Vacation Tips for Busy Small Business Owners

If you're a small business owner or "run the shop" at work, you understand the pros and cons of being your own boss. Sure, you can generally make your own schedule, but along with that freedom is the reality of being an entrepreneur: the responsibility, the accountability, and the long hours that can lead to burnout very quickly.

With all that falls squarely on your shoulders, you may feel uneasy about taking a vacation. Don't stress. Here are tips and to-dos to help the worrisome entrepreneur take a much-needed and rejuvenating vacation.

More bosses are breaking away

According to a 2012 survey by Robert Half Management Resources - a Menlo Park, California-based senior level accounting, finance and business recruiting firm - 51 percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) said they didn't or don't plan to check in with the office at all while on vacation. That number is nearly double the percentage from a similar poll in 2010 (26 percent), and up significantly from a 2005 study (21 percent).

Why business owners stress

In 2007, an OPEN from American Express Small Business Monitor survey titled, "Employers Skimping on Vacations" asked business owners what concerns them most about being away from the office. The top concerns included:

    The fear that an important client or customer will receive inadequate service
    Missing an important new business opportunity
    Staff will make a poor judgment call
    Not knowing who will manage the business in their absence

While these concerns are valid, it's important to your physical and mental health to take a break and re-energize yourself - you'll return with renewed creativity, energy, and enthusiasm that should translate into more sales and greater enjoyment of your work.

So, start planning your vacation keeping these tips in mind:

    Notify clients in advance and be sure that they have your contact information if they need to reach you. Be sure to ask if there's anything you can handle before you leave.

    Ask a trusted colleague to be in charge while you're away.

    Prepare your employees by discussing potential scenarios that may arise and how they should handle them. Clarify with your staff and colleagues what situations require your immediate attention, and what can be handled by the team at the office. If you expect to be notified of emergencies, provide a way for people to reach you quickly, such as your cell phone number.

    If you're not planning on working on your vacation, don't send mixed signals by checking in and returning phone calls and emails. Unless it's an emergency, relax!

    When you return from vacation, take time to acknowledge the good work of the team, especially those who helped the office run smoothly in your absence. Make note of their efforts in their next performance review.

    Take advantage of out-of-town business trips by adding a few days for some relaxing time.

Business travel is travel done in the course of business or work, other than the ... This business-related article is a stub. ... This article about transport is a stub. I leave a suitcase containing a toiletries bag, a change of business clothes, and a set of workout gear at a hotel in each destination I travel to ...

Business Fuel Cards: Discovering The Options Available

For many businesses there are regular, daily costs to uphold with fuel often being one of the biggest charges faced. Whether a fleet of vehicles, a small team regularly travelling around the country or a few members of staff expected to move from one office to the next; fuel expenses are always incoming and can always add up.

As a result some of the largest fuel providers in the world now offer business fuel cards. In the style of a credit card, business fuel cards are strictly used for the payment of fuel which, complete with a pin can be used by drivers at specific locations. Businesses will, with fuel card services receive regular invoices, often weekly; which they can pay off within an agreed time period. As an efficient way to manage costs, fuel cards provide security and control over the amount spent on fuel which can make life easy for any business.

Whether you have a small team of drivers or large; all invoices will be organised together, you can control how much your drivers are spending and can even use the data provider to potentially plan shorter and more fuel-efficient routes for your drivers.

From Euro Shell to Texaco, UK Fuels and Esso; the biggest names in the fuel world have their own cards with their own benefits but which one is right for your business? With different savings, different fuel locations and different fuel management services; finding the right fuel card will require knowing what to look for.

Looking for the right business fuel card? Below are a few of the key points to consider when attempting to discover the options available...

    Savings- A fuel card is only of benefit if your business can make real savings so consider the deals that each card offers. From set pricing to competitive and two tiered pricing and additional features which include M6 toll payment options; depending on your needs you should be able to find a card that can provide some benefit.
    Options- As mentioned, different cards will have different options available so consider these before you make any decision. How many fuel locations are there? Are you able to get several cards on one account? What about your choice of fuel company, will they be able to provide constant support should you need it?
    Services- Fuel management services are a fantastic option for any business, a dedicated service will help you manage every being spent on your card, invoices and any other issues. This level of control is fantastic when looking to better manage business spending.

For those businesses reliant upon drivers, rigorously managing those regular fuel costs can make a great deal of difference to finances which is why fuel cards are now used by some of the biggest corporations in the world.

Not every fuel card is the right one however so if it is time to find the right one for your business, do your homework and ask all the right questions in order to start making savings and better managing those out-goings.

Wearable Technology And the Business Traveller

The analogy between Athletes and Frequent Fliers is a strong one to make, but a valid one when you consider how gruelling global business travel can be. Athletes take the time to train for fitness and competition. Frequent fliers, especially road warriors should take time to train for fitness and the journey. The serious athlete is well aware of the value of feedback, to that end they employ a coach and technology to keep them progressing and competitive. While frequent fliers may not have access to a coach they can leverage technology to help them stay journey fit and healthy. This is made even easier today with the explosion of Wearable Technology. Wearable technology, specifically of the health monitoring variety means any frequent flier can get real time feedback on their health status and adjust accordingly.

What was once the preserve of the elite athlete and out of reach and price range of your average person has now become available to all and sundry. In this respect we are witnessing the sexing up of the humble pedometer. Wearable technology (wearable tech for short) comes in all shapes and sizes with simplicity and sophistication in equal measure. Wearable tech gadgets can do anything from helping you reach daily physical activity goals to measuring sleep quality and duration, track water consumption, calorie consumption, weight gain or weight loss, as well as power napping and helping you monitor your exposure to ionising radiation.

The wonders of wearable tech are made possible because of advances in technology and the simplification of the UI (User Interface) all you need is a smartphone and your chosen gadget that is equally easy to wear on the wrist, in the pocket or around the neck and you are all set. Bluetooth and plug and play syncing options will do the job of keeping track of your progress.

All of these gadgets are available and useful to the frequent business flier and can make a worthwhile contribution to staying healthy while jetting around the world and encountering different time zones. In addition to this new crop of gadgets there are also some other items on the horizon or that have been around for a while which qualify as wearable tech which are also indispensable to healthy fliers. Include magnetic insoles which massage your meridian points on the soles of your feet in this category although you might want to call it low-tech wearable tech. You can also include a soon to be released power napping eye mask which will allow you to power nap to perfection, its timer wakes you by simulating a natural sunrise wake sequence. Another low-tech offering (yet to be released) is a silicon wristband which monitors pollution you are exposed to. Fliers concerned about Aero-toxic Syndrome and fume events when they fly could for instance use the band to monitor exactly what they are exposed to.

The options to get valuable feedback through wearable tech are increasing with the uses technology is being put to, it is only a matter of time before its use becomes the rule for frequent fliers instead of the exception. Apple's reported acquisition of Beats Electronics seems to be drawing criticism from the financial markets, but it could just be that Apple has acquired the last piece of its technology puzzle before it launches the iWatch. Whether Apple can turn the iWatch into that must-have wearable tech gadget we didn't know we needed remains to be seen. In the meantime frequent fliers without wearable tech will seem like astronauts in space without space suits, future generations will wonder how we ever managed without it.

Works Cited

Wearable Technology, wikipedia.com, Wikipedia Foundation, Web, Accessed May 18th 2014.

Steven G. O'Connell, Laurel D. Kincl, and Kim A. Anderson, Silicone Wristbands as Personal Passive Samplers, Environ.Sci.Technol., 2014, 48 (6), pp 3327-3335, Publication date (Web) February 18, 2014. Accessed May 18th 2014.

Mark DeCambre, Beats might just be the best platform for Apple's wearable tech, qz.com, May 12, 2014, Web. Accessed May 18th 2014.

Christopher Babayode is a flight attendant, nutritional therapist and frequent flier with over 15 years worth experience flying for British Airways on their long and short haul fleets.

Christopher's own need to stay healthy while flying led him to try most of the jet lag remedies available today. He found them to be impractical and health destroying or incomplete. Taking his nutrition training and work experience Chris now coaches others to fly healthy by design instead of by chance.

NoJetStress.com's mission is to help eliminate jet lag in a healthy manner while building vitality for all airline travellers.

Top Reasons Why Baby Boomers Venture in Online Business Travel

Nowadays, a lot of businesses have targeted baby boomers, and they are doing this for a good reason. Since most baby boomers are retired, and are living off their pension, they make up that part of the society with indispensable income, and with a lot of free time at their hands. Some businesses that benefit from this are travel businesses, airline businesses, and of course, home-based businesses. It seems like boomers are constantly looking for leisurely things to do and if they run out of ideas, they turn to business.

One of the most attractive options for them is home based travel business. For them, the time after they have retired is the peak of their lives, and they want it to be as worthwhile as they can make it to be. Many boomers have already traveled for business or for fun, and for them; this equips them with the necessary requisites of running this venture. However, this does not fully encompass the underlying reasons why this type of business is a common preference for them. So to answer the perpetual query as to why boomers prefer home based travel business, we came up with a list.

    The FOMO mentality not only exists in millennials, but also in baby boomers. FOMO, or the Fear Of Missing Out. Ever wondered why you see a lot of them spending days at the coffee shop holding an iPad? Most of them have become tech-savvy because it allows them to stay on top of what is currently hot and what is not. This is also one of the defining factors why baby boomers choose to venture in online business, particularly online travel business. They want to feel like they are updated in the current trends, or make sure that they are exposed to enough culture, so whether it is by getting a timeshare or putting up a home based business, they are almost always willing to do it.

    Most baby boomers are inclined to travel. As mentioned before, most part of this generation is already retired and finds themselves with more free time than they are willing to admit. They also feel the need to see something "before it is gone," and this drives them to travel all around the world. With the looming threat of global warming and what not, they feel like traveling tourist attractions all over the world have a deadline, and they do not want to miss out on anything. What is stopping them, anyway? They have all the time in the world. Moreover, this gives them the excitement of exploring new horizons. Without the everyday challenges of their previous work life, they look of a sense of adventure, and more often than not, they find this in traveling.

    A lot of baby boomers live in a household that is an "empty nest." A great bulk of this demographic live in a household wherein the kids are married, off to college, or have simply moved out. A lot of them have even resorted to getting pets. These pets do not really make up for the absence of other family members, but somehow, gives them comfort. Most boomers claim that this makes them bored-they were used to a life of coming home to a house full of kids, and now that it is not the case anymore, they want to venture into something that will keep them preoccupied, like a hobby, but is also financially sustainable, like a business. So, they turn to something that could offer both, which is home based travel business.

Having a regular source of income and unlimited free time is not just the reason why baby boomers are enticed to venture in home based travel business. This is not just about them, having nothing better to do, but it is because of the industry's risk-free nature, especially for those who are new in the business industry. Aside from the topline reasons mentioned earlier, we are sure you can find more motivations to mount your own home based travel business.

Finally, a business you can manage even at home where you can get real money and real results. Discover the breakthrough work from home opportunity that builds income without any special skills, knowledge, or know-how, whatsoever. Discover how a professor and chairman of the board of directors of USV-JSC made his way to online business success by watching the FREE video tutorial when you click the link above. Download free report on HOW TO START YOUR OWN ONLINE BUSINESS TRAVEL today.

Staying Connected While Traveling in the 21st Century Mobile World

The 21st century has become quite hectic. Our careers take us to more places than ever before to conduct business, whether we are in business for ourselves or for companies for whom we work. As hectic as that is, though, what makes traveling in business the most hectic is the fact that we are never far away from the office thanks to the power of the mobile Internet and our mobile devices.

Our smartphones and tablets are almost as essential in this day and age as are the luggage that carry our belongings from one city to another and the clothes we wear from place to place and meeting to meeting. Without our mobile devices, we cannot stay in constant contact with our superiors and with our companies to ensure we are getting critical business done. This is usually critical to ensure we have real-time data and updates on important business matters that often pertain to the meetings we attend and deals we are attempting to complete for the profitability and sustainability of our companies.

Thus, it's vital that we ensure that our mobile devices are in good working order and that we always have them powered up to ensure we can stay in constant contact with headquarters and our superiors. Therefore, know where there are power outlets where you can charge up your devices if you need to. Whether this is in the hotel room, in the conference room, or elsewhere, plan ahead of time to ensure you have plenty of juice when that critical meeting or interview takes place so your mobile device doesn't run out of power at a critical moment.

It's also prudent to have one or more external battery packs to power your mobile devices. Oftentimes, there is a delay or situation that occurs that you don't plan for. It could be a delay at the airport, a delay in the start of a meeting, or even getting caught in a traffic jam on the way to the meeting that could cause you to be away from a power outlet longer than you planned. While these situations often can't be planned for ahead of time or avoided, you can mitigate their effects on your day by having one or more fully-charged external battery packs you can plug your mobile device into to ensure it is functioning and ready to go when that important meeting starts.

Before you head on an important trip, take some time with your mobile device to ensure you know exactly how long it will last doing normal functions (such as calling, texting, searching on the Internet, etc.). The stated times the battery will last and how long your battery will actually last are not often the same, especially if your device is older, runs on 4G LTE (uses up more battery power), or if you are doing several tasks at one time. It's important to know exactly what your device is capable of doing and not doing before you actually go out on that important business trip.

Twenty-first century business usually involves us traveling and staying in contact with our superiors and our businesses via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It is virtually impossible to conduct business nowadays without such devices being at our disposal and ready to use. It's important we have our devices charged and ready-to-go, no matter what delays or challenges may come our way. Knowing exactly what your device is capable of battery-wise and having one or more fully-charged external battery packs handy can help to ensure that your mobile devices will help you to conduct the critical business meetings and negotiations that need to be done while you're away from the office.

The Importance Of Staying Hydrated On The Road

As a truck driver the last thing that you want to have to do is make a bunch of scheduled or unscheduled pit stops along the road. Many truckers intentionally curb or control how much they are drinking during the day limiting their intake of liquids often by less than half of what is recommended.

It is important to realize that dehydration can cause serious health issues over both the short and long term. It is also important to realize that not all liquids actually hydrate your body in the same ways and some can actually lead to an increased risk of dehydration.

Symptoms of Dehydration

In addition to health issues, which will be discussed later, people that are dehydrated also have various issues that can impact your ability to be a safe, effective driver. One of the key symptoms of dehydration is increasing drowsiness and fatigue, both issues that are problematic when you are driving professionally.

Other symptoms of dehydration include:
• Dry mouth
• Excessive thirst that may come and go
• Chronic types of acute or low grade headaches
• Stiffness and cramping of the muscles
• Confusion and disorientation
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded
• Difficulty urinating or strong urine
• Chronic lower back pain (kidney area) as well as chronic urinary tract infections (UTI)

It is really important to keep in mind that while these are the common symptoms of dehydration, they are also the symptoms of a lot of other health issues as well. It is always a good idea to get these types of symptoms checked out by your doctor to make sure there isn't another underlying health issue that could be detected early to ensure you have the widest possible range of treatment options.

The longer that these symptoms are present, or the more chronically dehydrated you are, the greater the load that you put on your kidneys and circulatory system. This can lead to an increased risk of specific types of kidney disease as well as poor immune response of your body.

Decreased water content of the body, particularly the cells of the organs and the blood, decreases their ability to work, repair and function. Low concentrations of water in the blood can led to a condition known as hypovolemic shock that can be life threatening. This can happen when the blood volume drops suddenly or over time and your blood pressure falls dramatically. When this happens the blood is not circulated through the body, oxygen supply to the cells is cut off, and the brain and central nervous system can stop functioning leading to coma and, if not treated immediately, death.

How Much Is Enough And What Counts?

For the average person drinking about 8 full glasses, which are at least 8 ounces in size, per day is typically enough if you are not exercising or in hot conditions. However, if you are sweating or if you feel thirsty you should drink more. For those that excise regularly or are in hot or dry conditions drink more water and more frequently. This would include driving in a hot truck or running with the window down if the air conditioner isn't working.

If you are trying to stay hydrated or experience the symptoms discussed above when you are driving, don't count beverages such as coffee, energy drinks, sodas or anything else with caffeine as part of your 8 glass total. The reason you don't want to count them is because they contain stimulants and, in the case of soda and some energy drinks, a lot of sugars. Drinking these types of drinks may help with hydration, but you will then have to deal with the symptoms of over consumption of caffeine and sugar, which are often very similar to the symptoms of dehydration. Also, next time you are tempted to reach for a soda in the truck stop take a minute and read the label. You will be surprised at the chemicals and additives in your favorite drink that you may not even know what they are.

Water, either bottled or tap, is a great option to just sip as you are driving. If you aren't a water fan try some of the new single serving sugarless sports drink mixes or water flavoring packets that are generally well liked by most people. You can also drink sugar free types of sports drinks that have extra electrolytes which can help prevent cramping and many of the physical symptoms of dehydration.

Food, especially high moisture foods like apples, watermelon, oranges and grapefruit as well as raw vegetables can all help to boost your water intake throughout the day. These wouldn't count specifically towards that 8 glass goal but they are a great way to add extra water and also give you a healthy snack.

A good habit, and one that many athletes, sports doctors, coaches and trainers recommend is to drink a large glass of water just before going to bed and immediately when you get up. This simple habit ensures that you are always going to have at least a quarter of your water intake requirements covered and it helps to allow your body to function effectively.

Sunny Jamaica Beckons

Irie Irie. Every little thing's gonna' be all right, Mon. And so it will, especially if you take your next Caribbean vacation to the lovely island of Jamaica and kick it up a notch by chartering a private jet to take you there. Home to Usain Bolt, the fastest man on the planet and the legendary Bob Marley, the island has something for everyone under its tropical skies.

Located just 145 miles south of Cuba, the country of Jamaica is a fantastic blend of culture, food, sparkling waters, soft warm sand, fascinating natural attractions and a history that is just waiting to be explored through its forts, historical buildings and plantation past. With three international airports, large enough for the commercial jets with long runways and modern amenities, to the local commuter airports and private landing strips strewn throughout the island, a charter has plenty of options and allows you a tailor made vacation to the sun.

Dunn's River Falls is just one of the highlights as you stand below and marvel at the water cascading down the rock formations. The climb up to the top may look complicated, but with an expert guide you will marvel at the lovely views while relaxing in one of many tide pools along the way. If the falls are just too commercial, you won't want to miss Blue Hole, a still largely undisturbed natural attraction where you can swim, explore caves, watch cliff divers and explore the many formations, waterfalls and trails in the area. Not to be missed is Dolphin Cove, where visitors swim and play with the beautiful bottlenose dolphins, take boat rides, check out what's beneath the surface in a glass-bottom kayak or see the displays of other marine life that lives onsite. For the true adventurer, Jamaica is also home to Mystic Mountain, where you can take a bobsled ride, yes, in the Caribbean, or take to a zip line through the lush tropical rainforest.

If all you want to do is laze on the beach, take to the water with a variety of watersports or go sailing, the island has all of that in spades. Beautiful stretches of palm tree lined warm sand complete with crystal clear waters beckon families and couples alike. Take a sunset cruise, dine under the stars or have a day of pampering at any number of spas; the island is a true respite from the world and one that will have you longing to return.

Charter your next trip to Jamaica and have your vacation your way, amid the beauty, history and culture that make this nation a fantastic place in the sun.

Ebb and Flow Is Natural and Beneficial to Your Business

Over the past few weeks I've been enjoying going to the ocean and playing at the beach. Every 2 years pink salmon spawn going from the ocean back to the same river they were born. (I know, nature is just so darn perfect isn't it?) Very predictable, they KNOW their path.

I'm right in the midst of putting together a year long program that is very INTENSE, so if I had my way I would work all day and night, but my husband has been saving me! Almost every other night we have been going to fish, since the "humpy" season will end here soon. The salt air, the sea and time away from creation gives my brain a rest and I feel completely relaxed and refreshed by the time I leave.

During these little trips I've been pretty much fishing with the boys, I've never seen so many boys (grown men) so focused on one thing before. It really is quite cute!

Of course the "girly-girl" comes out in me where I get bored from fishing and start looking for sea glass, cool rocks and the ultimate, perfect sea-shell. I enjoy making jewelry out of these little treasures during the winter time, and this winter will be perfect for that since Seattle lives up to the rainy-days it's known for. I love all of the treasures that the sea has to offer. Even drift wood! I decorate with it too! Last weekend I made little drift wood sail boats, they are adorable!

NEEDLESS TO SAY, that I can't wait for our vacation that we've decided to spend travelling up and down the coast of Washington, Oregon and California.

I know you are thinking to yourself, okay this is all wonderful and all, it's lovely catching up on Deb's downtime, but what does this have to do with my business? Everything!

Tide tables are very predictable and determined by the moon. This ebb and flow of the sea can be determined to the MINUTE. Think about that for a moment, it's pretty miraculous.

My questions for you are these:

Wouldn't it be much better for YOU to determine the ebb and flow within your business versus being surprised and reactive when things are crazy busy, or your cash flow is slow?

And, what if you looked at the slower times, or down times, in your business as a gift, versus a negative?

What if taking "a break" could increase your creativity and cash flow?

When I'm at the beach and its high tide, the water comes all the way up to logs. I can barely even see the beach, so it's not so good for discovering seashells but, when the tide goes out I discover all of these pretty little treasures that I couldn't see before.

So why don't we do the same thing in your business?

Plan and leverage your personal ebb and flow - up and downs within your business. Be predictable, know your path. Be proactive instead of reactive. KNOW your own "tide table" within your business.

All of my customers and I plan for the upcoming year's calendar in November the year prior. There are just natural times of the year that you really want to amp up your business promote and market launches, and other times you just know that are going to be pretty slow.

January and August are pretty slow for us in the coaching biz. BUT, instead of taking off during that time I usually am busting my buns to create new products and services. As soon as everyone else comes back from vacation and are busy getting their kids in school, is when we actually go on vacation.

The reason I do this, is because ONE I know there won't be as many people wherever we go on vacation and TWO when I come back from vacation I know that most of my stuff will be complete and I will be able to use my new found energy from my time off to connect with my clients on a whole new level.

When I go on vacation, I don't worry about a thing. NOTHING! I don't check my emails and barely use my phone. I am totally immersed into our vacation, spending time with my hubby enjoying the sites and adventures we are on.

During this time something magical happens, it's like when the tide goes out and I discover all those pretty little sea treasures at the beach, the same thing happens in my business. All of a sudden, my creative juices start flowing and my energy is re-ignited. Some of my best ideas come from when I am on vacation. My ideas ARE my sea treasures!

I teach my clients how to take off 145 days a year. You can start leading towards this by working Mon-Thurs and taking 2, 10 day vacations, plus a few long weekends off a year.

Downtime is needed in your business, just as much as busy and abundant times.

So here are a couple tips for you.

Decide which times are slow in your business. Use this time to create, get ahead, re-organize or to take some time off and just relax.

Plan your days off ahead of time: YES, even if you don't know what you are going to do during that time, mark your calendar for time off in advance. (WAY in advance - YES, November in 2013 is a good time to plan your entire calendar year for 2014!)

During these downtimes, plan to repurpose or re-launch items you already have done and totally automate it so you can bring in money while you are resting.

Be predictable! Know your path by having your business system set for the year.

Create your own time table for your business and for YOU!

I used to work so much that I would go to bed at 10pm sleep for 2 hours and then get up in the middle of the night and work all night long, go back to sleep for an hour and then get up at 6am and start my work day. I can't even think of working that way anymore. I like my 8 hours of sleep!

Working your business this way is NOT healthy. Not spending time to take care of you or your family because of your business is not healthy either. When you take time off you show up more fully, more energized to give your clients what they need. Holding the empowered space for your customers to step into takes a lot of energy.

If you are not making the money that you desire, but you are crazy busy all the time it means to me some pure focus, systems and a TEAM need to be implemented.

This is a tough concept to swallow when you are just at that breaking point of making a profit, or just starting, but there are ways to implement all of these in some small way today. You don't have to wait until you make gobs of money in order to start thinking and acting like a millionaire. Systems and planning, equal freedom... financial freedom, not to mention a piece of mind.

REMEMBER, YOU need a break, your clients need breaks and even your TEAM needs a break.

I challenge you to take a break and recharge, update outdated systems in your business, or even go into a creation, hibernation mode for a couple of weeks.

Learn to find the treasures within your business when your "business tide" ebbs.

I can't wait to hear what you implement in your schedule to take a break and how you plan in advance for slow times. We'd love to hear about all the ways you automate income while you are on vacation, too!

Debra Larson is a Transformation & Wealth Coach, founder of Simply Wealthy by Debra. Debra, an award winning coach, empowers highly conscious women entrepreneurs around the world on how to turn their own true gifts, passions and purpose into a profitable, meaningful business thru simple, doable - yet result driven concepts and systems. She prides herself in helping her clients achieve transformational results by weaving timeless truths and Universal Laws with mastery marketing counsel, teaching on everything from mindset to marketing that assists you in growing yourself while empowering you to fulfill your life's purpose. You can find out more about Debra and get free tools, tips and steps to becoming simply wealthy in your business & in life at

Brushing Up On The Pre-Trip Inspection

Sometimes, out of time and in a hurry, truckers fail to complete a thorough pre-trip inspection. Often these routine tasks, perhaps just by human nature, tend to lose their importance over time, especially if nothing is found as problematic after weeks, months or even longer of doing the inspection and providing the report.

If you have been out of truck driving school and driving professionally you may have developed your own version of a pre-trip inspection. It really is a good idea, especially if you are driving professionally, to get back into the habit of doing a comprehensive pre-trip inspection. Of course, for safety reasons, doing a pre-trip inspection is important on any truck regardless of the owners, but a detailed pre-trip inspection on your own rig can alert you to potential mechanical issues that you can then put on your list of things to have looked at immediately or, depending on what you find, when you get back. It can also be essential proof of your truck's safety on the road in the even there is ever an accident and a lawsuit.

It is essential to make sure you are looking at more than just the surface issues with the truck. It is also important that you have a systematic way to go about your pre-trip inspection. From your trucking school classes you probably have a handy checklist, it is a good idea to photocopy or print out a bunch and put them in the cab of your truck for quick access. By actually having a paper or a guide in front of you it is less likely that you will make a mistake, forget a system or simply get called away and come back assuming you finished the job.

Getting Started

If at all possible park your truck on a level, paved area the night before. This allows the truck to sit overnight in the same location as you are doing the pre-trip inspection so it is easier to spot oil or fluid leaks on the ground. Check to see, from the front, back and sides, if the truck appears to be sitting level or if it is tilting or tipping. Any slanting or tipping of the trailer or cab should be marked and then the tires, frame and suspension need to have a more thorough check to determine the problem. Check to make sure nothing is hanging down or there are no visible signs of damage anywhere on the truck or tires.

It is also essential to have someone there to help you to check the lights. They can simply sit in the cab and turn the various lights on and off and you can very they are working. Make sure all the major lights and reflectors including clearance lights, headlights (high and low), turn signals on the truck and trailer as well as flashers, brakes and tailgate lights and reflectors are all in working order.

Working your way back from the cab to the end of the trailer is always a logical way to approach the issue and make sure you don't miss anything.

Engine

The engine should be visible examined for leaks as well as for the condition of belts and hoses while off. Check all other fluid levels including coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid and also check for any wiring issues.

Next, get in the cab, start up the engine and check all gauges, the clutch and the lights are all working correctly. Check the brake, clutch and accelerator for sticking adjust all mirrors and make sure the wipers, horn and steering are all working. You should also check the parking brake and, if so equipped, the air brake.

Detailed Pre-Inspection

Checking all the visible components of the vehicle is critical, even if it is your own truck and you drive it every day. This allows you to visibly check the steering system, the front and rear suspension, front and rear brakes, tires and wheels on all axles as well as the vehicle coupling system between the cab and the trailer. When checking tires look for areas of wear, damage to the tires and also take the time to check the valve steps, caps and tire pressure for each tire. Make sure that all mud flaps are correctly attached and not dragging or ready to fly off.

Each component along the trailer, including things like the landing gear, doors, and of course the electrical components and the air connections, should also be inspected.

Throughout the entire inspection of the cab and the trailer look for anything that is not tightened down, appears to be loose, has rub or wear marks or is missing parts. Once you complete the entire inspection, go back and check any areas of concern and, if they need repairs before you get out on the road contact the appropriate supervisor or get your mechanic on the phone. The biggest mistake that you can make from a safety, legal and liability point of view is to drive a truck that you know has a mechanical problem or any type of irregularity or problem with any system.

Keep in mind that a complete pre-trip inspection, which is required by law and has to be recorded in your log book, will usually take about 30 to 40 minutes to complete. However, if you have specific types of trailers or cargo there may be additional pre-trip inspection requirements.

The pre-trip inspection is not just about going through a routine; it is about making sure that the vehicle is safe to be out on the road. It also goes a long way in if an accident does occur to limit your liability if the inspection was done, reported and recorded, and the truck was found to be safe to be on the road.

Tips for a Worthwhile Business Travel

When you are traveling for business, it is best to iron out the basics-such as packing, hotel reservations, car services, plane tickets and what not-so that it is not another task that you have to do on top of the business that you have to take care of. If business plans are important, then planning your trip merits planning as well. If all these are mapped out smoothly, not only will you be able to have a worry free business trip, but it is also possible for you to have a fun time during your trip.

1. Research about the place beforehand. Knowing more about the city you are visiting could help you manage your time or maximize the vacant time that you have while you are there. Let's say you are going to a convention. Knowing about the other events that will take place will help you go to as much events or conferences as you can during your stay there.

2. Packing light in a carry-on bag gives you one thing less to worry about. Not having to fret about your luggage check in does not just make your trip less worry-some, but it also saves you time both upon your arrival and departure. This gives you more time to prepare for your trip's agenda, or some last-minute shopping before your departure.

3. Be nice to the locals. This rule is not exclusive to business travels only, but it will do you a great favor if you are nice to everyone, especially the locals, or pretty much everyone else. If you exude camaraderie, people tend to become more helpful to you. The front desk staff will be more forgiving if you lose your hotel key, you'll breeze through security easily, and you can event gets a few tips from the locus about the best places to visit for leisure if you are on a tight schedule.

4. Meet with people you have connections with through social media. These days, meet ups, (or to use a term that is more localized on social media) are very common. This serves as a mini-convention for people who share the same interest of line of business. Sometimes, new business ideas come up during these meet ups. It helps you know more about the industry, widen your network, or simply make new friends.

If you are frequently our for business, whether it's for a business plan, a convention, or a simple meet and greet with clients, make sure that you make it worthwhile, and you take home more than what the original agenda is.

Best Online Travel Business opens the door to a business you can manage anywhere even when you travel. Discover the breakthrough business opportunity that builds income without any special skills, knowledge, or know-how, whatsoever. Discover how a professor and chairman of the board of directors of USV-JSC made his way on how to make money through this business

Why Business Jets Beat Going Commercial

Commercial travel has come a long way. One upon a time it meant getting into a stagecoach and making a long and arduous trek across the country. Trains soon took over and today they are faster than ever before. Thanks to the Wright Brothers way back when, air travel 'took flight' and we have never looked back.

At any given time there are thousands of people on thousands of airplanes going to destinations all over the globe. Airports are plentiful, screening and security are in place and baggage claims are buzzing each and every day as people make their way to and from places for work and pleasure alike. Flying to your destination on a commercial airline is great; you get where you are going fast and can work en route. What is even better for the work traveller? Chartering a business jet of your very own.

Some companies already have their own jets and the executive can come and go as they please. For others, charter is the way to go and once they have chartered, they may never go back to commercial.
One great thing about chartering a business jet is the fact you can make your own schedule. You don't have to arrive at the airport for an international flight hours before takeoff, you simply have more time to prepare for your flight and your trip. Security doesn't take as long when there aren't thousands of people to process and there can never be the worry of lost baggage. Take it on board yourself, and stow it accordingly.

But perhaps the best perk of going private is the fact you can choose a jet specifically for your needs. The latest gadgets, information and entertainment systems are on board and many allow you to design the cabin in any way that you wish. If you want to work en route, you can switch the seating to a more work friendly look. Just want to relax? You can do that too, in oversized comfortable chairs that offer more head, shoulder and leg room than you'd ever enjoy on a commercial flight.

Large, small, prop or not, business jets are a great way to get to your next important out of town meeting. You arrive well rested, without having wasted a lot of time at an airport and have had your schedule adhered to your way. What more could you ask from your transportation?

Dutch Contractor Financial Checklist 2014

Dutch Contractor Financial Checklist 2014

Health Insurance

If moving to the Netherlands or paying income tax to the Dutch authorities, expatriates are expected to purchase health insurance through a Dutch insurance company. Health insurance packages are variable, certainly depending on the package selected. Prices can range from €95 to €350.

Liability Insurance

This is a must have if living and working in the Netherlands. Should you, your children, partner or pet damage another individual's property then your party will be held responsible for costs; you will be expected to have this insurance cover. Usually included in your household insurance, it can be purchased separately for around €35 a month.

Cost of Accommodation in the Netherlands

Finding a place suited to your taste as accommodation is often a challenge. In large cities it can be time consuming and much more expensive. The Netherlands is no exception with Amsterdam and The Hague being a very costly place to live in.

Alongside this, buying a house in the Netherlands is often very complicated. It is recommended to use an English-speaking intermediary. Once a house is purchased, the buyer is then required to invest in house insurance - this will cost about €45 a month. The homeowner is also responsible for housing tax of €300 a year. This amount will depend on the on the location and size of the house. A further cost is sewerage and refuse - averaging €200 a year.

Renting a house exempts tenants from the above costs; the costs are the responsibility of the owner. However, don't rule them out as they may be in addition to rent.

Clothing

Clothing is often pricey within Dutch borders. A large number of foreign companies add mark-ups to their clothing products compared to the prices sold in their countries of origin.

You will be able to find almost all the usual major high-street stores found in the UK. For work clothing, Men @ Work and Etam are widely available but can be expensive. Cheaper alternatives, such as V & D or HEMA, are around but the quality will be of a lesser amount.

Transportation

The majority of Dutch public transport now use chip and pin card systems; including trams, trains, buses and other metro transport types. Average costs are not overly high, for example; a one-way ticket for train travel from Schiphol airport to Amsterdam's main train station is around €3.80. A similar journey from Amsterdam to Utrecht is around €6.80.

However, taxis are very high cost. A typical 12km journey will set you back around the €35 mark. For cost cutting there is a sharing taxi known as a 'Deeltaxi'. This works by charging a zone pricing system and expatriates share their journey with other people. This brings the cost down dramatically (a 12km journey will cost as little as €8.50) but you will need time on your side as you will zig-zag all over the city first.

Eating and Drinking Out

Compared to other EU countries, cigarette products and alcoholic drinks are relatively cheap. Yet, eating at a restaurant is pricy. Fast food prices are similar to the UK.

Tips are usually included in a service charge, so tipping isn't always necessary. Leaving a 10% tip from the total bill is customary when paying for a taxi and leaving a small tip is expected for waiters and waitresses if they provide a good service.

Child Benefit

Every child within the Netherlands is entitled, until they are aged 18 and over, to childcare benefit. This is given quarterly, or every three months, and is based on the individuals or couples situation and gross income.

Average Cost of Living in the Netherlands (Prices from Amsterdam, 2014)

Accommodation Costs Per Month

One Bedroom Amsterdam Central Apartment - €1,500

One Bedroom Amsterdam Apartment Out with the Center - €1,000

Three Bedroom Central Apartment - €2,240

Three Bedroom Apartment out with the Center - €1,450

Groceries

Milk - 1 Litre - €1.10

Loaf of Bread - €1.40

1KG of Rice - €1.70

12 Eggs - €2.50

1KG of Chicken Breasts - €6.90

Marlboro Cigarettes - €5.96

Utilities/Household

Per minute - mobile to mobile call rate - €0.33

Internet Monthly 1.5mb/s package - €20

Gas, Water and Electricity - €160

Dining Out

Three Course Meal at Normal Restaurant - €35-60

Big Mac - €3.50

Café' Coffee - €2.70

Beer - €4.20

Bottle of Coke - €2

Transport

Rate per KM in Taxi - €2.08

City Centre Train Fare - €2.80

Petrol Per Litre - €1.77

Yearly Tax Return

At the end of April (the end of the financial year) everyone living in the Netherlands is required to declare their income and expenses from the past financial year. Based on the individuals claims and declarations, the Dutch government will therefore decide whether the individual must pay back certain amounts of receive a cash payment. As a given example; a family with two working parents and one child in day care can claim back around €2,500 each year.

It is highly recommended that expatriates get an industry expert or industrial professional to assist with taxes - as this can be a very complicated Dutch process.

EAFS Consulting BV are a Dutch Payroll consultancy for contractors.
EAFS Consulting BV are specialists in the Dutch labour market and can provide payroll solutions and services to contractors and expatriates within or traveling to the Netherlands.

Step By Step Guide How To Fold A Suit Jacket For Traveling Without Wrinkles

Where does one start when traveling with your good clothing. You have invested a lot of money to dress right and be presentable on business trips and meetings when you arrive at your destination. Sometimes you need to get right off a plane or train and get right to work and that could involve having jet lag, being hungry, thirsty and carrying your bags from place to place.

Luckily, most of us use bags with wheels on them to scoot around the airport. Remember the days of lugging around huge pieces of stuffed luggage you could hardly carry? I do. What has been happening in the cell phone industry is the exact opposite of what is going on in the travel industry. Cell phones or smartphones are getting larger and carry on luggage is getting smaller. More and more we have to pack less and less in order not to be hassled by checking luggage or paying a penalty to the airlines for being overweight in our checked bags.

This brings me to the subject of this article, how to fold a suit jacket without incurring any wrinkles. I would like to stress that this technique can be used for men and women's apparel alike. You could even fold shirts and lightweight outerwear with this method. The center piece of this fold, taught to me by my grandfather who learned it from his father, is to form the bulkiest pieces of clothing into the latest pieces. What has to be looked after is the structure of your jackets. When folding tailored clothing the most important part to avoid wrinkles is to not crease the shoulders or collar. These areas are pressed many times in a clothing factory to give you the shape needed to form to the body. That is what makes a garment fit so well, how many times it has been pressed during it's creation.

The question being now is how do you fold a suit jacket to avoid wrinkles and not fold over the collar and shoulder area? Follow me here as it might get a little tricky explaining this, but in actuality it is not difficult to do and takes only a few seconds. You don't need another person or a table to lay the jacket onto.

Take each hand and extend your fingers.

1-Put each hand inside the shoulders of your jackets with the opening of the jacket facing you. Now your hands should be placed under what is called the collar points of the jacket.

2-Put your two hands, palms together with them inside the shoulder area of the jacket.

3-Now with the right hand grab onto the left shoulder of the jacket from the inside and remove your left hand. You should now be holding the jacket with your right hand and your left hand is now free.

4-Use your left hand to lift up the collar and the lapels so they are now facing outward.

5-Using your left hand for support hold onto the top of the collar that is now up and with your right hand pull both shoulders to the right side as you twist with the collar in your left turning the shoulder pads inside each other.

6-With both hands, line up the lapels so the notch or peak line up.

7-Holding the collar again for support with the collar up and lapels together and using your right hand, push the shoulders back through to the other side. Now the jacket should be in half vertically and the shoulders still are in their rounded pressed form only inside each other.

8-For the last step, fold the jacket in half horizontally over your arm and there you have it. You just learned how to fold a suit jacket and pack it without wrinkles.

The jacket is now completely flat. The shoulders are not creased or crushed. The collar will keep it's shape. You can now pack jackets on top of each other this way in your luggage by alternating where the shoulders lay making sure you are profiting from the best use of your luggage space.

Citation Encore

The Cessna built Citation Encore is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind and it doesn't disappoint as a luxurious and high performing light business jet. Built as the 'encore' to the Citation Ultra, this plane is able to fly long distances and has no problem with shorter runways for take offs and landings. It easily reaches its cruising altitude of 37,000 feet in 13 minutes and because it can land at airports with shorter runways, it makes the ideal charter jet for your next out of town business trip.

With the simple wing design that Cessna is known for, the Citation Encore works to better displace the air flow, cut drag and increase speed, which can go up to 401 knots. The Pratt and Whitney turbofan engines give 3,400 lbs. of thrust and in so doing achieves a 16% more efficient fuel consumption, making this jet able to maintain low operating costs.

The Citation Encore has a newly designed airstair entry that makes navigating boarding in high heels that much easier and inside is a luxurious space that boats fully reclining seating for up to 8 passengers. It has the longest cabin on any private jet, coming in at 17' 5", and the seamless wall panels, indirect lighting and mirrors creatively make the cabin look a lot larger than it really is. Each passenger has an individual flat panel entertainment system, audio jacks, power outlets and Magna Star 200 radio phones for their on board pleasure, or for working while inflight. There is also an enclosed lavatory and individual temperature controls between the cabin and cockpit, so everyone remains comfortable throughout the flight.

With an exterior storage space of 43 cubic feet and an interior baggage space of an additional 28 cubic feet, you have plenty of space for any article you wish to take on the trip, and with a range of 1,700 nautical miles, this jet will not only get you there in comfort and style, but is able to get you to destinations further afield than other planes.

Avoid long lines for security checks and get closer to your final destination since this plane can land almost anywhere; there is no need to go commercial and no need to try to navigate the busy major airports at both ends. Ride in comfort and style when you choose to charter this incredible aircraft, the Cessna built Citation Encore.

The Beechcraft King Air 90

If you are looking for a small aircraft that is big on comfort for your next business trip, look no further than the Beechcraft King Air 90. This twin-engine turbo prop aircraft can fly farther and higher than its piston engine competitors, meaning you can get where you are going faster and with less hassle than ever before. The turbo prop plane makes it easy to get to smaller airports that may be closer to your final destination than using the huge, crowded airports found in large cities. It can land on shorter runways with no difficulty and needs less room to take off, making it efficient both in the air and on the ground. This aircraft performs well on wet runways or in climates that are hot or at high altitudes, making it a great choice for many varied destinations. With a 1,264 nautical mile range and a top speed of 256 knots, this plane will get you to that meeting or conference in another state quickly and effectively. Its improved climb rate makes reaching your cruising altitude a shorter experience and also makes the plane that much more fuel efficient.

With comfortable seating for six, the Beechcraft King Air 90 boasts leather seats that swivel and recline, making a working flight possible. Pull out tables, cabinets for refreshments and an accessible baggage area mean that you are never without that needed file or piece of equipment en route. The large windows allow light to enter and the fresh air outlets will ensure that you arrive refreshed and ready to take on your day.

The Beechcraft King Air 90 has been redesigned from its predecessors to have larger headroom and shoulder room space making it a comfortable trip for all in the party. It has been specifically engineered to be quiet while in the air and as the seats swivel, you can make groupings for conversations more easily than you could with standard seats on other aircraft. All of these innovations allow you to choose a productive flight or one where you simply relax in the comfort of the seats as you cruise to your destination.

Beechcraft has over 45 years of aviation experience behind them and make quality products that meet or exceed expectations of the business traveller. Their continued attention to detail and expertise in what businesses want from a charter aircraft work in concert to create the fleet of amazing planes that they offer.

Business travel is travel done in the course of business or work, other than the ... This business-related article is a stub. ... This article about transport is a stub. I leave a suitcase containing a toiletries bag, a change of business clothes, and a set of workout gear at a hotel in each destination I travel to ...