Cocoa, a far better cry than coffee, delivers that same warm, fuzzy feeling and gives the mind time to pause, and think. Cocoa is better for a writer than coffee. Here is an in depth study of the subject.
Hot Chocolate - Gourmet
By George Murray
Hot chocolate, the real stuff, doesn’t come in a powder. Instead, it’s a rich, creamy drink made to be savored and served with elegance. You can make a big splash at your next dinner party or gathering by serving up this ancient treat in style, dazzling guests with its decadent flavor.
The gourmet variety chocolate drink is one that’s been perfected over the course of literally hundreds of years. The drinking of chocolate, in fact, dates back to ancient central and south Americans. To get the real deal in a drink for that’s gourmet, you’ll need to purchase the best in chocolates. Take care in choosing the chocolate for your drink. French or other imported dark or even unsweetened chocolate work well. The best chocolate, of course, makes the best drinks.
Once you’ve decided upon your chocolate base, you’ll need fresh heavy cream, sugar if you’ve gone the unsweetened chocolate route and vanilla, real vanilla, not the fake stuff. Anything but the best will not do if you’re trying to make gourmet drinking chocolate.
Now, get a double boiler and carefully melt about one ounce of the chocolate. You’ll want to take care in this process to make sure you don’t burn the chocolate. If using a sweetened gourmet type of chocolate, you won’t need to add any sugar. If not, add a few tablespoons to flavor. Once that’s done, mix the chocolate with about two cups of heavy cream. If the cream overpowers the chocolate, melt a little more and whisk the combination together.
With the chocolate and cream carefully blended, serve in delicate cups. A chocolate pot can be used for serving to add a flair for the dramatic, and even traditional.
The drinking of gourmet chocolates is an art form in Europe where fine porcelain makers specialize in creating pots and cups to add elegance to the tradition.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the types of chocolate in your drink or flavorful additives. Mint, for example, can be a refreshing addition to this gourmet drink as can fresh whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and other side touches.
Want to learn more about the fascinating history of chocolate? Visit us at http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com
George Murray is the President of Centric Promotions, Inc. Learn more about the history of chocolate and view an assortment of luxury chocolates and chocolate gifts by visiting us at: http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com
Fine Chocolates - Working The Bean
When it comes to making fine chocolates, the makers of the best know it all starts with a simple bean. But, how does chocolate go from a bean to what is considered one of the best dessert confections in the world?
It starts with the cacao. The seed, or bean, from this fruit bearing tree must undergo some serious processing to become chocolate. The trick in making fine chocolate is proper processing of cacao’s beans from the very start.
Cacaos are harvested by hand. Growers hand cut the fruit, generally using machetes in the process. This is the very first step in creating the finest of chocolates. Once the fruits of cacaos are gathered, it is opened and the beans and the cacaos pulp is removed.
The next step in the creation of finer chocolates is the fermentation process. This can take five to six days during which time the fruit’s natural sugars create an alcohol. Cacao’s pulp turns to a liquid during this process and drains away. Chocolate’s deep brown color is generated during this process.
Once fermentation is completed on cacaos, the beans must be dried to continue the chocolate making process. Considering the climes in which cacaos grow, it should be of no surprise the drying method of choice is the sun for natural chocolate creation. Drying of cacaos takes about two weeks. In come cases, high volume producers use hot air to dry chocolate beans, but this is not the best method for creating a fine end product.
With drying completed, the chocolate creation process continues with roasting. This step, much like it is in the creation of coffee, is vital. For a finer chocolate to be created, roasting must take place around 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This step can take a few minutes or just over an hour. It gives cacaos a rich aroma and adds to the chocolate flavor. Roasting is critical and requires constant supervision for a fine outcome. Low temperature roasting will net a chocolate bean that’s fruity. Longer roasting of cacaos increases bitterness.
Tedious filtering is the next step in chocolate creation. Called winnowing, this is when cacaos are shelled and made ready for grinding, which is another essential step in the chocolate creation process.
Creating the finest in chocolates, is a lot harder than it seems. From bean to bar, each step along the way requires patience and expertise.
Want to learn more about the fascinating history of chocolate? Visit us at http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com
George Murray is the President of Centric Promotions, Inc. Learn more about the history of chocolate and view an assortment of luxury chocolates and chocolate gifts by visiting us at: http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com
Cacao Beans - Three Types
Much like the different varieties of coffee, cacao beans come in varying types. Three kinds of beans dominate the world market, serving as the base for most fine chocolates.
Each of the three main beans grown from cacao trees serves as the prime base in chocolates. Without the bean there would be no chocolates and without the finer beans gourmet confections would be bland indeed.
Grown in different parts of the world, the three beans used in most chocolate production today are the Criollo, Forasteros and Trinitario. Each of these beans has its own properties that result in slightly different tastes in the chocolate end product.
The Criollo beans are the ones that started it all. Europeans first stumbled across them in 1502 when Christopher Columbus came in contact with them. Grown in South America, these beans are known for producing the finest in chocolates. They grow in South America’s milder climates and require very rich soil. The beans themselves are considered the best for making chocolates because they are highly aromatic and have low acid levels, which helps create fine chocolate end products.
Forasteros come from the Amazon region of South America. These beans are thought to account for about 80 percent of the world’s cacao production. Not considered as fine as the Criollo, these beans produce a weak aroma and have a bitter taste although they can be processed to create fine products.
Less common for chocolate making than the Forasteros and not as fine in quality as the Criollo, the Trinitario is considered a hybrid bean from the cacao tree. This bean combines the taste of the Criollo with the higher yields of the Forasteros and is grown in South America, various Caribbean islands and a few other locals.
To take any of the beans and process it into a fine product of chocolate takes skill, and expertise. Not naturally sweet, the cacao resulting from the bean must be specially worked to create the chocolate flavor so many around the world crave.
Want to learn more about the fascinating history of chocolate? Visit us at http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com
George Murray is the President of Centric Promotions, Inc. Learn more about the history of chocolate and view an assortment of luxury chocolates and chocolate gifts by visiting us at: http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com
Cacao Beans - Conching
Cacao beans are the most important ingredient in finished fine chocolates. Without a high quality bean, the process is for naught. Staring with the bean and working through all the steps to transform it from seed to chocolate requires precision. Failure along the way means the difference between mediocre confections and chocolate perfection.
During the start of the chocolate making process, beans are treated somewhat like coffee. They’re harvested, fermented and then roasted. For excellent chocolates, this part of the making process is vital, but the making of chocolate doesn’t truly get interesting until the roasting is complete.
After roasting, the making process continues with grinding. The beans of the cacao must be basically shelled and then ground before they can be used in most chocolate recipes. During the grinding stage, the beans give off a liquid. Called cacao liquor, this liquid can be turned into three different products – all valuable to makers of fine chocolate. The cacao can also be processed into cacao butter or cacao powder, but this is generally done with lower quality beans. It can also be turned into chocolate.
To actually make chocolate from the chocolate liquor, fine crafters add sugar. The mixture is ground again, generally, to get rid of any “grainy” taste. It’s then “conched.” This means the chocolate in its liquid form is mixed at a temperature of about 180 degrees Fahrenheit. It is during conching that chocolate begins to gain its smooth, finished taste. Fine end product chocolates can be conched for an hour to a full day or more, depending on the maker’s individual preference.
With conching done, the finished chocolate can be further processed into milk chocolate, dark chocolate, ganache and other products. From bean to conching, each step in the making process is important, any wavering can harm the quality of the finished chocolate.
Conching itself is vital and often sets one chocolate maker’s work apart from another’s. From bean to chocolate base, the art of making chocolate is more complex than many likely suspect.
Want to learn more about the fascinating history of chocolate? Visit us at http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com
George Murray is the President of Centric Promotions, Inc. Learn more about the history of chocolate and view an assortment of luxury chocolates and chocolate gifts by visiting us at: http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com
White Chocolate
- The Not-So-Chocolate Chocolate
Although it’s called chocolate, white chocolate isn’t really chocolate at all. A hybrid that does derive its roots from the same cacao plant, the white version involves a different process for creation. Be this as it may, those who crave the creamy vanilla taste of the white version of chocolate will probably not care about the semantics involved.
Chocolate making involves first the extraction of useable items from the ancient cacao bean. While dark chocolates use the cocoa powder ground from the seeds, the versions of white use only the butter. When chocolate making experts create a white blend, the butter is the only items used from the bean itself to create the end product.
Making chocolate of the white persuasion involves a process not dissimilar to making darks. Despite the similarity, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will even deem white chocolates as chocolates at all since chocolate liquor isn’t used in their creation.
Instead, makers of white varieties of chocolates use the cocoa butter, milk solids, vanilla, sugar and lecithin to make this creation. Those that use true cocoa butter create a higher-quality chocolate than those who don’t. Other makers will save money by substituting vegetable fat for the cocoa butter, but don’t be fooled, it’s not the same.
True white chocolates are ivory in color when they’re made. The taste screams of cream and vanilla and it simply cannot be matched with the white, white creations that come from vegetable fat. The consistency, taste and ability to store is vastly different between the two versions of whites made by chocolate manufacturers.
Delicate by nature, white chocolates melt quite easily and scorch even easier. Take care when melting for things like ganache or chocolate fondue. Also, due to the use of real cocoa butter in the creation of top quality whites, this chocolate can store for months without spoilage.
Want to learn more about the fascinating history of chocolate? Visit us at http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com
George Murray is the President of Centric Promotions, Inc. Learn more about the history of chocolate and view an assortment of luxury chocolates and chocolate gifts by visiting us at: http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com
We are all connected.
We breathe the same air.
We drink the same water.
We live on the same earth.
So in all the ways possible, writers and artists share with us the rainbow circle of their love, life and their understanding thereof.
Every breath we take should be a ceremony of appreciation.
Every step is sacred in its eternal consequences.
Each thought is a balance of universal law.
We walk at our own pace.
We see with our own eyes.
With each author here we sit on Mother Earth, connected for time and eternity. With the eye of the artist we see the spirits dancing in the fire. In our hearts we hear the rustling of night winds. and we feel the warmth of the morning sun as the morning breaks
Always be ready to Share the Best that is in you
With a World that is eager to Share. http://www.talewins.com/
What is the Meaning of a Single Rose?
Have You Ever Wondered about the meaning of a single rose?
Learn more about this gesture of pure love.
The Meaning of a Single Rose By: Groshan Fabiola
Many feelings can be expressed by flowers, and this non-verbal language is very popular nowadays. Each one of us has sent at least one message to someone with the help of a flower. Sometimes whole conversations between two lovers are spoken through flowers.
The most meaningful flower of all is considered to be the red rose. A single red rose is now usually used to send a message of love. There are also many messages that can be sent through single roses, like :-a single white rose is used by someone that wants to say 'I'm sorry' to his/her significant other. It also has some other meanings. Since medieval times white roses are considered to be a symbol of light, purity and innocence, so sending a single white rose may also mean that you consider that person to be pure, or that your love is very pure.-a single yellow rose expresses happiness and love. Sending a single yellow rose to your half means that you are happy with your love and relationship.
But be careful because single white roses have two meanings! They can also express jealousy, so sending someone one can mean that you are jealous. The best thing to do is to attach a note to the rose, explaining exactly what you mean.-a single peach rose is used to send a message of friendship to a best friend or even to a lover.-a single purple rose expresses beauty. So if you want to tell someone he/she is beautiful send him/her a single purple rose.-a single pink rose is an elegant way of thanking someone because this is what pink roses transmit: gratitude. Finally, a single black rose says 'it is over'.
This is a way of ending a relationship - sending a single black rose together with a note. But, as mentioned before, the single red rose is considered to be the most beautiful and romantic. Even from the ancient roman times lovers give each other red roses. In those times, roses were the symbol of the roman goddess Venus, the goddess of love, so ever since then a single red rose clearly states 'I love you'.
Also the red rose petals are used to symbolize love, and to create a romantic atmosphere. They can be left to float in the bath tub, or simply spread throughout the house or near the fireplace. If your lover is away you can add some rose petals to your letters.Red roses have been a continuos source of inspiration for artists everywhere and thousands of paintings and poems have been written inspired by roses or by a single red rose. It has been said that a single red rose speaks volumes, so choose the fines rose and send it to someone you love now.
Article Source: Spin a Silver Dollar
If you want to surprise the ones you love or simply make a very nice gift check out these links for more information about a single rose and especially about a single red rose .
The Posture of your protagonist says a lot to your readers, but before you can tell your readers about a character with good posture you really do need to understand what GIVES a body good posture...
Core Muscles Effect PostureBy: Linda Geyer
We spend most of our lives doing three things: sitting, standing or sleeping which involves three different postures, 1) on our feet 2) on our butts 3) lying down. Many new clients over 40 years old complain of lower back pain and weak back muscles. In their health history questionnaire, I will ask if they sit or stand at work most of the day. Their response is mixed between sitting and standing. While lower back pain may be caused by an injury, it is usually aggravated by sitting, standing or sleeping. Poor posture, muscle imbalance and weak abdominal muscles contribute to back pain. Tight hamstrings and quadriceps (leg muscles), and lack of flexibility can add to lower back pain. Exercise to strengthen the core muscles (abs and lower back) and a good stretching routine can help eliminate back pain. Being consciously awareness of your posture and making necessary corrections when you notice it’s not good also helps. Sitting: Did you know sitting increases the pressure on the lower back by two times your body weight? When fatigue sets in, more pressure is added as the body naturally tends to round or, hunch forward. Relieve this stress by taking standing breaks or if you are at home lie down and stretch. Concentrate on keeping your shoulders back and your abdominal muscles tightened. The abs provides 50% of the support for your lower back, so allow these muscles to assist in the sitting positions.Standing: Did you know shifting weight from leg to leg while standing creates an uneven bending of the spine and loads the joints of the spine? Always try to keep equal balance between your feet. By keeping your shoulders back, feet apart and pressing forward with an arch in your back you can achieve that balance. If you are holding groceries, a heavy bag, or a baby and you find the only way you can support the weight is on your hip, make sure you don’t push out your stomach to compensate for the added weight. This will lead to an arched small of the back and a strain on your lower back. A cushioned sole shoe should be worn and will help absorb the shock of walking on hard surfaces or standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time.Sleeping: Did you know that sleeping on your stomach causes low back joints to jam together and can cause back pain? A great sleeping position is to sleep with your spine horizontal to the mattress. You can achieve this position by sleeping on your back with your knees at a slight bend or by sleeping on your side with pillows supporting your body in that position. Besides sleeping positions, flipping your mattress biannually will help deter back pain and discomfort.The Abs and Back: As I stated earlier, the abs support 50% of your lower back. Strong abdominal muscles will assist in deterring a backache caused by sitting, standing or sleeping. As you go through your daily routine, keep your abs tightened. You can do this at your desk, in your car, or on your couch while watching television. This is a simple exercise that will benefit you in the long run, won’t take any time out of your day and will lead to good posture as well!For more information and tips on exercise, go to http://www.easyexercisetips.com
Article Source: Spin a Silver Dollar
Linda Geyer, entrepreneur, speaker and author has spent her entire career in health related businesses helping clients and audiences make health a priority. She is Founder and CEO of Vitality Management and owner of Peak Physique Fitness Training in Michigan. Linda inspires, motivates and educates on health prevention through exercise, healthy eating and positive attitude. For FREE tips go to www.easyexercisetips.com To contact Linda Geyer, email linda@peakphysiquefitness.com
Negotiating strategies can make or break a good story. Here are some highlights to help you make you book or story read a lot better..
Effective Negotiating - The Key To Sales SuccessBy: Sachin A
No two persons agree on all things. When people come together to work out a deal, they try to maximize their benefits and minimize their costs. Each person places a different value on individual elements of the deal.An effective negotiation is not just about making people see things from your point of view, but it is also about converging two different views to a point that is perceived by both parties as mutually beneficial. The art of negotiating is the backbone of a successful sales campaign.Focus On The Customer - Show Him The Money: The customer is not bothered about how badly you need to make the sale to meet your monthly target. He is more bothered about fulfillment of his needs and getting value for his money. Talk about the customer's benefit. Don't tell your customer about the latest technology in the car's engine - tell him how this new engine saves him fuel and time. Know Your Competition: Knowing your product is not enough. You must know what your competition is offering. You don't want to end up staring at the customer, when he says your competitors are 20% cheaper. Have your answers ready. Give him valid reasons for your higher price.Don't Waste Your Time With People Who Don't Matter: When dealing with an organization, learn to prioritize. Don't waste your time explaining the secretary why your power tools are good. Save your time and energy for the decision maker. Try to get an appointment with "the boss". If you can't get one immediately, try for a later one, else move on. The secretary is not going to buy your tools. Exploit The Copycat Mentality:Humans have a mentality to copy what others are doing successfully. If a person's competitor or acquaintance is using a product, he may be tempted to use the product too. Keep your references ready and tell him how others have greatly benefited from your product or service.Get Them To Agree:When a person agrees to something you are saying, he subconsciously creates a positive frame of mind towards your offer. Getting the other person to say "Yes" on various occasions brings both of you on the same side - with the same goal. Your Negotiating Strength Lies In Your Uniqueness:If it is easy to find someone providing the same service or product that you provide, your negotiating potential is reduced. The more unique your offer, the greater negotiating powers you have. Always make a list of points which differentiate you from your rivals. Sometimes people buy things just because they are different from what most other people are using.Use Time To Your Advantage:Every one of us has been to a stock clearance sale. When the merchant runs out of time to sell his stock, his loses his pricing power. Customers use this tactic on sellers and give a deadline to make a decision on price and terms. The person who is short of time is always at a disadvantage. Never allow yourself to be trapped in a "time limit" trap. Even when you are short of time, don't let it be known to the other person. On the other hand, a person's urgency to get something done can work in your favor. If the other person is in a hurry to get things done, you can be assured that he will be more willing to bend than he would in a normal situation.A word of caution - never exploit the other person's urgency to such an extent that it makes the deal grossly one sided. You may get what you want one time, but such deals have a negative impact on your reputation and future business. A win-win situation is always desired.Price Is Not Everything - Terms Matter Too:Terms of service are as important as the price itself. An example could be the loans and mortgage industry. Companies are able to charge higher interests rates than competitors by allowing flexible repayment options. Companies offering freebies with their products are compensating a higher price with friendlier terms. Create a balance between the price and the terms - when price is your weak point, offset it with better terms. "The Policy" Tactic:Since childhood, people are taught that rules are not to be broken. At subconscious level most of the people carry a perception that it is their duty to follow all rules. You will be surprised how easily people give in when they are told that the terms which they expecting are against the company policy. Salespersons always keep a printed price list with themselves. Those few black words printed on a white paper add authority to the salesperson's arguments and send the message that it is not within their power to alter the terms. Keep Your Last Price For The Last:Most buyers have a tendency to ask for a lower price than offered. If asked for "the last price", quote something more than the actual "last price" which you are willing to give. It doesn't matter if initially you offer a price 2% lower or 20% lower - buyers will ask for a further lower price in both cases. The Final Gambit - Say "No":Risk taking is an essential ingredient of success. Agreeing to customers' terms all the time weakens your image in the market. Walk out of the deal if it doesn't seem profitable. If the customer gives in to your terms, you win a profitable deal. If you lose the customer, why repent? He wasn't a profitable customer anyway.
Article Source: Spin a Silver Dollar
Sachin A. is a freelance article writer and specializes in articles that require extensive research. Check out his work at www.rightarticle.com
Lin Stone continues to write the tour of the Arkansas Waterfowl Triangle. http://www.shareyourstate.com/arkansas/waterfowl3.htm Be sure to take at least two looks at this work as it really is a work in progress, improving with each revision.
Learn more about this gesture of pure love.
The Meaning of a Single Rose By: Groshan Fabiola
Many feelings can be expressed by flowers, and this non-verbal language is very popular nowadays. Each one of us has sent at least one message to someone with the help of a flower. Sometimes whole conversations between two lovers are spoken through flowers.
The most meaningful flower of all is considered to be the red rose. A single red rose is now usually used to send a message of love. There are also many messages that can be sent through single roses, like :-a single white rose is used by someone that wants to say 'I'm sorry' to his/her significant other. It also has some other meanings. Since medieval times white roses are considered to be a symbol of light, purity and innocence, so sending a single white rose may also mean that you consider that person to be pure, or that your love is very pure.-a single yellow rose expresses happiness and love. Sending a single yellow rose to your half means that you are happy with your love and relationship.
But be careful because single white roses have two meanings! They can also express jealousy, so sending someone one can mean that you are jealous. The best thing to do is to attach a note to the rose, explaining exactly what you mean.-a single peach rose is used to send a message of friendship to a best friend or even to a lover.-a single purple rose expresses beauty. So if you want to tell someone he/she is beautiful send him/her a single purple rose.-a single pink rose is an elegant way of thanking someone because this is what pink roses transmit: gratitude. Finally, a single black rose says 'it is over'.
This is a way of ending a relationship - sending a single black rose together with a note. But, as mentioned before, the single red rose is considered to be the most beautiful and romantic. Even from the ancient roman times lovers give each other red roses. In those times, roses were the symbol of the roman goddess Venus, the goddess of love, so ever since then a single red rose clearly states 'I love you'.
Also the red rose petals are used to symbolize love, and to create a romantic atmosphere. They can be left to float in the bath tub, or simply spread throughout the house or near the fireplace. If your lover is away you can add some rose petals to your letters.Red roses have been a continuos source of inspiration for artists everywhere and thousands of paintings and poems have been written inspired by roses or by a single red rose. It has been said that a single red rose speaks volumes, so choose the fines rose and send it to someone you love now.
Article Source: Spin a Silver Dollar
If you want to surprise the ones you love or simply make a very nice gift check out these links for more information about a single rose and especially about a single red rose .
The Posture of your protagonist says a lot to your readers, but before you can tell your readers about a character with good posture you really do need to understand what GIVES a body good posture...
Core Muscles Effect PostureBy: Linda Geyer
We spend most of our lives doing three things: sitting, standing or sleeping which involves three different postures, 1) on our feet 2) on our butts 3) lying down. Many new clients over 40 years old complain of lower back pain and weak back muscles. In their health history questionnaire, I will ask if they sit or stand at work most of the day. Their response is mixed between sitting and standing. While lower back pain may be caused by an injury, it is usually aggravated by sitting, standing or sleeping. Poor posture, muscle imbalance and weak abdominal muscles contribute to back pain. Tight hamstrings and quadriceps (leg muscles), and lack of flexibility can add to lower back pain. Exercise to strengthen the core muscles (abs and lower back) and a good stretching routine can help eliminate back pain. Being consciously awareness of your posture and making necessary corrections when you notice it’s not good also helps. Sitting: Did you know sitting increases the pressure on the lower back by two times your body weight? When fatigue sets in, more pressure is added as the body naturally tends to round or, hunch forward. Relieve this stress by taking standing breaks or if you are at home lie down and stretch. Concentrate on keeping your shoulders back and your abdominal muscles tightened. The abs provides 50% of the support for your lower back, so allow these muscles to assist in the sitting positions.Standing: Did you know shifting weight from leg to leg while standing creates an uneven bending of the spine and loads the joints of the spine? Always try to keep equal balance between your feet. By keeping your shoulders back, feet apart and pressing forward with an arch in your back you can achieve that balance. If you are holding groceries, a heavy bag, or a baby and you find the only way you can support the weight is on your hip, make sure you don’t push out your stomach to compensate for the added weight. This will lead to an arched small of the back and a strain on your lower back. A cushioned sole shoe should be worn and will help absorb the shock of walking on hard surfaces or standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time.Sleeping: Did you know that sleeping on your stomach causes low back joints to jam together and can cause back pain? A great sleeping position is to sleep with your spine horizontal to the mattress. You can achieve this position by sleeping on your back with your knees at a slight bend or by sleeping on your side with pillows supporting your body in that position. Besides sleeping positions, flipping your mattress biannually will help deter back pain and discomfort.The Abs and Back: As I stated earlier, the abs support 50% of your lower back. Strong abdominal muscles will assist in deterring a backache caused by sitting, standing or sleeping. As you go through your daily routine, keep your abs tightened. You can do this at your desk, in your car, or on your couch while watching television. This is a simple exercise that will benefit you in the long run, won’t take any time out of your day and will lead to good posture as well!For more information and tips on exercise, go to http://www.easyexercisetips.com
Article Source: Spin a Silver Dollar
Linda Geyer, entrepreneur, speaker and author has spent her entire career in health related businesses helping clients and audiences make health a priority. She is Founder and CEO of Vitality Management and owner of Peak Physique Fitness Training in Michigan. Linda inspires, motivates and educates on health prevention through exercise, healthy eating and positive attitude. For FREE tips go to www.easyexercisetips.com To contact Linda Geyer, email linda@peakphysiquefitness.com
Negotiating strategies can make or break a good story. Here are some highlights to help you make you book or story read a lot better..
Effective Negotiating - The Key To Sales SuccessBy: Sachin A
No two persons agree on all things. When people come together to work out a deal, they try to maximize their benefits and minimize their costs. Each person places a different value on individual elements of the deal.An effective negotiation is not just about making people see things from your point of view, but it is also about converging two different views to a point that is perceived by both parties as mutually beneficial. The art of negotiating is the backbone of a successful sales campaign.Focus On The Customer - Show Him The Money: The customer is not bothered about how badly you need to make the sale to meet your monthly target. He is more bothered about fulfillment of his needs and getting value for his money. Talk about the customer's benefit. Don't tell your customer about the latest technology in the car's engine - tell him how this new engine saves him fuel and time. Know Your Competition: Knowing your product is not enough. You must know what your competition is offering. You don't want to end up staring at the customer, when he says your competitors are 20% cheaper. Have your answers ready. Give him valid reasons for your higher price.Don't Waste Your Time With People Who Don't Matter: When dealing with an organization, learn to prioritize. Don't waste your time explaining the secretary why your power tools are good. Save your time and energy for the decision maker. Try to get an appointment with "the boss". If you can't get one immediately, try for a later one, else move on. The secretary is not going to buy your tools. Exploit The Copycat Mentality:Humans have a mentality to copy what others are doing successfully. If a person's competitor or acquaintance is using a product, he may be tempted to use the product too. Keep your references ready and tell him how others have greatly benefited from your product or service.Get Them To Agree:When a person agrees to something you are saying, he subconsciously creates a positive frame of mind towards your offer. Getting the other person to say "Yes" on various occasions brings both of you on the same side - with the same goal. Your Negotiating Strength Lies In Your Uniqueness:If it is easy to find someone providing the same service or product that you provide, your negotiating potential is reduced. The more unique your offer, the greater negotiating powers you have. Always make a list of points which differentiate you from your rivals. Sometimes people buy things just because they are different from what most other people are using.Use Time To Your Advantage:Every one of us has been to a stock clearance sale. When the merchant runs out of time to sell his stock, his loses his pricing power. Customers use this tactic on sellers and give a deadline to make a decision on price and terms. The person who is short of time is always at a disadvantage. Never allow yourself to be trapped in a "time limit" trap. Even when you are short of time, don't let it be known to the other person. On the other hand, a person's urgency to get something done can work in your favor. If the other person is in a hurry to get things done, you can be assured that he will be more willing to bend than he would in a normal situation.A word of caution - never exploit the other person's urgency to such an extent that it makes the deal grossly one sided. You may get what you want one time, but such deals have a negative impact on your reputation and future business. A win-win situation is always desired.Price Is Not Everything - Terms Matter Too:Terms of service are as important as the price itself. An example could be the loans and mortgage industry. Companies are able to charge higher interests rates than competitors by allowing flexible repayment options. Companies offering freebies with their products are compensating a higher price with friendlier terms. Create a balance between the price and the terms - when price is your weak point, offset it with better terms. "The Policy" Tactic:Since childhood, people are taught that rules are not to be broken. At subconscious level most of the people carry a perception that it is their duty to follow all rules. You will be surprised how easily people give in when they are told that the terms which they expecting are against the company policy. Salespersons always keep a printed price list with themselves. Those few black words printed on a white paper add authority to the salesperson's arguments and send the message that it is not within their power to alter the terms. Keep Your Last Price For The Last:Most buyers have a tendency to ask for a lower price than offered. If asked for "the last price", quote something more than the actual "last price" which you are willing to give. It doesn't matter if initially you offer a price 2% lower or 20% lower - buyers will ask for a further lower price in both cases. The Final Gambit - Say "No":Risk taking is an essential ingredient of success. Agreeing to customers' terms all the time weakens your image in the market. Walk out of the deal if it doesn't seem profitable. If the customer gives in to your terms, you win a profitable deal. If you lose the customer, why repent? He wasn't a profitable customer anyway.
Article Source: Spin a Silver Dollar
Sachin A. is a freelance article writer and specializes in articles that require extensive research. Check out his work at www.rightarticle.com
Lin Stone continues to write the tour of the Arkansas Waterfowl Triangle. http://www.shareyourstate.com/arkansas/waterfowl3.htm Be sure to take at least two looks at this work as it really is a work in progress, improving with each revision.
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