Multimedia in Rapid E-Learning

Rapid e-learning is taking the industry by storm because it's by far, easier and more convenient to use for the creation and execution of electronic learning courses. This new development can actually allow less experienced users to create courses despite their limited understanding of it. However, mediocrity can still be overcome because it is still possible to leverage this tool's capabilities to create highly engaging content as long as there's at least a basic understanding of multimedia and similar technology. This will involve graphics, audio and video.

Graphics Designers should strive to use and maintain the best quality when it comes to images used in rapid electronic learning. This is where the concept of image formats comes in, and the immediate task at hand is to understand these varieties of formats and determine the kind that will best suit a project.

By experience, the best successes are achieved with the use of vector-based images mainly due to the fact that they scale better. Another format that scales well is.swf or flash files. However, this will require the insertion of a flash object which presents certain limitations upon use.

Aside from understanding of how formats work, it is likewise vital to employ the use of a good quality graphics editing program. Such programs can really contribute to the manipulation and customization of images. They are also useful for the conversion of certain files into a particular kind of formats because sometimes there are compatibility issues.

Audio. It is important to remember that good audio is dependent on the quality you use at the beginning, because you cannot improve it over the original. So the key to excellent audio quality is the combination of location, talent and equipment. There are a lot of elements to consider when it comes to audio such as microphones, recording and narration quality. A lot of resources are available online that give useful, basic information regarding the use of microphones, as well as the ideal and most effective locations to record audio. For narration, it doesn't have to be done professionally. As long as it is clear and understandable, then you have what you call a "presentation" quality audio.

Some other points that are worth paying attention to are the following: ambient audio contributes to an immersive learning experience, background audio creates emotional cues, and music can contribute to changed behavior. But remember to keep them relevant to the course, and make sure that they contribute to learning. Appropriateness is always key.

Video. It has become inevitable that there is a huge demand for the use of video in rapid elearning. This very fact prompts for the imperative of having a basic understanding of video formats, frame rates, online streaming, and high quality web delivery. Basically, video quality is like audio. If you start with bad quality, then you end up with bad quality. This again calls for the need for research, and a good place to start this is online. There are a lot of available resources that provide handy, easy-to-understand information.

Rapid e-learning evolves with technology. Since the tools used for it become more advanced, then it is the responsibility of course designers to keep up with these updates because they need to have good end-to-end skills. It is not a requirement to become an expert, but there is absolutely no question that there is a need to have a good understanding of the basics. Multimedia is a great way to make engaging electronic learning course content. It suits the learning preference of majority of the learners of today. A good advantage also is that there are lots of sources to help a person out with its use when necessary.

A computer graduate and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats and walk with them in the park with some dogs.

For more information regarding Elearning you may want to call directly at 813-814-2345 or visit our website for more help.

Stuck in the SAP?

SAP, as you may well know by now stands for Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing. SAP is one of the most revolutionary Enterprise Resource Planning systems which can help businesses achieve outstanding results through improving efficiency to maximise profits

So what brings you to SAP?

Has your company just implemented a SAP system and are you at a complete loss as to how this software architecture works? You may be an ambitious individual who wants to spruce up their CV by becoming a SAP consultant and achieve accreditation or certification. Or you may just be looking to implement SAP software and are investigating the SAP training options available to your organisation. Let's take a closer look at SAP training options:

End User Training or EUT - EUT is crucial to the successful implementation, usage and acceptance of SAP within a company. To be used within its full capabilities all end users of SAP need to fully understand and accept how and why it is operated and managed. An investment made in SAP software alone without a commitment to investing in SAP EUT training is one which will not provide much of a return!

Project and Team Training - Organisational teams are made up of a group of diverse individuals with specific roles, objectives and responsibilities. SAP Project and Team training is needed to ensure that the expertise and capability of each team member is fully utilised to improve performance and delivery. The most effective Project and Team Training should be focused on delivering training at different levels within the team: team member level, supervisor level and manager level.

Certification Training - For individual SAP consultants Certification Training is a pathway to excellence. SAP certified consultants are an elite bunch and achieving the certification is a mark of excellence which can lead to a strong and rewarding career within the world of SAP. A former SAP consultant is now Co-Chief Exec of the entire company! Legitimate certification training is offered at 3 levels: Associate, Professional and Master.

How is SAP training delivered?

As you can expect, SAP training delivery is just as innovative as the software itself. SAP itself has a comprehensive Education academy with innumerable training options for teams, companies and individuals. SAP training can be E-learning based, Classroom based or delivered On-Site

E-Learning - one of the most flexible training delivery options, E-learning can be delivered to anyone at any time in any place. Delivered in manageable modules, most SAP training providers will incorporate interactive elements into their training programmes such as online tutor support and even lectures and tutorials in E-Classrooms.

SAP Classrooms - although delivered in a functional classroom format, current SAP training courses are dynamic and engaging. Classroom based training is great for individuals that like to be face to face with tutors and peers, encouraging group work and peer to peer learning.

On-Site Training - many providers of SAP training in the UK offer on-site training for SAP users. On-site training is extremely cost-effective for implementing EUT and Project/Team training, and ensures that every individual is receiving training that is consistent, practical and applicable.

When considering the best SAP training option for you always remember to take into account the time and budget resources which you have available, as well as your objectives for undertaking the training in the first place. And if you're still stuck in the SAP after this article just give Quotebean a call!

Posted by:- Angela Smythe,
Contact her: - angela@quotebean.co.uk,
To read more articles on SAP Training and other Business Services by Angela Smythe Click Here: - SAP Training Related Articles And to Get free Training & Business Services Quotes and Advise from Top UK Suppliers Feel free to contact us Quotes & Advise

2 Big Reasons to Use Channel Partner Portals

Channel management strategies are indispensable in today's business world. It has shed light on more pressing management needs such as partner satisfaction and improvement. All strategies have certain key components that ensure its successful execution. For channel partner management, partner portals are ultimately essential.

Partner portals are web based applications that allow parent companies to communicate and collaborate effectively with the different members of their channels. It enables them to work alongside their partners efficiently as formed business relationships are nurtured and managed optimally. When these portals were not yet the standard in channel partner management, the various distribution channels used to accomplish tasks through methods such as telephone calls, fax, email messaging and the like. Although useful to a certain degree, such technologies do not guarantee rapid results, accuracy and optimum efficiency. But now, thanks to these innovations, parent companies can easily connect and interact with their partners so that their channels can perform at their best.

2 Big Reasons to Use Portals:

1. Business Process Improvement

A partner portal requires partners to provide authorized logon credentials so that they may enjoy real-time access to the application and the many benefits it offers. It permits them to take advantage of the various information, reseller programs, deal registrations, leads, contacts, support and other resources they would require to function well for the channel.

Since the members of the channel can gain access to all the resources, information, programs and support they would require, and then they will be satisfied. The parent company can enjoy loyalty and commitment from these partners if they utilize portals to take care of business relationships. It is not enough to simply recruit a high-performance company into the channel. Manufacturers should do well to remember that a company will not strive to do well for one manufacturer if nothing is in it for them. That's the reality of the business world.

Furthermore, there is increased transparency in channel management thanks to the applications' real time environment. Parent companies can easily identify areas that require modification, and the partners that are proving to be assets or mere liabilities. This way, management tasks can be executed accurately and effectively.

Through enhanced collaboration and communication, partners and partnerships are managed, maintained and improved. Members that perform well equate to a successful and efficient channel distribution network, which in turn implies an exponential progress in business processes and productivity.

2. Channel Conflict Prevention

As mentioned earlier, there is transparency within a channel thanks to portals. Behaviors, performance and partner needs are easily identified which in turn allows managers to act accordingly and provide the best possible management strategy. The proper management of a channel distribution network is dependent on having a clear and direct view of channel activity and keeping track of sales contribution. If this is not accomplished, a series of problems can arise which may potentially harm the network.

The best way portals prevent channel conflict is by integrating deal registration. Deal registrations benefit channel members by deepening and widening business relationships. The end result is a significant decrease in conflict and an increase in sales volume and partner loyalty.

A computer graduate and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats and walk with them in the park with some dogs.

You may want to take a look at a Partner Portals web page for more information and details or you may call us directly at 877 226 2564 (TOLL FREE).

Career Planning: Great Job But Can't Afford to Move

Q. I live in a wonderful house in the Midwest. Recently a recruiter asked if I would consider a new job with a move to Southern California. The salary would be higher but the cost of living -- ouch! Should I go on the interview?

A. Let's do the easy part first. I almost always recommend going on the interview. Of course, do not jeopardize your current job or current clients.

But you have little to lose. Occasionally you will be considered for other jobs in the company. You may be able to negotiate a telecommute option. Your interviewer may know of other opportunities in more desirable locations.

And now let's say you get a job offer for Los Angeles. You wonder if you can find a place to rent or buy. The only affordable homes seem to be 2 hours away from your job. What can you do?

We're focusing here on finding a place to live, but the process works for other must-haves, too: access to the ocean, driving versus public transportation, art museums...even a good bakery or deli.

(a) Visit your new city before you accept an offer. Don't skip this step, even if you pay your own way.

(b) Look around on your own -- not with an agent or company representative. (If an agent offers to show you around, take another day alone.)

As you look, make detailed notes. Stay in touch with an objective friend, family member or paid consultant - someone who can be a sounding board when you are facing a tough decision.

(c) Revisit your offer.

Often the dollar amount and the terms look different - in either direction -- after your Exploration day. Consider negotiating for a signing bonus or additional salary. Or make your acceptance contingent on finding a place to live.

(d) Be ready to walk away from an offer.

We tell ourselves, "Sure, I can handle a two-hour commute." Or, "Sure, I can downsize to a 500-square-foot studio apartment for me, my St. Bernard dog, and my three cats. And if the guy in my life becomes my life partner, we'll squeeze him in too."

My friend "Tim" is like that. He is super-easygoing and he can live in anything from a dungeon to a palace. Most of us can't.

(e) Be ruthlessly honest.

Resentment leads to frustration, anger and stress. This is not the time to grit your teeth and mutter, "I can do this!" or, "I can do without that!" (unless, of course, you're trying to survive the Marine Corps Boot Camp -- a career choice that draws my admiration but not my expertise).

When I was in graduate school, one of my classmates had been a successful corporate manager. When he decided to go back to school, he sold a large house and downsized to a tiny dark studio apartment, determined to live the student life.

He dropped out of school in the middle of his very first year, although he had been identified as a promising scholar. I am convinced he would have completed the program if he had chosen a nicer place to live.

Bottom Line: Every time I (or my clients) have declined an offer for honest, realistic reasons, a better opportunity seems to turn up, faster than expected. No guarantees but don't be surprised if that's your experience too.

Career Consultant Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. created the 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover guide for midlife professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs. Learn more. [http://www.cathygoodwin.com/21days.html] Relocating? Check out my guide to surviving the stress and hassle. Start here.

The Best Dog Training Book

Canine training has become main stream with in the last few years due to the Animal Planet and TV shows like the "Dog Whisper" with Cesar Milam. These shows have started a revolution in pet awareness, pet training, and human pet interactions. The focus of this article is about dog training and some of the books around to help with this training. With so many ways to train our dogs it has become very difficult to determine which training book is best. I have read many dog training books, articles and below have listed some items you want to pay attention to when picking the best dog training book.

With so many books out on the market it might be hard sometimes to decide what to pick and why. There are many factors that will determine which book is the best pet education book for you. One factor that you will want to look at is whether or not the book achieves your goals of preparation your canine. The fundamental concept for each book is to build a relationship with your animal and learn how to communicate what you want from your dog in a positive, punishment free environment. Building a happy relationship with your pet will be a core goal of all pet training. Some times you see people walking their dogs, but it looks like the dog is walking them! We want to avoid this and have our pet to be well trained.

There are different techniques used in different books to achieve these concepts. One of the most popular training methods is the clicker training method. This type of training is based on using a small clicker device that makes 'NOISE' and is used as reinforcement to the puppy. This training starts off by having you first condition the dogie to expect a treat when it hears the sound of the clicker. Once you have conditioned the pet you start to train the behavior you want of your animal while clicking the clicker device each time your pet performs the action you want.

The second type of training is based on using small dog treats to reinforce the behavior you want from you dog. Easy dog obedience instruction or do it yourself dog training stresses using positive reinforcements like small dog treats or positive praise. Each book will have specific details for you to use with its training. Such factors such as the environment you should train the dog in. A time line to use for making sure you dog teaching is progressing. Results that you should see as you train to ensure you are meeting your goals. You will probably need to read a few dog teaching books to see which one works best for you.

Creator of: Dog Training Tools site
Dog Training Certification site

What is Tapping Therapy?

Tapping Therapy, sometimes also known as EFT, uses the ancient principles of Chinese acupuncture to address your feelings (especially the negative feelings) about issues you experience on a regular basis. For example: fears and phobias, sadness, anger, disappointment, frustration, or nearly anything that interferes with your serenity.

This is such a simple technique, that even a young child may be easily taught to use it efficiently.

Based on the use of meridian energy points on the face, body, and hands, but without the acupuncture needles, tapping therapy accesses the emotional "memories" in your body. By physically touching the meridian points affected, while gently exploring negative feelings and memories, EFT tapping allows the release of that negative energy.

Then, new, more positive feelings may be set into place.

Tapping therapy has been known to help, and in some cases, totally do away with emotional and even physical challenges. It is commonly used to enhance athletic, business, and personal performance, increase prosperity, and for reducing undesirable behaviors, such as inappropriate food cravings.

You can use this tapping method to address such physical issues as weight loss, allergies, blood pressure, and pain management. Even supposedly incurables like Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, Diabetes, and Cancer may be helped.

EFT therapy is available to everyone. It requires no special equipment, doesn't involve the use of any drugs, and may be practiced anywhere. It can be used to help yourself or others, it's painless, and its applications appear to be limited only by your imagination.

You can even download the "how to" book at no charge at the EmoFree web site.

There is probably nothing that can't be improved with tapping therapy, so what's holding you back? Start tapping today.

As a naturopathic practitioner, Sherri Stockman often uses EFT tapping therapy with her clients. For more on how EFT can help you, please visit her site at

>> http://www.EFTtappinginfo.com

You can learn how to put tapping to use immediately in your life at

>> [http://EFTtappinginfo.com/eftbooks]

Restaurant Copy Recipes

I think if you were to ask people, you would find that many of us have favorite restaurants, and favorite meals that we enjoy eating in restaurants. Whether it's fried chicken, burgers, stuffed mushrooms, pizza, seafood or perhaps a particular dessert, you probably have your own favorites too.

Of course, in today's economic climate, it may not be possible to go to restaurants as often as you wish. Additionally, depending on where you live, your favorite restaurant chain may not even have a branch within reasonable traveling distance. And, even if you can afford to go a restaurant, and can easily travel to one, it may not always be convenient, especially if you have young children or family.

While I am sure that you will continue to patronize restaurants on those occasions when it possible, an alternative that you wish to consider for other times, is to try and prepare restaurant style dishes at home. Making dishes at home can be cheaper, it may suit your lifestyle better, and can be very satisfying, even fun - so if you can do it, why wouldn't you want to?

Of course the secret behind any good dish, is the recipe. The right recipe can convert even ordinary ingredients into a sumptuous feast! Of course, restaurants don't normally reveal the exact recipes that they use - and indeed often have "secret" sauces or flavorings. However, it is possible for a talented to chef to figure out how to produce something that tastes very much like a particular dish or meal, and indeed some have done exactly that. While, such copycat recipes aren't exact copies of the originals, they nevertheless can be enjoyable - you may even be surprised at how similar they can taste to restaurant originals.

By S. Tanna. Discover restaurant copy recipes from http://www.downloadfocus.com/cat_recipes_restaurant.php

Create a Memorial With Urns For Cremation

Losing a member of the family to death is heart rending and sorrowful. For a child or an elderly person losing a much-loved pet is the same as losing a family member. In both cases Urns for Cremation can be used to remember the loved ones and cherish their memories. Cremation Urns are as old as human civilization. Creating memorial to remember the dead is also as old as human civilization has existed. Every religion and culture in the world has its own way of remembering the deceased loved ones and long dead ancestors. Urns for Cremation are the oldest known form of creating memorials for the dead.

Cremating the deceased has been prevalent in almost all religions and cultures for thousands of years. Islam, Christianity, and some other religions prefer burial to cremation. Islam and Christianity have been burying their dead for over two millennia. They also mark the graves with headstones with the deceased persons name. A prayer or a few lines of scripture may also be engraved on the headstone. The graves of deceased loved ones and ancestors are visited on special days. This is to remember the loved ones in times of sorrow and happiness. Christianity has slowly started accepting cremation of the deceased. Once cremated a part of the remains are placed in Cremation Urns. These Urns can then be placed in a memorial for the deceased loved one. The memorial can be created within the home or a special spot in the garden.

The ancient Greeks and Egyptians have used Urns for Cremation for centuries. The Cremation Urns available today are available in various shapes, sizes, and designs. There are even Urns for pets. Some people prefer to bury their deceased pet in a corner of the garden. But cremation is catching on fast. A part of the cremated remains can be placed in an Urn and installed in a small memorial in the garden. The memorial can be a small shade or an elaborate structure. This is special for children to assuage their grief at losing a loved pet.

The Cremation Urns are available in different materials, shapes, and sizes. You can order Urns for Cremation online and the Urn will be delivered at your doorstep. You can choose from a wide variety of materials. There are Urns available in wood, metal, and marble too. The Urns are available in different shapes like a Heart, or an ancient looking marble Urn or ceramic Urns. Cremation Urns for pets are available in various shapes and sizes too. Pet Urns are available in Dog figurines, Cat shapes and many more. These Urns for pets are available in wood, ceramic, metal and too. For children who have loved their pets as a friend will cherish these Urns.

Remember and cherish the memories and good times with loved ones and lovely pets. You can do this in a nice way. Place their cremated remains in Urns for Cremation and create a fitting memorial with the Cremation Urns.

Create the Perfect memorial for your deceased loved ones and pets with Urns for Cremation. Buy online from our site and we will deliver the Cremation Urns at your doorstep. For custom orders, call or contact us.

Synergistic Alliance Development in IT Consulting

The decision to create business alliances with other companies in your industry can present a complex situation for business owners and execs. You may ask yourself: How can I know which companies will be a good fit? How can use alliances to strengthen sales? How does the alliance change my market position and the position of my new ally? My goal is to answer these questions and explain how a synergistic alliance can help you get more business and work to differentiate your company from the competition.

The web has given offshore companies an equal footing with American companies when marketing to American businesses. Several years ago the quality of the offshore contractor's work was called into question but more recently they have cleaned up their acts and perform much better than in the past. None the less, it is still the offshore producers that position themselves as low cost providers rather than differentiating themselves by superior quality. This provides the domestic producer a unique opportunity to differentiate based on quality of personnel and service instead of cost alone.

American companies should be careful not to fall into the trap of the lowest cost producer. By leveraging strategic alliances and working to improve quality among their staff they should remain focused on producing higher quality service than they are in doing it cheaper than everyone else. In the long run this should prove to be a better strategy. American companies can meet this challenge by saying, 'we understand American business in a way that a foreign company may or may not, that is a demonstrated risk. Using a domestic company with a proven track record greatly reduces that risk.'

A common co-branding alliance that is done between service providers and software companies is the use of licensing agreements, allowing companies or individual consultants become certified in particular skill sets known for their applications, like MCSE, MCNE, Sun Micro's Java Application Certifications etc... or company wide certifications like "Microsoft Gold Partner" (Onshore Technology Services, 2007). This provides a springboard for consultants to gain entry into specialized software application situations and is a popular marketing tool for consulting companies to advertise their expertise, because the licensing defines a particular set of skills.

A second alliance technique is the development of synergistic alliances between companies with different, but complimentary, skill sets. For example a company that specializes in Search Engine Optimization would form an alliance with a company that specializes in Java Applications, or Networking, or some other specialized skill set that is related but doesn't compete directly with their specialty. The key to making the relationship work would be to locate the right skill set to enhance the overall marketability of the two companies by increasing breadth of skills available to clients and improving overall customer service. These two methods can be put together to develop an alliance strategy.

Strategic Plan of Action:

1. Look to upgrade company and individual certifications to reflect a higher level of service in the industry. These improvement can apply to your customer service functions as well as your technical capabilities. Improved certifications can be used as a point of differentiation from the competition, so make these changes known in the marketplace, your advertising and PR should publicize these changes. The added PR may help you perform better in the next step, finding a strategic partner.

2. Find a strategic partner. Look to develop a strategic alliance with companies that offer complimentary services to your own. You will both need to create concrete plans on how to best implement the sharing of customers, leads and plan mutual sales force training.

3. Your website, marketing materials and sales force (don't forget, by forging an alliance you have expanded your sales force with the sales force of your ally!) should be utilized to trumpet the superior credentials of your consultants, and improvements in service. They should emphasize the relationship between your pricing structure and the superior quality of your services

4. You need to provide for cross training your new ally's sales and marketing departments (this goes both ways) to familiarize them with what you do and what you can offer their clients. A clear plan should be created on how best to share clients and service leads (this is why you formed the alliance to begin with, so this plan requires careful attention).

5. Another option is to develop a secondary relationship with a low cost service provider. Your new alliance will give you greater leverage and purchasing power. Perhaps you can outsource routine research or programming legwork as a measure to offer greater flexibility when negotiating pricing at the contract table. But, the objective is to differentiate on quality, not just price. It's important to discuss the relationship between service quality and price in your negotiations.

These action recommendations are designed to work synergistically; you can employ them one at a time or all at once. They represent an integrated business strategy to improve your company's market share, market positioning, and, your bottom line by creating synergy with other companies who have complimentary skill sets which you can both leverage to mutual advantage. Differentiate yourself by providing superior customer and technical service (in that order), your customers will be sure to sit up and notice.

Wayne Silverman holds a BS degree in marketing and lives in suburban Philadelphia with his fiance and a cat named Angela. He has been writing for the web for several years through different writer's sites. Currently he is employed by a nationwide franchise company working in a public relations capacity and is actively seeking to expand his writing business. He can be reached by email at fractalshift@gmail.com

Remove the Leash

Years ago, my neighbor adopted an adorable, toy fox terrier which they appropriately named...Tiny Tim. This dog was so petite, a fall from their bed broke his leg! As he matured, he quickly bulked up. At his maximum, he weighed in at a whopping five pounds. It must have been all heart because he protected his domain like a lion protects its pride.

Every day, without fail, I could look across the street and see Tiny Tim at his post. Sitting behind a glass storm door, he would survey his kingdom to identify any threat to his domain. Each day, the same threat strutted by between two and three o'clock: a black and white Persian cat. Tiny would go ballistic; jumping up and down, barking and scratching at the door.

One day my neighbor opened the door just at the moment the cat was parading by the house. Tiny instinctively darted out after his objective. My neighbor shook his head and grumbled, 'That dog is out of control.'

The next time I saw my neighbor, Tiny Tim was on a fifty-foot run leash. The cat strolled by again. Tiny shoots off the starting line, hits the fifty-foot mark, ends up airborne and lands flat on his back. Unfazed, he jumped to his feet and continued the high-pitched threats. I watched the same painful event several more times until Tiny learned how far fifty feet was. Now he would run to the fifty-foot mark, stop, and go on his rant.

It wasn't long before Tiny realized that cat would always be out of his reach. The next time my neighbor was out on his porch, Tiny sat quietly at his side on the leash. As the cat casually strutted by, Tiny simply stared at it. Then he looked up over his shoulder at his master then back at the cat. Up at his master. Back at the cat. Then his little head slumped down to rest on his paws as he laid down and let out a deep sigh. It seemed the leash had broken Tiny of his will to pursue his quest.

In business, your management approach can create the same outcome. When you fail to trust your employees to make the decisions necessary to carry out their objectives, you have put them on a leash! A constant patrolling of their actions prevents them from instinctively pursuing the directives that you put in front of them. They'll stare at the objective -- stare at their manager -- stare at the objective -- stare at their manager. Waiting for the next command. Waiting for 'approval' to move forward. Waiting for the 'proper' approach to take action. Waiting for the 'right' way to tackle the problem. Waiting for the 'acceptable' solution to the issue. And even worse, in the long run it breaks their will and confidence to act independently.

To develop confident, autonomous employees that produce the results you want there has to be a foundation of trust between you and each employee. Trust is created one interaction at a time so it takes time to build. Just keep in mind; it can be destroyed in a heartbeat. Managerial actions, such as being inconsistent, breaching confidentiality or micromanaging, can shatter the foundation.

The topic of trust always brings up a common managerial inquiry, 'Shouldn't employees have to earn your trust first?' The answer is NO, and the logic is simple. Trust comes with the employment agreement. The employee applied for the job. You interviewed them. You assessed them. You evaluated their skills and talents. You even hired and trained them. Now you have to trust your judgment, your hiring process, your development process and therefore the individual you brought on board. Building trust is a responsibility that starts with the manager.

The goal is to have the employee accountable for the results. You can't hold them accountable if you're holding on to the leash. Remove the leash by giving each employee the resources, skills, knowledge and authority necessary to make the decisions to achieve the desired results. Only then can you can hold them accountable.

Look for opportunities everyday to 'unleash' the potential in your employees. By trusting in their abilities to handle the challenges in your business, you will develop self-reliant, independent productive employees.

Jim Vasconcellos is a professional speaker and author of Living by the Boomerang. He created Boomerang Concepts to inspire audiences to return better results by changing the way they approach life's daily challenges. Jim maximizes the productivity and profitability of organizations by bringing accountability for performance improvement back to the individual using a unique tool. You guessed it -- a boomerang! To book Jim V. for your next conference, call 678-427-5063 or go to http://BoomerangConcepts.com

Why Betta Fish Make Great Pets

A pet can go a long way towards improving the quality of your life. Pet ownership has been proven to relieve boredom and stress, decrease blood pressure, improve mood, and provide a purpose in life. Human beings are social animals and by their nature enjoy having something to care for.

Unfortunately, our modern life doesn't always make keeping a traditional pet easy. Dogs and cats are great but there's a lot that goes with them. They need to be exercised, cleaned up after daily, take up a fair amount of space, and eat a lot of food. A great lower-maintenance pet choice is a reptile or fish.

The problem with reptiles is that they just aren't much fun. For the most part they lie around and don't really interact with you at all. They also usually require expensive heating components and can smell bad if not taken care of frequently.

Fish combine the low maintenance of reptiles but can add so much more to your life. They're bright, colorful, and are moving around all of the time. A beautiful fish can be like a permanent flower in your home.

Even with the ease of fish many require big, complicated tank set-ups. That's one of the great things about the Betta, or Siamese Fighting Fish. In addition to being beautiful, bettas are fairly hardy fish that don't need a large space or water flow.

Some great features about the betta are:

- They come in a variety of vibrant colors and fin shapes. They are a beautiful fish sure to captivate your attention.

- They survive well in captivity. With proper care a betta will be just fine. Some fish are very difficult to keep healthy, but not the betta.

- Bettas don't need nearly as much space as other fish. Since they're comfortable in stagnant water, a small tank with a bit of airflow will be fine for them. I do recommend a small tank over the tiny bowl they come in so you don't have to change their water daily, but the tank can still be a lot smaller than what other fish need.

- They're amazingly friendly and animated. Bettas will soon learn to recognize their handler and "dance" around when they see you. They're happy to follow your finger around and play games for you.

When you look at the small cost of the fish, food, and set-up along with the bright colors, ease of care, and great interaction they make the perfect first pet for children. Kids love the pretty, animated betta fish and can learn responsibility while caring for them.

Isaac Wilkins has a variety of interests including pets, athletics, business, and writing. In particular he enjoys fish tanks and bettas. For more great betta information check out his site http://bettacare.blogspot.com today!

Manager As a Facilitator 2

Being both manager and facilitator of the same team can have advantages and disadvantages. It also brings responsibilities along with its benefits.

• You could be seen as more influential as you are a member of management so you will have people's attention


• You will be committed to the outcome, as it will affect YOU


• You will have direct experience of the matter under discussion

BUT

• You may not have the skills as a facilitator


• You may not be clear on the importance of the role of the facilitator


• Team members may be reluctant to discuss their feelings in front of their 'boss'

As a manager/facilitator you will need to utilise all your facilitation skills and ensure that, if you don't have these skills already, that you acquire them.

But you have additional responsibilities.

You have to:

• facilitate decision making in the team


• determine the best meeting format to achieve a particular objective


• distinguish among the roles and expectations of facilitators, team leaders and team members


• evaluate the effectiveness of the teams you facilitate


• resolve conflicts among team members


• understand the motives and behaviour of people in the team

7 do's and don'ts of facilitation

DO

1. Be confident


2. Use silence and be comfortable with it


3. Ask open questions to ensure participation not closed ones


4. Invite participation of the quieter members of the team


5. Use your intuition - trust your 'gut feeling' to guide you in the direction to take


6. Maintain control


7. Keep to a structure

DON'T

1. Pretend you understand when you don't


2. Dominate


3. Give advice


4. Use your organisational position to give you power


5. Use the team as therapy for your problems


6. Be judgmental


7. Talk too much

Practical considerations

All groups need clear guidelines if team members are to feel comfortable enough to participate effectively. Before you start a group, ask yourself the following:

• How often will we meet? For how long? Will we have breaks?


• Who should the team consist of?


• What is my objective?


• Am I clear on my role?


• What do I expect of team members?


• Where will we meet? Can we meet here every time?


• Do I need any equipment?


• Will I take notes?

Once you are clear on all these points, you can explain clearly to your team on the first meeting what the process will be. You may be prepared to enter into discussion on this with team members. From this you can draw up the ground rules for the team which can be reviewed as appropriate.

Top tip: If you manage/facilitate the same team, you must make sure you have the requisite skills and make sure your team is clear which 'hat' you are wearing

Kate Cobb is author of "Practical Decision Making Skills for Managers" http://www.fenman.co.uk/cat/view/Practical-Decision-making-Skills-for-Managers.html and other training books for managers.

Kate Cobb is director of blended learning zone and has over 25 years experience as a management training consultant providing F2F training, executive coaching and instructional design services for a wide variety of clients in UK, Europe and the Middle East in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
Visit http://www.blendedlearningzone.com/index.html to learn more about learning online.