http://rootswire.org/content/action-alert-sign-petition-urging-lawmakers-keep-promise-high-quality-education
Help my hubby keep his job
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
January 24, 2011 IRS updates
The Internal Revenue Service plans a Feb. 14 start date for processing tax returns delayed by last month’s tax law changes. The IRS reminded taxpayers affected by the delay they can begin preparing their tax returns immediately because many software providers are ready now to accept these returns.
In an effort to make electronic filing even more secure and paperless, the Internal Revenue Service announced that it now requires all taxpayers who file their tax returns electronically to also use electronic signatures. The IRS has eliminated the paper signature document for e-filed returns. If filing a joint return, each taxpayer must create and use his or her own PIN to sign the tax return. The IRS also must verify your identity so there will be personal and tax-related questions. You should have your prior year 2009 tax return on hand if it’s available. There are two ways to create an IRS e-signature PIN: self-select PIN method and practitioner PIN method.
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
In an effort to make electronic filing even more secure and paperless, the Internal Revenue Service announced that it now requires all taxpayers who file their tax returns electronically to also use electronic signatures. The IRS has eliminated the paper signature document for e-filed returns. If filing a joint return, each taxpayer must create and use his or her own PIN to sign the tax return. The IRS also must verify your identity so there will be personal and tax-related questions. You should have your prior year 2009 tax return on hand if it’s available. There are two ways to create an IRS e-signature PIN: self-select PIN method and practitioner PIN method.
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Networking During the Holidays and Special Events Part 3
As stated previously word-of-mouth advertising as you know this is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of marketing for the value you receive back from the time invested. The previous suggestions in part 1 were: always have your networking tools with you, set a goal for the number of new people you want to meet at the events, act like a host not a guest at the events, and finally to listen then ask the 5 W questions. In part 2 I wrote about giving a lead or referral whenever you can, describe your product or service, exchange business cards with the people you meet at the events, and spend 10 minutes or less with each person you meet at the events, don’t linger with your friends and associates.
During the holiday season and special events you should make sure your follow the final suggestions to be an effective networker so future customers can learn about your business.
1. Write comments on the back on the business cards you collect. This process will help you remember the person later on when you look at the business card. I don’t know of a lot of people who can recall a 10 minute or less conversation of potentially 20 people a few days later when you need. A couple of examples of short notes:
“wants to attend a BNI chapter meeting”
“is a baseball fan”
“likes to hike”
Write down anything that will help you remember the conversation or that can help you do business with you.
2. Follow up with the people you meet. Remember that outstanding follow-up is the key to effective networking. You can follow the first nine suggestions to the t but if you don’t do this step you are wasting your time networking. If you promise to get back with people make sure you do it or your reputation can be hurt. Even if you don’t promise to call them do it anyway or send them a note or letter. If you follow-up your networking can be very empowering.
3. Keep a copy of this posted in a visible place so you can review before you go to any networking event or holiday party. Ok now you have a total of ten suggestions on how to network during the holidays or special events. Go get them!!
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
During the holiday season and special events you should make sure your follow the final suggestions to be an effective networker so future customers can learn about your business.
1. Write comments on the back on the business cards you collect. This process will help you remember the person later on when you look at the business card. I don’t know of a lot of people who can recall a 10 minute or less conversation of potentially 20 people a few days later when you need. A couple of examples of short notes:
“wants to attend a BNI chapter meeting”
“is a baseball fan”
“likes to hike”
Write down anything that will help you remember the conversation or that can help you do business with you.
2. Follow up with the people you meet. Remember that outstanding follow-up is the key to effective networking. You can follow the first nine suggestions to the t but if you don’t do this step you are wasting your time networking. If you promise to get back with people make sure you do it or your reputation can be hurt. Even if you don’t promise to call them do it anyway or send them a note or letter. If you follow-up your networking can be very empowering.
3. Keep a copy of this posted in a visible place so you can review before you go to any networking event or holiday party. Ok now you have a total of ten suggestions on how to network during the holidays or special events. Go get them!!
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
Networking During the Holidays and Special Events Part 2
As stated previously word-of-mouth advertising as you know this is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of marketing for the value you receive back from the time invested into it.. The previous suggestions were: always have your networking tools with you, set a goal for the number of new people you want to meet at the events, act like a host not a guest at the events, and finally to listen then ask the 5 W questions.
During the holiday season and special events you should make sure your follow the following four suggestions to be an effective networker so future customers can learn about your business.
1. Give a lead or referral whenever you can. Outstanding networkers believe in the givers gain philosophy. If you don’t really attempt to help the people you meet then you really aren’t networking. Sometimes you may need to be creative in this area. If you can’t give a lead or referral then you may need to give them other type of information that may be in need of them. An example of this maybe of a speaker you know about who they are trying to get a contract with for their business. You could also tell them of other ways to grow their business. The more you try to help people, the more they will remember you in a positive way. You will then become a source of information where people go when they need help.
2. Describe your product or service. After you learn about what the other person does then you describe your business. Be specific but brief. Use memory hooks or your lowest common denominator for your business. Try to do it in 60 seconds or less. This seems to be the attention span of some people when you are talking to them about your business.
3. Exchange business cards with the people you meet at the events. Ask for two cards; one for you and one for you to give away as a referral. This sets the stage for networking to start to happen. When the business cards are used properly, the cards can be instrumental in helping you remember people, initiate follow up, learn opportunities, and access information and resources for your own clients.
4. Spend 10 minutes or less with each person you meet at the events, don’t linger with your friends or associates. Remember suggestion # 2- if you set a goal to meet a certain amount of people you have to make sure you allocate the correct amount of time to accomplish your goal. Besides the person you are talking to also needs to meet others also. Don’t spend your entire time with just one person.
Learn to leave conversations gracefully. Tell them that you have a few more people to meet, your drink needs to be refreshed, or you want to sample the appetizers.
Ok now you have a total of eight suggestions on how to network during the holidays or special events. Come back for the final two suggestions and wrap up.
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
During the holiday season and special events you should make sure your follow the following four suggestions to be an effective networker so future customers can learn about your business.
1. Give a lead or referral whenever you can. Outstanding networkers believe in the givers gain philosophy. If you don’t really attempt to help the people you meet then you really aren’t networking. Sometimes you may need to be creative in this area. If you can’t give a lead or referral then you may need to give them other type of information that may be in need of them. An example of this maybe of a speaker you know about who they are trying to get a contract with for their business. You could also tell them of other ways to grow their business. The more you try to help people, the more they will remember you in a positive way. You will then become a source of information where people go when they need help.
2. Describe your product or service. After you learn about what the other person does then you describe your business. Be specific but brief. Use memory hooks or your lowest common denominator for your business. Try to do it in 60 seconds or less. This seems to be the attention span of some people when you are talking to them about your business.
3. Exchange business cards with the people you meet at the events. Ask for two cards; one for you and one for you to give away as a referral. This sets the stage for networking to start to happen. When the business cards are used properly, the cards can be instrumental in helping you remember people, initiate follow up, learn opportunities, and access information and resources for your own clients.
4. Spend 10 minutes or less with each person you meet at the events, don’t linger with your friends or associates. Remember suggestion # 2- if you set a goal to meet a certain amount of people you have to make sure you allocate the correct amount of time to accomplish your goal. Besides the person you are talking to also needs to meet others also. Don’t spend your entire time with just one person.
Learn to leave conversations gracefully. Tell them that you have a few more people to meet, your drink needs to be refreshed, or you want to sample the appetizers.
Ok now you have a total of eight suggestions on how to network during the holidays or special events. Come back for the final two suggestions and wrap up.
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
Networking During the Holidays and Special Events Part 1
Word-of-mouth advertising as you know this is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of marketing for the value you receive back from the time invested into it. During the holiday season and special events you should make sure your follow the following four suggestions to be an effective networker so future customers can learn about your business.
1. Always have your networking tools with you. Most people who are great networkers always have their networking supplies with them. Those supplies include an information name badge, plenty of business cards, brochures about your business, a pocket sized business card holder of business professionals you refer to, and a small bottle of germ killer.
Make sure you have a professionally made name tag since they look much better than a stick on name tag. It should include your name and your business name or profession whichever one you would prefer. You should never run out of business cards while at these events.
2. Set a goal for the number of new people you want to meet at the events. Some people go to these events with only one goal in mind- what time they want to leave? Your goal should be set for the number of contacts you make or the number of business cards you receive. Don’t leave the event until you meet your goal.
You need to be realistic. If you are having a bad day set a lower goal than you have on the days when you are having a great day. With either case, set a reachable goal based on the attendance and the type of group you are attending.
3. Act like a host and not a guest of the event. You should pretend it is your party you are attending. You should stand near the main door to meet the people and then introduce them around the event. If you can volunteer to be an ambassador or greater at the events you attend or are a member. This will help you gain more valuable networking skills and get great exposure at the same time.
Networking can be a 24/7 activity if done correctly. Don’t limit your to networking just at receptions you attend. You can network anywhere.
4. Listen then ask the 5 W questions- Who, What, When, Where, & Why. A great networker has two ears and one mouth and they use them proportionally. You should show a genuine interest in the other persons business or products. You should find out as much as you can about their business by asking the 5 W questions. He answers they give you will give you a better grasp on their business and how you can work with them in the future. This also gives you a better definition on what other networking events you can invite them to in the future and how to refer them to other businesses.
Come back for the next set of suggestions to improve your networking during the holidays and other special events.
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
1. Always have your networking tools with you. Most people who are great networkers always have their networking supplies with them. Those supplies include an information name badge, plenty of business cards, brochures about your business, a pocket sized business card holder of business professionals you refer to, and a small bottle of germ killer.
Make sure you have a professionally made name tag since they look much better than a stick on name tag. It should include your name and your business name or profession whichever one you would prefer. You should never run out of business cards while at these events.
2. Set a goal for the number of new people you want to meet at the events. Some people go to these events with only one goal in mind- what time they want to leave? Your goal should be set for the number of contacts you make or the number of business cards you receive. Don’t leave the event until you meet your goal.
You need to be realistic. If you are having a bad day set a lower goal than you have on the days when you are having a great day. With either case, set a reachable goal based on the attendance and the type of group you are attending.
3. Act like a host and not a guest of the event. You should pretend it is your party you are attending. You should stand near the main door to meet the people and then introduce them around the event. If you can volunteer to be an ambassador or greater at the events you attend or are a member. This will help you gain more valuable networking skills and get great exposure at the same time.
Networking can be a 24/7 activity if done correctly. Don’t limit your to networking just at receptions you attend. You can network anywhere.
4. Listen then ask the 5 W questions- Who, What, When, Where, & Why. A great networker has two ears and one mouth and they use them proportionally. You should show a genuine interest in the other persons business or products. You should find out as much as you can about their business by asking the 5 W questions. He answers they give you will give you a better grasp on their business and how you can work with them in the future. This also gives you a better definition on what other networking events you can invite them to in the future and how to refer them to other businesses.
Come back for the next set of suggestions to improve your networking during the holidays and other special events.
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
Top 10 Tax Time Tips
It’s that time of the year again, the income tax filing season has begun and important tax documents should be arriving in the mail. Even though your return is not due until April, getting an early start will make filing easier. Here are the Internal Revenue Service’s top 10 tips that will help your tax filing process run smoother than ever this year.
1. Start gathering your records Round up any documents or forms you’ll need when filing your taxes: receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support income or deductions you’re claiming on your return.
2. Be on the lookout W-2s and 1099s will be coming soon; you’ll need these to file your tax return.
3. Use Free File: Let Free File do the hard work for you with brand-name tax software or online fillable forms. It's available exclusively athttp://www.irs.gov. Everyone can find an option to prepare their tax return and e-file it for free. If you made $58,000 or less, you qualify for free tax software that is offered through a private-public partnership with manufacturers. If you made more or are comfortable preparing your own tax return, there's Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic versions of IRS paper forms. Visit www.irs.gov/freefile to review your options.
4. Try IRS e-file: After 21 years, IRS e-file has become the safe, easy and most common way to file a tax return. Last year, 70 percent of taxpayers - 99 million people - used IRS e-file. Starting in 2011, many tax preparers will be required to use e-file and will explain your filing options to you. This is your chance to give it a try. IRS e-file is approaching 1 billion returns processed safely and securely. If you owe taxes, you have payment options to file immediately and pay by the tax deadline. Best of all, combine e-file with direct deposit and you get your refund in as few as 10 days.
5. Consider other filing options There are many different options for filing your tax return.You can prepare it yourself or go to a tax preparer.You may be eligible for free face-to-face help at an IRS office or volunteer site.Give yourself time to weigh all the different options and find the one that best suits your needs.
6. Consider Direct Deposit If you elect to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account, you’ll receive it faster than waiting for a paper check.
7. Visit the IRS website again and again The official IRS website is a great place to find everything you’ll need to file your tax return: forms, publications, tips, answers to frequently asked questions and updates on tax law changes.
8. Remember this number: 17 Check out IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax on the IRS website. It’s a comprehensive collection of information for taxpayers highlighting everything you’ll need to know when filing your return.
9. Review! Review! Review! Don’t rush. We all make mistakes when we rush.Mistakes will slow down the processing of your return. Be sure to double-check all the Social Security Numbers and math calculations on your return as these are the most common errors made by taxpayers.
10. Don’t panic! If you run into a problem, remember I can assist you with your tax filing needs(rondazaragoza@gmail.com 505-550-2621) or the IRS is here to help. Try http://www.irs.gov or call toll-free at 800-829-1040.
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
1. Start gathering your records Round up any documents or forms you’ll need when filing your taxes: receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support income or deductions you’re claiming on your return.
2. Be on the lookout W-2s and 1099s will be coming soon; you’ll need these to file your tax return.
3. Use Free File: Let Free File do the hard work for you with brand-name tax software or online fillable forms. It's available exclusively athttp://www.irs.gov. Everyone can find an option to prepare their tax return and e-file it for free. If you made $58,000 or less, you qualify for free tax software that is offered through a private-public partnership with manufacturers. If you made more or are comfortable preparing your own tax return, there's Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic versions of IRS paper forms. Visit www.irs.gov/freefile to review your options.
4. Try IRS e-file: After 21 years, IRS e-file has become the safe, easy and most common way to file a tax return. Last year, 70 percent of taxpayers - 99 million people - used IRS e-file. Starting in 2011, many tax preparers will be required to use e-file and will explain your filing options to you. This is your chance to give it a try. IRS e-file is approaching 1 billion returns processed safely and securely. If you owe taxes, you have payment options to file immediately and pay by the tax deadline. Best of all, combine e-file with direct deposit and you get your refund in as few as 10 days.
5. Consider other filing options There are many different options for filing your tax return.You can prepare it yourself or go to a tax preparer.You may be eligible for free face-to-face help at an IRS office or volunteer site.Give yourself time to weigh all the different options and find the one that best suits your needs.
6. Consider Direct Deposit If you elect to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account, you’ll receive it faster than waiting for a paper check.
7. Visit the IRS website again and again The official IRS website is a great place to find everything you’ll need to file your tax return: forms, publications, tips, answers to frequently asked questions and updates on tax law changes.
8. Remember this number: 17 Check out IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax on the IRS website. It’s a comprehensive collection of information for taxpayers highlighting everything you’ll need to know when filing your return.
9. Review! Review! Review! Don’t rush. We all make mistakes when we rush.Mistakes will slow down the processing of your return. Be sure to double-check all the Social Security Numbers and math calculations on your return as these are the most common errors made by taxpayers.
10. Don’t panic! If you run into a problem, remember I can assist you with your tax filing needs(rondazaragoza@gmail.com 505-550-2621) or the IRS is here to help. Try http://www.irs.gov or call toll-free at 800-829-1040.
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Steps to Be Effective in Networking Groups Part 2
Alright you came back for some more about word-of-mouth advertising. As you know this is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of marketing for the value you receive back from the time invested into it. In my opinion this is the best way to spend your hard earned dollars to advertise your business products and services.
Make sure you are organized and thoughtful about it as you are about other types of advertising and marketing you can do also. Here are the other 5 ways to be effective in networking groups.
1. When attending a business mixer, act like a host, not a guest. You are wasting your time at networking mixers if you stand around visiting with coworkers or others whom you already know rather than meeting new contacts and introducing them around. These networking meetings offer a great way to increase your visibility! The more visible you are the more your contacts will start to consider you a connector and contacting you about anything they may have a need for in their business and personal life. You can ask to be the ambassador or visitor host in the organizations to which you belong this will ensure you meet as many people as possible.
2. Invest time in developing a 60-second message about your business that explains what you do. Try to think of a Memory Hook — a brief, ear-catching phrase that so vividly describes what you do; this will help people will be able to visualize it in their mind. For example, my business name is Eagle Eye Accounting and my memory hook is “Keeping an Eye on Your Business Needs.” I also have a picture of an eagle that I had taken a picture of when I was stationed in Alaska where you can see the prominent eye on the card. When you meet new contacts, use your Memory Hook. Chances are this will help them remember you and what you do.
3. Connect with people outside of business meetings whenever possible. Drop notes, letters and articles that might be of interest to them in the mail. Call to check in with them or invite them to events you may be attending that might be of interest.
4. Monitor the referrals you give and receive. This tells you how often you are giving referrals and to whom. I use a excel tracking sheet I have set up to see what I have done and in the comments area I add additional information. Having this information helps you focus on helping people who have helped you in the past. The best way to receive a referral is to give twice as many as you want to receive. It sets up the reality of the “two-way street” nature of word-of-mouth marketing.
5. If you have the opportunity to distribute your materials to clients or at networking meetings, do it. Always bring brochures, newsletters and other information about your company and your products and services. Try to have your links listed on them to your company website (no brainer), Facebook, twitter, linked in and any other social media site that you may belong to. The more people can see, touch and hear things about your product and services, they’ll be more likely to use you or refer you to others.
You are potentially linked to an every expanding network that is way beyond your own location. If you could implement only two of the tactics above, you will receive benefits from that network. Next I will discuss how to networking during the holidays.
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
Make sure you are organized and thoughtful about it as you are about other types of advertising and marketing you can do also. Here are the other 5 ways to be effective in networking groups.
1. When attending a business mixer, act like a host, not a guest. You are wasting your time at networking mixers if you stand around visiting with coworkers or others whom you already know rather than meeting new contacts and introducing them around. These networking meetings offer a great way to increase your visibility! The more visible you are the more your contacts will start to consider you a connector and contacting you about anything they may have a need for in their business and personal life. You can ask to be the ambassador or visitor host in the organizations to which you belong this will ensure you meet as many people as possible.
2. Invest time in developing a 60-second message about your business that explains what you do. Try to think of a Memory Hook — a brief, ear-catching phrase that so vividly describes what you do; this will help people will be able to visualize it in their mind. For example, my business name is Eagle Eye Accounting and my memory hook is “Keeping an Eye on Your Business Needs.” I also have a picture of an eagle that I had taken a picture of when I was stationed in Alaska where you can see the prominent eye on the card. When you meet new contacts, use your Memory Hook. Chances are this will help them remember you and what you do.
3. Connect with people outside of business meetings whenever possible. Drop notes, letters and articles that might be of interest to them in the mail. Call to check in with them or invite them to events you may be attending that might be of interest.
4. Monitor the referrals you give and receive. This tells you how often you are giving referrals and to whom. I use a excel tracking sheet I have set up to see what I have done and in the comments area I add additional information. Having this information helps you focus on helping people who have helped you in the past. The best way to receive a referral is to give twice as many as you want to receive. It sets up the reality of the “two-way street” nature of word-of-mouth marketing.
5. If you have the opportunity to distribute your materials to clients or at networking meetings, do it. Always bring brochures, newsletters and other information about your company and your products and services. Try to have your links listed on them to your company website (no brainer), Facebook, twitter, linked in and any other social media site that you may belong to. The more people can see, touch and hear things about your product and services, they’ll be more likely to use you or refer you to others.
You are potentially linked to an every expanding network that is way beyond your own location. If you could implement only two of the tactics above, you will receive benefits from that network. Next I will discuss how to networking during the holidays.
As always if you have any questions or comments please email me at rondazaragoza@gmail.com. I will try and reply to your question within 24-48 hours of receipt.
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