AP9 Consumer Gateway Weblog

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Offers Online Safety Tips for Kids

As a leader in the world of Internet marketing, Adaptive Marketing LLC® understands the dangers that accompany the many benefits the Internet provides. The Internet is a tool that puts the world at your fingertips, but using it requires a certain degree of caution. Children especially are at risk in online environments, where, with a click of a button, they can expose themselves to unsafe situations without even realizing it. 

The World Wide Web is growing exponentially every day, and Adaptive Marketing understands that it can be difficult -- even for adults -- to stay up to date with the latest online safety precautions. Identity thieves, hackers, and sexual predators are out there; they're real, and they often target younger online users.

For that reason, Adaptive Marketing has put together a set of guidelines for children to follow that will ensure safe Web surfing. Teaching and practicing safe Internet habits is the best way to defend against potential threats. Here are some basic rules for children to follow:

-- Never talk to strangers. Discourage kids from corresponding with people they don't know. And never let them send pictures without asking for parental permission first.

-- E-mails can be deceiving. Remind kids that e-mails can be sent by anyone. Discourage them from opening e-mails from people they don't know. An adult can easily go on a "kid-oriented" website and masquerade as a child.

-- The best things in life aren't free. Don't let kids fill out forms to win "FREE" prizes. There's almost always a catch, and chances are that adults -- not kids -- will have to foot the bill when payment is eventually demanded.

-- The password is "caution." Sure, the Internet is fun and educational, but it's also a proving ground for online rip-off artists. Remind kids not to share online passwords with anyone but a parent or trusted guardian. Giving out personal information such as addresses, telephone numbers, and the like is really asking for trouble.

-- Give me back my post. Always be careful when you post something online. Your children should understand that when they post something online -- a comment, photo, or file -- they can never take it back. Even if information is deleted, it can still exist on older versions of the site on other people's computers.

Make sure that children understand these rules. By following them, they will be able to create a positive relationship with the Internet. The development of such a relationship is a crucial part of their education as the Internet continues to become an ever-larger part of daily life, says Adaptive Marketing.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Offers Seven Simple Tips on Stretching Household Budget

Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in membership programs, knows that managing the household budget wisely is a big challenge for many. The easy access to store credit cards, luring advertising strategies, the need to "keep up with the Joneses," and the continuous sales in all types of stores, among other factors, make it hard for consumers to resist temptation. Some end up spending more than they were supposed to -- and many even more than they can afford.

Going hand-in-hand with an effective household budget is saving money on all the things that are indeed necessary, notes Adaptive Marketing. Think of it as many teenagers do. They work a couple hours a week to save all the money they need to buy a car, and the goal is so clear that many don't steer away from it. Making money go as far as it can is a skill that can be acquired with practice and awareness of one's own spending habits.

A good way to start stretching the dollars is to take an inventory of all household needs, to see where money can be saved. Begin with the big items first (a car, appliances, etc.), and move down the scale to other, less expensive but necessary things, such as groceries, clothes, entertainment, etc. After the initial step, be sure to use these seven useful budgeting tips put together by Adaptive Marketing:

-- Distinguish between wants and needs. Needs are things necessary to sustain the household -- shelter, food, transportation, and clothing. Wants are things that improve quality of life -- a sports car, designer clothes, or dinner at a fancy restaurant.

-- Try to use credit cards as little as possible, and don't let credit card debt accumulate. Set aside a reasonable amount, keep it in cash, and use it throughout the month.

-- Manage debt efficiently. Create a payment plan, and pay loans or credit cards that have the highest interest rates first.

-- Try to use public transportation whenever possible. Save on gas and car maintenance.

-- Share Internet costs. Especially when living in an apartment, it's easy to work with neighbors to share a wireless plan.

-- Be careful with food expenditures. Eating is expensive, but doing so economically can help save lots of money. Give up snacks; stop eating out so often; learn to cook new things; when cooking, prepare an extra portion to store for the next day; and make your own pizza -- it's easy and much cheaper, especially when using pre-made pizza shells.

-- On weekends, have friends over instead of going out. Everyone can bring something to eat and drink to help get the party started.

There are always ways to save money. The key is to identify them and to follow the steps to stay within budget. With strategies like discount savings programs, consumers can save on the things they need and have some extra money for the things they want, reports Adaptive Marketing.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Offers Consumers Five Important Fitness Tips

Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in membership programs, knows that many people need a bit of extra motivation to go to the gym or engage in any other kind of physical activity. Among the reasons for this inactivity are laziness, poor time management and little knowledge of the best ways to get the most out of their workout.

A fair number of people do indeed add exercise to their routine, and make time to walk, jog or go to the gym a couple of times a week, but many get discouraged easily, particularly when they don't see the results as quickly as they expected. When it comes to fitness, Adaptive Marketing believes in one important premise: Information and a clear strategy are key to get results.

Getting the most out of any workout is relatively easy if clear guidelines are set and re-evaluated every couple of months. Here are five important tips to keep in mind to achieve success with any workout regimen, put together by Adaptive Marketing:

1. Eat healthy. It's not about not eating at all and working out seven times a week. It's about balance. The body needs fuel to get energy, and dietary choices should not be taken lightly. Raw vegetables and steamed dishes are good choices, while fried or high-in-sugar foods should be avoided as much as possible.

2. Work out often. Try to train two to four times a week, with sessions ranging from 20 minutes to an hour. Bear in mind in mind that it's the quality (not the quantity) of the time spent training that determines how quickly the results appear.

3. Mix it up. Any training regimen should cover all the necessary elements: cardiovascular (such as aerobics, running, skipping rope, etc.), resistance training (weights or own body exercises, such as press-ups), and stretching. Varying the routine will help target all the body muscles and will definitely add some spice to gym visits.

4. Equipment isn't required. Everyone should learn to exercise without equipment. Desired results can be achieved by using one's body weight for doing lunges, squats, press-ups, and a variety of sit-ups and stretching exercises.

5. No pain, no gain. It's essential to engage the muscles completely and to make sure that the last two or three reps of any exercise (say, sets of twelve lunges) are so challenging that it feels almost impossible to complete another one. Within time, a person might need to raise the amount of weight to further engage the muscles and continue producing results.

Working with a personal trainer or consulting with a nutritionist are also recommended for those who are serious about making fitness and healthy eating a part of their lives. Making fitness a part of life is not hard if the right steps are taken, reports Adaptive Marketing.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Announces the Launch of Home Savings Mall

High gas prices are only one of the many symptoms of the tough economic climate the country is facing. With energy, food, and healthcare prices all on the rise and salaries basically stagnant or rising at less than the inflation rate, many families are feeling the stress. With all these families in mind, Adaptive Marketing LLC^® has created Home Savings Mall (SM), a new discount program that allows members to save up to 30% on home and auto needs.

Members can take advantage of the discount benefits of HomeSavingsMall to cut costs on everyday needs from the family, from new bedding for the kids' room to new storage items for the garage or decorations for the next family gathering.

Lawn care maintenance, for instance, is one addition to the list of household expenses during the upcoming summer season. Families can rely on Home Savings Mall to save money on those needs or on previously planned summer projects, even in the face of higher prices. Some useful money-savings tips to keep in mind this summer are:

-- Lawn maintenance. With gas prices expected to continue soaring this summer, just filling up the lawnmower every two or three weeks will put a little bigger dent in the household budget. Finding ways to save money on motor oil, lawnmower blades and repair work -- even bags or tarps to haul away grass clippings -- can help offset the rising fuel costs.

-- Air conditioners. Before running out to buy a new window air-conditioning unit, check and rinse the filters. Clean them well, put them back in place, and try them out for a few days. Do the same with the filters on central air-conditioning systems.

-- Beautifying projects. Paint is a powerful tool to revamp the look of the house, inside and out, without breaking the bank. Add a fresh coat of paint to the window frames and the main door, using the same color or a totally different one, for a fresh and renovated look.

-- Deck protection. The beginning of summer is the perfect time to clean, repair and reseal an outdoor deck. Sweep the entire deck, and remove the stains and mildew accumulated during the winter. Then check for wobbly or broken rails or for popped nails in the surface, and make all minor repairs yourself. Do a thorough cleaning to save some money on staining chemicals, but make sure to apply a coat of quality sealer, one that will protect the deck all the way until next summer.

Consumers can enjoy significant, year-round savings and tips on decorating, remodeling needs, home improvement and much more for any room of the house. Savings are always welcomed, especially when the entire family can enjoy the benefits of the discounts, reports Home Savings Mall.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Provides Some Helpful Hints on Time Management

Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in membership programs, knows that managing a schedule takes more than just organization. Still, that’s a good place to start. Knowing how to stick to a regimen can make a big difference, especially when life gets more complicated by the day.

Speaking of life’s complications, Adaptive Marketing LLC^® believes in one important premise: Sometimes it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish every task. If there were, we probably wouldn’t need any schedules, deadlines and due dates whatsoever.

That’s why while Adaptive Marketing LLC^® advises staying focused on every task, remembering that there’s more to life than schedule-keeping is equally important. Here are some suggestions for finding that balance — ways to best juggle all the responsibilities and still have some time left over to live life to the fullest:

-- Write it out. Every plan is subject to change, but it’s never enough to just “wing it.” Write down the things you have to do, like a checklist. Have a set plan in mind, but don’t panic if anything changes. See it first, then do it.

-- Get your priorities straight. Try to develop to-do lists based on short-, mid- and long-term goals. Once you get the hang of things, your confidence level will rise. Being able to measure success in “small victories” makes the end prize that much more enjoyable. Think big, but don’t get too far ahead too fast.

-- Dream a little dream. Some famous writers claim they’ve gotten out of bed just to write down important ideas they feared losing. Hope this is never your case. Scheduling worries shouldn’t interrupt sleep patterns, so try to settle the “to-dos” of the next day before going to bed. Write them out, or tell them to yourself out loud, then concentrate on a good night’s sleep. That’s probably why people often say, “Let me sleep on it,” when it comes time to make a big decision.

-- Question when in doubt. Remember that sound time management almost always involves other people (family, co-workers and friends), so don’t be afraid to ask questions before making plans or arranging your schedule. The best plans adjust to any and all situations. And every good plan has a back-up in case something changes. Want a good rule of thumb? Be skeptical, and ask questions when things don’t seem that clear.

Life needs a plan and a direction, but it’s also meant to have good amounts of spontaneity. Try remembering that when formulating any and all time management plans, suggests Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Offers Businesses Tips on Helping Employees with Spring Fever

March Madness usually starts the outbreak, quickly followed by the opening day of trout season in various locales, then the unofficial launch of the golf season. Pretty soon, notes Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in membership programs, spring fever is in full bloom, complete with talk of gardening, early tanlines, and that perennial fancy of young men, love.

Far be it from Adaptive Marketing to even suggest tamping down on love and its various offshoots. Still, in the restricted social setting of a workplace, spring fever can serve to distract from the main focus: business productivity. In the interest of strengthening communications across the company, Adaptive Marketing suggests a few ways for employers to turn spring fever into a team-building exercise:

-- Drive for show, putt for dough. Divide the office into interdepartmental teams of four, and stage a miniature golf tournament at a local layout. Award prizes (a free meal at the concession stand for a hole-in-one?), and give the winning team an early start to their weekend.

-- Feed the world. Or at least the office. Organize a potluck lunch by asking employees to bring in their favorite dishes. Hold the lunch outside to soak up those vital vitamin D nutrients that sunlight provides. Extend the lunch hour to let people get to know one another better in a relaxed setting.

-- Take them into the alley. Again, break up the office into teams of four, and let them go at it in a bowling tournament. The perfect antidote to a rainy spring day, an afternoon of bowling offers loads of laughs in a very casual atmosphere.

-- Run them into the wall. If there's a go-cart track nearby, a day (or afternoon) at the races can help workers pursue their NASCAR dreams in a controlled environment -- and it's seriously fun. For a nominal fee, employees can zip around a small track for a couple hours and even take turns t-boning the boss.

-- Let's all go to the movies. An afternoon in a darkened theatre with a bucket of popcorn and a thriller/comedy/chick flick/whatever (leave it up to the individual employee) unspooling on the big screen can help create a common bond between employees.

The common thread weaving throughout these activities, of course, is communication, finding ways to enhance the dialogue between employees and between departments. However you choose to do it, redirecting spring's feverish activities toward improved productivity in the office is a goal worthy of pursuit, reports Adaptive Marketing.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Encourages Giving Back to the Community

Willpower is a strong force that can only make the world a better place if all human beings decide to use it for a good cause, reports Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in membership programs. From doing a small, good deed every day to making a regular donation to charity, giving back to the community is definitely more than a trendy thing to do. It's about making a difference.

Some people believe that only the ultra-rich have the means to donate their time or money to a cause, but that's simply not true. You don't have to be as wealthy as Bill and Melinda Gates to share your time or knowledge and make a difference in someone's life. Any altruistic attitude, from rescuing a pet from a shelter to donating a percentage of one's salary to a soup kitchen, will have a positive effect on the community, notes Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Some do it because of their religious beliefs, others because they believe in karma, and still others because they think it's only fair to share the wealth. What really matter are actions, which always speak louder than words. Here are some action-oriented ideas for giving back, offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®:

-- Just help. In these capitalist times, people assume they need to pay for everything, so lending a hand to someone when least expected can make a meaningful difference. Help out a friend who's moving, or offer to baby-sit so your sister and her husband can have a night out. It's the little things that make a friendship and demonstrate love.

-- Volunteer. Giving time is as important as giving money. In many cases, it's even more valuable. The best volunteering involves the desire to serve others, and it's more rewarding and fulfilling when it's done without expecting anything in return. Explore activities and causes you feel passionate about, figure out how and when you can offer your help, and make a commitment.

-- Mentor a nonprofit. Anyone can use his or her talents to make a difference, and entrepreneurs especially can contribute real business skills to nonprofit organizations. Choose one that works on a cause you believe in, and become a business mentor. Your experience can help their programs function more efficiently and reach more people.

-- Join a community organization. Contributing to community sustainability is a great way to improve the quality of life throughout the area. Get involved in the issues that make the entire community more prosperous.

-- Donate money. Even a small amount can make a significant change. Choose a charity that's right for you, and request written information that includes their mission and activities. This will give you a better sense of how your money will be used. And remember, some donations are tax-deductible.

There are numerous volunteering opportunities as well as other ways to lend a hand to those who need one. All it takes is the desire to look beyond oneself, reports Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Warns Parents: Police Your Home for Poisons

Poison Prevention Week is March 16-22, and while many families believe they understand the dangers, new parents, babysitters and doting grandparents may not be aware of the hidden dangers of common household products, reports Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in membership programs.

While toxic substances can poison anyone, children under the age of 6 and pets are the most common victims suffering injury or even death. Pets and young children are similar in that they are both naturally curious, cannot read warning labels, and are apt to explore the home environment by putting objects in their mouths.

For a toddler, orange-scented wood polish may look like orange juice; a bottle of pills might resemble candy.

Most consumers are aware, notes Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, that household cleaners, over-the-counter and prescription medications, pesticides, lead paint, and certain plants top the list of potential poisonous substances, but here are several lesser-known dangers:

Art and craft materials:

Don’t assume that the crayons, markers, oil paints or glue marketed to children are safe. The “smell” test is not a reliable indicator of toxicity. Best bet: Purchase craft materials for children or mentally handicapped adults that are certified as non-toxic by the Art & Craft Materials Institute (ACMI).

Decorative lamp oils:

The hydrocarbons contained in lamp oil (also found in kerosene, lighter fluid and paint thinner) can easily cause choking if swallowed. If it gets into the lungs, it can make breathing difficult or cause lung inflammation. Keep these lamps out of kids’ reach, or better yet, don’t have them in the home.

Nail glue remover:

The nail glue remover used for artificial nails can cause cyanide poisoning when swallowed by children, or cause burns to the face and mouth.

Vitamins and supplements:

Nutritional supplements that are perfectly safe for adults in normal doses can be toxic when ingested by young children. Adult-strength iron pills can cause children to throw up blood or have bloody diarrhea within an hour.

Adaptive Marketing LLC^® provides additional preventative steps to take to reduce the chance of accidental home poisonings:

-- Keep all household cleaners, chemicals, pesticides and medicines locked up, out of sight and out of reach.

-- Keep items in their original containers with the original labels intact; understand correct use and dosing protocols.

-- When risky products are being used, never let young children out of sight, even for a minute.

-- Purchase syrup of Ipecac and keep it on hand, but never use it unless directed to by a poison center or physician.

-- Avoid taking medication in front of children, as children naturally mimic their parents.

-- Regularly dispose of unneeded or expired medicines.

If an accidental poisoning is suspected, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 immediately. Keep this number posted near the phone, recommends Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Offers a Look at Upcoming DVD Movie Releases

As the writers’ strike in Hollywood trudges on with no end in sight, television viewers have very few choices when it comes to new, scripted pieces. Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in membership programs, recognizes the pain that a slate of reality shows and repeats can impose on the viewing community and therefore wants to offer some short-term alternatives to the same-old, same-old.

With the Academy Awards® only a month or so away, many of the top movies of 2007 are starting to arrive in stores on DVD. Adaptive Marketing suggests that viewers take the time and opportunity that the writers’ strike has presented to catch up on as many potential Oscar® contenders — and other releases, of course — as possible, including:

February 5 releases

-- “Across the Universe,” a love story in the 1960s set to a soundtrack of Beatles cover songs; starring Jim Sturgess and Evan Rachel Wood

-- “Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” featuring Academy Award® winners Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush join Academy Award® nominee Clive Owen in a thrilling tale of one woman's crusade to control her love, destroy her enemies and secure her position as a beloved icon of the western world

-- “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” a gripping western, starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck and Sam Rockwell, that brings the tale of Jesse James to life

February 12 releases

-- “Becoming Jane,” an unconventional biopic of Jane Austen (a hot entertainment choice these days) with star turns by Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters and James Cromwell

-- “Gone Baby Gone,” Ben Affleck’s directorial debut, starring Casey Affleck, Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, which adapts a Dennis Lehane novel about the search for a missing child and received stellar reviews when it came out last fall

-- “Into the Wild,” an adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s best-selling book, a true story of one man’s decision to shun traditional life choices and opt for a vagabond life, culminating with a trek into Alaska’s untamed lands, directed by Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden and William Hurt, and with a soundtrack by Eddie Vedder

-- “In the Shadow of the Moon,” a documentary about the U.S. Apollo space missions, including interviews with the 10 surviving astronauts from the voyages to the moon between 1968 and 1972, along with the original film footage from NASA, much of which has never been seen by the public before

DVD releases dates are often subject to change, but sit-at-home movie fans might also want to keep an eye out for “Lust, Caution,” Ang Lee’s provocative tale about a plot to assassinate a devious secret agent (due out February 19); “Rendition,” a timely, smart political thriller about the effects of sending terror suspects to other countries to be interrogated (February 19); “Death at a Funeral,” a British-influenced drawing-room comedy (February 26); and “The Darjeeling Limited,” an offbeat comedy from Wes Anderson about three brothers looking for their reclusive mother (February 26).

Not all of the movies mentioned above will be honored with an Academy Award® nomination, much less the Oscar® itself, but movie lovers can certainly find a variety of films to keep them entertained during the Hollywood writers’ strike, reports Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Says, “Have a Heart: Throw A Valentine’s Day Bash”

Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in membership and loyalty programs, believes that kids — just like many adults — look forward to Valentine’s Day. Not only does it offer a fun holiday in the middle of winter, but kids aren’t likely to turn down a chance to attend a party.

Although the actual history of Valentine’s Day often seems curious, some lore suggests that Saint Valentine himself sent the first “valentine” greeting. It seems that the warm-hearted soul fell in love with his jailor’s daughter — who pitied him and visited him regularly — after he was imprisoned for performing secret marriages. And just before his death, it is believed that he sent her a letter that closed with “From Your Valentine,” a signature saying that is still widely used today.

So who knows? Whatever romance happens to be in the February air, it could just be catching — even for kids. That’s why Adaptive Marketing LLC^® offers these handy ideas for making a kid’s Valentine’s Day party a big event:

-- Shuffle the deck. Make plans to have each child attending the party to send at least one card to every other party guest. Kids, just like many adults, may be prone to playing favorites. Spare everyone’s feelings, and make sure the card exchange is evenly distributed. There’ll be plenty of time for all the “he said/she said” games down the road.

-- Hang ’em high. What Valentine’s Day party would be complete without candy? If the party guests fall into the right age category (ages 4 and up, let’s say), why not fill up a piñata with candy hearts and other treats? For added fun, try blindfolding the kids, and then let them take a shot or two at busting the piñata open. Just make sure there is adult supervision, so things don’t get too out of hand.

-- No love’s labor lost. For older kids and teens, a Valentine’s Day dance cleverly disguised as “just another school event” could be a big hit. After all, if kids are at a social event where all that’s required is to simply “hang out and have fun,” that’s basically status quo for the social butterflies in the group; the shy ones are likely to have more fun too, especially if they think there’s no pressure to partner up and feel self-conscious.

-- Be my Valentine. Winter can be a lonely time. And how convenient that Valentine’s Day falls smack in the middle of it. So if party guests can handle it — even young kids — why not include a “Be My Valentine” secret ballot box of sorts? Relationships have started out under far more random circumstances. What’s to lose?

So this Valentine’s Day, why not try something new? A world of fun and easy-to-do party ideas awaits, courtesy of Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Reminds: Ring In the New Year With Career-Building Resolutions

Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in membership programs, understands that it’s tough out there in the work force. Still, having career aspirations and goals is important — especially with 2008 fast approaching, complete with a fresh batch of New Year’s resolutions waiting to be born.

After several years of a booming economy, the business landscape is clearly not what it used to be. And Adaptive Marketing LLC^® understands that people in virtually every business discipline — professionals and laborers alike — are feeling the ill effects.

For that reason, Adaptive Marketing LLC^® has put together some helpful New Year’s resolutions, with something of a new twist: Resolutions of all types are commendable, but those having to do with career goals could just make the difference come January 2, 2008 — when the end of the holiday season gives way to the beginning of the new business year. Who knows? The following New Year’s career resolutions from Adaptive Marketing LLC^® could be just the ticket to staying proactive and successful on the job front moving forward:

-- What’s my line? Inevitably, the turn of the calendar year seems a perfect time for self-assessment and personal evaluation, especially when it comes to career plans. Try, though, not to think of work in terms of the “perfect job for a lifetime.” Instead, consider evaluating career matters in five-year increments; ask the question: “How long do I want to stay where I am?”

-- Play the name game. Plenty of all-star careers in many different business disciplines have been predicated on sheer hustle and persistence. So when the ball drops in Times Square in a few short weeks — if not sooner — make a resolution that focuses solely on networking. Make a list of those names that support the “it’s who you know” business theory.

-- Talk “the talk.” Much like any athlete, a businessperson needs to stay on top of his/her game. Too much time on the bench, for example, without being in an actual game situation can be comparable to career stagnation. So chat up recruiters, advisors and job counselors — and anyone else who wants to listen — whenever possible.

-- Take the high road. As part of those 2008 forward-thinking resolutions, do just that — think forward; think above and beyond. Dedicate the coming year to getting promoted and recognizing personal achievement. It’s like Victorian Era author George Elliot (a.k.a. Mary Anne Evans, b. 1819) once wrote: “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

This coming New Year, plan to make an important career-oriented resolution. So many dreams and goals depend on such leaps of faith, reports Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Helps Office Workers Guard Against Identity Theft

Identity theft can strike almost anywhere, reports Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, a leading Internet marketing company, but when it happens in the office, it can be doubly devastating, since it can raise serious issues of trust regarding the company and one’s fellow workers.

When asked why he held up banks, legendary bank robber Willie Sutton allegedly said, “Because that’s where the money is.” The same philosophy can be applied to identity thieves and offices. The workplace is a prime spot for the types of personal information — Social Security numbers, home addresses and other distinguishing data — that ID thieves thrive on. Besides, there is no hard-and-fast profile of an identity thief, and the potential reward for a successful “heist” has been known to entice folks at any and all levels of society, from white-collar executives to down-and-out drifters.

Identity thieves can literally make out like bandits once they have the information they need, so the trick is to deny them access to your information — in and out of the workplace. To help you keep your office information safe, Adaptive Marketing LLC^® offers a few guidelines to keep in mind:

-- Your Social Security number deserves privacy. When interviewing for or starting a job, your Social Security number is typically required on applications, W-9 documents, insurance policies and other official papers. Once you’re in your job, though, do your best to keep that information — and any documents that contain it — under wraps, even if it means questioning established practices like including Social Security numbers on time-off forms. Social Security numbers are the Holy Grail for ID thieves, and trying to keep your own number out of circulation in the office is a worthy and defensible goal.

-- Your work PC really isn’t a “personal” computer. Store as little personal information as possible on your office computer. That can be a difficult goal to attain, but remember: You don’t own that computer, and your supervisors and other people may very well have access rights to your computer. Also, don’t abandon your desk for long chunks of time while your computer is up and running. A tech-savvy identity thief can duplicate and make off with the information on your hard drive faster than you can microwave a bag of popcorn.

-- The password is “secret.” The reality is that most folks do use their work computers for personal reasons. If that’s the case, the least you can do is set up passwords that will be hard — if not impossible — for others to decipher. If someone requests your password to get access to files on your computer, enter the password yourself, and keep an eye on what the user does with it.

-- Protect your personal property. Wallets, purses, insurance forms, mortgage statements and any other items you might frequently or occasionally bring to the office are not automatically safe because the lobby of your building is staffed by security guards. Lock up anything you can’t afford to lose, especially if it contains your personal information. If you don’t have a safe place for storage, leave the stuff at home.

It’s a sad reality that identity theft risks are almost everywhere today, including the workplace. All the same, it’s in your best interests to take as many precautionary steps as possible to protect yourself against ID theft, reports Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Encourages Workers to Strike the Proper Balance Between Working and Living

Ernest Hemingway once said, “I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best. My health is the main capital I have, and I want to administer it intelligently.” Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in online membership programs, heartily echoes that sentiment and encourages members of the American workforce to find their own comfortable middle ground between work and the other parts of their lives.

The age-old battle between working to live and living to work shows no signs of abating. Even as overall U.S. productivity grows, the rewards of these gains are increasingly going to the upper class in our society rather than to the workers responsible for this growth, notes Adaptive Marketing. Such a climate often creates pressure on employees to put in more time at work in order to set themselves apart from their co-workers. Unfortunately, as the old proverb says, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

Dull is certainly no way to go through life, so Adaptive Marketing LLC^® offers a few tips on how to balance a work life with a home life:

-- All you can do is all you can do. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in the course of a day or week. Set achievable goals -- and deadlines -- and reward yourself for reaching them by leaving work at a reasonable hour. If you’re constantly working 14-hour days, you might be setting the bar too high, either on your promises or on your abilities.

-- Do more with less. Less time, that is. Create an efficient workflow process that helps you focus your energies where they’re needed, without distraction or interruption. If necessary, take a course in time management to learn where your inefficiencies may be. The sprint races may go to the swiftest, but marathons tend to favor those who use their resources most efficiently — and for the vast majority of us, our professional careers will be marathons.

-- Take mini-holidays. Progressive companies encourage short (15-minute) breaks during the day, which allow employees to relieve stress, clear their minds and come back to the task at hand with renewed vigor. Even a short stroll outside on a sunny day can offer a refreshing little pick-me-up to an otherwise difficult work stretch.

-- Go dark after work. Cellphones, BlackBerries and the like have made it possible to stay connected 24/7, but they haven’t made it mandatory. Even if you’re in a high-stress job that makes you feel obligated to be available around the clock, you’re entitled to some personal time. If need be, announce to your co-workers that you’ll be unavailable for a few hours after work, then …

-- Take time for yourself, your family and your friends. As so many others have said, no one complains on their deathbed that they didn’t spend enough time at work. Life moves too fast -- even when you’re not having fun -- to neglect those parts of your life that bring you joy. Your work will be there in the morning; your daughter’s track meet, your son’s Little League game, your spouse’s good mood, and your friend’s birthday celebration won’t be.

Business pressures will always make it difficult to find the right balance between work and the rest of your life, but a happy life is a well-rounded life, so you need to make every effort to find that balance, reports Adaptive Marketing.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Shares Business Plan Tips for

Congratulations! You’ve built a better mousetrap (or exercise machine or bottle opener or catering service or …). Now what? Well, as Adaptive Marketing LLC^® reports, it’s not enough to have a viable product — you also need a viable plan. As an industry leader in Internet marketing, Adaptive Marketing offers small business owners and millions of other consumers access to savings on the products and services that can make a difference in their lives. Business school textbooks are chock full of case studies on business start-ups that worked — and scores of others that failed. In fact, recent figures from the Small Business Administration show that fewer than half of all new small businesses last for at least four years. There are any number of reasons why start-ups ultimately break down, whether it’s a lack of financing, ineffective marketing, inadequate personnel resources, or even just poor time management skills. Whatever the problem was, the underlying cause can usually be tied to a lack of proper planning — a fatal flaw that can be avoided beforehand by developing a comprehensive, insightful business plan, notes Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

So what all do you need to include in a viable business plan? Adaptive Marketing offers a few tips on the fundamentals of a good business plan:

-- Define your audience. Your target audience depends in good measure on the product or service you’re providing. A new cheesecake, for instance, is going to have a wider potential audience than would, say, a new software program for measuring lost productivity based on sick days and vacation schedules. Still, even the cheesecake can have distinct audiences — are you aiming straight for local consumers, for local delicatessens and restaurants, or for a nationwide audience through grocery chains and/or the Internet? Whatever audiences you choose for your initial launch, your business plan should take them all into account.

-- Describe your product or service in your audience’s terms. You know what you’ve created from your perspective, but what will your audience see in it? “Fresh, tasty cheesecake” might suffice on a local scale, but there are a lot of “tasty cheesecakes” on a regional and national scale. What features will make yours stand out in your audience’s eyes? Think of your product from the consumer’s point of view, and use that perspective to help shape your business plan.

-- Identify your sales and distribution channel(s) upfront. Oftentimes, it’s not the manufacturing costs that can drain a start-up’s finances, it’s the other stuff — how a product is marketed and sold and how it’s distributed. An Internet website requires less financing than a brick-and-mortar store, but walk-in customers at the store eliminate the shipping and handling costs that website sales typically require. Be sure to look long and hard at any and all options for selling and delivering your product; those will be major factors in your business plan.

-- Identify your financing options. The fabulously wealthy will have the money needed to launch a new business, but the vast majority of us don’t fall into that category, so you’ll likely need outside help to finance your start-up. There are typically two ways to do this: acquire a loan from a bank, or find an investor or several to share in the costs (and, of course, any profits). Either way, you’ll need to convince someone that your idea is desirable enough to merit financial backing. A well-developed business plan can do just that.

Business start-ups require a lot of time, effort and, in most cases, money, so you should be prepared to dedicate a good portion of your life to the effort. Still, with a well-defined business plan and, of course, a worthwhile product or service, you can join the legions of small business owners who’ve found their niche in the marketplace, reports Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Says “Walking the Walk” Is Key to Employee Retention

Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, an industry leader in membership programs, understands the main plight of many employers — how to retain a staff of good people. Adaptive Marketing LLC^® knows the value of employee loyalty and offers some insights on how to keep a strong team together.

What makes the average employee happy — other than an immediate and hefty raise plus a few extra weeks of vacation? Since companies are in business to make money, such “pie in the sky” suggestions aren’t likely to fly. Adaptive Marketing LLC^® has some other ideas, though, that just might help ensure that a few less valued employees “jump ship” — just because they feel undervalued and under appreciated. Here are four tips suggested by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, designed specifically to promote employee retention:

-- Show some love. The funny thing about loyalty is that it may be far more cut-and-dried than it seems. Meaning, those who remain loyal to a company or cause usually do so because their loyalty is returned in kind. So be prepared to show employees how appreciated their overall efforts and loyalties are — and save the empty promises. Instead, encourage incentive programs, establish “employee of the month” type awards, and create the optimum work/life balance for all.

-- Make it a family thing. Business is business, but that shouldn’t preclude fostering a “family” environment in the workplace. Sponsor family-oriented events outside of the office, such as company picnics and field days — even family bowling tournaments. This will promote employee pride and make people feel good about coming to work every day.

-- Show ’em the money. There are ways to give monetary rewards without breaking the company budget. For example, show new employees their value early on by offering flexible and comprehensive medical insurance programs. Additionally, allow them to get started in a 401K Retirement Savings Plan as soon as possible.

-- Celebrate achievements. Another part of maintaining employee loyalty is recognizing personal achievement — especially over an extended period of time. Single out employees who have been with the company for a year; five years; 10 years. A personalized letter, a thoughtful gift, even a tribute video featuring people who have served the company for 10-plus years are all sound options.

There’s an old saying, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” To draw a parallel in terms of employee retention: A great overall plan featuring strong leadership is essentially useless without loyal and capable people to execute that plan. Some important food for thought, reports Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Offers Tips on Addressing Customer Complaints and Concerns

A business without customers is like a tour bus without passengers, destined to wander the streets until it runs out of fuel or breaks down. Adaptive Marketing LLC®, an industry leader in membership and loyalty programs, knows that keeping customers happy is just as important as delivering valuable products. And one critical factor in ensuring customers satisfaction is to provide them with excellent service at all contact points.

As anyone who’s worked in the retail business can attest, the first rule of customer service is that the customer is always right. The second rule says that, even when the customer is wrong, refer to the first rule. Adaptive Marketing notes that, while these two rules still apply, businesses would do well to remember a few other tips that can help steer them and their customers into contented, long-term relationships:

-- Tell the truth. If it worked for the father of our country (and it did), it can work for businesses, too. Don’t play consumers for fools. Most people can tell the difference between an honest answer and a run-around, and the folks who can’t probably aren’t reliable long-term customers anyway.

-- Don’t turn your call center into a pinball game. Most customer complaints fall into three general categories — common, personal and unusual — and most of those fall into the common category. Make sure your customer service reps can quickly and ably address common complaints on their own rather than bouncing calls from supervisor to manager to on-hold limbo.

-- Train for success. The often-overlooked word in the phrase “customer service representative” is “representative”; customer service reps are the symbolic face or voice of a company to its customers. As such, they should be trained in all facets of the company’s business. While they don’t need to know proprietary business information, they certainly should be able to explain, fully and easily, the company’s products, services, guarantees, warranties and any other information that customers have a right to know.

-- Love may fail, but courtesy will prevail. Not every customer contact point is a happy one; in fact, unhappy customers tend to speak up a lot more than happy ones do. When a customer turns up the heat and the volume, the best thing a customer service rep can do is to maintain a civil tone and try to address the customer’s complaint rather than his or her conduct. In this age of electronic bulletin boards, simple courtesy can help keep a small dispute from blowing up into a large altercation or, even worse, a slow-news-day media fest.

Customers are the fuel that keeps businesses running. Treat yours like a valued commodity, and your company should stand the test of time, reports Adaptive Marketing.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® Advises Preparation for Natural Disasters Like Hurricane Katrina

Lately, it seems you can’t turn on your TV or open a newspaper without a seeing reports of a natural disaster striking somewhere in the world… hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, mudslides, tornadoes, wildfires, tsunamis… the list goes on and it seems to be happening more and more every time you flick on the t.v., notes Adaptive Marketing LLC®. We all watched with shock the devastation hurricane Katrina caused in New Orleans and the time it took for help to finally arrive. Thousands of people lost everything they had… their homes, family members, pets. What also struck us is how many people were not prepared for the worst, even though they were warned ahead of time.

Earthquakes, fires and tornadoes can happen with little or no warning. Since you can’t stop a natural disaster from happening, it seems the best thing you can do is be prepared. Some planning beforehand could save your life and the lives of your family members. Put together a disaster preparation kit, advises Adaptive Marketing LLC®.

Adaptive Marketing LLC® suggests 10 basic items you might want to consider including in your disaster preparation kit:

1. Flashlight: You will need to find your way around if the power goes out. Do not use candles or any other open flame for emergency lighting since there may be natural gas leaks.

2. Battery-powered radio: Radio reports will provide you with the latest weather updates and keep you informed of what’s going on during and after a disaster.

3. Plastic sheeting and duct tape. Use it to create temporary shelter from the elements.

4. Food: Enough non-perishable food to sustain you for at least one day. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking such as canned foods, canned juices and packaged foods such as granola bars or high energy bars (power bars).

5. Water: Keep at least one gallon of water stored in a plastic container (don’t store in a glass bottle or other material that could easily break).

6. Medications: Include usual non-prescription medications you take, such as pain relievers. Keep at least a 3-day supply of any prescription medications you take on a regular basis. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist on how to store medications.

7. First aid kit or supplies: Absorbent compress dressing, adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), adhesive cloth, antibiotic ointment packets, antiseptic wipe packets , packets of aspirin, scissors, roller bandage, sterile gauze pads, and first aid instruction information.

8. Tools: Non-electric can opener, plastic utensils, extra flashlight/ batteries

9. Basic supplies: trash bags, extra clothing and shoes.

10. Personal items: Extra pair of eyeglasses, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies.

If you own a home and have a mortgage, you should also consider getting disaster mortgage insurance. It’s supplemental coverage that fills potential gaps in your homeowner’s policy. Many Katrina victims found out the hard way that when your home is damaged or destroyed by a natural or man-made disaster (i.e. fire, water pipe burst), you’re still responsible for making your mortgage payments while your home is under construction, which can take months. Disaster Mortgage Insurance can be a real life saver, because it will cover your mortgage payments while your home is being repaired and can even help pay off the balance if your home cannot be rebuilt (as was the situation for many people in Louisiana after Katrina hit due to all the flooding that followed).

To learn more about Disaster Mortgage Insurance and to get a free quote, visit the Diaster Mortgage Insurance website.

For a few bucks a month, you’ll sleep better at night knowing you’re doing everything you can to protect one of the most valuable assets you own. If you’d rather take your chances, that’s your choice, but we should all learn lessons from Katrina and not forget the awesome power of nature and how quickly you can lose everything you’ve worked for when nature strikes, concludes Adaptive Marketing LLC®.