Posted on June 25th, 2010 by Peter in
There are some companies that you look into and you wonder why you never applied there for a job. Southwestern Company is often one of those companies. They don’t just build up people, or a company but they have built a community that cares for one another. The great thing about them too though is that you can work for and be a part of this community without working directly for the company. They have a lot of businesses that they will refer people to because one of their alumni has started their own company. They also rely on these companies for a lot of the workings of their own company.
Alumni have made companies in all aspects of business including consulting, investments & finance, fine art, executive search, fundraising, publishing and insurance which means that they have a lot of resources at their fingertips. These companies only came about after several summers of being out in the sun working hard, selling books door to door for Southwestern Company . That is probably the reason why you never signed up with them. It is the reason why a large number of people never signed up with them. There is something about this kind of hard work that really builds character, however very few people really want to do it. Part of it is probably because of each person’s memories of other door to door sales people, or their parent’s reactions to door to door sales people. Depending on the family it ranged from fear, to distaste, right through to being glad to see them each year even though they were never the same sales people.
The truth is that for most people it is the first summer that is usually the hardest. If you make it through that and find that you still want to be selling books you are probably going to not just do well but do very well. After one summer you know how to run your own business and make it successful. That is the real key that each of the alumni have learned. You also have made bonds of friendship that can not be broken because no one else knows what it was like out there on your own with no one but your group. In the end it turns out the Southwestern is more than just a company, they are a story of love and a story of growing up and they pass that story on to each person they hire.
Posted on June 23rd, 2010 by Peter in
There are too many famous and interesting people in the world today, and it helps make things go around in a very lovely way. Some cities seem to have higher concentrations of citizens who go on to do remarkable things. With Manhattan, it’s the energy that inspires people, but it’s also the sheer numbers making a higher probability for an interesting life. In Honolulu, it could be numbers, and it could be the landscape that inspires, but it certainly seems to be a place where greatness gets born. The Honolulu best hotels provide an excellent vantage point for anything inspiring, and may lead to some great ideas, but at the very least it offers a wonderful time.
For Bette Midler , it is a great place to be born, surely. She was hatched here, on December 1 in 1945, putting her at the beginning of a time where ideas were being shaped in remarkable ways. With her talent, however, it is likely that this remarkable voice would have done well being born anywhere. But Honolulu was a spectacular beginning, and she was able to indulge in her passions when she was growing up, which eventually led her to a small role in the film “Hawaii,” which got her enough funds to move to New York.
The rest of her story is history, but she was born into the heart of history. Her next big role was in ” Fiddler on the Roof ,” and her stage work took an unexpected turn. Her sister came from the island to see her on stage, and was killed by a car on her way to the theatre. It shook up Bette enough to make her rethink her place in the order of things, and she turned her life from ensemble work to performing solo. This is where she found the momentum to spin the wheels of her charismatic stage personas, and lead to a string of wildly successful projects. For someone who would sing the song that closed out the Johnny Carson version of the tonight show, this road was a long way from Honolulu, and maybe not so far after all.
Posted on June 21st, 2010 by Peter in
The best place to see Los Angeles, is up at the Griffith Observatory , located at 2800 E. Observatory Road, naturally. However, Griffith Observatory is worth a look too. First, it will be the art deco construction of this 1930s structure that will make you take your eyes off of the spectacular view of LA. Then, as you are drawn inside, it will be the Observatory’s state-of-the-art Planetarium that blasts off amazing light shows, which are eye candy to be feasted upon. The exhibits are well done and capture the imagination. For those old enough to remember, Griffith Observatory was the site of the unforgettable climax in the film ‘Rebel Without a Cause’, starring James Dean and it has a working Tesla Coil.
The Griffith Observatory is an amazing place, filled with spectacular exhibits but, The Observatory can get very crowded, so its recommended to attend on a weekday, that way you’ll be able to see all the shows, and you’ll have great visual access to all the exhibits. The weekends are ridiculously packed, shows are sold out, and you can barely see the exhibits. If you can, bring a lunch, because the cafes food isn’t all that great. If you’re staying at a Los Angeles cheap hotel and can’t pack your lunch, just make a quick stop at a deli and order food to go. Unfortunately, there’s no picnicking outside on the exquisite lawn, but you’re allowed to eat your own food in the cafe.
The best time to arrive though is after sunset, this way you won’t have to worry about lunch at all. After sunset, you’ll be able to look through the telescope located on the roof of the Observatory and actually see the rings of Saturn, the gas storms on Jupiter, or the craters on the moon. Be patient, because the line to the roof tends to be long. If you don’t want to wait, then head back down to the lower levels and go to The Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon which shows a free documentary film about the Observatory itself; it’s a great way to get the scoop on the Observatory.
Griffith Observatory is a well-known treasure for Los Angeles and all its residents, and it will become your special treasure also, even if you are there during very crowded conditions , the Observatory seems to make that seem like that’s how it’s supposed to be.
Posted on June 18th, 2010 by Peter in
For big cities, Overland Park is really rather small, with less than 200,000 people, but in the middle of so many very small towns, it is the biggest game around. In this part of Kansas, warm and sticky summers and white winters make the seasons very distinctive, and it’s one of the places in the country that gave birth to the idea of a middle America. It’s a perfect place for gorgeous hotels, Kansas being a lovely spot to spend some time rethinking paradise. The community spirit is very strong here, making it a very highly ranked spot among the best places to live, and best places to grow up. It seems quintessentially wholesome, and is as lovely to visit as it is to live here.
The idea of Kansas as a place where dreams get born is a very powerful one in the mythology of the country, and it’s certainly been strengthened with the life story of Jean Harlow . Born Harlean Harlow Carpenter in Seneca, Kansas, her childhood was in an idyllic place, although for her particular biography, it wasn’t as carefree as it was for some of the other kids. Her parents were struggling always to make things work, including their own marriage, and she ended up living with her mother when it all fell apart.
She made her way to Hollywood with her mother’s prodding, and married at the age of 16 (not by her mother’s prodding, her romances were all her own). By the time she would be flirting with William Powell, she had already been through a couple of husbands, and had also walked into the hearts of film lovers all over the world. Her natural good looks, unnatural platinum hair, and easy charm were coupled with an impeccable sense of rhythm, particularly for comedies. She would come to know all the lead leading men of her time, including Cary Grant and Clark Gable . Renal failure took her life at only 26 years old, a tragedy that is only eclipsed by the fame she’d earned in such a short time. It was also a fame that would take a girl from Kansas to realize a big wish in a mythical land, and one that would transform the way people dream.
Posted on June 15th, 2010 by Peter in
Deciding to take on rental property is a big decision; however it can be very profitable, especially considering the current economy and the fact that fewer people are buying and more people are renting. Like all big decisions, it is best to have all of the facts and make sure that you understand what you are getting into before making any binding agreements.
Renting property is not as simple as simply desiring to do so. There are a lot details — legal and otherwise — that need to be considered both before and after the property is rented out. For this reason, it is a good idea to hire a property manager.
There are many different things to consider when it comes to hiring a property manager. First you will want to inquire about the areas they work in. Depending on the size of the property management company, or if it is solely an individual, their services may only be available in certain areas. For example, Transglobe property management services are available in many areas throughout Canada.
On top of taking care of the important legal details — the lease agreement, landlord/tenant laws, monthly rent — property managers also handle many of the day-to-day issues. This can be of particular importance, especially if don’t live close to your property. Most property managers will take care routine maintenance problems as well as general upkeep on the property. When tenants move out, property managers taking care of the advertising and provide a lot of assistance in finding new tenants.
Property managers, and property management companies like Transglobe Property Management can be an indispensable service when it comes to managing your rental property. However, it can quickly become a nightmare if you don’t do your research and ask the right questions before you hire someone. If you go into the rental business with your eyes open and aware, there are many property management companies out there that will make owning rental property the dream job you always hoped it would be.
Posted on June 10th, 2010 by Peter in
The island paradise that is the chain that makes up the great state of Hawai’i registers on everyone’s radar. It’s a place to go to get away from it all, and it’s the perfect spot to hide from the world. It’s also considered to be one of the great wonders of the world, with a perfect setting for a vacation or a honeymoon. It’s also the setting of some pretty memorable tv shows and films, and on the top of the list of these is always Hawaii Five-O.
The show that featured Jack Lord racked up a very strong number in terms of audiences, and also had the traction to last for 12 seasons. This was largely due to the remarkable abilities of Jack Lord to bring the role of Steve McGarrett to life. That role was based on Hollywood icons of male toughness, where a smile was an enemy and every situation needed to be considered for its danger first and foremost. It also became iconic, perpetuating the tough guy and putting it into new dimensions. Even if McGarrett wasn’t exactly nice, he was a good person, and he always did the right thing.
Part of this legacy was carried over into the novel by Cameron Crowe, Fast Times, where the teacher, Mr. Hand, held McGarrett as a role model for life. It is elusive and evocative, and sometimes even the source of a lot of laughs, but it’s also interesting that Jack Lord lived here after the show, up until his death in his 70s . HIs presence here isn’t exactly as ubiquitous as five star Hawaiian hotels , but the mark is just as lasting and deep.
During the filming, it was Lord’s insistence that kept the local Hawaiian presence high, and well-represented. He also headed many philanthropic efforts to benefit the people of Hawaii, and it’s estimated that his contributions are well into the millions. He kept this quiet, and his private life was private, demonstrating an old-school attitude toward all things, including giving what you have been fortunate to receive.
Posted on June 7th, 2010 by Peter in
Looking for the ultimate vacation place for the entire family? Waikiki Beach is the tourist mecca for people from around the world; mainly because it offers one of Hawaii’s best recreational beaches that stretches 2 miles along some of the most beautiful shorelines in all of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is crowded, but that’s because it is the best place where one can swim, surf, snorkel and canoe. This expansive recreational and picnic area, which include Kapiolani Park , invites you to meander through a maze of bronze bodies, umbrellas, and sand castles that seem to have hardly changed from times gone by; watch the 1937 movie ‘Waikiki Wedding’, and you too will feel the agelessness of Waikiki. Yes, the swimsuits have become skimpy, the surfboards are more streamlined and smaller, the forest surrounding the coastline has grown high, but the people are still the same when it comes to soaking up the sunshine, and to participate in a unique Waikiki tradition known as the ‘Outrigger Canoe Ride’.
Once you’ve picked a beach hotel Hawaii offers its millions of tourists each year, take a step outside and head for the beach, which at most beach hotels is only a few steps away. Waikiki Beach has lifeguards, plenty of sand and reef to accommodate the thousands of tourists without it feeling crowded; there are plenty of picnic areas, restrooms, showers and public phones. To make sure your entire family has a great time, ask any of the lifeguards what the swimming conditions are like that day, where the deep holes are and where the best places are to swim, surf, snorkel and windsurf. Bring plenty of sunscreen, you’ll want to be able to go to the beach everyday; sunburns will stop any enjoyment of your vacation.
After a day at the Waikiki Beach, head to Lu Lu’s for dinner. Located directly across the beach. Lu Lu’s offers delicious dishes, friendly service and a priceless panoramic view of Diamond Head crater and Waikiki Beach at their retro-surf atmosphere open air dining room. Try one of Lu Lu’s signature cocktails as you peruse the extensive menu. You and you’re entire family will definitely have a great time as you eat and reminisce about your great day at the beach.
Posted on June 1st, 2010 by Peter in
No matter what business you are in, the most important part of business is customer service. This is especially true of when you are running your own company, or when you are working as an independent agent in direct sales for a larger company like Southwestern Company . No matter which case you are in there is no one to blame for bad service than yourself. It is easy to say that the product is still on it’s way or that you are sorry for the product being defective and that you will contact the manufacturer, but in the end it will be your product that they remember not to buy again, not your manufacturer or your distributor. If you are a direct seller, it is not likely that they will necessarily contact the larger company, such as Southwestern Company , about good or bad behavior, and if they do it is not that company’s responsibility to deal with your behavior, it is yours and yours alone. There are a few things you can do to make sure that service is great at least most of the time however.
The golden rule of course is that the customer is always right . Even when they are wrong, they are right. If a customer says that they had a rude delivery man, keeping the man on that route won’t help your reputation and neither will simply apologizing. While you should apologize, and possibly even take the guy off that route and put him on another route, also give the customer something extra for the trouble they had to go through. It will make you stand out a little and make them remember how nice you were about the whole thing. Remember not to get gruff with them, share their outrage and disarm them with kindness and you might be able to turn a customer who is ready to leave into a loyal customer for life .
As your company grows and succeeds you will need to hire more people. When this happens make sure to share your standards for customer service with each and every employee and make sure that they treat the customers with the same standards. When this happens word of mouth will continue to spread, allowing your company to grow even further.
Posted on May 26th, 2010 by Peter in
Greece itself is frequently considered by many people from across the world to be a virtual paradise and it attracts numerous tourists every year. In addition, some of the Greek isles are amazing on their own and sometimes even haven an almost equal fame status as the ancient name of Greece. There are so many historic landmarks that date from various periods throughout the centuries that this is another reason many people, including scholars and archeologists, are attracted to it. And most of the people who visit Greece tour at least one of the islands while they are there. And Corfu is one of the most popular of them, which is understandable considering its incredible beauty, among other things.
And for those lucky people who decide to base their visit to Greece on one of the islands, the resorts and hotels on the island of Corfu are some of the most beautiful and accommodating you can find. In addition to all of the beautiful geography and coastal areas on the island, it is interesting to know that its history is directly related to that of all of Greece’s and its beginnings lie with Greek mythology .
The name of the island is derived from, or at least related to in conservative opinions, two important symbols of the sea, Poseidon and Asopos.
In its mythological status, Poseidon fell in love with the daughter of Asopos and ran off with her to a secret island that had not yet been named. The happy couple had a child named Phaiax, and the all of the future inhabitants of the island would be named after the offspring. Throughout its history the island has been a vortex of conflict and battle and this continued up until the modern era. It is now enjoying, as are the tourists who visit it a sense of bliss that was bestowed on it by the original inhabitants.
Posted on May 22nd, 2010 by Peter in
School is ending for many high school seniors and although it is still a couple of months away, it is time to start preparing for a life away from home, without your parents and all the friends you made in high school. This is a time when you have to be able to do things on your own, but you will also be able to have some help from those who are in a higher place of authority than you are. Now is a good time to get ready to be in college , so here are a few things you should do before heading off.
Get copies of important documents.
You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate , your social security card, and a copy of your medical records. You will also want a social security card. If you are moving with a car you will want to make sure you have all the paperwork for the car in order.
Get to know your roommate.
Most schools will send you a little contact info on your new roommate . Call them early and start to get to know them. This will give you a chance to become friends as well as allowing you to work out rules for when you move in with each other. If you like to listen to your music at all hours and your roommate likes quiet you may need to work out some rules.
Get to know your housing
Know what is available in your housing . Will there be a laundromat inside the dorms or apartment you are moving into? Can you park your car somewhere, or will you have to give it up? These are important things to know about your new home. If you are going to be living in a hot or cold climate you will also want to know if there is heating or air conditioning.
Get a physical list of important phone numbers and addresses.
You want this to be a physical list. If something happens to your cell phone you want to be able to find the numbers of anyone who is important to you so that you can still stay in touch with them.
