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 Jay White2008-04-11T21:22:29.115-05:00Decluttering? Learn to Take Great Photos for eBay It's the time of year when most of the population comes out of hibernation. Perhaps mildly overweight, seasonally depressed, or a little cluttered, it's time to shake the cob webs lose and take some action.
I have already explained the process of decluttering your house. The end result however is a pile of "stuff" that's too good to trash, but, um, is still clutter that needs to go. Charity is always a good option but with most of America in a credit crunch , many people are finding themselves in financial need. Maybe it's time to finally exercise your right to list items on eBay, Craigslist, etc.
Auctioning items is not difficult, however, there are tactics to take if you want to maximize your time investment and realize higher returns. One of the most important is the photo. I mean, this is what the person is buying from - the image you put in front of them. There is more to this than point and click and since eBay charges you to add photos to your auction listings, you may as well make them winning shots.
Photojojo, one of my favorite sites for photo-anything, does a fantastic job explaining over a dozen key aspects to consider.
"If you can’t use natural light, be sure to use the white balance function on your camera. You can also use image editing software like Photoshop to clean up your photos after the fact. Play with the color balance to take out any color casts you may have picked up from artificial lighting, and lighten the photos if they’re too dim. This is particularly important if you’re trying to show the color of your item." If you are photo-challenged and want an easy way to increase your time investment in eBay, head over to Photojojo and take a look.
Shoot to Sell: Taking Better Photos for eBay, Etsy & Instructables
 Jay White2008-04-10T08:06:44.767-05:005 Business Decisions You Will Absolutely Regret
As an online entrepreneur, you will most likely make your share of bad decisions. You are not perfect and that’s perfectly normal, it's part of the process and it makes us stronger.
As you dive into a new business, or any venture really, you basically have two tasks that trump nearly anything else: - Learn from your mistakes
- Learn from the mistakes other people have made
It sounds simple but it's often overlooked as entrepreneurs tend to take the, "I'll do it my way" attitude. If you are over that, and are interested in learning, here are 5 business decisions you need to think twice before making:
- Neglecting Your Business Model
Sure, you may have what you think represents an excellent idea and want to get started right away. As a result, you may feel tempted to neglect spending time on your business model and, instead, choose to launch your project as soon as possible. That, however, is a huge mistake you need to steer clear of, as it is easy to understand why a structure built on a shaky foundation will not last.
- Not Having The Right Priorities
There are more than a few tasks you can spend time on but that doesn’t mean that each and every one of them is worth it, not by a long shot. The day only has 24 hours and being selective is simply a must. Always have the right priorities and act accordingly. Otherwise, you may end up realizing that most time-consuming tasks were simply not worth it and, of course, regret your decision down the road.
- Not Having an Open Mind
A lot of folks think that just because something is working out for them (a certain website promotion method, for example), they should stick with it and not look into other options as well. It should come as no surprise that, after that method stops performing well, the reality check they will be facing will make them wish that they had been wiser.
- Not Delegating
Do you really think that you should handle each and every insignificant task yourself? That is never the way to go and such a way of thinking is never recommended. At one point or another, you will simply not be able to stay on top of everything and delegating, if done right, can certainly work wonders.
- Not Tracking Results
Let us, once again, take website promotion methods as an example. Since there are virtually unlimited options to choose from, investing time or money foolishly is something you cannot afford to do. As a result, tracking results is simply a must because, in the end, it’s all a matter of trial & error.
Always remember one word: “investment”. Be it an investment of time or an investment of money, you most definitely have to track results in order to identify what is worth your time or money and what is not. All in all, these 5 business mistakes should definitely be kept in mind. You’d be surprised as to how many online entrepreneurs end up not being able to maximize results because of them. Are you about to let that happen or did you learn from their mistakes?
Best wishes,
Alan Johnson
 Jay White2008-04-09T16:51:41.264-05:0050 Ideas for a Healthy Lifestyle that take 10 Minutes or LessWritten on 4/09/2008 by Lisa Newton, founder of Iowa Avenue, a healthy-living social community.
What is a Healthy Lifestyle?
According to a study by Michigan State University, a healthy lifestyle is defined by four basic criteria:
- Not smoking
- Holding weight down
- Eating right
- Exercising
Of the 153,000 respondents, only 3% participated in all four of what are termed healthy lifestyle characteristics.
“We have millions of people now going through adult life leading unhealthy lifestyles and a medical system that can treat illnesses and keep you alive longer than ever before,” said Mathew Reeves, a Michigan State University epidemiologist. “If we don’t turn this around, the costs to society are going to be crippling.”
What can be done to help people change?
Everyone talks about achieving it, but most people have plenty of excuses as to why they can’t, won’t, or don’t want to change their current status. The most common excuse people make for not trying to have a healthy lifestyle is “a lack of time.” Have you ever said to yourself, “Oh, I’m tired, I don’t have time to exercise?” or “I don’t feel like cooking dinner tonight; let’s just get some fast food.”
Yes Dorothy, excuses are real and they are contagious.
Time and health always seem to be at odds with each other. We have time to work, time to commute, time for our business associates, but very little time to spend on ourselves, people we love, or even random people who deserve our attention.
What can you do in 10 minutes or less?
More than you think. In a brief 10 minute window you can release tension, prevent future frustrations, get your blood flowing, etc. In fact, here are 50 things you can do. With time out as an excuse, what are you going to begin doing differently tomorrow? I don't care what it is, the point is, just do something!
Here are some ideas. If you have other thoughts, leave them in the comments!
- Brush your teeth
- Do 15 sit-ups
- Read the health news headlines of the day
- Straighten your posture
- Eat an apple
- Stand up and stretch
- Send a friendly email to a friend
- Resist the impulse purchase of a candy bar
- Post an inspirational quote on Twitter
- Do 10 lunges
- Drink a glass of water
- Smile
- Put a package of oatmeal in your pocket or purse for a healthy breakfast or snack
- Throw a bottle of water in there as well
- Plug your cell phone into the charger
- Pay a bill online
- Ask to have your salad dressing on the side
- Start a dollar jar to be added to once per day
- Open a window
- Say thank you to someone who deserves it
- Take a deep breath
- Put on your seat belt
- Wake up 10 minutes earlier
- Post a comment on a blog
- Turn off the lights when you’re the last one out
- Put on your make-up (this usually pertains to the ladies, but hey, whatever makes you happy)
- Share a healthy recipe
- Give your mother a call
- Wash your hands
- Put on hand lotion
- Check your blood pressure
- Jog in place for 9 minutes
- Throw away that pen that doesn’t work
- Take a canvas tote bag to the grocery store
- Ask a friend to join you for a healthy dinner
- Put down the remote control and get up to change the TV channel
- Hug your kids
- Replace your next cup of coffee with a cup of tea
- Lay out your clothes for the next day
- Put your car keys in the same place everyday
- Take a 10 minute break
- Suck on a breath mint
- Add a little pepper to your salad
- Load the dishwasher
- Play FreeRice for 5 minutes
- Take a quick walk
- Prepare your coffee maker the night before
- Skip your late evening grocery store run
- While watching TV, do 5 push-ups during the commercial
- Read this list over again and count how many things pertain to you
These things take no time at all but they all could ensure a positive day and a healthier lifestyle. How many of these do you or can you do in a day? What other things can you add to the list?
Whatever you choose to do, make your day healthier and happier. If you can, do the same for someone else too, because, after all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!
-Lisa
 Jay White2008-04-09T08:56:25.273-05:00Gain by Giving: How to Live A Good LifeWritten on 4/09/2008 by Shelly DeVous.
Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose-Driven Life ,” says we can all live A Good Life. But how? For many, living a good life seems like a dream…like Dorothy standing in the poppy field gazing at the castle of Oz far off in the distance. We view it as something we will eventually attain like a dream of a magical place; not something possible today. If that is your perception of living A Good Life, you may never attain it.
A Good Life is not a destination. It is not far off in your future.
Living A Good Life is not doing ten things you hate doing today so you eventually achieve something good in the future. The good life is not about goals or dreams.
As long as you view the attainment of A Good Life as a future phenomenon you will never attain it. That is what A Good Life is not. So, what is it?
A Good Life is:
- Real —many, many people experience A Good Life everyday
- Attainable —it is within everyone’s grasp, everyday
- Immediate —it is possible today and everyday of your life
- Life-changing —once you experience the benefits of A Good Life everyday will be fulfilling
Let’s approach the definition and attainment of A Good Life by answering the questions Who? What? Where? When and How?
- Who? Only you can define how you will live A Good Life. No one else can describe your good life, but you. What matters to you, what you feel is important, what makes you unique is only defined by you.
- What? What is A Good Life? It is the life you live by sharing your unique gifts in a way that enriches you and those around you. A Good Life is not about money, wealth, prestige or power. If that is how you are defining your good life, you are on the wrong track…A Good Life will remain a distant phenomenon. A Good Life is much more personal and much “closer to home.”
- Where? A Good Life is everywhere you go in everything you do. It permeates every conversation, relationship, and encounter from your home life to the stranger on the street. A Good Life is everywhere.
- When? All the time. Notice, everyday is included in each of the above qualities of A Good Life. Daily is when and how you live A Good Life. What you do today dictates how you feel today. It may also influence how you feel tomorrow, but there are no guarantees for that. Only today can you absolutely impact how you feel and act today.
- HOW? The $64,000 question…Rick Warren states, “The good life is about being good and doing good…giving your life away.”
You may think his definition means you have to become a “do-gooder.” That is not what he means. His definition of “being good and doing good” has more to do with you being true to yourself and others than adopting “do-gooder” behavior. The real clue to attaining and living A Good Life is his last line”…giving your life away.”
Consider this question: What do we all possess that we all value?
The answer: Our unique selves.
In this booming age of blogs and Web 2.0, individual ideas and opinions reign supreme. We all want to know what the other has to say…what opinions others express, reviews of products, new ways to apply technology. We want to know what web sites others feel are important or interesting. We place high value on others’ opinions even when the others are strangers. Exchanging ideas and opinions is an expression of our true selves. Each of us brings a different perspective, a new thought, or a unique challenge. All of us learn from what others express. We place high value on the uniqueness of others.
Why? Simple.
- We are all most unique when we express our opinions.
- We are all most truthful when we express our opinions.
- We are all most altruistic when we express our opinions.
Sharing our unique, honest expressions with complete strangers so others can gain from our wisdom and experience is “giving your life away.” It is altruistically sharing your unique gifts with others….”being good and doing good,” by giving it away.
Rick Warren also states, “Your value is not based on your valuables.” Your value is based on who you are; the unique you who possesses unique talents. Only when we give our unique value away do we attain what is most valuable…A Good Life. The purpose of our unique value is not to hoard it, but to share it, and only in sharing it will we feel valued. Here are six simple things you can share that will help you live A Good Life:
- Your thoughts, ideas, opinions
- Your experience—show others what you can do for them
- Your smile; your enthusiasm, your willingness
- Your touch—give a pat on the back...shake a hand…show affection
- Your time---a few minutes, an hour, or a day devoted to another
- Your talent---share your creativity, your mechanical ability, your technical skills
How do you live A Good Life? Everyday, share what is unique about you. Kindly, generously, share your opinions and ideas. Be truthful, honest and willing. Smile and be optimistic about your gifts. Give of yourself so others can gain. Do it everyday, with every encounter. At the end of the day, reflect on what you did and what made you feel the best about yourself. That will be your clue about what you do and how you live tomorrow. Enriching another’s life with your unique gift is living A Good Life…however and wherever that manifests itself.
“Significance in life comes from giving it away,” Rick Warren guides us to the path of living A Good Life.
What makes you significant? Answer that question…then give it away, everyday. Then, you will be living A Good Life.
-Shelly

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