Generating Better Business Ideas

Lifecycle of Management IdeasWhen evaluating the sustainability of lifecycle management ideas, it’s important to evaluate the ideas in the context of the company. Performance is more relative than absolute. For this reason, the success of business ideas can’t be replicated in every company. If ideas can be replicated, the competitive advantage is lost.The Role of the Business LeaderManagers with revolutionary business ideas usually have a different concept about authority and have a unique management style. These managers are dedicated to making the organization much different from when they started.For example, P.V. Kannan, CEO and Co-Founder of 24/7 Customer, a company that focuses on outsourcing, developed a company that managed email (before companies routinely used email communication). He ran into a lot of resistance when marketing the idea to business owners. However, companies use email routinely today, which makes Kannan a revolutionary leader (although the idea doesn’t provide a competitive edge any longer). Kannan also launched a call center in India and received a lot of push back. The call center currently has over 7,000 employees and is a huge success.Some business leaders aren’t confident there are many new business ideas in the marketplace. They believe that most leaders are taking existing ideas and tweaking them to improve success. Business ideas often go through cycles. What’s successful today may be obsolete several years down the road and then make a come back in 20-years.Recognizing Good Management IdeasEven the brightest leaders get confused about drivers and results. Management should invest time ensuring that data is independent and reliable. When testing the success of an idea, make sure the independent variables are truly independent and aren’t influenced by outside factors. If you don’t follow this rule, companies don’t have an accurate picture of what is driving the results.For example, Kannan was asked by a large client to develop two new customer service measures. Customer service representatives were now required to end the call by asking if there’s anything else needed and saying “have a nice day.” However, by measuring the impact of these changes, Kannan found the new changes didn’t make a positive impact. In fact, customers were annoyed by representatives prolonging the conversation and wanted to get off the phone quickly.Generating Larger Pools of IdeasWhen coming up with good ideas, it should be generated from a large pool of ideas. This way, management can throw out the bad ideas, and hone in on the most promising strategies. Employees developing the pool of ideas should come from a variety of business units. When everyone in the room comes from the same place, the organization may miss out on a truly great idea. Conformity in this process will only lead to short-term results. More diversity provides more opportunities for long-term results.Another challenge in implementing good ideas is taking the ideas from concept to implementation. As management teams go through changes, ideas often get lost in the mix and don’t see the light of day. Streamlining the process for rolling out new ideas will ensure the strategies aren’t sabotaged by unnecessary roadblocks.Rolling out revolutionary ideas can seem risky. However, having good research to support the new ideas allows leaders to make educated guesses when the outcome is risky. Taking calculated risks provides an opportunity to win market share and boost long-term results. When planning new ideas, management should think outside the “boom and bust” cycles and build capabilities that have the potential to provide a competitive advantage for years to come.The Future of Management Practices and ThinkingGenerating the best business ideas to create long-term success will require a higher degree of attention paid to daily events. Managing daily activities more efficiently will continue to drive better performance and revenue. Management need to change practices to become more accountable for results. Companies also need to develop new ideas that will keep pace with the changing marketplace. Executives of the future will need to focus on ideas for generating better data and improving the accuracy of decisions.Resource:Bridget Finn. “The Life Cycle of Great Business Ideas” Booz & Co, September 2008.

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Poker Finance – An Ocean of Ideas on Poker to Make Money

Poker is a very popular game among the card players. Since long it has been played by people only as a game but in recent times, it has got monetary values when played professionally. Poker finance basically talks about the monetary aspects of poker. There are many online options to generate poker finance and hence bonuses. Online options can directly offer bonuses or take you to famous online poker rooms.These online finance options offer many bonus packages which can be used to earn further. Out of so many choices offered, you can select the best possible one that suits your style of play, risk quotient and proficiency level. Some of these packages doled out by finance sites are generous enough to get hefty earnings. There are also options of getting add-on bonuses while you play the game, if you intend to do so. This add-on along with your earnings from the game and bonuses go a long way in elevating your bankroll.Apart from a wide range of bonus options, these online finance sites have other good facilities such as, you can use them 24*7, they have experienced personals who can give trust worthy help while you play, staff who can suggest ways to correct your gaming strategies, etc. Also these sites have proper payment gateways which can be relied upon.Here you can build communities and can invite people sharing the same interests. You can earn money through this community building and can always grow the size of the group by referring it to friends. There are also privileges for special monthly packages and promotions. Different competitions are also organized where people make big checks when they win in an event such as gala in World Series of Poker.These online finance options have made internet poker a billion dollar industry which started in a very small concept. Over a period of time, various innovations like the concept of bonuses have put this business on a role.

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Finding Business Loans Online – Financing As Close As Your Fingertips

The Internet is the best place for the consumer to find extensive availability of loans, make an informed decision and apply without leaving their home or office. In the past, a prospective business owner had to physically go to a financial institution in person to apply for loans. At the bank or lending institution, they were given a sheaf of papers to complete and often wasted valuable time waiting around bank approval. This process was boring, time inefficient and daunting. Enter the better way: loans online. Courtesy of the Internet, the business entrepreneur can sit at home and go through the entire loan application process online, at any time of day or night. The consumer is offered choices and given the ability to check and compare multiple loan offers.There are various options to financing a small business, which is the purpose of this article, to assist in researching and securing loans conveniently. Depending on the development stage of your small-business idea, you will have different financing requirements than other small businesses.Can you create and customize a loan to suit your needs? One of the answers can be found at a website representing a company called simply Business Finance. This site can help you determine what specific sources of financing are needed, and how the requirements are related to the state of your small business both financially and growth-wise. Business Finance does give a variety of descriptions on the different classes of financing available for small businesses. This enables the loan applicant to better categorize the sort of options for which to apply. Serving as an intermediary for roughly 400 lenders, this website also provides a tool to assist in determining the amount of money you might need to borrow. Lenders will vary as far as loan requirements, but this website offers a description of lending requirements. Not your only source, but one of the best, this website has been focused upon creating opportunities in this relatively new market.The second company that is also greatly beneficial in helping to shop and create financing packages is supported by America One Unsecured Loans. This company specializes in start-up and fast-track loans. A small business entrepreneur seeking money in the form of an unsecured loan can find this an indispensable source to assist with financing needs. At America One, they seem to understand just how frustrating it is to find financing and complete a loan in today’s economic environment. Their specialty product is a signature loan that can be used for any purpose, with no collateral required. Approval is based upon current credit standing.This online resource does offer a very fast turnaround time in regard to approval or denial so that if your need is time-sensitive, an answer is fairly immediate. The turnaround time as listed on the website is one to three days. Once approved, this America One Unsecured Loan can be in the form of unsecured debt, and collateral such as equity in a home may not be needed.Remember that when shopping for small-business loans online, make sure that the financing fits your business requirements and plans for future development.

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Top Home Based Businesses

The tough part, after deciding that you really want to establish your home based business, is determining what business you want to go into. The most-often heard of advice is to stick to your strength and engage in a business that you know best. However, there are other factors in play in having a home based business. There are questions that need to be answered such as, What if your desired home based business is not feasible or What if I do not have enough capital or equipment to establish my business? If things do not seem to fall into place, do not fret. A lot of options are available to you in organizing your home based business. Remember that you do not have to be limited with your choices.According to a survey conducted in the United States, the types of home based businesses that have made it to the top of the list are those that involved selling one?s services. The reason behind this is that services are more affordable to a would-be employer if done by an outside person or contractor. On the part of management, the outsourcing of some of its services entails only the payment of the agreed fee without the corresponding need to pay for a regular employee?s benefits or bonuses. On your part, as a freelance businessperson, you can schedule the work to be done according to your flexibility and need not be burdened with the hassle of going to work, being stuck in traffic or being subjected to office politics.Based on the survey, the top home based businesses include building a web site, copy writing, performing consultancy work as well as marketing services, joining affiliate programs, and engaging in auction sales, among others. The beauty of all home based businesses, whether belonging to the top list or not, is that these can be done part time with only the appropriate deadlines set between you and your client to be met.

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5 Benefits of Working From Home and Having a Home Based Business

The trend to home based businesses is really exploding. And, with good reason. The flexibility and profitability of working from home is tremendous. Besides for the fact that you can get up when you want and wear what you want, there are many other advantages to working from home and having a home based business.Benefit #1: Increased ProductivityWorking from home allows you to have more time. More time for work, or hobbies, or your family. It eliminates the commute to work. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the national average drive-time is 24.3 minutes. Americans spend over 100 hours a year commuting. Working from home not only eliminates the time spent commuting, it also eliminates time in the office spent socializing or leaving to get lunch. This time gained results in more productive hours and few hours spent “working.” Working from home also gives you the freedom to take a break to exercise or do something around the house. You’re home when packages arrive to sign for them. You’re home when the repair man comes and will only give you a four hour window. You are also more available to clients who need to reach you in the evening and on the weekends with a home based business. And, best of all, you’re home for your kids and pets when they need you. According to USA Today, people who work from form report having fewer sick days, improved morale, and improved productivity.Benefit #2: Tax SavingsWorking from home means a home office. A home office means deductible business related expenses such as Internet, phone, office space, subscriptions, and insurance. The IRS allows you to deduct a percent of your mortgage or rent payment, depreciation, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. The percent you may deduct is calculated by the number of rooms or square foot of your home you use for your business. For example, if you use one room of a four bedroom house for your home based business, you can deduct 25% of the homes’ operating expenses. However, this space must be designated specifically for your business on an on-going basis. According to the IRS, in order to deduct something as a business expense the “business expense must be ordinary in your business and necessary for operation.” Ordinary just means an expense that is accepted and common in your business. Necessary means those that are helpful and appropriate to maintain your business. The IRS requires you to separate your personal and business expenses and then only the business expenses can be deducted.Benefit #3: Flexible Hours Who wants a strict 9-5 job? It’s wonderful waking up and starting your day on your own schedule. Time to read the paper, get the kids to school, exercise all before you begin work. You have the flexibility to switch gears when you like. If you can only get a mid day doctor or hair appointment, that’s just fine with a home based business. It provides the flexibility to make it to your childrens’ school events, stay home with a sick child, or work late after the kids are in bed.Benefit #4: More Family TimeOne of the most fulfilling benefits of working from home and having a home based business is the ability to gain control over your life. Parents who work from home report a much higher level of family time and a much lower level of stress. If you chose to quit at 3:00 when the kids come home and work at night after they are in bed, that is now a choice of your own accord. Home based businesses allow for balance and the freedom to take the day off to golf or spend it with your kids without having to check in with someone.Benefit #5: More Profitability You will save money on rent, meals out, gas to commute, and the cost of work clothes. More importantly, instead of having a boss tell you when you have to work, when you can take vacation, when you’ll get a raise or a promotion, you make those decisions yourself. Your advancement and income is directly related to your own productivity. As a result, you’ll likely want to work harder and smarter since you reap the benefits directly.Home based businesses are at the forefront of the biggest business movement right now. Technology is largely responsible for this shift in business. We each have the opportunity, if we chose to seize it, to work from home and have the freedom we all dream of.

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Types Of Real Estate Investor Websites – What Should You Choose?

One of the basic questions you have to answer when you get a real estate investing website is “How do I get my website configured to get the best results?”There are many business models in real estate investing – buying houses, buying notes, short sales, fixing and flipping, wholesaling. And a lot more. Or your business can be a combination of different business models.Your website must be easily adaptable to suit your business needs to achieve maximum profitability. Here are a few popular business models in real estate investing:Real estate investing business models1) Buying Houses
This is the most popular business model. Most real estate investors buy houses. The basis of most real estate investing businesses is buying houses.Buying houses can include buying them in retail, cash or terms.2) Selling Houses
Almost everyone who buys houses also sells them. Just like buying houses, you could be selling them on retail or terms, such as lease options.3) Wholesaling
Most people call wholesaling “flipping houses”. In this case, you locate houses in distress that need repair. And you get a big discount when you buy these houses. You then sell it to another property investor who fixes it up and sells it or rents it.You end up making a little money from just a little effort. You can flip houses without ever having to own them.In real estate investing, wholesaling is the fastest way to generate a healthy cash flow while spending little to no money. A few hundred dollars is sometimes all you need to make a deal happen.4) Renting
Another popular business model is to buy houses, fix them, then put tenants for positive cash flow.5) Buying notes
Other investors specialize on buying and selling notes. Essentially by owning a note, you become the lender and do not have to own the property.6) Commercial real estate
This covers a wide variety of approaches, such as apartments, shopping centers, land and so on.Some real estate investors combine both commercial and residential estate. Residential real estate involves residential houses, whereas commercial property does not include residential single family houses.7) Other business models
When you are investing in real estate, you sometimes find yourself having to be involved in other aspects of the business that are not really separate business models.i) Private money
When investing in real estate, sometimes you need to look for private money investors to finance your deals.For this reason you have to actively look for private money investors to finance these deals.ii) Short sales
As part of real estate investing, you sometimes find yourself negotiating with lenders to accept less than what is owed on the property. This process is called short sale and forms a part of most property investors businesses.iii) Loan modification
Loan modification has become popular in the recent years. Lots of investors are also licensed agents and mortgage brokers.So what types of websites for real estate investing are there on the market?First of all, when shopping for a real estate investor website, it is important to choose a website that is flexible enough to be adapted to suit your individual needs. Changes like that should not cost you any money.In other words, the website you choose must be able to accommodate your changing business needs and models. So you will not have to buy another website if your business model changes in future.Interactive real estate investor websites
These websites are fully adaptable and offer complete customization and adaptability capabilities. Changing a business model can be done with one click of the mouse.If none of the default business models suits your needs, you can then adapt it to suit your individual needs.The following business models are allowed by interactive investor websites1) Websites for buying houses
These websites come equipped with everything you need to buy houses. You are presented to motivated sellers as the most credible person to buy their houses.As a result, you get leads that are fully pre-negotiated and pre-screened for you.You will only need a few minutes to decide if this is a deal or not, and follow up or let it go as needed. You can then make offers right from the virtual back office and control the closing process from your back office.2) Websites for selling houses
This website comes completely equipped with all the features you need to sell your houses quickly. You simply list your houses from the virtual back office and manage the whole process from there.It also allows potential buyers to join your buyers list as they view your properties. One of the most valuable assets when selling houses is a buyers list. A simple email to your buyers list can get you a buyer the same day.Of course, they also come integrated with social media so that people can recommend your properties to their friends through Facebook, Google+, Twitter, etc.These websites are also adaptable for renting houses, lease to own, and so on.3) Websites for wholesaling houses
This website is equipped for the real estate investor that wholesales houses.
Social media and buyers lists also come integrated on these websites.4) Websites for seeking private money
You can choose this business model with a single click from the virtual back office. This automatically changes to a website for attracting private money investors.5) Websites for buying notes
You can also convert your website for buying notes. It comes fully equipped with this capability.6) Websites for investing in apartments
You can quickly adapt your website for investing in apartments with just a few clicks.Should you combine business models in your website?
I once had a real estate teacher whose website contained everything she did – teaching, buying houses, selling houses, wholesaling, renting, offering hard money and seeking private money investors.She said it worked fine for her needs.My next guru strongly emphasized that you should never mix buying houses, selling houses or seeking private money. You must separate these business models.I personally do not support mixing business models on the same website. This once cost me a deal worth over $10,000 because I had listed a wholesale deal on my website for buying houses. I had provided my business card with my website to a motivated seller. Since my intention was to wholesale the deal, I listed it on my website and sent it to my buyers list.I quickly got a cash buyer for it, and he wired money to the closing title company. When the seller saw what I was making from her house, she refused to go to closing. If I had kept the business models separate, I could not have lost this deal. Must you have more than one website for your real estate business?
If you need to separate your business models on separate websites, then you must buy more than one website.You can get away with having only one website if your needs can be accommodated by having different business models on the same website. Interactive real estate investor websites do not offer any limitations as to how you can adapt your website. You can accommodate multiple business models if you choose, or have each website for each business model.The choice for type of website you choose really depends on you and if your business models can conflict with each other if you use one website for them.

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How is Parkinson’s Disease Treated?

Parkinsons disease is a comparatively common condition of the nervous system which is as a result of problems with the nerve cells in the part of the brain which generates dopamine. This is a chemical substance that is needed for the smooth management of muscles and motion, so the symptoms of the disorder is a result of a reduction of that chemical. Parkinson’s disease mostly impacts individuals aged over 65, but it can and does come on at younger ages with 5-10% developing before the age of forty.

The chief clinical features of Parkinson’s disease are a tremor or shaking, that will commences in one arm or hand; there is often a muscle rigidity or stiffness along with a slowness of motion; the stance gets more stooped; additionally, there are equilibrium concerns. Parkinson’s can also cause greater pain and result in depression symptoms and create problems with memory and sleep. There isn’t any specific test for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s. The identification is usually made primarily based on the history of the symptoms, a physical along with neural evaluation. Other reasons for the signs and symptoms also need to be eliminated. There are imaging assessments, such as a CAT scan or MRI, that can be used to eliminate other issues. From time to time a dopamine transporter diagnostic might also be utilized.

The actual cause of Parkinson’s isn’t known. It does appear to have both genetic and environmental elements with it plus some specialists think that a virus may induce Parkinson’s as well. Decreased amounts of dopamine and also norepinephrine, a substance which in turn is responsible for the dopamine, have already been found in those with Parkinson’s, but it is not yet determined what is causing this. Unusual proteins which are named Lewy bodies have been located in the brains of those who have Parkinson’s; nevertheless, experts don’t know what role they may play in the development of Parkinson’s. While the specific cause just isn’t known, studies have identified risk factors that establish groups of people who are more prone to develop the condition. Men are more than one and a half times more prone to get Parkinson’s as compared to women. Caucasians are much more prone to get the condition as compared to African Americans or Asians. Those who have close members of the family who have Parkinson’s disease are more likely to develop it, implying the inherited contribution. A number of toxins could raise the potential for the problem, implying a role of the environment. People who experience difficulties with brain injuries can be more likely to go on and have Parkinson’s disease.

There is no identified remedy for Parkinson’s disease. That will not imply that the signs and symptoms can’t be handled. The main method is to use medicines to raise or replacement for the dopamine. Balanced and healthy diet together with frequent exercise is crucial. There may be changes made to the surroundings at home and work to keep the individual involved as well as active. There are also some options sometimes for brain surgical treatment which can be used to relieve some of the motor symptoms. A diverse team of different health professionals are often involved.

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Understanding the Impacts of Gout

Gout is among those historical problems because there are numerous mentions of it in historical literature, at least since ancient times. The traditional typecast of it is that it is related to the upper classes that binge in alcohol and certain foods. This image was pictured in early art work illustrating people who had gout. Gout has stopped being viewed as a problem of over consumption, because of the current research demonstrating an important genetic component to it.

Gout is a distressing inflammation related disorder which mostly impacts the joints, most commonly the great toe joint with the feet. It is because of uric acid crystals getting placed in joints in the event the bloodstream uric acid quantities are increased. The uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines which come from the consuming of foods like venison, salmon, tuna, haddock, sardines, anchovies, mussels, herring along with alcohol consumption. It is possible to understand how that old misconception was produced according to the overindulgence of the higher classes in those types of food and alcoholic beverages. The actual problem is not really the quantity of those foods which can be consumed, but the actual genetics of the biochemical pathway which usually breaks the purines in these food items down into the uric acid and how your body deals with it.

While diet is still important in the treating of gout and lowering the quantity of food which have the purines with them continues to be considered essential, however it is becoming apparent recently that this is just not sufficient by itself and just about all those who have gout probably will need pharmaceutical management. It goes without saying that drugs are likely to be needed for relief of pain throughout an acute flare up. The acute phase of gout is extremely painful. Over the long term there are two forms of drugs which you can use for gout. One kind of medicine block chemicals in the pathway which splits the purines into uric acid, which simply implies there will be much less uric acid in the blood stream that could find its way in to the joints to trigger an acute episode of gout or lead to the long-term gout. The other main kind of drug is one that can help the renal system remove much more uric acid. This would also reduce the urates in the bloodstream. Generally, only one of those drugs is all that’s needed, however occasionally both are needed to be utilized at the same time. Since these prescription medication is ordinarily pretty successful, that will not indicate that the life-style and eating habits changes may be pushed aside. Local measures, including wearing good fitting shoes if the big toe joint gets too painful is important. Also ice packs during an acute flare up will also help with the relief of pain.

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How To Approach Removing Asbestos Removal in Sydney

Planning to renovate your home built decades ago? Well, you got to be careful! There is a good chance it may have asbestos. This is a popular building material used throughout Australia before it was completely banned in 2003.

Asbestos is not generally considered hazardous. In fact, homeowners are only allowed to remove up to ten square meters of non-friable asbestos. More than that, people are advised to seek professional help, especially handling friable ones. Because of the health risks involved, DIY removal is considered illegal.

This is particularly prohibited in Sydney. Hence, the expertise of your trusted asbestos removalists is required to handle the dangerous job.

Why Removing Asbestos Can Be Dangerous?

There are many DIY ideas. Some are equally fun. Whilst, others can be hazardous, like removing asbestos by yourself.

Here are some reasons why removing asbestos without proper knowledge can be dangerous:

Exposure to diseases

Small quantities of asbestos are present in the air most of the time and are being breathed in by everyone without ill effects. But, exposure to high levels of asbestos for a long time is pretty serious. It can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Accidents and Injuries

Asbestos is used in cement sheeting, drainage and pipes, guttering, and even roofing. But, asbestos roofing can become fragile over time. Hence, you might risk breaking it apart, releasing harmful fibres into the air. Also, a single sheet of asbestos can weigh 30-50 kilograms. Such weight can cause injuries.

Wrong removal and ill-fitting equipment

You may not know the proper ways to remove asbestos, exposing you to very harmful fibres. And the recommended removal equipment is quite expensive. You don’t have to deal with it on your own.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Asbestos?

Asbestos removal can be pretty costly. It is determined by the type and size of the area, as well as the amount of debris to be removed. The safety risks of asbestos also increase the cost, especially when friable asbestos is involved. But health is wealth. It is always worth the price.

Most junk removalists in Sydney are priced from $99.99 per cubic metre, however, given the highly dangerous nature of asbestos, prices may be higher. It’s important to receive a few quotes before proceeding with an asbestos removal service.

How To Find The Right Asbestos Removal Provider?

There are a few key things you can do right now to ensure that your search for a provider is a successful one. They include:

Check Online Reviews

Does the asbestos removal service provider have an abundance of positive Google reviews? Check the history of their reviews to make sure that they are in-fact, legitimate. Businesses with legitimate reviews tend to have a stream of reviews that span across years of their lifetime; not just all within a few months.

Service Locality

Hiring a local asbestos removal business is always best. This ensures that you receive the best pricing as the business is local and nearby to your location. Typically, local businesses tend to take more pride in their workmanship as a positive reputation is key to their ongoing success.

Number of Years in Business

Given the highly dangerous nature of asbestos, it’s important to check how long the business has been in operation. A business who has over 10 years servicing the local community may provide cheaper pricing, given that they likely will have more refined practices.

Conclusion

Take your time while in search of a suitable asbestos removal provider. Due-dilligence is important and always shop around for the best quotes.

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A Pall Settles Over America

I see it in their eyes, downcast and wary. I see it in their steps, shuffling and tentative. When they talk, they use a word I rarely hear, depressed.

These are the producers, those who make the country work. Hourly and salaried employees and managers, who go to their jobs every day, work hard and provide for themselves and their families.

They’re the kind of people who have been with us since the country began. Back then, we called them Pilgrims, sod-busters, and settlers. Today they go by many names, Physician, Technician, Engineer, and Laborer. But for all of them, life has a rhythm, just as it did two centuries ago, that comes from our agricultural heritage.

Spring has always been the time for planting, and looking forward to the year ahead. Summertime is when they cultivate the crops. Fall is harvest time when we enjoy the fruits of our labor and thank God for blessing us. Winter is the time of austerity, the time to prune, the time to cut back.

But not this year. This year, we are still in harvest time. Yet the pruning has already begun. Major companies across this land are already cutting back, eliminating staff to reduce.

For thousands of laid-off workers, it comes at the worst possible time. Just before the holidays. A time when many who have children will have to cut back this Christmas. There will be little joy for those who lost their jobs these holidays.

If you’ve lived through a corporate “downsizing,” you know that anxiety runs high. No matter how often the boss has assured you that you will be kept on, you’re never sure about your future. Should you start looking for a new job now, or wait? Does the boss know what lies ahead, or might he be on the corporate chopping block? There is no job security once layoffs begin.

But there is much more to our collective angst this year than at any time in our memory. These corporate cutbacks are merely reflecting a more significant issue, an issue that is nationwide.

Our country is headed in the wrong direction. That is a sentiment shared by three-quarters of us. And we’ve felt that way for a couple of years. Producers know that the country should be operating better. Yes, there were all difficulties associated with the Pandemic. But those are now behind us.

Today recovery should be well underway. But it’s not. Despite all the trillions of dollars pumped into the system, our standard of living is falling. Each day inflation marches on; real income is declining. Gasoline, food, and shelter costs accelerate in real-time, but a salary rise comes annually. Corporate raises will arrive at the end of the year and likely come nowhere near the level of inflation we’ve already experienced.

Producers see all of this.

Producers also know that many, perhaps most, of our problems come from Washington. We see that a feeble old man has his bony fingers on the nation’s tiller, steering us straight for the shoals. He, and those who surround him, have a policy of austerity. In their eyes, less is better, and fewer is preferred. We should use less heat this winter, drive smaller, preferably electric vehicles, and eat vegan. And the less we consume, the better. From this perspective, we are the problem. Our destiny is to have shortages and wants. And they’ve pushed us in that direction.

However, these leaders told us last week that we could change everything. By walking into our voting booth, we could make our voices heard. We, the people, could take this country in a new direction that our leaders were indeed subject to the will of the people.

That didn’t happen. Counting votes has become a haze of computational complexity and slow-walking results. So that the incumbents in Washington get the results they want, it’s the complete inversion of the principal and values that the country’s founders intended. But there it is—today’s reality.

It’s the reason the word I hear most often from Producers today is: depression. And I’m afraid that’s where we’re headed.

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