is the mass market, it is safe. To do this, they need security features such as cages, airbags, parachutes and / or crumple zones, etc. (yes, still see the weight of his flying car!) Belong On a personal air vehicle.

Theft Assistance
Be a drivers. Not a part of each cake If this is the case, the drop-out rate of the pilot training in the U.S. is 50%. In addition, the high standards that want to produce from the FAA for each pilot's license and a major problem for companies that set personal aircraft. One way to avoid this is to make the vehicle completely controlled by computer. Then the owner needs in the code or destination address in a GPS put (or something similar) and personal air vehicle automatically to fly to your destination. Apart helps the air and controlling the airport also fly necessary for vehicles.

Since all the conditions for the implementation of a functional flying car sounds complicated and difficult, but not impossible. For those who still think that flying cars are a rage today, here is an idea: Horace Rackham (Henry Ford lawyer) was informed by the president of the Michigan Savings Bank, "The horse is here to stay, but the car is only a novelty, "a fad, to $ 5,000 if he wanted to invest in 'car company in 1901. As the "mood" more than $ 12 million by Horace history. the world, in all likelihood, will be flying cars in the air before the end of this decade.

How to speak firmly and effectively online

Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the engine of our economy and many businesses to promote and sell products and services online, webinars, seminars, conferences customer phone calls, video and seminar restored. Listeners and buyers often do not realize. Voice your customers want to hear the voice that sounded safe, attractive, clear and passionate, motivating and inspiring. A voice that was quiet, comfortable.
Personally, I think that everything that we sell all the time, and some people are not aware of this and take the talk as an art. "All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have to go out and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts," Shakespeare, "As You Like It"
Many of my clients, who are experts in a particular field, I'd say they just report information. What you need to know is that they also have a purpose or intention in mind, we admit it or not. At least, they want the listener to understand the information, and it should be loud enough to be heard, to speak clearly and with good speed 150 words per minute. After that, they want listeners to understand their specific meaning or interpretation of information.
It is said that if 100 players say the same line, each reading will be different, because each actor brings his life experience, and understanding of their own personal feelings line readings. Actor serious about communicating their interests, because he wanted to work.

How to communicate your vision?

Visual communication can be considered as the ideal expression represent or reflect the organization's values ​​are shared collectively. Many studies have shown that these leaders are eager to promote and communicate your vision tend to create a positive impact on employee performance, attitude and perception.
Specific basic components should be included to effectively communicate the vision. These are:

    See charismatic style, strong communication, lively and confident;
    Measures to support the implementation of the vision, serving as role models;
    Intellectually stimulating employees and boost their confidence, while continuing to promote the vision.
A brief but pithy openly express the values ​​of leadership and energy. In this way, see the contents clearly communicate through some mental images generated opportunities than the existing reality.
When you communicate your vision, leaders must focus on strategic focus and detail your response to these changes. These include reflect the expected level of control over the vision of these changes and their relationship with employees' interests as well as a combination of needs and assets in the joint venture and cooperation.
Describing the vision in terms of mission, values ​​and objectives
Effectively communicate leadership vision must integrate mission, strategy, values ​​and objectives of the organization. Leaders must communicate their vision to combine all these elements and put them in a visual context that serves to guide future action. Communicate the vision to promote the establishment of specific objectives related to duties, which in turn influence and affect performance.

Business phone system options

Business Phone Systems are an investment in the creation of a complete telephone system for small offices. Corporate communication is the key to success and thus, it is very important to follow the latest trends and technology. For example, voice IP phone companies can save a lot of money in the community from time to time. Now that the IP telephony system based on proven to be more reliable communication, it makes sense for small businesses to use these tools effectively. In addition, the current telephone systems for small office equipment has improved, which is important for both function and send the right message. You want your office to look professional activities because customers usually make the first impression of their services when in his office in the sense that they receive. As his personal appearance, his office has a professional look to project the right image for you and your business. Appropriate technology and up-to-date may have the image you need while offering the latest technology to ensure that telecommunications are from time to time.
There are several options to choose from, including traditional PBX and key systems, Nortel, and 3Com ShorTel. Reliability traditional private branch exchange offer and scalable. It is a comprehensive platform for data confidence, which is a fully featured and designed to meet the voice communication needs of every promise. These messages offer advanced, integrated contact centers and equipment. For years, Nortel has been a staple in terms of reliability and efficiency for small business is a great solution because it is a cost effective solution for small businesses. These solutions typically combine voice, data and business applications in a unified platform. ShorTel offers unmatched scalability and management, user interface really set the standard for today's market. It is the ideal solution, because it was built without a single point of failure. It is an excellent solution for businesses of all sizes, and can be implemented smoothly scale from 1 to 10,000 users, including all characteristics. Equipment and features of this phone is unsurpassed, elegant and stylish without overbearing.
It is very important to go with a solution that provides technical support and service options to solve customer problems. Quality of service in this area is a part of the service you are buying and to ensure that there is no interruption in service or down-time, it is important that the plan is in the space for your needs. Often, a technician can be dispatched to perform repairs on site or online customer service is provided on the basis of four 27 must be in place to provide support. In today's market network downtime can cost the company a lot of money. You want to make sure you use a stable product with high reliability and limited requirements for services. When choosing a solution that you need to work with a company that understands the needs of your small business and maximize services and technology to meet the budget you have your business phone system.

We're having a party!

Right on 6th Street where for the third year non-profit economic development company, Urban Solutions, presented their third annual "2 Blocks of Art" program last night. Regretting that you missed it? Despair not! You can catch the next one one on October 19 from 4-8pm)

This event coincides with the "24 Days of Central Market Arts Festival"  which also started yesterday and runs through October 21st. I really love these events which showcase such unique talent - art, music, performance and food - for which the City is so well known.

As most of you know, 6th Street is located in the Mid-Market district - increasingly becoming  referred to as MIDMA - I believe this acronym was coined by artist Richard Perri and you can watch on this You Tube clip about one of his public art installations. He's right he when says that MIDMA is becoming the center of the art movement in San Francisco.

And not only is MIDMA becoming the arts center of the City, there is so much positive development going on there that it's taking shape as a real community - live (new residential developments by Avalon Bay at 55 - 9th Street and Crescent  Heights at 1401 Market);   work (Twitter has moved into 1355 Market and Dolby has relocated their HQ to 1275 Market) and eat (try Pearl's Deluxe Burgers and Dottie's True Blue Cafe at 6th & Market) and entertain (The Warfield, The Orpheum, American Conservatory Theater relocating to the site of the former Strand Theater) and play (numerous bars and clubs such as  The Monarch where Urban Solutions held their reception last night).

I think a lot of people are still fearful of MIDMA but remember  "we have nothing to fear but fear itself"! It's really okay in MIDMA - more than okay. So, on with the party with a tune from the great Sam Cooke.


p.s. thanks to the Mayor's Office of Economic & Workforce Development, San Francisco Arts Commission, Urban Solutions, Sylvia & Young Yi, Fair Market Properties, Central Market Community Benefits District, Pooky and the many many people who have faith that MIDMA is a great place to be and have taken action on it.

Metro Continues to Bleed Parking Revenue

Metro is bleeding between $40,000 and $50,000 a month just on parking meters, a Metro source claims.

The source said the reason is twofold. First, there is not enough enforcement at the lots and second, Metro has tolerated defective meters for the past 10 years and is just now getting around to fixing a problem they've known about for a long time.

"The spent $140,000 within the last few months to fix the old, defective meters," the source said. "You've got two crews working 12-hour shifts seven days a week replacing all the locks in the defective meters. It'll take three to four months to replace them all."

But despite the effort to fix the meters, the source said Metro is "spending good money after bad" because there's little or inconsistent enforcement of parking rules.

"Seventy to 80 percent of those who park in the metered areas just don't pay," the source said. "They know they can get away with it."

Metro parking lot enforcement is a shared obligation between Metro and the jurisdictions. Any revenue generated by parking tickets goes to the jurisdictions, not Metro.

The source lamented that Metro was spending so much money fixing all of the roughly 3,500 meters in the system, saying they're antiquated and that other agencies are using more customer friendly meters that allow credit card payment systems or even payment via smartphone.

"This isn't like the guys who were stealing," the source said. "But it's still a lot of money Metro is losing."

Other items:
Auto load for SmarTrip is now available (WMATA)
Metro launching "Momentum" survey (WaPo)

Martyr or Mug

It’s early. 5:45 AM to be precise. I have a large paper cup of coffee in front of me with one of those dastardly plastic lids. The ones that jettison steaming hot coffee up your sleeve when you walk. Looking to my left, out of the window, I see the lights of the still sleeping city rumble by. Full of people snuggled up in bed, still in their own personal dreamland: dreaming of past glories and future ambitions, subconsciously sifting through the meaning of life. I should be there too.

Now I look forward. I see a long and wearisome day ahead. Two days ago, my presence was requested, nay, demanded, at a meeting in London later this morning. Other commitments yesterday and tomorrow mean that I must travel there and back again in a day so I’m on the day’s first Virgin train service out of Glasgow. I hope to arrive 400 miles away in London in four and a half hours.

I thought long and hard about how to travel. Whether to go for the speed of flying versus the slower but greener train, eventually opting for the train despite the ungodly hour of departure. And while almost everyone else sleeps on I ponder whether I’m being a martyr to the environmental cause or just a mug making a meaningless gesture; a misplaced idealist or true eco warrior.

I have read articles in the press and on blogs by journalists and individuals writing about how much they have managed to reduce their carbon footprint, pointing out that they have ignored the thousands of airmiles they have collected on business trips: that is work therefore not in my personal control therefore I can ignore it.  To me this is a cop out - if we need to be in a certan place for a certain time we can choose how to travel.  The expectation may be that we fly but we can challenge that for domestic trips. There may be no other travel options for longer trips but are there other options that avoid traveling, such as video conferencing?

Planes are not all that inefficient at carrying people about, the problem is the ease with which we can travel long distances. If every passenger on a plane made the same journey by a relatively inefficient car, the total fossil fuel consumption would be similar, but if the planes didn’t fly, not everyone would drive (some are travelling in groups and would share, others would take the train or coach and some wouldn’t make the journey at all) and burning fuel at a high altitude causes two to three times the global warming effect. All the figures suggest that the train is a much greener option but this morning I’m beginning to wonder. By choosing the train rather than the plane will not stop the plane flying and the amount of fuel used does not vary greatly between flying empty and flying full. If I had flown the carbon emissions per passenger would have dropped.

The train would also run regardless of whether I used it and, similar to the plane, most of the energy is used to move the train rather than the passengers. Although trains are, on average, an efficient way to move people about, I don’t think this morning’s train is very efficient. For the first hundred miles (Glasgow to Carlisle) I shared a 60 seat carriage with three other people, two or three first class carriages were completely empty when I passed minutes before departure and other carriages had only a handful of people. I guess that the train was running at 5-10% of seating capacity. With the train this empty I really do wonder if flying would be the more environmentally friendly option at this time of day.

I suspect it is not as simple as this: the train will get busier as the journey progresses and this train set may have been busy last night when it came north. I also expect the return journey this afternoon to be busier. I think the 5:40 departure is just too much for Glaswegians – there are very few options for getting in to the station for that time. There is no car parking at the station, unlike the airport, most public transport hasn’t started so that leaves taxis which are expensive forr anything but short journeys.

Given that both would run regardless of my choice, does my decision make any difference? That is the big question on my mind. I don't think a single decision by an individual makes a difference. We need lots of small decisions from lots of people for it to be meaningful. If you are reading this, I hope you will make the right decision.

The coffee is finished now and I’m left with a plastic lid that will hang around a landfill site for a hundred years or more, all for a few minutes convenience.

It’s not easy being green.

Do not Question Metro

Some trains will be offloaded and return back the opposite direction for schedule, congestion reduction. 8:26a
— @wmata (@wmata) September 25, 2012

New Carrollton-OR at Foggy Bottom currently offloading for schedule adjustment, will return in service to Vienna. 8:28a
— @wmata (@wmata) September 25, 2012

Blue Line train currently offloading at McPherson Sq for schedule adjustment, will return to service to Franconia. 8:20a
— @wmata (@wmata) September 25, 2012

During yesterday's Orange/Blue meltdown, Metro decided to offload some full trains onto already crowded platforms.

It was confusing for a lot of passengers,  as the trains were heading into the core. I got a lot of email asking why Metro would do something like that.

I thought perhaps there was a good explanation, so I emailed Metro's chief spokesman Dan Stessel saying I'd received a lot of rider questions about it.

Here is the response he gave:












Other items: 
Board member concerned about Metro's lost and found webpage (Examiner)

VRE Apology Shames Metro

Last week both the VRE and Metro had meltdowns.

Metro's public response, delivered via Dan Stessel, was:

"There's no question this was a very, very difficult morning for Red Line customers. But people could still get where they needed to go." 

VRE's response, delivered by its director of rail operations, was quite a bit better:

First of all, let me apologize to all of you who were caught up in last night's delays on the Manassas Line. It turned into a very long commute for many, and we regret the inconvenience this incident certainly caused. Secondly, I would like to thank all of the passengers, families of passengers, and local law enforcement officers, who offered assistance at both Burke Centre and in Clifton as we were transferring passengers to buses. This was greatly appreciated. 

They then gave quite a few details about what went wrong, named actual people at the organization, and explained what measures were taken to get things moving again.

Finally, and most amazingly, they said they'd reimburse customers who'd taken cabs because of the incident.

Metro, on the other hand, said they'd "rectify" the situation to riders on the Red Line that morning, but I called for a refund and no one from Metro called back as they said they would.  It has been several days.

I've yet to hear from anyone who has gotten any sort of rectification.

Other items: 
Metro still denies fishy brakes (Examiner)
Getting around NOVA in 30 years (WTOP)