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    Personnel Security: What Is Your Security Posture?

    November 29th, 2009

    1. The Security Consultant’s Perspective…

    With Workplace Violence becoming an emerging concern, the employee dimension becomes a critical factor in conducting Vulnerability Threat Assessments against capabilities and weaknesses, similar to the way we conduct a business SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). I wonder how much thought a disgruntled employee, angry customer, an armed robber or a specific act of terrorism, has given to the real business threat of a violent act. Within each business or type of employment, there exists an intriguing combination of potential threats to the safety and security of the workplace. If you recall in recent incidents over the past month on the topic of workplace violence, that while critical structures are key targets, no type of business was immune.

    The ideologues and the imbedded terrorists have now become objects of concern for those of us engaged in conducting threat assessments; evaluating risks and recommending risk abatement measures. Key to these concerns is the free access of these employees, their familiarity with the operations and their knowledge of the company secrets. To combat this threat and to reduce the risk, it would behoove decision makers to become creative in their approach to these potential threats. Just implementing technological resources may be insufficient. Taking proactive measures during the hiring and screening process might identity a potential threat, implementing security guidelines might serve to deter or minimize the threat and educating employees will increase security awareness. Key to this creative approach however, is the collaboration of resources in a synchronized team fashion. The Threat Assessment Team is my recommended creative strategy to minimize the threat while managing the possibilities.

    2. Workplace Security Concerns: People, Premises and Property…

    In preventing Workplace Violence in today’s volatile workplace nothing can be taken for granted. While it is the employer’s responsibility to protect the workforce, a predisposed individual is a company’s worst nightmare. The acts of a disgruntled employee can be predictive, while the threat of a robber’s motives cannot anymore than the motivations of the professional ideologue with external grievances that might target a business to emphasize an opposing position. Verifiably evident is the catastrophic capability of the politically motivated threat whose methodical planning may take years. With access and familiarity critical factors in measuring risks, decision makes are encouraged to reconcile the security impact to business disruption and business recovery in the aftermath in terms of proactive and preventive measures during the Threat Assessment Phase. Every business is a target of opportunity and value regardless of type:

    Production Plants Power & Light Utilities Dam & Water Purifications Sewer Treatment Telephone and Heating Food & Beverages Sports Facilities Entertainment Centers Suburban Strip & Shopping Malls Hospitals and Treatment Centers High Rise Building Complexes Unprotected Establishments

    3. Ask the Tough Questions. Has Our Company Done a Critical Assessment of Our Business Practices…?

    Are the functional needs of security and safety decided by a team; or are they relegated the responsibility of a Security Director, Human Resource Manager, Safety Manager or even Facility Manager? How much thought goes into arriving at a business matrix that factors the security needs against the type of business? Are security budgets based on the offerings of technology devoid of the unique aspects of personnel security as part of the security posture or is there justification for one or the other or both? I pose these additional questions for your consideration.

    -Are the Security Plans, Policies and Programs adequate? -Are Threat and Crisis Plans incorporated in training programs? -Do I have an Emergency Evacuation Plan and do employees know their roles? -Are the Homeland Security Protective Measures integrated in the Security Plans? -Do I have knowledge or familiarity with the police and hospital response plans? -Is the company prepared to handle a Bomb Threat? -Are my mailroom and mail handling procedures adequate? -Does the Personnel Security Plan address the myriad of concerns including travel and VIP Security? -Is Counter-terrorism factored into my Workplace Violence Prevention Plan? -Whose responsibility is it to coordinate Security Awareness Training? -How do I organize a Threat Assessment Team? -Am I relying on the police and the response time or do I have a plan? -Is Workplace Violence a threat to your business in the event of business disruption and continuity?

    4. Security the Business Matrix…

    Merely appointing a security chief and purchasing security technology without the essential critical assessment or evaluation of your business situation is not employing the best security strategy. Collaborating of resources and synchronizing the plans are positive steps to take in developing a business matrix that drives the security strategy. No longer can the decision maker delegate the security function as a separate and apart responsibility without having any input into the strategy, philosophy and objective of the security plans. The assumption we make about the investment against intangible benefits of a proactive or preventive security policy having no immediate impact on the Return on the Investment (ROI) must die a quick death. A critical assessment of your business practices will clearly provide an appreciable and measurable business matrix to motivate application of this philosophy in the Threat Assessment Phase.


    Your Customer is Not a Statistic

    November 29th, 2009

    When a customer walks into your office, you want to make sure they feel welcome, you want to treat your customer as though they are a piece of gold, and not as a statistic.

    Have you ever been standing in a line, and when it comes to your turn to be waited on, the sales associate yells out “next?”

    Just thinking about that scenario makes me cringe. It is hardly a way to build a relationship with your customer.

    I have been working in sales for more than fifteen years, and I have literally had customers tell me that the most important thing to them is to be appreciated and not treated as a statistic.

    Keep this in mind the next time you wait on a customer, instead of yelling “next,” you can politely say, “may I help you Ms. Jones.”

    We all have our daily, weekly, and monthly goals that we must meet. And with this pressure applied to our daily work day, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that it is the customer who is the most important thing when it comes to our company’s existence. They are the backbone. Without customers, we cease to exist.

    Here are a few tips to ensure that your customer is appreciated by you and your company, and not viewed as just another number in line.

    1. Address Your Customer by Name

    When addressing your customer, make sure you call them by name. This will put your relationship with your customer on a personal level, and customers like to know that they are remembered. It gives them a felling of importance with you, and your company.

    2. Don’t Hurry Them Out the Door

    The last thing the customer wants is to be hurried out the door. Remember. You are running a business, where people are your greatest asset. You are not on an assembly line manufacturing cars, so don’t treat your customer as though you are.

    When you are finished with your customer’s transaction, ask if there is anything else you can do for them, or if they have any questions for you. You could even use this opportunity to ask if you could go over some of your companies products with them, which you feel could benefit them.

    The last thing you want to do is get them in and get them out.

    3. Discuss Non-Business Topics

    There is more beneath the surface of your customers than just the business that they do with you. People love to talk about themselves, such as their family, their job’s, their pets, their hobbies, etc.
    So ask your customer about one of the topics mentioned above, I guarantee they will be delighted to tell you all about it.

    This is also a great way to get to know your customer, and build a strong relationship with them.

    A strong business relationship is a great opportunity to obtain all of your customer’s business as well as the business of all of their friends and relatives through referrals.

    So remember, don’t treat your customer like a statistic, treat them as you would treat one of your friends.

    This article may be reproduced by anyone at any time, as long as the authors name and reference links are kept in tact and active.

    Jay Conners has more than fifteen years of experience in the banking and Mortgage Industry, He is the owner of www.jconners.com, a mortgage resource site, he is also the owner of www.callprospect.com, a mortgage lead company.


    How to Lose Weight Safely and Effectively

    November 21st, 2009

    The key to a safe and effective weight loss diet starts with an understanding of why and how we gain weight. In most cases, weight gain results from some combination of a lack of exercise and eating too many wrong foods. The shift in our diet over the last fifty years has been dramatic and really quite shocking. What passes for food these days is, chemically speaking, not food at all and certainly not healthy. Processed foods are packed with non-nutritive flavourings and additives that put a heavy stress on the body and often will render the food undigestible. Undigested, un-utilized food is stored in our body as fat. The food additives that don’t pass through our body are distributed to our fat cells, thus making them bigger.

    If we were to do only one thing to improve the quality of our health and the weight of our body, it is simply this: eat more foods in their natural state. More organic fruits and vegetables (steamed or raw), brown rice and other whole grains, breads baked with non-refined flours, nuts, seeds, beans, and lean meats that are not fried. Less packaged foods, fast foods, deli meats, fried foods, and foods with artificial ingredients.

    Researchers now tell us that the high fructose corn syrup found in our sodas and many other prepacked foods is a non-natural sweetener. The saccharides in high fructose corn syrup break down very quickly in the body, signaling intense rises in insulin, which in turn tells the body to store fat. High fructose corn syrup is one of the single greatest contributors to obesity in the world today.

    A diet of wholesome, nourishing foods can taste good and be very filling and nourishing. A healthy diet does not require you to give up sweets. There are quite a few excellent healthy alternatives to sugar. The quantity of your food consumption does not have to change as much as the quality and nutrition of the food you eat.

    A seasonal body detox will help clean up your body, increase your energy and promote a healthy immune system. Be sure to detox your body in a safe and gentle way.

    Here are some excellent health resources:

    Guide to Healthy Sweeteners

    Detox Weight Loss Recipes


    Using Digital Publishing as an Alternative to Traditional Publishing Medium

    November 20th, 2009

    If you are an ardent budding young author, inspired writer or perhaps a smaller inspired corporation hopeful to report smart suppositions or possibly bring one’s personal imprint upon this peculiar world then maybe more traditional publishing may ofttimes be a bitter stumbling post to getting your carefully crafted words of love and wisdom out and about, into the public eye. Take heed you who may be downcast, there are also sharp digital and original online alternatives accessible which should take the headache, sorrow and a reasonable amount of the complicatedness out of publishing one’s textual jewels. There is no revelation you may be highly thrilled to hear that you can often steer clear of those pesky editors, sub-editors and haughty publishers through assuming your own positive actions toward broadcasting your own work.

    So you have an unbelievable piece that you have been working extremely hard on for years, or feasibly very valuable facts and figures which you just know many users would more than happily their homes to acquire. One might well have interesting information from a particular research survey, or probably even a set of inventive photographs, pictures or additional innovative artworks that you would like to compile as a unique compilation of creative works to show off your artistic flair and to get priceless exposure to the exceptional services you provide and get your specialist products acknowledgment. What about simply having your say as to those things that truly trouble you; maddening people, contrived politics, society, fickle culture and communicating your outlook with other concurring folks.

    Currently you could find yourself in a fantastic situation where you could have put in the exceptionally gruelling labour and have got the produce; a brilliant piece of ingenious work which is exceedingly useful, however, you will still need to negotiate with a publisher and satisfy them that you own special work are also worthy to be eternalised in print. Sadly this may often be the ending of the line for tons of authors, wordsmiths, poets, scribes, reporters and biographers. Even if the publisher has been persuaded another stumbling post will often be brought to the fore. This prices of all those annoying extras; editors, designers and other resources necessary to convert an unbelievable brainchild into a fulfilled reality can often fall just outside of what it is likely that you feel is reasonable or you may not be able to give good reason for the expense. First-time writers and authors are now able to consider self publishing as a means of disseminating their works.

    The money involved in broadcasting is not the only curb or wearisome tripping block, for many folk the turn around times for the more traditional publishing are far too long. This is often the case in the instance of stories, data or facts that is really fresh, relating to hot trends or topics and could routinely devalue as time passes and the narrow window of opportunity for influence begins to close up.

    Modern technology comes to the rescue once again, offering you a fast track alternative method. In our fast-paced, technologically advanced outrageous world a substantial array of services that have commonly been offered offline are fast making the mass migration into the ethereal pioneering online sphere, making these services far more accessible to anyone who desires to use them and often at a far smaller price to the user too. Intelligent digital broadcasting is just one of those services and it provides you, the developing writer, with the facility to publish you own handiwork yourself without the annoying hindrance and great charges associated with the more “historical” mediums.

    Digital broadcasting will often also offer you the flexibility you could be seeking for in terms of the ease of modernising information, data or even adding entire chapters to an already published work. Then there is the growing attraction of rich media such as; interactive applications, animations, videos and widgets. With an online or digitally published special works this flexibility is fully possible and a large range of extras and rich media are easily integrated into the magazine, article, or e-book.

    In summary, a budding writer, small research creative enterprise or photographic studio no longer needs to kiss up to haughty publishers or hold up a small bank to see their works out and about in the public eye. We live in today’s digital age and this weird world of clever digital has come to rescue to help you realise you own broadcasting dreams.


    Modo Eyeglasses Goes Affordable with M+ Line

    November 18th, 2009

    Produced under the determination and care to provide exceptional glasses for the individual, Modo Eyeglasses strive to give consumers the opportunity to genuinely fall in love with eyewear. From the lightness found in finding the perfect pair of frames to the chill of buying glasses with superior workmanship. Modo is luxe embodied in a way that is so beyond the obvious work of other designers. From the opening design to purchase, the requirements of the buyer is the only interest.

    Eyewear that the folks at Modo provide starts out with the purest, most rich materials available. From there, the manufacturers infuse both European flair and New York attitude into each frame to create an burst of marvelous design. Illustrations of glasses they offer are round shaped, oversized, squared, and tortoise shell. The glasses come in many unique colors and patterns, and each pair of glasses carries with it a retro feel, reminiscent of the refined starlets of years gone by.

    Modo has a commitment to offering an outlet to express yourself as well as relieve the boredom and humdrum that comes from other designer makes of eyeglasses. From original design sketches, to the frame formation, to the approving look in the mirror given by the client when putting on their eyeglasses for the first time, Modo knows how deliver what shoppers want. From their beginnings in 1990, through to today, Modo believes in reaching to stand out from the pack.


    How to Win More Often on Top Online Casino Sites

    November 18th, 2009

    Even the world’s top players do not succeed in each and every game they play. But, of course online casino games call for much more than merely good fortune, you need to practice too. Increasing your winnings is helped tremendously by taking a look at these few hints. Before you start, study the basics of your preferred game. The probability of winning is boosted by knowing the basic rules of the game. Making an effort to master the basic rules of your game of choice is invariably worthwhile. Watching the game play of more experienced gamblers can teach you about applying the basic rules and strategies to boost your odds.

    Each betting game has its own weak spots and it is only by knowing the rules inside out that they will become noticeable while you are playing. By being aware of them you have an advantage over the dealer. For instance in blackjack, when you are aware that the dealer must always stick at seventeen and keep drawing to seventeen, this may help you determine whether or not to hold.

    Tables with the optimal odds of making a profit are always the best alternative when playing. The chances are that you are more likely to win at the dice game craps than other games. Unfortunately this isn’t always the case. Because you will get a pay out more frequently, sometimes one armed bandits could actually be a much more advisable choice. In the beginning, you must spend your money playing the tables which cost less to particpate in. This will let you stretch out your money, therefore you’ll be able to gamble more games than you would playing at the high stakes games, getting more experience too. Gamblers who like high stakes tables frequently exercise quite different strategies than those at the low stakes games. It is a sensible plan to observe these games before joining in. Thus, even if you cannot hit the jackpot every time you play, you can improve your odds without much work by following a few straightforward rules of thumb. To sum it up, you can still have fun and turn a profit if you merely stick to this handful of points.

    Visit and go to this splendid source for online casino betting information


    Purchasing a Car Two Models from Hyundai Chicago that Drivers Love and Financing Tips for Purchasing them

    November 18th, 2009

    The current economic environment is no good reason to put off making a deal on a Hyundai. Chicago drivers will notice automakers and car dealers are giving many more deals on excellent vehicles in order to turn them over. So why not look at a Hyundai Sonata or Elantra? Chicago dealers will have the perfect deal for the clever buyer. If you would like a used Hyundai Elantra, it’s better to look for a model produced after 2000. More recent models are inclined to offer more reliability and have a 2000cc engine with either automatic gearbox or a five speed stick-shift. On the inside you’ll find lots of room and comfort. You can’t actually ask for more, especially when you factor in up-to-the-minute firesale prices. Thus, if you are thinking about a Hyundai Elantra, remember Chicago drivers have learned the most reliable models were made after 2000. They also have a tremendous range of extras for instance satellite radio, sunroofs, and leather seating. If you just haven’t found anything suitable, why don’t you go and check out a Hyundai Sonata at Chicago dealers. There are 2 levels of interior finish available, a luxurious interior layout, a spacious interior, and cutting edge design, you will surely be satisfied with this Hyundai. Chicago drivers are lucky that quick depreciation makes second hand Sonatas a good deal more inexpensive. In the new Sonatas, you have several categories of interior trim; a 5-speed stick shift or an automatic gearbox, and the preference of a 2400cc or a 3300cc engine. In brief, you get a midsized sedan with an engine to suit you. If you need funds; have a chat with your car dealership. Most of the time, they should be willing to arrange you a repayment plan that is far better than anything available from your local bank. When settling on finance, check that you have included any fees related to the loan. That way you won’t have any unexpected payments to make. You can also be pre-approved for a bank loan from a lender before going to a dealership. There is a little bit extra research necessary before picking out your automobile, but it’s easy to use the special offers offered by car dealers. If can’t get anything else think about a loan secured on your home.

    To help you decide which payment plan and which car is the one for you, it’s important to give some thought to your personal circumstances and decide the best option. Regardless of how you decide to finance it, however, you’ll be delighted with your Hyundai.

    Click here and review our incredible site for Hyundai Santa Fe San Diego advice…


    Mens Leather Jackets Are High-priced. Take Good Care

    November 15th, 2009

    Unlike other kinds of appareling, Mens Leather Jackets won’t be out of trend. They are viewed as a lot of delicate than fur, hipper than cashmere and more affordable than diamonds. Depending on the type of leather applied, the accessibility of the fashion and size, mens leather jackets’ prices would lead from £500 to £1,000. They are truly costly but they are worth it as they very fashionable and can last for a really long time.


    As a style point, it is better to purchase indifferent or staple colours to be safe rather than purchasing loud colors to be acknowledged and risk being embarrassed. Tones of brown and black-coloured jackets are a lot opted.


    A substantial amount of sustainment is necessary for Mens Leather Jackets. Be fixed to perform what is needed to preserve them decently after purchasing one. It’s different from easy shirts that do not demand significant sustainment.


    Established And Proven Methods Of Caring For Mens Leather Jackets


    You can see below proven hints that can be applied to decently care for your jacket’s beauty, elegance and luster.


    1. When placed within a wardrobe, a robust padded hanger that hold the shoulder are is desired.
    2. Do not apply just any leather cleaner. Utilize dependable and established brands to avoid discolouration.
    3. Don’t employ plastic coverings and those that will prevent leather from breathing.
    4. Don’t permit sunlight to immediately hit your jacket and avert humid and dry atmosphere
    5. To restore flexibility, use a leather conditioner. Brushing suede leather with a terry towel will rejuvenate its splendour.
    6. You can mooch off winter salt lodges by using clear water.
    7. In room temperature, let leather to dry naturally and soundly affter mooching.
    8. If you want to press your leather jacket, employ the presss rayon settings and keep off overheating as it may burn up your jacket. As much as achievable, let wrinkles to fall out naturally.
    9. Avoid putting sticky tapes, pins, badges and spraying scents and hair sprayers on your leather jacket.
    10. It is suggested that you sustain your jacket’s collar clean by keeping body and hair oil off. Using a scarf at the neck will do the job.
    11. You can piece up loosened hems and edges by using rubber cement.
    12. When using cleansing products, Sample it first on a covered part of the jacket before applying it on the whole jacket.
    13. For greatest results, get your leather jackets made clean by expert cleaners to keep off damages.


    Fishing for Carp: Some Useful Tricks and Advice

    November 13th, 2009

    Fishing for carp is a rather challenging pasttime since these fish are rather clever and often suspicious of anything put in front of them. Nevertheless, with a bit of trickery, you can invite carp and fool them into biting onto your hook. What follows are just some useful tips to serve you when carp fishing:-

    • When the water is cold such as in the winter, try casting your fishing rigs more often, and target different areas so you can set a hook bait near to the carp. The colder water makes the carp move slower so there’s less chance for the fish to swim towards your hook. In the summer time, you can position traps in likely patrolling locations and wait for the carp to find the bait.
    • Include high sources of vitamin C to your bait. Stir your method with fruit juice like orange juice rather than lake water. You can also experiment with dipping fresh boilies in orange juice in order to create that well-defined tang.
    • Whenever you can, try not to stick rounded bait on the hook. Numerous lines feature rounded bait, you should feature something different. Experiment with squaring up the hook bait using scissors.
    • Lastly, make sure you have the right fishing gear with you. Research what you should bring online. You can find all kinds of things online, such as Carp Bivvys – and ensure you enjoy the time you spend by the river!

    How to Make the Web’s Most Visited Poker Rake Back Sites Assist You in Pushing Your Returns

    November 12th, 2009

    The gaming world has been transformed completely due to the World Wide Web, however you will discover that the best poker rakeback sites have improved gameplay. Nowadays, as well as savoring the game and focusing gameplay, it’s easy to use this trend in the gaming world to maximize your earning potential. Nevertheless, ultimate bet poker rake back can offer a good deal more besides. If you actually want to get the most profit out of every last dollar you stake, look at what these new styles of web sites have to offer.

    If you are keen to improve your poker, Ultimate Bet rakeback sites often offer you an endless amount of info and attract poker players of a very high standard who will in turn help to improve your own skills. These internet sites allow you to discover popular strategies, find out how to read another player better, spot specific styles of play, and of course how to improve your own game. Several of these sites host forums and communities to respond to your questions and where you are encouraged to ask for assistance from experienced members.

    Because of the fact that this style of game operates in dedicated rooms, you have the perfect opportunity to play against best of the best and ask questions too. These web sites are open and hospitable, outside of the poker games they also provide valuable information without forcing you to fork out cash for additional information.

    A rakeback Internet site may reduce your fees considerably, furthermore you will get a much better bang for your buck. This is the case because the majority of these sites offer additional incentives, special offers, and, more often than not, exclusive competitions. You’ll have a much greater probability of winning back your money in addition to a bit of amiable competition and also special deals on merchandise and poker goods.

    These additional bonuses definitely have a positive effect, particularly so when you play poker a lot spread across a few weeks. If you actually want to get the max returns from Ultimate Bet Poker rakeback platforms, ensure you hunt out games offering reduced rates and opt for any deals.

    You will be able to match your gaming mode with the specific type of poker rakeback best suited to you. Full Tilt poker rake back internet sites that have dealt style games are more suitable for someone who prefers to be prudent with their dollars. For those who are not afraid to play more hands, ‘contributed style’ is in all likelihood a best choice. Whatever style you like for there isn’t another type of online poker where you are able to hold on to a major share of your wagers and even then find ultimately more money at the end of the day to boot.