Problem

The key people are committed to organizing brainstorming sessions and focus groups, and in conceiving and validating concepts. Press conferences, sometimes lasting several weeks, are also held during product launches. For the fruition of these efforts, the prospects have to be carefully identified as qualified. Otherwise, these efforts will be futile, and the team will have to begin again without being able to capitalize their exchanges and use them repeatedly.

Solution

The marketing team announces on their WEB site the online presentations (WEBinar), for which the visitors have to register in advance. The brainstorming sessions among colleagues, the focus groups, press conferences, and product launching are done long distance during webconferences. In addition, these events are completely recorded, both voice and images, and then copied by different means and placed on the WEB site, the local network, and on CD or DVD in order to be reused or replayed for new prospects, employees, and partners.

Results

The added advantage of WEBinars is that the participants are identified as qualified beforehand. It's only later on that they are considered as prospects for the sales team - this produces better "closing" performance from the team. The time devoted to events is significantly reduced. The response rate of the prospects is faster. The audio-visual archives integrated through the years represent priceless collateral material that can support sales. In addition, we have the power of multimedia to the performance of polymedia, on different kinds of supports, regardless of the time.

Accenture, a global management consulting and outsourcing company, has earned the Annual Diversity Initiative Achievement Award winner title for the second time in the last three years. Accenture has been awarded by the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF); and received it at the Annual Meeting and Law Firm Expo of NAMWOLF in New York.

The Annual Diversity Initiative

Achievement Award identifies a business partner of National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) which spends a minimum of 5% of its outside counsel budget on minority and women-owned law firms. Since its inauguration three years ago, Accenture has been taking part in the program and was the first award recipient of NAMWOLF in the year 2005.

Yolanda Coly, managing director of NAMWOLF said, "Not only has Accenture done an outstanding job in hiring and forming long-lasting relationships with law firms owned and run by women and minorities, but the company has also been a powerful vocal advocate for our cause and those of other organizations, championing a more diverse corporate America throughout the years."

Accenture's associate general counsel and director of the company's legal services in the Americas, Joel Stern, said that Accenture is continuously finding out innovative methods of generating an inclusive culture which will reinforce their ability to deliver new solutions to their clientele. He further said, "By providing an efficient way to connect with a talented pool of minority - and women-owned law firms throughout the nation, NAMWOLF is a powerful tool to help us accelerate our journey."

7 Things to Look for in a New Desktop PC If you're not a techie, buying hardware can be an arduous task. Use these tips for buying a machine that best suits your business needs.

Does your old clunker make wheezing noises when it boots up? Has your typing become faster than your computer? Tired of looking at the Windows hourglass for minutes at a time?

Perhaps it's time for a new desktop computer.

Computer manufacturers continue to struggle with weak business. Meanwhile, component manufacturers are making their goods smaller, faster and cheaper. The upshot: You can get a good deal on a powerful machine.

I can't recommend individual machines. They might not be on the market when you read this. Instead, let's go through the components that make up computers. Use these to help decide what you need.

Following are seven points to ponder before you buy:

The Microprocessor

This is one of the most expensive parts. Microprocessors for Windows machines are made by Intel and AMD. Those for Apples are made by IBM and Motorola. So here's my first piece of advice: Don't worry so much about who makes the chip. All four are good. For Windows machines, you have a choice of the AMD Athlon XP, the Intel Pentium 4 and the Intel Celeron, an economy chip. The Pentium 4 and Athlon XP are upper end chips. The fastest Pentium 4 runs at 3.2 Gigahertz — a very fast speed indeed. It's also very expensive. The comparable AMD chip, the 3200+, is slightly less expensive.

You may need these fire-breathers if you're doing lots of video editing. Ditto if you're working with computer-aided design or playing advanced games. Otherwise, look to chips running at 2.4 GHz to 2.6 GHz (or 2400+ to 2600+, in AMD-powered machines). They're cheaper, and they perform nearly as well as the top-end chips.

Intel's Celeron is a budget chip. If you do typical office duties and surf the web, you probably wouldn't notice the difference between a top-end Celeron and a Pentium 4 running at the same speed. But you could save some money.

Apple and AMD chips run at lower speeds than those made by Intel. AMD uses the + symbol, as in 3200+, to imply that its chips are faster than comparable Intel microprocessors, despite running more slowly. Indeed, tests often show that to be the case.

Apple claims that its top-end machines are faster than those running Windows. That is a matter of controversy; there are websites devoted to debunking Apple's claims. Apple's chips run at much lower speeds, so they are difficult to compare directly. If you're interested in an Apple computer, test one at a store, then test a Windows machine. Apple computers are more expensive than comparable Windows machines.

Both Apple and AMD have new 64-bit microprocessors. They can crunch twice as much data as 32-bit chips. But there are virtually no programs that take advantage of this power now. That will change in the future, but these expensive new chips don't offer as much value today.

The Operating System

Windows XP and Apple's OS X are also difficult to compare. But there's really no need. Both are stable and fast. You'll probably be satisfied with either.

Windows XP comes in two flavours: Home and Professional. Windows XP Professional has all of Home's goodies, plus some other stuff. Most of it is networking capability. Professional costs more.

But it does have some nice features. One is Remote Desktop, which allows you to access one computer from another. For instance, you could sign onto your office computer from home and check your email. It also allows you to encrypt files and folders.

Random Access Memory

You will need a minimum of 256 megabytes of memory. If you can afford it, get 512 MB. I'd go to one gigabyte for demanding applications, such as video editing. Memory is relatively inexpensive, so don't skimp.

Hard Drives are Big and Bigger

If you do a lot of video work, you need a big hard drive. Video files are huge. Hard drives at 200 to 250 GB are common and relatively inexpensive.

Otherwise, the gargantuan drives common today far outstrip the customer's needs. Even low-end machines today have 40 GB hard drives. You are unlikely to fill that. I recommend putting your extra money elsewhere.

The Video System

The video system sends the picture to the monitor. Many inexpensive computers use the main-system RAM to run video. The video processor is built into the motherboard (the main circuit board). This works, but is less desirable.

Better computers have a separate circuit board, called a video card. This includes the video processor and memory. For video cards, 64 MB of RAM is pretty standard. That's more than enough for day-to-day computing.

However, if you are doing video work or playing advanced games, get a card with 128 MB of RAM. Truly hardcore game players can get cards with 256 MB of RAM.

The Monitor

Do you need to buy a monitor? Most people get one without thinking. But monitors don't necessarily come with computers. Often, you can lower your cost by refusing the monitor. If you're satisfied with your current monitor, it should work OK with your new computer.

There are two basic types of monitor, as mentioned above: CRTs and flat-panels. CRTs are the cheaper option: I would not buy a CRT monitor that was less than 17 inches. Keep in mind that that measurement is diagonal, and includes a portion of the screen hidden behind the bezel. A 17-inch CRT will have a visible screen size of 16 inches or less.

Flat-panel monitors are far more expensive than CRTs. They come in two flavours: analogue and digital. Digital signals are produced natively by the computer; they do not need to be converted. Analogue signals are converted from digital by the video system. Some consider digital signals clearer.

CDs and DVDs

All computers come with optical drives — either CD or DVD. All but the very cheapest have burners. ("Burning" is the process of making a CD or DVD.) CD-RW burners are still the most common, but DVD burners are available on more expensive machines.

DVD is wildly popular, but remains troubled by incompatible standards. You're likely to see DVD+R/RW or DVD-R/RW on a computer. They are incompatible, but most players can handle R discs made on either. R means a disc can be recorded once. RW stands for rewriteable, meaning a disc can be recorded numerous times. DVD burners can also make CDs.

I recommend that you purchase a CD-RW, at least.

One final point: I hear from so many people wondering when the best time to buy a computer is. There will always be something faster, better, hotter, cooler, bigger or smaller coming. If you need a computer, buy one now.

This week !

Classified Ads - (A directory of nothing but spam)

Much like a newspaper Classified Ad section, there are hundreds if not thousands of places online you can submit a “website promotional” classified Ad to promote your business. Unfortunately, the format of these things simply invites severe spamming as a few hundred webmasters out there will continuously spam each single Ad millions of times, sometimes daily, to the same directory!

You may have never seen one of these things because they are hidden away where human eyes would not likely go. They are most usually stumbled upon from the other side, when some scam artist sells a newbie an “Ad Blasting” or some similar ploy guaranteeing that the poor guy’s listing will be posted in thousands of different places.

On the bright side, such a listing is placed in a category so that any resulting traffic would be semi-targeted. Also, Ads are instantly posted to these automatic boards, so any traffic would be instant as well. But that’s where my enthusiasm ends. Since there are so many Ads coming in, yours will only stay on the top page for a few seconds, if that long. To my knowledge, no one has ever read one of those horrible, spammy ads and no one in their right mind ever will.

Search Engines avoid these locations like the plague and being found in them can actually HURT your Search Engine rankings! Quite likely, these listings will likely do more harm for your site than good. I highly recommend keeping your distance.

Finding a rich husband may be a bad business deal, or so an anonymous 25 year old woman was advised recently.

The woman, who posted an ad on the New York Craigslist.org was looking for advice on the best way to acquire a husband who made, at minimum, more than $500,000 a year.  This may seem like a large sum, but on Wall Street, where bankers can earn yearly bonuses of up to $10 million, an annual salary of more than a half of a million dollars, while not exactly common, is not unheard of, either.

“I know how that sounds,,” said the woman in her ad, “but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don’t think I’m overreaching at all. I dated a business man who makes average around 200-250, but that’s where I seem to hit a roadblock. $2350,00 won’t get me into Central Park West.”  The woman went on to describe herself as both “spectacularly beautiful,” and “superficial.”

The ad was answered by a so called “mystery banker” who claimed to fit the qualifications, and offered the anonymous woman some advice, after describing her proposition as “plain and simple a crappy business deal.”

“Your looks will fade,” he said, in an online response to her posting. “And my money will continue into perpetuity. . . in fact, it is very likely that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won’t be getting any more beautiful!”

“So in economic terms,” he continued, “you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset. Let me explain, you’re 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!”

A report that a banker from JPMorgan Chase was responsible for the ad posting responses has been dismissed by the bank as “an error.”  According to Brian Marchiony, spokesman for JPMorgan Chase, a banker’s email signature became accidentally attached to the ad and responses when he forwarded them on to his friends.

A spokeswoman for Craigslist.org told the New York Times that the posting and responses, both of which have since been removed, “looked as if they were made sincerely.”

According to the InternetDatingGuide.com, 30% of all Americans have used an online matchmaking site or service in the past year.  10% of these people reported that posting ads on sites like Craigslist.org also figured into their online date seeking.

Whether you're just starting out with your work at home business or you've had a home business for many years, you'll need to stay motivated if you're going to see continual success. Everyone goes through a home business slump occasionally, but it's those who stay motivated who will reach their goals. Here are five simple ways you can stay motivated in your work at home business.

1. Work from a List

Create a daily, weekly and even monthly list of things to do in your business. This sounds so simple, but yet a "to do" list is a powerful tool in helping you accomplish home business tasks. Prioritize your list each day so you can do those things that are most important first. If you have tasks that you absolutely dread, then put those tasks at the very top of the list if possible. This will give you a free mind for the remainder of the day to concentrate on the tasks you enjoy.

A list can consist of many things, from promotion steps to phone calls to make, and even a stack of papers that must be organized on your desk. Most successful business people create a list and then check off items as they are completed. This gives a sense of accomplishment throughout the day as you complete tasks.

2. Search for New Opportunities during Slow Business Times

Having a slow time in your work at home business? Don't despair. And, whatever you do, don't go apply for a job at the local fast food chain - just yet! Stay motivated by seeking out other home business opportunities that may tie into your current business.

Perhaps you offer a product or service that sells very slowly during the spring months. You could seek out related products or services that would be popular during those months to offset the other in profits. This will give you a chance to make money and enjoy multiple streams of income year round!

3. Take an Online Training Course for Better Education

Educate yourself through online training courses related to your field so you can learn how to maximize your skills and profits. There are many training courses available online today in the fields of web design, graphic design, online marketing, real estate, travel, office skills, medical, insurance, and finance.

With online training, you choose only those courses that will benefit you and your work at home business. You can usually take the courses at your own leisure from home, and will pay far less than you would for a college course.

4. Expand Marketing Avenues

Don't settle for less. Use the wisdom and experience of others who have been in business a while to expand your marketing avenues. You might consider reading after top marketers to get Internet marketing ideas. Also, there are many ways to promote your work at home business off-line.

To stay motivated, always test your efforts to see what results they bring. This is far more exciting than paying for ads and never knowing if they work or not!

5. Network with Others

Another way to stay motivated during a business slump is to network with others. Find others in related fields who can offer advice and encouragement about your business. A work at home business can be lonely at times because you never leave the house! Finding others online and off-line who do the same thing will give you an outlet for those lonely days.

Use these tips to stay motivated in your work at home business. You deserve success, so don't give up!

Halloween is one holiday that most children really enjoy, but too many parents get stressed out over it. Some simple planning though will help you get ready for it instead of dreading it. Costumes are always an issue for children and they should have some say in what they get to wear. Put a dollar amount limit on it if they want to have a costume purchased instead of made.

All costumes should be tried on so you know they are going to be a good fit for your children. Too many accidents happen due to eye holes not lining up correctly and them tripping over the bottom of it. Take care of these issues before Halloween so that they can just slip it on that night and go out.

Make sure you explain Halloween safety to your children before the big night. This way they will pay attention because they won’t be overly excited. Try it out during dinner the week of Halloween to ensure it is fresh in their minds. Explain they need to use sidewalks and never dart between cars to cross the street. This should only be done at the crosswalks. It is a good idea to give each child a flashlight or a glow stick so they are easier to notice. They also need to refrain from eating any candy that they get until an adult has carefully inspected it.

It is easy to serve up a fun and scary Halloween meal without too much effort. Since you know the little ghosts and witches will be eating plenty of candy in the days to come you can be proud to serve them something healthy as well. For just a couple of dollars you can purchase brain Jell-o molds. Mix up a meat loaf and let it sit over night in the refrigerator. These molds are made from plastic so you can’t bake in them but the design will become indented in the meat as it sits overnight.

Serve up plain white rice or even broccoli rice with the meatloaf on a plate as brains and maggots. Your children will really enjoy eating them and this doesn’t take very much effort to complete either. You can also make a delightful and delicious punch to serve with it. The night before fill up rubber gloves with water and tie the ends shut. Make sure you separate the fingers as you place them in the freezer.

In a punch bowl mix black cherry juice with a two liter of 7-Up. Place the hands into the mixture for icy hands that are very real looking. To make the punch even for Halloweenish, add some scoops of rainbow sherbet to it.

Getting ready for Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming so have fun with it. This is a holiday that people of all ages can enjoy. Start making your plans for it today so that everyone can have a good time without worrying about last minute details.

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The number of companies involved in SaaS deployments is doubling in the next 12 months; many of them have experienced pitfalls that could have been avoided with some minor research and planning up-front. While there is a diverse amount of technology and business processes that can be addressed using SaaS, there remains a handful of common tasks that need to be performed at the beginning of your project that will aid in tracking the project’s impact and progress.

Deployment Footprint

Create a UML Deployment diagram early. A Deployment Diagram helps everyone quickly identify what systems and users will be impacted by the change in technology and process. Having the Deployment Diagram exist as a living artifact throughout the lifetime of your project also helps other teams easily asses impact to any new or existing projects.

Project Timeline

Leverage your SaaS provider’s experience. Often service providers for SaaS projects will have a library of best-practices that can aid your project management team. Focus on how the SaaS company defines milestones and understand how they project the duration from one milestone to the next. The information the SaaS company provides can be used to build dependencies in your project plan.

Process Integration

One of the major benefits to using SaaS is that packaged services are designed to easily integrate with existing technologies and infrastructures. When looking at SaaS applications, make sure there are XML or RMI interfaces. Also, well-documented database schemas great for running ad-hoc queries. Most SaaS vendors provide robust reporting capabilities - just make sure they provide you the documentation to interface with the system.

ROI Milestone

Define your ROI milestones early. It’s ok if your expectations for cost-savings are all over the place. Your SaaS provider will have financial models that will help your organization forecast cost-savings by using their implementation over using a standard model.

Summary

SaaS models can easily reduce your projects costs by double-digit percentages. The key as you gain experience with SaaS is to refine your process in the same way a software development life-cycle will evolve. Additionally, leverage your SaaS provider’s experience and become partners in completing a successful project.