10-things-while-visiting-fairbanks

Fairbanks is Alaska's second largest city behind Anchorage. It is home to over 35,000 people. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, it is a great place to visit for people who enjoy outdoor activities. Each year, many nature lovers visit this white wonderland. Take a look at visiting Fairbanks, Alaska.
10. Dog Sledding

A very popular activity in Fairbanks, Alaska for locals and visitors alike is dog sledding. Enjoy tours that range from 30 minutes, all the way up to several days. If you are a dog lover, this is certainly an activity you can enjoy.

9. The Northern Lights

Fairbanks, Alaska is a wonderful place to see the Northern Lights, one of nature's great mysteries. Whether you want to see the Northern Lights from outside, or in a cabin, accommodations can be made for you. There are many cabins and lodges to choose from.

8. El Dorado Gold Mine Tour

El Dorado Gold Mine Tour is a tour that is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. The tour runs two times each day. The focus of the tour is the local mining industry, and gold mining, specifically. The tour last for two hours, and covers topics such as the current ways gold is mined, and how it was mined in the past. A special feature of this tour is that tour participants actually are permitted to pan for gold.

7. The Riverboat Discovery Tour

The Riverboat Discovery Tour is a tour that is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is one of the state's most popular tours. Hop aboard this fantastic ship and cruise the local waterways learning about the history and culture of native Alaskans.

6. Ice Alaska

Ice Alaska is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is home to some of the most beautiful ice sculptures in the world. The World Ice Art championships are also held here each year.

5. Creamer's Field

Creamer's Field is a wildlife refugee that is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. This former dairy is a place where migrating geese, cranes, and ducks visit on their journeys. A visitor's center is located on the premises.

4. Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park is a special area of Fairbanks, Alaska. Set up to look like a historic Gold Rush Town, Pioneer Park features many amazing sites and activities. Some of them are a native village, miniature golf course, merry-go-rounds, playgrounds, numerous gift shops, and many more wonderful things.

3. Alaskaland Salmon Bake

Alaskaland Salmon Bake is an all-you-can-eat restaurant that is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Enjoy as much as you want of salmon, ribs, halibut, and many other tasty foods. This restaurant is very popular among tourists, so arrive early.

2. The Blue Loon

The Blue Loon is a popular club and theater that is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Many live events are featured here during the year. Food and alcoholic beverages can be ordered here, as well.

1. Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Pike's Waterfront Lodge is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is an upscale lodge that features many modern amenities in an upscale setting. It is the place to go if you enjoy being pampered while you are on vacation.

10-ideas-home-based-businesses-start-today

Are you looking for a home-based business you can start right away? One that doesn't require leasing or buying a commercial building? A business that doesn't require a high outlay of cash to purchase equipment, advertising, Worker's Compensation Insurance, and other expenses?
When you think of a home-based business you can run yourself, you might think of providing daycare, cleaning and window washing services, or maybe lawn care. Many people have businesses such as these, and they make a decent living providing these types of services.
But there are other services you can provide. These businesses are not your "typical home businesses", so you'll have the advantage of less competition in whatever field you choose.

Here are ten home-based business ideas to get you started. None of these businesses require that you have a college education. These businesses can be started in just about any location. And, all ten ideas require only a small set up cost if you don't already have the equipment you need.

1. Construct Crossword Puzzles- Do you love to figure out the crossword puzzles that appear in your daily newspaper? If you have fun working with words, then this might be the right home-based business for you!

All you'll need to get started is a firm grasp of the English language, a puzzle maker software program, and a computer. A great program to start with is called Crossworks© by Homeware, Incorporated. This program helps you figure out how to create a puzzle from start to finish. In fact, after you have completed a crossword puzzle, Crossworks© will even run a check on it to make sure it's complete. This program will also format your puzzle so it's ready to print and send.

You can find the names of companies that purchase crossword puzzles and their guidelines by performing a search on the Internet. Or, you can check the current editions of crossword puzzle books for contact information.

Here's an extra tip for you: The New York Times buys crossword puzzles for their newspaper, and they pay very well!

2. Gather and Sell Nuts- Don't know what do with those hickory nuts in your yard? There are companies that buy chestnuts, hickory nuts, pecans, walnuts, et cetera. One of the best advantages about this home-based business is that you don't even need to own an inch of land! Just ask your neighbors, friends, and family members if you can clean up the nuts in their yards or woods. Since nuts can be a nuisance lying in people's yards, many people will be glad to let you clean them up for them. Once you find a supply, then you're in business!

A mechanical nut collector will make the job easier. This piece of equipment is a hand pushed bin that's mounted on a set of wheels. As you push a nut collector along the ground, the nuts are collected in the bin for easy removal. If you can't afford to purchase this equipment right away, you can simply use a yard rake to do the job as well.

Finally, find a buyer for the nuts by checking your local yellow pages or by performing a search on the Internet.

3. Harvest and Sell Herbs- This home-based business requires that you have a knowledge of what the different types of herbs. You'll also need to know when the best time to harvest each herb is. You can easily find this information at your local library or on the Internet as well.

Some health food stores purchase herbs such as Ginseng, Chamomile, and Spearmint. You may need a permit to harvest Ginseng, for example, but the handsome payout is well worth doing the paperwork.

Check your local yellow pages and contact several health food stores before you begin. Find out if they purchase herbs from private suppliers, what herbs they buy, and how much they pay. You can also look for buyers on the Internet.

4. Provide Genealogy Services- Many people are interested in the history of their family name, but they don't have a clue on how to begin a search. If you
would enjoy being a detective of sorts, and you like digging into court documents, library records, and the like, then this could be the perfect business for you!

You can offer your services and provide customers with their family's history, and make a decent living at the same time. A computer, a genealogy software program, and access to the Internet and to court and library records is basically what you need to get started.

5. Provide an Errand Running Service- Between work and family, many people find themselves trying to fit in errands before their day begins, during their lunch hours, or after work. It can be a hassle just trying to keep up!

You can start your own home-based business and help busy people out at the same time. Just decide how much you're going to charge to run errands, then advertise your service in your local newspaper. Not only will busy working people contact you, but people who don't drive a car, disabled persons, and senior citizens can also use your services as well.

6. Compile and Market Cookbooks- Anyone who cooks love a good cookbook! Especially if the recipes are easy to make and serve. You can use any word processing program and your computer to print up a cookbook to sell.

Where can you find recipes? Start off by using Grandma's recipes that have been handed down over the generations. People love making old-time recipes that have withstood the test of time!

After your cookbook is completed, you can sell it at local shops. Or, you make put up your own website on the Internet and market copies. eBayâ„¢, which is probably the largest auction site on the Internet, would be a good place to sell your cookbooks at too.

7. Provide Home Inventories- You don't usually think about it until you have to make an insurance claim because of fire, theft, et cetera. But, the fact is, everyone should have an inventory of their home and their personal possessions.

The best way to inventory belongings, besides having a written out list, is to use a camcorder to capture their images on tape. If you have a camcorder, you
can charge your clients a flat fee to make an inventory of their home.

All you need to do, is to set up appointments with customers. Then, walk through each house with the owner and have them describe their items as you document the items on tape. Once you have walked through the entire house, you give the camcorder tape to the customer and collect your fee! What could be an easier home-based business?

8. Become a Pet Caretaker- A friend of mine works a full-time job. She can always use extra money, though, and she loves cats and dogs. So, she has begun a part-time business as a Pet Caretaker. Usually she just feeds and waters people's pets while they are on vacation or out of town for whatever reason. She charges so much per pet, per day. For example, if she takes care of Mrs. Jones' two cats, then she charges her $5.00 per cat, per day. That might not sound like a lot of money, but multiply that fee by many customers, and the numbers increase dramatically!

9. Become a Digital Photographer- If you have a good quality digital camera, and the knowledge on how to use it properly, you can start your own home-based business today! There are many places and things you can photograph for profits.
Take family pictures, graduation photos, wedding pictures, and more! I know of at least one digital photographer who snaps beautiful pictures of people's homes. Then, he enlarges the picture, frames it, and offers it to the owner's of the home. You might be surprised at how many homeowners will gladly pay for such pictures, as long as they're well done!

10. Start Your Own Home-Data Processing Business- As long as you have a computer, a printer, and maybe access to the Internet, you can easily start this business for yourself. You can type business reports, resumes, first drafts for authors, and a host of other documents.

Once you're set up and ready to start work, place a small advertisement in your local newspaper. Also, check with friends, family members, and neighbors to see if they need work done. Or, maybe they can recommend prospective customers.

A final note, before you start any business, make sure you check with your local officials. Find out if you need a business license and any other legal paperwork before you begin so you stay within the boundaries of the laws.

10-habits-highly-successful-small-business-owners

People often wonder how highly successful small business owners make a large amount of money each year. They often want to know the secrets to being successful. Here are ten habits of highly successful small business owners.
1. They are motivated to be successful and very determined. They are dedicated to their business each day. They understand the importance of tasks being completed in a timely manner.

2. They know the importance of accomplishing goals each week and every month. They realize that they need to accomplish goals in order to stay successful. They know that they can't fall behind on tasks and goals no matter what.

3. They understand the importance of time management. They know that each hour that is wasted is the result of losing money. The know that they need to manage time and money in order to help them stay successful from day to day.

4. Money is what they are focused on. Money is usually all they care about in regards to business. The more business transactions then the more money that they make for their company. They know what goals they need to focus on each day.

5. They know how to save money and how to manage properly. They understand that money needs to be saved in order to survive the slow season when in business. They know how to manage money to help succeed through the slow season that almost every company has.

6. They have good work habits. They realize the importance of work habits. They know the result of having good work habits equals more money each month for the company.

7. They usually make important decisions to help their money grow. They often try to get the highest return on their money in the banks. It is important to always go with the best plan to make the most money in business.

8. They always remember the importance of money. They know that money is what enables them to have the things that they have. The know that it enables them to have the lifestyle that they currently have.

9. They are very successful because they always remember what is important to them. They always remember the goal in business to make as much money as possible by the end of each month.

10. Most successful highly business owners spend their money wisely. Some of them don't spend money foolishly. They understand the proper steps of handling money well.

10-gift-ideas-business-owners

If your friend recently took the plunge and became a new business owner, she may be spending long hours at the office acquiring new suppliers, tracking sales and inventory or meeting with clients. Help her organize her life with one of these gift ideas.
A Mini-fridge

Starting a new business can get pretty stressful. Increased stress may result in an increased waistline because she either can't eat regular meals, she's forced to eat out or she snacks on poor choices. A mini fridge is one gift idea that may help prevent her from packing on the pounds and save her money, by reducing her need to eat out.

Shredder

Everyone should have a shredder. Nowadays, it's more important than ever to have a method for securing sensitive information. New business owners have to ensure that they secure information about their employees, customers and business.

File Cabinet

A locked file cabinet is a great gift idea for a new business owner. While most records may be kept on the computer, new business owners may need to store receipts and other paper documents related to the business.

Accounting Software

Another gift idea for business owner that is just starting out is accounting software, such as Quickbooks, Bookkeeper or Peachtree.

Industry Magazine Subscription

A business magazine subscription is one gift idea that will help keep your new business owner in the loop. Help him find ways to better manage his business, stay aware of current technology, and find ways to cut costs. Start with magazines such as Home Business, Inc., Forbes, $1,000,000aire Blueprints, Small Business Opportunities and Entrepreneur.

Wireless Headset

Spending even 30 minutes on a call can wreak havoc on your neck. A new business owner may spend hours bent over a phone. A wireless headset is one gift idea that can help eliminate some stress in her life. Plus it allows her the ability to multi-task.

BooksNew business owner always have room for improvement. Help him hone his skills with a savvy business book. Start with the highly rated, The 100 Best Business Books of All Time: What They Say, Why They Matter, and How They Can Help You, by Jack Covert and Todd Sattersten. As the title implies, the book is a collection of the 100 best business books ever published, and should save him time and money. Find it HERE.

Coffee Pot

An electric kettle or coffee pot is a great gift idea for an overworked owner who loves to indulge in hot drinks. Include delicious teas, cocoas or coffee, and cream and sugar to help give her a way to temporarily escape the bustle.

Wine of the Month Club

This gift idea is another way to help him temporarily escape the bustle. However, have this gift sent to his home.

Durable Plant

If she enjoys gardening, a plant that requires little upkeep is a great gift idea for her office. Now that she will no longer have time for her garden, bring a miniature one to her.

10-encouraging-bible-verses-business-owners

Christian entrepreneurs who want to follow biblical guidelines can easily find inspiration. The bible is full of encouragement and inspiration that can lead you through some tough decisions. Base your Christian business on a solid biblical foundation and you'll be a blessing to your community and your local church.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. Deuteronomy 8:18

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:16

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. Proverbs 3:9-10

The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives. Psalm 37:21

You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a large and a small. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. You shall have a full and just weight; you shall have a full and just measure, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you. Deuteronomy 25:13-15

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers-all of them master craftsmen and designers. Exodus 35:35

10-causes-small-business-failure-avoid

There are a variety of reasons why a small business often fails. There are some steps that small business owners can do to avoid them. Here are ten causes of small business failure and how to avoid them.

1. Most small business owners don't have enough money saved up. You need to save up at least six months of worth living expenses along with six months of worth of expenses for your business too.

2. Some companies don't have enough advertisements through out the year. You need to have do more advertising in order for people to know about your company. Advertisements are the most important to spend on since it will help your business become even more successful.

3. Some companies fail since they don't generate enough sales. You need to do more advertising so more people know about your company or lower the prices. You need to do a few specials in order to get more sales.

4. The company doesn't hire enough staff. You need to hire more staff when you have too much work too handle. You don't want to get behind on the work otherwise your customers won't be happy.

5. The company doesn't have a high enough budget. This is where most companies fail at since they don't have enough money to pay everything. The business owner needs to have more money before starting the company or get a business loan.

6. The company can't survive during the slow season so they often fail. The company needs to figure out a way to generate enough sales or save up enough money to survive during the slow season of the company.

7. A company doesn't have enough money to expand the business even though it needs too. The company needs to get a business loan, save money, or even outsource the work somehow.

8. The company doesn't have enough money to keep a professional image. Most companies lose sales when they don't look professional or even stay professional. They need to have the best of everything in order to succeed.

9. Some try to be cheap on products or service then they often fail. In order to stay successful in a business then you can't sell cheap products or service cause the only result is people not being impressed. You want people to feel they aren't getting ripped off.

10. Some try to violate city rules or state regulations. This is a big reason why companies go out of business real quick. You need to follow city rules and follow the state regulations otherwise you won't be in business anymore.

9-secrets-making-laser-accurate-financial-decisions

Making top notch financial decisions is the goal of all good managers. Unlock these secrets to make a start on this processs today.
Secret #1. Think Widely on Options to Solve the Problem

It is a waste of your time if you make decisions without canvassing ALL the options. How can the business be served well if you haven't bothered to think of all the ways to solve your financial problem?

For example, if you are required to find a replacement for an ageing computer system or factory plant item, what options would you think were available? What questions would you ask?

- Replace with a comparable item?
- Repair, upgrade, refurbish or maintain the current item?
- Purchase new/second-hand item with more capacity and increased output?
- Will the customers still be there for the outputs of the new equipment over its life?
- Will the company's direction still provide a need for this asset over its life?
- What are competitors likely to be doing during the life of the asset?
- Will the cost of the new equipment price the product out of the market?

Secret #2. Think Outside the Box

Now that you have thought of good questions it's time to apply some creative thinking processes to them in order to get the best answers.

There are many tools for creative thinking available. Just go to your favorite search engine and type in "creative thinking" for a host of suggestions. Some commonly used ones are:

- Brainstorming
- Plus Minus Interesting (PMI)
- "Six Thinking Hats"
- S.C.A.M.P.E.R.
- Lateral Thinking
- Random Input

Enter any of these into the search engine for an explanation of the terms.

Also you can also gain some real insights by listening to dissenters in your company or other outsiders. They may just have the key that will make your decisions a lot easier and generate more profits for the company. Do not forget to include their ideas.

These tools are designed to provide you with many answers to your questions

Secret #3. Gather ALL the Data,

In order to make a successful financial decision you will need as much data as you can use effectively. You will need to quantify the costs and benefits so that a rational decision can be made easily. The best way to do this is to convert them all to dollars. This will make it easier to assess competing options.

Some Costs to Consider:

- Installation of new equipment
- Removal of current equipment
- Downtime costs e.g. lost orders, increased stocking costs, extra labor to catch up with customer orders
- Training costs for new equipment
- New maintenance costs
- Capital costs
- Tendering costs, purchasing costs,
- Initial transport costs

Some Benefits to Consider:

- Less wastage
- Less labor input
- Less resource inputs
- Increased safety
- Increased quality of life
- Faster customer response
- More accurate data
- Faster production times
- Less stock required
- Scrap/Trade-in Value at end of economic life
- Scrap/Trade-in Value of current equipment

Secret #4. Analyze the Data

Now that you have collected the data and have converted it to dollars, it's time to evaluate each viable option using a systematic method.

There is a proven, tested method called Cost Benefit Analysis, which is the tool of choice for these kinds of decisions. It can be used effectively for asset replacement decisions as well as funding choices. Big business and governments around the world use it. The US government is a big user of this technique. In fact, it has legislated, federally, that this method be used when making decisions regarding funding to various major programs.

This method allows you to weigh up the relative costs and benefits of competing proposals, showing you which option is the most profitable, least costly or provides the greatest net benefit.

There are certain rules that need to be adhered to so that the final decision can be understood and acted upon. You can find the link to a site offering this proven method at the end of this article or in the Author Profile.

Secret #5. Make The Decision

Based on the Cost Benefit Analysis results produced above, there should be a clear answer as to the best way forward - provided all the processes were completed correctly.

You can be confident that this is the best financial decision, given the information at hand and the assumptions underlying the analysis.

Secret #6. Sell the Decision,

Once the decision is made it needs to be communicated, since others will need to know. Some groups who may need to know and be convinced that your decision is in their best interests are:

- Employees
- Board members
- The press
- Customers
- Suppliers
- The owners
- Special interest groups

Since you used a tested, proven system to make the decision it makes it easier to convince these groups of the correctness of your decision - saving you time and effort.

Secret #7. Review the Decision

A year after the decision has been made, communicated to stakeholders and implemented it is time to go back and review the decision. This is often referred to as a Post Completion Review. Some areas of review are listed below:

- Assumptions - were they correct?
- Costs - did the actual costs of purchase, installation and operation equal the assumed costs in the proposal?
- Were there other costs involved that were not planned for originally?
- Benefits - did they eventuate? Were they in line with the initial assumptions?
- Were there any problems in implementation not foreseen in the proposal?
- Did the decision and implementation involve all the people who could add value?

Secret #8. Learn the Lessons

Once the questions above have answers there will be lessons that can be learned from the experience. Lessons such as:

- We need to include all of the costs next time - some critical ones were missed
- Some of the benefits did not eventuate - we were not careful enough to think through how these would be created
- Some critical staff members were left out of the decision-making process, but could have assisted to make the process less costly and run more smoothly
- The process of cost benefit analysis has taught us to think more critically about important financial decisions

Secret #9. Apply the Lessons

So that the errors or mistakes in this proposal are not transferred on to the next proposal, the lessons above need to be applied.

Some ways this can occur are as follows:

- Hold meetings at executive level where the Post Completion Reviews and the lessons learned are discussed.
- Use the company newsletter to discuss how future decisions will be conducted based on the lessons learned.
- Make senior managers accountable for their financial decisions; make part of their salary contingent upon their decision performance.
- Establish a company-wide culture of making good financial decisions using tools that can positively produce the best outcomes.

This is but a short summary of a very expansive topic. It is hoped that this article will provide a springboard for you to begin making better decisions - maybe as early as today.