The last time you went to a business or networking event, how many of the people you met and gave your business card to actually took the time to follow up with you afterward?

If your experience is anything like mine, most of the people you meet DON’T follow up.

You have a nice conversation, you trade business cards and unless you follow up with them, you never hear from them.

So now for the tough question …

How good are YOU at following up with people you meet?

Here’s a quick test to rate yourself:

10 points: I call them the next day to share an idea or resource, enter their contact information into my database, and make a note in my calendar to follow up again in a few weeks.

9 points: I immediately send a handwritten note sharing an idea or resource, enter their contact information into my database, and make a note in my calendar to follow up again in a few weeks.

8 points: I immediately send a handwritten note, enter them into my contact database and make a note to follow up.

7 points: I immediately send an email and enter them into my contact database.

6 points: I send an email within 2-3 days and enter them into my contact database.

5 points: I send a note or email 1 week after meeting them and throw their business card into a pile of “things to file” on my desk.

4 points: I send a note or email 1 week after meeting someone then toss their business card into the trash.

3 points: It takes me longer than 1 week to follow up and I toss their card after I contact them.

2 points: Their business card sits on my desk for weeks until I’m finally too embarrassed to follow up.

1 point: I lose their business card before I get back to my home or office.

Scoring …

9-10 points: Congratulations, you’re a networking pro and odds are your business is largely driven by your networking and follow-up.

6-8 points: You’re doing a good job creating new relationships, but if you step it up a notch and add more follow-up you’ll likely see more business blossom from your networking activities.

3-5 points: You probably enjoy getting out and meeting people but when it comes to details and follow-up, you’re either too busy or its just not your cup of tea. If networking is one of your primary marketing activities, you may want to invest in a business card scanner ($150 at Office Depot) to help you build your contact list more easily or you may want to cut down on the events you attend and really focus on those people you do meet.

1-2 points: Ask yourself this question … Why am I networking? Just getting out and meeting people is not enough, you’ve got to take action and do something with the people you meet. They could be potential clients, partners or be able to help you grow your business. This doesn’t mean you have to follow up with everyone you meet, but if you’re not following up with anyone, your time might be better spent on a different marketing activity.

So how’d you do?

I’d say I generally fall into the 6- to 8-point range … doing okay but definitely room for improvement.

Just remember, networking is a marketing strategy and it takes a plan like any other marketing you do. You’ve got to have an objective, attend the right groups, make sure you have a great elevator pitch and follow up for it to really pay off.

Debbie LaChusa created The 10stepmarketing System to make marketing your own business as simple as answering 10 questions. Learn more about this unique, step-by-step system and get a free 10-week Marketing E-Course when you subscribe to the free, weekly 10stepmarketing Ezine at http://www.10stepmarketing.com

What Are the Advantages and/or Drawbacks of Subscribing to Discussion Lists?

“I learn a lot about publishing houses, editors, etc., and we’re like one big happy family,” says Dotti Enderle, who belongs to several lists - the biggest being the Children’s Writers List.

“Unfortunately, because we do spend a lot of time with banter, it takes away from my writing time. But I couldn’t live without this list. If anyone has any type of publishing question, someone there can answer it. The members are quick to share notes from conferences. We cheer when someone gets published, and we console when someone gets that really tough rejection. If I could only be on one email list, there’s no doubt which one I’d choose.”

“Anyway, I’m no longer a debut author but I refuse to give up my list,” Coen says. “It’s been the best thing to happen to me fiction career-wise besides being published. And to top it all off, these women are the most supportive people I have ever been around, and that’s not easy to say among fellow writers. Other lists that I have belonged to you had a lot of back-stabbing, jealousy-type issues, but not here. On some of my lowest days, my Tobeez buddies have really picked me up. I’ve made some of the best friends through this group of remarkable women.”

“What I’ve found to be rather curious in reality is that there is a surprisng number of list subscribers who deeply resent promotional posts by other subscribers, some to the point of calling them spam,” Tibbetts says. “As a result lots of posts are generated arguing and complaining about the propriety of promotional posts. In the end, what’s more aggravating, deleting one promo post that doesn’t interest you or eight to ten posts bickering over it? Seems like a no brainer to me. I don’t understand why someone would subscribe to a list and then complain about promo content related to the subject matter. In my mind, part of the purpose of subscribing is to learn what’s new and what others are doing online–a means of sharing. If that involves promo posts, then so be it. Perhaps it’s incumbent on the list moderators to clarify for their subscribers whether promo posts are acceptable. Obviously everyone agrees that a promo post about a new weight loss program on a publish list is inappropriate. But as for promo posts related to the list topic, there’s currently a good deal of ambiguity, even controversy.”

“I primarily write nonfiction and historical fiction for young adults and only occasionally write mysteries, but I’ve been a member of The Short Mystery Fiction Society email list for nearly two years,” says Tabatha Yeatts, who is a published author. “Not only do I enjoy hearing about great new mysteries, I feel the tips I receive from the list help my writing, as well as giving me ideas. I particularly like this list because it has a warm, supportive feel and is generally able to stay on-topic without seeming like it’s “all business.” My experience with other writing lists has shown me that I have trouble with a large amount of messages, that ones that are continually off-topic — although they may be interesting — are not what I’m looking for, and that jealousy can ruin a list. The Wordweave Creative Writing Workshops are also very supportive and helpful.”

“I have had varied experiences on lists. Some are great, vibrant communities with committed people who do lots of great work and have tons of good advice,” says Gwendolynn Gawlick, who provides Publicity Services. “When I join a list I look for people who will be able to contribute to my knowledge as well as look for help that I can provide. I’ve been on one or two lists that I unsubscribed because the other list members would continually ask inane questions without doing any of the work or research themselves. Then, they would flame each other and spend a week complaining about some imagined slight. That’s a waste of time for EVERYONE. I’ve been able to connect with some great people on lists, and, as an aside, HIGHLY recommend getting the digest version wherever possible! :)”

“I have joined a few lists to exchange experience and learn from others,” says Teresa Cottam, a writer from the UK. “One of the problems for me is people taking umbrage at what you write without understanding what you mean (I’m from the UK so maybe this is a cultural thing). But I think it can be offputting when someone starts accusing you of all sorts of things you didn’t say in a very hectic tone. I can hold my own in arguments, but some of my female friends have avoided Internet discussions because they don’t like e-mail aggression.”

“Another problem is that you often get hundreds of e-mails about subjects that you don’t have any interest in,” Cottam says. “But I still have to sift and delete and then I worry I’m missing something so I end up reading a bit… it’s a real waste of time. I also have to adapt myself to the lists, because a lot of them are US-based and circumstances etc are very different in the UK/Europe. Sometimes you feel a little isolated, because although you are on the Internet and it is supposed to be a worldwide experience, we are expected to adapt ourselves to the US experience. This makes a lot of non-US participants believe that the US and US writers are fairly parochial. US lists don’t talk much about life etc outside the US and sometimes I don’t really understand everything that is said because it is something that depends on an understanding of US things.”

“On the positive side though I have learnt a lot from US lists simply because people do things differently and the writing/editing experience is somewhat different,” Cottam added. “For example, in the UK a lot of the publishing industry looks down their noses at you when they find out you work in technical publishing - it’s been really great to find people who are making money out of it and are proud! I feel as though I’m part of a wider community of technical editors/writers. I’m now trying to persuade my boss to send me on one of these conferences in the US that all the lists talk about. Well, I can but dream.”

© Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of the Free Ezine for Writers featuring news, reviews, and continuously updated links to the best resources for writers online like - freelancing & jobs, markets & publishers, literary agents, classes & contests, and more… Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art157.asp

We need artificially intelligent video surveillance systems, which can spot and detect packages, which are left unattended at airports, train stations and on buses. How would such a system work? Well it would identify packages, suitcases and backpacks, which were left without a human next to them and trigger a sensor and warning and thus that information would show up immediately on a screen for the security personal viewing the close circuit TV systems. But how could this specifically work?

Well, let us consider facial recognition systems which identify faces, we need one which identifies things that are other than human shapes which are not within reaching distance of a human passenger. Meaning the package is potentially abandoned and thus needs to be checked on.

The London Tube has just determined that it would be too much trouble to put bomb detectors at all its entrances like they have in the NYC subway. Yet, a video surveillance system might be able to be another way to protect the passengers of these rapid transit systems. Of course this plan would not alleviate the passengers from also being ultra-vigilant around their surroundings. It is just one more safety feature we can add to the system without too much additional cost, so consider this in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Hair Loss has constantly been something that both males & females have to deal with. As lots of people know it can be very upsetting & distressing. It used to be the case that there was absolutely nothing at all that might be done about it, presently nonetheless with technology pressing forward further & more each end every day, there are loads of diverse options for you to look at.

Advanced Hair Studio is unbelievable. They focus in Hair Loss & bags of diverse treatments any of which might well be able to help you. There are various varieties of programmes possible to many various clients. Clients will be advised on what treatment is best for you after a consultation with one of many there many consultants who have been expertly trained on everything. They will be able to give clients all the information and support customers need throughout your programme time with them.

There are many diverse procedures each one designed for various types of many cases. Strand by Strand is the procedure that is low maintenance & builds up hair slowly and gradually. With the Strand by Strand means it is potentially possible to regain hair without surgery, pain and scaring this as customers can imagine is awfully appealing to many customers. Advanced Laser Therapy is another choice that is offered to customers. AHS pioneered & successfully conducted clinical trials on the combination of many the most recent laser beam technology, an FDA approved re-growth pharmaceutical, & a proven scalp and follicle treatment programme for hair loss. With this programme clients will often see a change in three months, which is awfully fast. Explore the latest techniques with Hair replacement today.

There is one futher system and this one proves to be very popular & appropriate for masses of many people, this is because it is in fact a treatment that customers can do in the comfort of many your own home. This is a programme that combines the naturally occurring herb Sereonoa Repens and also a handheld laser device and antioxidant programme which helps to thicken, strengthen & repair your hair and scalp as well as promoting hair growth & reducing hair loss.

Each year two million Americans acquire hospital infections and over 90,000 of those people will die. This is an alarming statistic to say the least. Hospitals are where one goes to get well not feel worse. But unfortunately, while a hospital is a place of healing it can also be a safe haven for germs.

For instance, when the doctor goes to a patient’s room they usually either shake hands with that patient or they have to touch the patient when performing a medical exam. Assume that patient has a contagious illness and the doctor accidentally forgets to wash his hands when he comes into your room. He performs the necessary medical exam on you and of course his hands and that other person’s germs are on you! When a doctor comes into your room politely ask them if they have washed their hands before the medical exam.

It is also imperative that you as the patient wash your hands constantly while in the hospital. Remember, that before you were in that room someone else that was sick was in that room and may have had spreadable germs. So when you touch the bathroom door handle, the telephone, the tv remote, or the nurse call system, remember that you are potentially picking up unwanted illnesses. These items will have all been cleaned each time a patient is discharged from the hospital but we all know that no cleaner kills 100 percent of all germs.

Hospital spread infections have become a serious problem. As the patient, it is your responsibility to watch out for your health care. It is vital that you reduce the chance of infection as best as possible so that you will not develop any unwanted medical illnesses.

For people who want to have a loved one undergo drug testing or for anyone who just wants to go through a drug testing, here are some highly important points to take note of when it comes to drug testing and substance abuse. It really is high time for people all across the United States, even the entire world, to really put some greater importance on the life threatening risks that are involved when it comes to drugs and various other substance abuses.

Some general information about the detection of drug abuse from drug testing: as compared to having a drug testing wherein they will take samples of the patient’s blood, it is highly recommended that the medical technicians just use the patient’s urine as the urine has been proven to be actually more reliable when it comes to the detection of any drug abuse. Unfortunately, it also a more expensive kind of drug testing. However, even if it is fairly easy for medical technicians to see whether or not a person has taken in some harmful drugs into one’s system.

A urine drug testing, as goes with the blood drug testing, would not be able to provide the medical technicians with other relevant information with regards to the drug testing. Whether or not the patient is under the influence of the drug at a specific time is most unlikely to be determined by the urine drug testing.

Blood testing, however, in spite of being the lesser choice when it comes to drug testing will actually be able to help the medical technicians to obtain some more relevant information on whether or not the individual is actually under the influence of drugs during the time that he or she went through the drug testing. Although some experts say that this may tend to not be conclusive in all cases.

Another drug testing technique nowadays is through hair testing which is actually not recommended because a lot of laboratories are actually finding some difficulty with regards to the reliability of the results especially, as most often than not, drug testing through the hair usually poses “positive” results for the patient. A lot of people don’t buy into this kind of drug testing since with the simple act of washing one’s hair as well as being subjected to other hair “contaminants” can the patient actually saves his or herself from being detected with any substance abuse.

The laboratories that usually perform this kind of drug testing do not really have the ability to confirm the reliability as well as the accuracy of their hair testing’s results. This can actually put lawyers who are defending a person who is said to have been under substance abuse in a precarious situation wherein the evidence to be presented in court may really not be that reliable. The urine drug testing’s accuracy is also highly dependent on how the drug testing procedure has been carried out by the medical technician.

It is important to note that drug testing will only be extremely reliable and accurate if and only if every aspect of the drug testing process are done with much care. When mishandling happens, there is the great chance that the results of the drug testing may actually be inaccurate and unreliable. This is why when it comes to drug testing, the people who are going through with it should be fully aware of how the drug testing process should be appropriately done as well as exercise one’s assertiveness by demanding that the clinic which is conducting the drug testing has to do it properly and according to the systems standards.

Unfortunately, most especially during this time wherein more and more people are getting lured into doing drugs as well as other substance abuse, a lot of the clinics that are conducting drug testing all over the United States are not really capable of providing the reliable results that people need due to the rampant mishandling and as well as the improper way that some clinics conduct their drug testings. Therefore, the top three most reliable aspects that people should need to look for in a drug test for it be considered as reliable: strict collection procedures, proper testing procedures and random notification.

For more great drug testing info and advice check out: www.drugtestinghq.com

Nokia really put their backs into the design of the Nokia 6080 producing a real design classic. Like other similar phones from Nokia the visual design is really modern and would be appealing to a very broad range of customers.The 6080 from Nokia is a sleek and stylish mobile handset. For the money the Nokia 6080 is fairly well featured.

You may find it time consuming trying to identify the best deal on a Nokia 6080, after all there are many mobile shops and networks to consider. To find the best deal have a go at using a mobile phone comparison site .

The display is a TFT, 65K colors. A Standard battery, Li-Ion 820 mAh (BL-5B) battery is that is supplied with the Nokia 6080. In terms of the all important battery cell usage the Nokia 6080 has 1:30 talk time and 300 hours reserve charge. The ring-tones enabled on the 6080 are Polyphonic (24 channels), MP3, Monophonic, True Tones including a vibrating alert . With regards its size the Nokia 6080 is very compact. The 6080 weighs in at 91 g. This mobile handset is available in, Black and Gold. The Nokia 6080 is compatible with 2G GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 - US version . The 6080 is fitted with a VGA, 640×480 pixels, video (subQCif) camera. A WAP 2.0/xHTML compatible browser is also included. The 6080 also has , FM stereo radio, Video player, Push to talk, Calendar, Built-in handsfree, Voice memo, Java MIDP 2.0, Calculator and Voice command.

This is now quite an old handset, but still does a great job. If you come across one, being cleared as old stock you can steal yourself an absolutely fantastic bargain.

Dangers of dust in the workplace

Millions of workers are at risk because of dust for two reasons; the danger of combustion, and dust-related illness. Dust can cause explosions if there is a concentration cloud of dust and a source of ignition, and it is only through careful management and risk-minimisation that there are relatively few injuries caused in this way in the UK.

Dust-related illness is a much bigger problem for workers, and has been found to be one of the largest occupational killers in the UK. In 2003, there were around 4,000 deaths from industrial illnesses caused by dust such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer, and silicosis.

Workplaces where dust may cause health problems These are some of the places of work in which workers may be exposed to large amounts of dust:

- Mines (coal dust)

- Quarries (silica dust and flint dust)

- Textiles (leather dust)

- Mills and bakeries (flour dust)

- Building sites (cement dust and asbestos dust)

- Agriculture (grain dust)

- Wood-related work (wood dust)

There are 65,000 people who work with flour who are thought to be at significant risk of industrial illness as a result of poor dust control. Over 70 bakeries have been served with notices to improve working practices over the last 3 years as a result of low levels of health and safety regulation compliance.

Dust-related illnesses Most dust-related industrial illnesses take many years to develop, with people not realising they have them for up to 40 or 50 years in some cases. Pneumoconiosis is the name given to dust-related disease that affects the lungs, of which there are a number, including silicosis and asbestosis. Silicosis and asbestosis cause inflammation of the lungs and scarring of lung tissue, and symptoms such as weight loss, coughing, and severe breathing difficulties may also be present.

Other illnesses that can be caused by dust include:

- Skin conditions

- Eye damage

- Nose damage

- Cancer

- Asthma

How to reduce the risk of dust-related injuries and illnesses The general health and safety regulations which protect employees from dust include the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Factories Act 1961, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988. There are other regulations which may apply to specific industries, such as The Coal Mines (Respirable Dust) Regulations 1975, that provide extra protection for workers.

These are some ways in which employers can help make a cleaner, healthier environment for their employees:

- Installing an exhaust ventilation system, where dust is removed from the site of generation

- Installing a dilution ventilation system, where dust is spread evenly throughout the area

- Ensuring employees wear proper protective clothing and are aware of the importance of it. Nuisance dust masks are not considered adequate protection by the Health and Safety Executive, with respirators a much more effective solution

- Ensuring employees undergo regular health checks to pick up any early signs of possible illness

What to do if you have been diagnosed with a dust-related illness A compensation claim against your employer or former employer may well be a possible option, and one that should be explored within 3 years of diagnosis (or of the accident, in the case of an explosion caused by dust).

Employers have a duty of care for those working for them, and if they failed to ensure the well-being of staff and injury was caused as a result, then it is likely the injured worker will be entitled to compensation.

The first step to making a compensation claim is to obtain legal advice from specialists in industrial illness and accident at work compensation who will have experience and knowledge of claims similar to yours. The legal advice should be free and without obligation so you can make the decision of whether to proceed with the claim.

Realy terrific swimming pools to be won at online sweepstakes. Consumer promotions advertised as contests, however, can require an entry fee or proof of purchase. It should be really great or great to win 3393 dollar. 10 days ago a Dutch online company begun with a dutch online contests. 5 months ago a Europe based company started a dutch online sweepstakes. Before home computers were popular a common method of entry was a mailed one. Many state lotteries also run a second chance sweepstakes in conjunction with the retail sale of state lottery scratch cards. Fantastic BMWs to be won at contest websites. Although some sweepstakes ask for a proof of purchase or UPC code, the sponsors must provide an alternate method of entry if they do so. That should be super or terrific to win 8362 dollars. Sweepstakes are also legally different from contests in the United States. Many more sweepers are choosing to enter online sweepstakes. 7 hours ago a European dutch company has started with a sweepstakes websites. Really anyone can win marvelous prizes every 10 weeks. Realy terrific kitchens to win at online sweepstakes. There are also other online services, which automatically enter members into sweepstakes. Super plasmas to win at dutch online sweepstakes. 7 weeks ago a Belgium dutch online company took of a dutch online contests. Its absolutely fantastic or marvelous to win 4341 euros. That will be really great or terrific to win 1881 euro. 10 days ago a Belgium webcompany started a contest websites. Really everybody can win great SUVs every 9 hours. In an effort to increase consumer demand for scratch cards and to help control the litter small problems associated with the disposal of non-winning lottery tickets. This saves entrants time and effort. Sweepstakes are frequently used by fast-food restaurants to boost business. Fantastic cars to be won at sweepstakes websites. Sweepstakes are generally easier and quicker to enter than contests. Anyone can win realy terrific micro waves every 11 months at windeprijsvraag online contests. Members sign up once and are entered to various sweepstakes each month. The reason why contests are treated differently is that the winners are not chosen by chance but by an element of skill. Entering sweepstakes by mail is declining in popularity. You can win absolutely fantastic electrical tools every 21 hours. Sweepstakes promotions are prohibited from requiring a purchase to enter.

Contact lenses are optical accessories which rest directly on the cornea (the transparent, dome-shaped window covering the front of the eye.). Their task is to provide a better and natural vision than present-day spectacles.

Distortion caused by side vision and eye-lens distance is eliminated in using contact lenses. With spectacles the eye-lens distance makes the size of the objects appear smaller or bigger than actual depending upon whether you are near sighted or far sighted.

Spectacles block the peripheral vision because of the frame. When you look downwards, upwards or sideways you are looking outside the perimeter of the lens which makes you look at object without the eye glasses resulting in distorted or blurred vision because you are not looking through the optic zone.

This is more so because of the smaller frames fashionable these days. When you wear contact lenses, regardless of which way you look, you are always looking through the optic zone resulting in perfect vision. Contact lenses are resistant to scratches and easy breakage. They are also resistant to fogging and will provide clear vision even on a rainy day.

There are basically two kinds of contact lenses: Soft contact lenses and Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Both types can be used to correct all kinds of vision problems - hyperopia, myopia, presbyopia and astigmatism.

Soft lenses are easier to wear and more comfortable. This is the reason why they are selected by more than 80 percent of users. RGP lenses are used only when you must wear them constantly over a long period of time.

Selecting a contact lens depends upon the result of your optical examination. It is a smart idea to tell your ophthalmologist that you desire to use contact lenses and not glasses, so that he/she can test your eyes in view of that. A number of ophthalmologists do not advise contact lenses unless you ask them for a set.

Wearing contact lenses is appropriate to certain people like sports persons, acrobats, riders, etc., because they do not get in the way of their professional life. If you are in any of these professions and have a preference to wear spectacles, you can wear contact lenses on the job and swap them for glasses in your free time.

Are you planning to wear contact lenses? Visit Contact Lenses Center for the information about colour contact lenses. You will also find a lot of information on cheap contact lenses.