Abundance

Abundance: A fuzzy new-age concept? Perhaps sound advice?

Last night was certainly as interesting as it was entertaining.

Yesterday, I rode 400km on Nelli (my new Benelli Tornado sports-bike) through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world to gaze at the STARS from the Sutherland Observatory.

Sutherland is famous for two things: 1) it's the coldest place in South Africa and 2) it is home to the largest TELESCOPE in the Southern Hemisphere. Last night, as I looked through the GIANT telescopes at the night sky, my jaw chattering with the cold, I was humbled by how vast the Universe is. It's impossible to believe in the concept of 'scarcity' when looking through a telescope. The stars, moons and planets seem never ending. I highly recommend coming out here sometime to stargaze.

By contrast, this morning I woke up to scarcity. Having eaten a great breakfast at the local coffee shop, I returned to my B&B to type this email to you. Charmaine (not her real name), the owner of the B&B, interrogated me about what I had for breakfast across the road. I didn't quite understand why she cared, until it dawned on me that she wanted to find out exactly what the coffee shop served so that she could compete with them, or undercut them in price. From her tone of voice, I could tell that CHARMAINE FELT THREATENED that I had spent my money with the 'competition' rather than with her. When I told her that I was considering staying another night, she tried to put down the other B&B's in the area, so that I would want to spend another night in her B&B. Charmaine's outlook on life is one of scarcity. In her world, every other B&B in town (there are 26, I'm told) is a threat to her business and it's obvious to me that with this attitude, she is struggling to survive in a crowded marketplace.

By contrast, the coffee shop owner has an ABUNDANCE mindset. He focuses on adding massive VALUE and offers a HUGE breakfast for only R30 (£2 or $4) along with GREAT service and a lighthearted atmosphere. He even plays a tourist DVD softly in the background promoting Sutherland and the other businesses in the area! The coffee shop owner does not see the other businesses as a threat to his own. In his world, there is more than enough business for everyone and it reflects in the number of customers he attracts. As a result, his business is booming and I'll go back there for breakfast tomorrow.

SO WHAT CAN WE LEARN HERE? There are TWO ways you can view the Universe. 1) It's an uncertain place looming with lack, fear, uncertainty and scarcity OR 2) It's a place filled with love, possibility and ABUNDANCE. Neither one is correct. They are just viewpoints. But here's the thing most people cannot see... Each viewpoint will produce a completely different result in our experience of life. -

SCARCITY thinking will limit your mind to seeing only a world full of fear and lack. -

ABUNDANCE thinking will open your mind to see a world where anything is possible.

Again, neither are right or wrong. They just produce different results.

SO, HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME?

Take a look at your life:- Are you seeing scarcity or are you seeing ABUNDANCE? -

Are you seeing limitations or are you seeing OPPORTUNITIES?-

Are you seeing lack or are you seeing POSSIBILITY?

If you find yourself seeing mostly scarcity, I'm willing to bet that you are unhappy. If you are seeing ABUNDANCE everywhere, chances are that you are living in a magical world full of exciting opportunities. Neither one is better than the other, just different. The JOY of being human is that we get to choose our own viewpoints.

So, what's it going to be, scarcity or ABUNDANCE?

Choose. Choose NOW.

Your life depends on it.

So, from a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, I wish you the most miraculous rest of your week.

Post by:

Phil Cooper
Phil Cooper Insurance Brokers (Pty) Limited

- From Business Warriors Forum - 24 April 2008
www.businesswarriors.co.za

Invest in Yourself

Last night I had the absolute privilege of having dinner with a few serious multi-millionaires (including Hannes Dreyer and Kalpesh Patel) and I sucked them for a little bit of information and thought I should share with you guys what I have learnt!

The first thing I noticed about these wealthy people (there were 10 of them) was that they're incredibly ordinary people. (Hannes flies Kulula!) and there are simply no airs and graces about them. They were relaxed and jovial.Even though "money" didn't feature much in the conversations, what I noticed about all of them was that their focus was on how much money there is out there.

Not once did I hear any negative comments about the economy, South African politics or crime - all they speak about is abundance. (One of the guys mentioned that even if there is no money in the bank, it's important to always focus on the large amounts of money out there - AND think up plans to get it in your pocket!)

All of them seemed to agree that there is so much opportunity in South Africa right now. Kalpesh (a Londoner and a top MLM marketer) kept telling me how absolutely easy it is for anyone to make money here.They are also incredibly focused people (I'm a creator, so this is TOUGH!) but they are really good at what they do.

But the one thing that caught me off-guard was this: Hannes made the comment that Wealthy People Invest in themselves. He says that people who are broke, are just about to be broke or who will be broke in the future are those who don't take the time to Invest in Themselves.By this he meant: How many people are taking the time to learn? Successful businessmen spend time every week studying further - reading further - attending seminars and courses.

So here's my challenge to all of us: How are you going to Invest in Yourself in the next few days/weeks/months/years?

I have made the conscious decision that I want to think like a wealthy person, and so I am surrounding myself with people who are seriously wealthy. I am reading books about Wealthy People.

So, how do you do that? Well - it was amazingly easy: During a break at the seminar I went out and asked the richest people in the room if I could take them out for supper after the seminar. They all said yes. Some even paid for themselves (thankfully!) and I spent about 4 hours learning from them!

I also joined an online university with loads of resources that I can study online.

I am excited about my new journey!

- Tony Seifart www.freetips.co.za

Why did you start a business?

By Niel Malan
When presenting seminars to entrepreneurs, I usually start sessions by asking attendees the question: “why did you start a business?” The answers usually fit into three categories:

Freedom
Money
Enjoyment

Although their motives differ, it would seem that most entrepreneurs start companies for a combination of the above reasons. I then ask another three questions:

1. “Do you have more freedom?”

Sadly, the vast majority of entrepreneurs answer a resounding “no!” to this question. Instead of freedom and independence, they often find themselves in the exact opposite position. I sometimes joke by saying to entrepreneurs don’t own businesses, businesses own entrepreneurs! Many businesses are so dependent on their owners that they cannot function without them there. Instead of more freedom, entrepreneurs often have less time, more duties and responsibilities, and all sorts of commitments like leases, payroll, etc. that place limitations on their freedom.

2. “Do you make more money?”

This one usually gets entrepreneurs hot under the collar. Truth be told, most businesses are in survival mode, and hardly show a profit. After paying SARS, creditors and making payroll, there is often not much left for the entrepreneur in the form of profits. I think if more entrepreneurs were making more money, they would be ok to have less freedom. However the combination of having less freedom AND less money at the same time is enough to make anyone question their own sanity for starting a business! Have you ever felt like this?

3. “Do you have more enjoyment?”

To this question I usually get a more positive response, although the answer is conditional. The usual response is “I enjoy part of what I do.” This is good news. At least part of the plan works out. It starts like this: entrepreneurs love making a certain product or rendering a certain service. They start a business because they spot and opportunity, grab a calculator, and work out that they can make a ton of dough by doing it better than the competition. It seems simple and exciting. And the entrepreneur launches out the starting blocks with great fervor. Only to discover pretty soon that there are many things they need to know that they don’t. Taxes, book-keeping, employing and managing people, etc. are often activities that entrepreneurs need to spend a lot of time on for their business to work, but don’t enjoy doing it, and often don’t quite know how. This obviously negatively affects the enjoyment they get from their businesses.

Business is paradoxical.

The Cap Gemini World Wealth Report comes out every year and tells us that South Africa is among the top five countries in the world for creating new dollar millionaires. At last count there were over 40 000 Dollar millionaires in the country. Most of them made money through business and property. Many of my friends and business associates are among these people. Their businesses work. They have freedom, they love what they do and they make great money. Life is good for them. The entrepreneur’s plan works for them.

Few entrepreneurs realise this, but South Africa is the land of milk and honey for sharp people. It is estimated that South Africa has about 2 million businesses at any given time, of which 80% will close their doors in the next two to five years. Of the remaining 20%, a further 80% will close their doors in the next five years. So while literally millions of entrepreneurs struggle, 3 – 4% of entrepreneurs make it big and live the good life.

Strange, isn’t it? So the question begs “what makes the difference?” Is it the industries they are in, or the businesses they choose, or luck? In my experience the differences lie in skill and thinking, nothing else. In fact, many empire builders don’t work nearly as hard as the struggling entrepreneurs.

One of my very affluent friends tells me that the main reason he makes over R20 million a year in profits is because he is lazy. His rationale is that being lazy for hard work forces him to work smart. He has over 200 employees doing all the hard work working IN the business, while he works ON his business for less than a few hours a day, thinking how to work smarter and better.

www.treoc.com

Costs of buying and selling property

TYPICAL COSTS OF BUYING

PURCHASE PRICE

§ A deposit of the gross purchase price to the estate agent of conveyancer payable usually on signature of the deed of sale by both parties within 7 to 14 days from signature (usually 10%) (if applicable)
§ The balance of the purchase price is lodged prior to transfer, or is secured by way of a bank guarantee
§ Over and above the purchase price, the purchaser should have the cash available to cover the transfer costs (if this is not included in the bond) and the bond registration costs as follows:-

TRANSFER COSTS

§ Transfer duty – calculated on a sliding scale for the joint and individual buyer – between 0% to 8% of the gross purchase price payable. (R0 to R500 000 is exempt). If the property purchased is registered in the name of a CC, company or inter vivos trust, transfer duty at rate of 8% of the gross purchase price, is payable to SARS, as government tax
§ If the seller is a VAT vendor, then VAT is payable at 14% of the purchase price. As the seller is liable for payment, it is important to add the VAT to the purchase price. The transaction may be zero-rated only when an income generating entity, which is also a going concern, is sold from a VAT vendor to a VAT vendor. If VAT is payable, the purchaser will not pay transfer duty. Check whether the price is stated as including or excluding VAT. If nothing is stated, it is including VAT. Whether the transfer duty or VAT is payable, if the purchaser is registered for VAT (s)he can potentially reclaim this within the normal VAT cycles as an input credit.
§ Transfer duty on property in the event of divorce has been scrapped since the 2006/7 tax year.
§ Conveyancing fees – of the transferring attorney, may vary slightly according to rates set by the conveyancer who attends to the transfer, but are based on tariffs from the law society (plus VAT).
§ The legal and registration costs are payable at least 4 weeks prior to the date of transfer, so that lodgement can be effected in the deeds registry of the relevant transfer documents for examination. The time of payment is usually set out in the agreement.
§ Bond registration costs – the purchaser normally pays the transfer and bond registration cost (plus VAT).
§ Deed office/registration fees – a fee which varies between R55 and R 1000 (plus VAT), dependent on value of property.
§ FICA costs – usually R 300 per FICA investigation
§ Sundry charges – posts and petties and telephone calls (plus VAT) payable to the transferring attorney (usually about R500), and valuation certificates – a disbursement to the local authority to obtain a valuation certificate – which varies and is based on the valuation of the property, usually between R 100 and R 150 (including VAT)
§ Occupational rental/pro rata rates & taxes – payable prior to and adjusted on registration of transfer, the occupational rental (if applicable), and share of current years’ rates & taxes (levied by the local authority). The buyer will pay a pro-rata share of rates in advance from date of occupation until the end of the current rateable year (which is from 1 July to 30 June). The buyer may be paying anything from 1/12th to 11/12ths of the annual rates, depending on date of transfer.


TYPICAL COSTS OF SELLING

§ Estate agent’s commission – commission rates are calculated as a % of the gross purchase price & should be negotiated upfront with the agent. Sellers need to establish very clearly what commission an agent proposes to charge before awarding a mandate & to ensure that the % agreed upon after any negotiation is written into the mandate document (where applicable).
§ Beetle inspection, electrical inspection certificate – usually between R 250 and R 500 (plus VAT). The seller will be responsible for any repairs required before such a clearance certificate can be issued. The beetle inspection certificate may be required by inclusion in the contract of sale. The electrical inspection certificate is required to be obtained by the seller in terms of legislation (Occupational Health & Safety Act no 85 of 1993).
§ Bond cancellation fees – to settle an existing bond
§ Rates & taxes – the seller is normally liable to pay rates up to the date of transfer. This may involve paying a few months’ rates in advance, payable before registration of transfer.

PURCHASING VIA LEGAL ENTITIES - PRO'S & CON'S

COMPANY

ADVANTAGES

CC, Trust, company can be shareholders
Strictly controlled by legislation (Companies Act no 61 of 1973)
Can have up to 50 members (private company) which in turn could help raise finance.

DISADVANTAGES

The costs of annual audit


CLOSE CORPORATION

ADVANTAGES

Inter vivos trusts and natural persons can be member
May provide financial assistance for purchase of member’s interests
Transfer of member’s interest not subject to stamp duty / single securities tax
Simplified management, no audit required
Formed easily and inexpensively

DISADVANTAGES

Membership limited to 10. If a trust is a member, the number of beneficiaries on the trust, plus the individual members may not be more than 10
Unique to SA, not readily recognised internationally
May be phased out in future


TRUST

ADVANTAGES

The trust is treated as a body separate from the individuals.
Requirements for registration relatively simple
Good estate planning device
Assets don’t form part of the insolvent estate in the event of sequestration
Strict controls – Trustees accountable to Master of the High Court
May protect property owner against creditors as long as the trust property is not offered as security against a loan.
Special trusts will be allowed CGT exemption if primary residence (& meets other requirements to qualify)
Special trusts- taxed at individual rates
Trust deed can be set up so as to determine the manner in which Trustee administers the fixed property and the Trustee is duty-bound to obey these wishes
Perpetuity – the trust ordinarily continues to exist as an entity, despite the death of the founder, a trustee or beneficiary

DISADVANTAGES

Not acknowledged as a separate legal entity or juristic person
Cannot be sold as an entity
The beneficiaries normally have discretionary rights which are not assets that can be sold like shares

APPLICABLE TO ALL ENTITIES

ADVANTAGES

Separate legal personality (CC’s and Companies)
If shares held in trust, may protect the shares as long as not offered as security against a loan.
May be able to write off costs such as upkeep & maintenance on property against tax (legal entities and individuals)
Shares / members interests can be sold
Continues to exist as an entity even in event of death or resignation of members/shareholder/director/trustee


DISADVANTAGES

Capital gains tax – no exemption, even if property held in Company/CC or Trust (inter vivos), is primary residence.
w.e.f 1/10/07: Dividend Tax (CC’s and Companies) 10% on all distributions (broadened base)
Registration and administration costs (CC’s and companies)
Transfer duty is 8% (CC’s, Companies, Trusts)
Lending instructions will usually require a suretyship.

Confidence

Somehow I can't believe that there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C s. They are curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy, and the greatest of all is confidence. When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.

- Walt Disney

The company Chev

Predatory Lending

Predatory Lending (or “Equity Stripping”) can broadly be described as a scheme offered by a “company” that comprises an abusive set of lending practices targeting home owners in financial distress or default. The company offering the scheme will essentially provide assurances that, through the sale of the home owner’s property into the hands of the company, the home owner’s financial difficulties will be resolved, they will be able to remain in their property as a tenant and, in time, will have the option to re-acquire the property from the company.

Companies engaging in these predatory lending schemes will predominantly target home owners who have a fair degree of equity in their property, but due to their financial position, are unable to source additional financing from the formal lending institutions. Home owners will be approached by either the company or an agent of the company, or will approach the company directly as a result of advertising undertaken by these companies.

A number of schemes have recently been exposed by the Bank, with court rulings taken in favour of the Bank where legal action has been pursued and other matters still under investigation.

Modus Operandi

Agreement is reached between the home owner and the company to:
• Sell the home owner’s property to a “shelf” company, with the intent to set up a Trust, in favour of the home owner, as shareholder of the shelf company.
• Obtain a mortgage loan for the maximum amount of the property valuation (or maximum amount possible) in the name of the shelf company on the strength of the Directors that are appointed to the shelf company.
• Lease the property back to the home owner, who signs a lease agreement with the shelf company to rent the property, thus allowing the home owner to remain in their property with the rental payments being used to service the new mortgage loan.
• Use the proceeds of the loan to:
o Settle the home owner’s existing mortgage loan.
o Pay the costs associated with the raising the new mortgage loan.
o Retain an amount equivalent to 12 months instalments on the new mortgage loan in “trust” with the company running the scheme as a contingency.
o Settle the home owner’s other debt from the remaining funds.
• (Bridging finance is normally utilised to make the proceeds available immediately on approval of the mortgage loan finance.)
• Provide the home owner with an option to re-purchase the property in 18 months once their credit record has been cleared and they are financially capable of obtaining sufficient mortgage finance for the acquisition – the home owner will then takeover as sole Director of the shelf company.

Bank’s Findings

• The Trust in favour of the home owner is never set up and, in fact, the individuals behind the company running the scheme remained as shareholders of the shelf company, hence, owners of the property.
• Applications for mortgage loan finance by the shelf companies are normally routed through a specific originator/aggregator who is complicit in the scheme and receiving commission on the deals.
• The purchase price of the sale of the property from the home owner to the shelf company is inflated and supported by an external valuation of the property in order to secure more finance (willing buyer/willing seller principle).
• With regard to the Directors:
o They are invariably appointed purely as “jockeys” to secure the lending, i.e. credit worthy, sufficient income to demonstrate affordability and clear credit records.
o They are promised that the scheme is risk-free to them and receive an indemnity from the company running the scheme in terms of being called upon to repay the debt.
o There is never any intent from them to service the mortgage loan, notwithstanding that the Bank will take their surety and this is the basis for granting the mortgage loan.
o They receive a commission for the use of their name to obtain the mortgage loan.



• The home owner will no doubt agree to the rental agreement just to be able to stay in the property. However, it is extremely unlikely that the home owner would be able meet the rental payments under the lease agreement given that the new mortgage loan amount is substantially higher than the home owners original mortgage loan.
• The rental payments are aligned to the instalments on the new mortgage loan in order that the Directors would not be called upon to pay (their indemnity). The purpose of the funds held in “trust” is to supplement shortfalls by the home owner, but investigations into these schemes reveal that these funds are plundered by the individuals running the scheme who have free access to the monies.
• The proceeds of the new mortgage loan do indeed settle the home owner’s existing mortgage loan and cover all the associated costs, i.e. transfer duty, registration fees, etc.

However, the “equity stripping” aspect of these schemes is truly evident when one considers the costs, fees and commissions that are paid over to the individuals behind the scheme, the originator/aggregator, the Directors, the bridging finance providers (normally one and the same as the individuals behind the scheme), external valuers and the attorneys (instances found where the transfer duty charged was in excess of the SARS specified amounts and conditions of grant have been altered). These amounts can and do exceed 50% of the proceeds from the sale. Consequently, there are usually limited funds available to the home owner to settle/consolidate debt (the purpose of the original transaction).

• Given that the home owner never becomes the shareholder (i.e. the Trustee of the Trust), that they could never afford the monthly rental payment, that the contingent funds held in trust are no longer available and that the remaining proceeds are substantially lower than the equity originally existing in the property, the likelihood of the home owner being in a position to execute on the option to re-acquire the property is remote. Hence the property will be sold in order to defray the substantially higher bond and will, by this time, be completely beyond the financial means of the home owner.

Begin with a blank page

If you could start your life all over what would be different? What would you change now if you were able to wave a magic wand and start from scratch?

Just imagine you have no ties, no burdens, no limits, no memories, and no past.What would your life look like?

If the answer that comes to your mind is different than what you are doing, why is that? Is it because of someone else's opinion? A spouse, a parent - or maybe your children? The ultimate test of your life is to close your eyes and think of yourself on your deathbed. Lying there, preparing yourself to leave, look back at your life as you are currently living it.How do you feel? Are you satisfied you lived completely? Or do you wish you had done differently? Very few of our senior citizens look back on their life and say, "I sure wish I had spent more time at the office!" Nobody says, "I wish I had watched more TV!"

This is what they say. "I wish I had been bolder. I wish I had given more. I wish I had tried harder to see more, do more and feel more."

People wish that they had lived more.I, for one, have to admit to a certain amount of holding back on dreams and goals because of our two boys. As my life progresses I realize there is no reason to hold back.We have not been exactly standing still either. We have done our best to live our dreams. We built a sailboat and sailed for 7 years traveling on the open ocean. We lived in the snow in Aspen Colorado, and on the beach in South Carolina. An old brick mill was our home in Long Island, versus a boat dock in Palm Beach Florida. We are writers of books and music, actors in the theater, and we home- school the boys. We have built a horse farm, and businesses!

Yet, there is so much more we want to do!It is a balancing act. We all must have sufficient finances to support a comfortable lifestyle, (although most of us tend to spend way too much on that!) Part of this balancing act is understanding what we are passionate about doing so that work becomes a joy instead of a job.Is this not a major reason of lost dreams and goals?

Many people find work, call it a job and make a living at it. But they begrudge every minute of it, going as far as using the job as a reason for playing the martyr. Find something else!There are many, many teachers of the attraction philosophies of "making a life". With as many opportunities today in every field imaginable, somewhere, something is calling to you.

Another part of the balancing act is to include those around you in frank and open discussions in what it is you want. I find some of my coaching clients have kept their wants and needs bottled up inside them forever! They had already decided for the other person in their lives there was no interest in whatever it was they themselves wanted to do! How absurd! How can we possibly know what someone else wants!Would it not be tragic to spend your life in a big city for 40 years, working at a job you despise because you thought your spouse liked it, even though you wanted to live in the country and be a farmer? Then one day you overhear your spouse tell her best friend all she ever wanted to do was live in the country? 40 years! Sure this is a bit far fetched - but you would be amazed at what I hear!

Make an attempt today to start with a brand new page of your life. Create your life story how you want it. If there are others in your life to be involved, have them do the same exercise. Then compare what your notes. If this matches your current life, congratulations! You are one of the few. Now make it better.

However, if your written life stories sound like someone completely different, then you are living a life of conflict. Here is the good news. Your life is your life. No one can take that away from you. You are not indentured. You are not a slave. You are free to go, do, and be whomever you wish. It might not be easy, but it sure might be worth it.

I coach people daily who are changing their lives. There are so many things to be grateful for, and so many things open to us. We owe it to all the ones before us who gave us this opportunity to take advantage of it.

Today.

- Bea Campbell-Young

Introduction to 10 lucrative work-at-home businesses

If you've always dreamed of having your own home business, there's never been a better time than now. More people are working from home today than ever and earning a substantial income. Some are telecommuting for other companies, but many are operating a home-based business right from their own computer!

These "at-home" entrepreneurs might be moms who wanted to stay home with their children or dads who wanted to spend more time with their family and save on gas and car maintenance. Even some college students work from their dorms between classes and earn enough income to pay tuition. There are also those who have a disability that hinders them from doing physical work. They have been able to earn money with an online home business.

The Common Factor

So what do all these home business owners have in common?

They all understand the power of online marketing and the potential of a niche business. They all desire something more than clocking in at a 9-to-5 job. They want to be their own boss while increasing their personal income. The tie that binds these business owners together is the desire for success and freedom.This success can be realized through many different types of home businesses.

Let's take a look at 10 of the most lucrative home business categories and the possibilities for each. Use the home business list below to discover your own home business dream.

1. Administrative Services

Offering administrative services is the perfect home business for someone who loves office work, typing or data entry, processing forms and information, planning schedules, or assisting with any type of secretarial work. This type of work can be done as an independent contractor for several companies or one company.You can even start your own professional administrative service and provide office-related services to many different companies. When you want to expand, you can then hire employees to help you. Your employees can also work from their home.

2. Business and Marketing Services

Business-to-business services have become some of the most lucrative home web businesses since the Internet's beginnings. These can include online and off-line marketing services, business consulting, fund raising, bookkeeping, notary, computer consultant or technician, proofreading, life coaching, financial collections, mystery shopping, business sign creation, Intranet development and monitoring, language translations, and many others.Another lucrative business is a personnel service or temporary staffing agency. You can locate dependable employees for other companies and handle payroll, insurance, and more for the employers. Or, you can start a job listing service and provide an avenue for employers and employees to meet.The key is to concentrate on your greatest skills and how you can best help companies with your services while maximizing profits.

3. Creative and Niche Products

Another way to start a home business is to use your creativity and develop your own niche products to sell. These products can be almost anything that's not readily available on every corner. Two things to consider are supply and demand. Is there a demand for the product? Can you supply the product and still earn enough money to come out on top financially?Some niche products that have done really well online include crafts, gift baskets, decor items, specialty foods and candies, handmade quilts, greeting cards, children's clothing, books, art, herbs and vitamins, etc.With a niche product, you can also recruit others to sell your products for you through an online affiliate program. With an affiliate program, others will send customers to you. When a purchase is made, you will pay a commission to the person who sent the customer. It's actually an automated referral system!

4. Financial Services

Financial services may be offered to businesses or individuals online. These might include tax preparation, financial consulting, credit repair, bookkeeping and accounting, stocks and FOREX trading, online banking services, annuities, insurance, currency exchange, loans and mortgages, and credit cards.

5. Medical Services

Though you can't provide medical care for someone from your home, you can assist those who do. You can start a medical assistance business at home offering one or several services such as medical transcription, medical billing, medical claims processing, nutritional counseling, or medical coding. These can be done alone as an independent contractor or you can expand your service and hire others to help.A back-end business to this is to provide training for those who might work with you or others in the same field. Medical billing and transcription educational courses are very popular online.

6. Photography Services

If you're a photographer, you can start an online business offering photos for sale. These could be travel or still-life photos. Website owners, magazine editors, and brochure designers are always looking for great photos.Some photographers even hire models to pose for lifestyle stock photos. You can also start your own stock photo agency online. This would allow other photographers to post photos to your site for sale, and you will earn a commission from each sale.If you enjoy traveling, you can take a laptop computer with you and upload your digital photos for sale as you go! Many hotels now offer Internet access for rooms as an amenity, so you'll be able to do what you love while running your own home business.

7. Web Services

If you're Internet-savvy, you might consider offering Web services to help other individuals get their home business off the ground. These can include web design, graphic and logo design, programming, web hosting, domain name registration, Internet marketing and SEO, online business consulting, etc.These services can often be tied in together as one business as well, so you'll have much to offer your clients. For instance, as a web designer you can also offer web hosting and domain name registration, online promotional services, SEO for their website, and more. Many new business owners would rather work with one individual than several – and they already trust you.

8. Writing Services

Whether you are a professional or amateur writer, there are many opportunities online for writing. You can start a writing company with your own website, or you can freelance for other writing services. Companies are always looking for great content for their websites, so the online opportunity for writers is tremendous. Also, you can offer other types of writing such as business proposals, marketing presentations, brochures, guides, tutorials, and more.You can provide proofreading and website editing as a back-end service. Some companies may want you to read over their entire website and correct any grammatical errors you find. Some may want you to rewrite their content to improve it. These services will often lead into more writing work for you.

9. Real Estate Services

The real estate business has drastically changed since homes can now be listed online and updated daily. Home buyers can view photos of every room, pricing, neighborhood information, and more on the Internet.If you are a real estate agent or someone who offers related services, you can start a web-based real estate service from your home. Some real estate and related business ideas include interior design, notary, home inspections, appraisals, Web design or photography for real estate companies, mortgage lending, and more.

10. Training and Educational Services

Perhaps you'd like to train others in your area of expertise. The beauty of Web training services is it can all be done online from your home. There are several ways you can offer training: by phone, online through interactive courses, or in a downloadable e-book.

Here are just a few types of training that are being offered online from home business owners: programming and computer, pet training, health and fitness, architecture, business and finance, crafts and hobbies, art, literary, gardening, hunting, fishing, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Other popular categories to consider for work-at-home businesses include travel booking, MLM, music, sports, electronics, home and garden, interactive games, family and parenting, phone tech support and customer service, telemarketing, and media.

Making the Move

Each home business has its advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to weigh all the facts before choosing a business. Also, consider all legal aspects of the business. For example, you must be licensed and/or have certain qualifications for some fields. Other fields may require additional training even though you already have experience.Also, find out what expenses you will incur for operating your business or for stocking inventory if you sell tangible products. Just as with any business, a home business will take effort, money, and time to get established.

Consider your own life goals and the skills and knowledge you already have to find the right home business for you. There's nothing better than earning a lucrative income while doing what you love most. You and those around you will be much happier!

by Candice Pardue from SA Close Corporations

Formula for success - Dr Phil's advice

The winners in life know the rules of the game and have a plan. Whether you're looking to heal a relationship, get a new job, lose weight or find inner peace, consider these characteristics which Dr. Phil says are common to people who succeed.

Have a vision.

Champions get what they want because they know what they want. They have a vision that keeps them motivated and efficiently on track. They see it, feel it, and experience it in their minds and hearts. What is success for you? You won't get there without knowing what it feels and looks like.

Make a strategy.

People who consistently win have a clear and thoughtful strategy. They know what they need to do and when they need to do it. They write it down so they stay on course, and avoid any alternative that does not get them closer to the finish line.

Find a passion.

Are you excited to get up in the morning? People with a passion are, and they're energized about what they are doing. You need to live and breathe what it is that you want, and be passionately invested in both the journey and the goal.

Live the truth.

People who consistently win have no room in their lives for denial, fantasy or fiction. They are self-critical rather than self-deluding, and they hold themselves to high but realistic standards. They deal with the truth, since they recognize that nothing else will make their vision obtainable.

Be flexible.

Life is not a success-only journey. Even the best-laid plans sometimes must be altered and changed. Be open to input and consider any potentially viable alternative. Be willing to be wrong and be willing to start over.

Take risks.

People who consistently win are willing to get out of their comfort zone and try new things. Be willing to plunge into the unknown if necessary, and leave behind the safe, unchallenging, and familiar existence in order to have more.Create a strong nucleus.Surround yourself with a group of people who want you to succeed. They will move with you toward your goal. Choose and bond with people who have skills, talents and abilities that you do not. Winners give and receive by being part of other people's nuclear groups.

Take action.Do it!

People who succeed don't just sit and think about what they want to do. They take meaningful, purposeful, directional action consistently and persistently. Every step they take puts them toward the outcome they're looking for.

Set priorities.

People who are consistent winners manage their challenges in hierarchical fashion. They commit to managing their time in such a way that does not allow them to spend time grinding along on priority number two or three if priority number one needs their attention.

Take care of yourself.

People who consistently win are consciously committed to self-management. They are the most important resource they have in achieving their goals. They actively manage their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Formula for success

"I cannot give you a formula for success, but a can give you a formula for failure - which is: try to please everybody" Herbert Bayard Swope

Success often lies in simply following our God-Given passion. Ask yourself: What excites me? What do I love to do? What would I be doing, if I could? Then follow these.

When we try and please others around us, we not only lose our passion, we lose ourselves.

Action Point: Take out a few minutes today and ask yourself: What is my passion? Then make plans to do it!

From http://www.secrets2success.co.za/

Bondapply.com is excited to offer clients INTERNATIONAL MORTGAGES

As you are no doubt aware by now, Absa Home Loans recently introduced an International Mortgage offering to the market.

Our Service Offering:

Together, Barclays and Absa have designed a proposition making it possible for South African’s wishing to buy property abroad as well as non-South African residents looking to invest in South Africa. Whether non-residents purchase property as holiday homes, or for investment purposes, Absa has a dedicated team of specialists available to assist our customers through the process.

When it comes to buying in the UK or in various countries where Barclays has a presence, Absa International Mortgages will initially intercede on behalf of South African customers who wish to make use of Barclays International Mortgage Services to acquire property off-shore. We are therefore in a position to address customer needs in terms of property finance for both onshore and offshore flows of purchase.

ABSA Product Offering:

The product works like a normal home loan, except the loan amounts and conditions are subject to the exchange control policy as set by the government and the Reserve Bank. The amount of capital each SA citizen is allowed to take out of the country is R2-million per person at present. SA citizens can apply for additional exchange control approval to by property in SADC countries.

ABSA distribution footprint:

We will be extending this offer to countries in which Barclays have a presence, countries include but are not limited to the following as this list will continue to expand as we extend our offer to include countries in which Barclays has a presence:

Africa - Kenya, Ghana, Botswana, Mauritius, Seychelles

Europe - Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Switzerland

Middle East - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Bondapply.com will need to confirm the following in order to do these applications:

Foreign passport
Current residential address ( If it is a foreign address, chances are that the person is a non resident. If the residential address is local, the person may have temporary residency status.)
The current employer’s address. ( If the employer’s address is local, then there is a chance that the person is a temporary resident)

Remember that a temporary resident qualifies for the same loan to value amounts, that would be extended to a South African resident.

How to Eat an Elephant

How to Eat an Elephant

Often we let business and life’s challenges overwhelm us. The number of things that we need to accomplish appears to pile up and grow into a huge, seemingly insurmountable mountain of “things to do”. We don’t know where to start so we don’t start at all!
There are times when you have a specific task to complete that day and you don’t know where to start, so you put it off. You keep finding other things to do – you may even spend the whole day being busy but that one task that seems to loom in front of you is still waiting for you and it has no intention of disappearing!
There’s an old African proverb that asks the question, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer: one bite at a time. The daunting task of eating an elephant would overwhelm anyone! A seemingly unachievable task leads to procrastination. So step back and gain perspective, find out what you need to do, prioritize, break it down into small actionable steps, and then focus on the first step and nothing else. Just do that one until it’s done, then move on to the next step.
By simply starting the task, no matter how small that first step is, you will soon be motivated and find the energy to keep on going until that task is complete. So by breaking down the many elephant-like tasks you are faced with on a daily basis into smaller, manageable steps, you'll soon see that there's nothing you can't accomplish! Bon Appetit!

How to eat your elephant:
1. Write a list of tasks you want to accomplish.
2. Prioritize these by putting them in order of importance.
3. Identify and start with the one task that is taking up most of your energy and thoughts. Once the largest, seemingly overwhelming task is out of the way, you will find that you have the motivation and energy to tackle the other tasks on your list.
4. Set dates for completion next to the top 3 tasks on your list.
5. Schedule these items into your diary or day planner.
6. Once these three have been completed, do the same with the next three, and so on until your list is completed.
7. Approach each task as you would your elephant – in bite-sized chunks. Split each task into small actionable steps and then just focus on each step and nothing else until it’s done. Then move on to the next step.

The 2008/2009 Budget Speech

Industry Comment by Theuns Hanekom - SAMO

The 2008/2009 Budget Speech – good, bad or any news at all for the property market?

With the recent increases in interest rates, I am sure that everybody waited in great anticipation for Minister Manuel’s budget speech on the 20th of February 2008 to see if there were any tax relief on offer in the property sector. But, contrary to the hopes of many, there was very little in the budget speech relating to the property market. Although the budget speech did not contain any bad news for the property industry, I suppose this might be seen by many as good news. Or should the absence of any good news in the budget speech be seen as bad news? Or even no news at all?

Significant for those of us in the property industry is that transfer duty remains unchanged. According to Minister Manuel, one of the major reasons for this was the fact that government does not want to encourage speculative activity in the property market.

The current transfer duty rates are as follow:
For natural persons:
For property values between R0 – R 500 000 = 0% transfer duty.
For property values between R 500 001 – R 1 000 000 = 5% transfer duty on the value above R 500 000.
For property values between R 1 000 001 and above = R 25 000 plus 8% on the value above R 1 000 000.

For companies and trusts:
Transfer duty set at 8% on the value of the property.

In the 2006/2007 budget speech, the adjustments to the transfer duty thresholds were introduced in an attempt by Government to afford lower income earners the opportunity to enter the homeowners market. By moving the 0% threshold up to properties costing less than R 500 000, many people benefited who could not previously afford the transfer duty which had to be paid upfront in cash. However, due to the continual rise in house prices over the past few years and a general expectation that house prices will continue to grow, together with the continual demand for housing, a cut in transfer duty on property was certainly expected by many role players in the property market. One can possibly also argue that the sharp increase in house prices during the past 2 years have almost totally negated the savings brought about by the 2006/2007 transfer duty cuts.

Fortunately, there remains a glimmer of hope for those in the low-income market. Government and other stakeholders in the property industry acknowledged that there is still a huge demand for and challenge in providing affordable housing in the low-income market. New avenues are being explored whereby further incentives could be afforded to employees, developers and other role players in providing low-income housing to their employees. The existing threshold limit for low-cost housing allowances, currently at an R 6 000 deductible limit, will be reviewed.

And lastly, no article on the budget can go without reference being made to Eskom. Many of you, who are involved with developers and developments, might have heard of the problems in getting power supply to new property developments. The failure of Eskom in supplying or even their inability to guarantee the supply electricity to these new developments is obviously not helping the supply of much needed property stock to the market. We trust that the R60 billion added to the Eskom budget will be spent wisely to ensure that we all receive sufficient electricity, one of our most basic necessities, to continue running our respective businesses.

After all has been said and done, the question still remains: is no news good news, or is the lack of good news necessarily bad news? Or is it simply a case of no news at all?