Atricle Dump - Communications

Clearing Your Backlog Of Calls
So you’re finally at the point where business is booming and you’re getting dozens of calls and emails per day from customers, potential or existing, wanting to either ask a question about your products or report a fault in one they’ve just purchased. And if they sent you an email and it wasn’t answered in 24 hours, they WILL call, adding to your ever-increasing backlog.As a good business person, you want to satisfy every client that comes to you with a query and make sure that it’s resolved quickly so that they come back for more later on.The only problem is, you didn’t expect your phone to be going off the hook from the marketing campaign you’ve just finished - not that much anyway!What you need to do now is find a way to clear the backlog of calls you have and fast!Getting the proper tool to help you with your customer service will not only take a load off your support staff but will increase your staff’s productivity as they will be in control of the support they offer and not putting out fires all day.If you own a website, you should seriously consider purchasing help desk software. With this online, all your customers can browse through your database (which contains resolved issues about your products) to find the answer to their queries without having to call or email you.This database should be updated regularly, especially if a question comes up a few times and it can be solved by your clients on their own.If your customer doesn’t find what he/she wants and decides to send you an email, an automatic email would be sent to that customer saying that you have received their query and that one of your staff will resolve it shortly.You can even go further, keeping them updated on how your customer’s issue is evolving, sending them another email explaining where you’re at with his/her issue. That way, he/she won’t need to call to see if you’ve found a solution – one less call to answer!If you don’t own a website, then a good helpdesk system will also can greatly increase your support staff’s efficiency. This helpdesk software would have all your client details (if applicable), the products they’ve purchased and the hi

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Build the Nest Early and Retire At 50
Investments are the rose-beds for old age. So it is imperative that you invest and ensure a comfortable future, after you retire. But investment involves a lot of strategy and planning. A smart investor would know what to invest, where to invest and most importantly, when to invest. As far as this ‘when’ goes, it’s always best to start building one’s nest early and hoard enough to retire at 50. That way, you can devote big time doing things closest to your heart post-retirement.There are several ways to build one’s funds, but one must weigh the stakes and opportunities of every investment vehicle. The idea is to work hard, spend judiciously and save consciously. Unless you save at least 20%-25% of your income, you’ll probably not make it to an early retirement.The big question is “how”?Well, let’s begin from home. Cut down your expenses. Too much of eat-outs or unplanned spending are the usual deterrents to your savings. So check that. Then, may be changing your Lexus for the new Audi, and that for a Benz, all in a span of 10 years wouldn’t be a nice idea if you’re willing to build a ‘nest’. However, you must not stifle your living. Stay in the comfort zone, but be prudent.Another significant way to grow your nest is by investing on a 401(k) plan, if your company offers one. A 401(k) has superb benefits—your money is directly saved from your paycheck, the money grows tax-free until withdrawn and your employer matches a percent of what you invest.Next, invest your on IRAs. The traditional IRAs provide attractive benefits like the 401(k): it’s tax-free till withdrawn, you’ve a chance to deduct your contribution on your tax return, you can invest in anything. And if it’s a Roth IRA, you can’t deduct your contributions; but, you can withdraw money anytime tax-free and without penalty. The best part is: the money you reap from a 401(k) or IRA is taxed as your ordinary income. So it’s favorable for you.Often people tap into the retirement savings prior to retirement. But this is totally uncalled-for as this leaves you with a much smaller nest after taxes and penalties.Another common method to build funds is to invest in stocks. Thoug

To understand how VoIP works, you’ll need to understand the basic concept behind regular analog audio communication as well, since this is the precursor for VoIP. Analog phone calls are actually made via fiber optic networks by digitizing your voice communications for sending the signal across thousands of miles, but once it gets to the final destination (a home or office phone, for instance), the signal is once again converted to analog.

During these calls, the switches remain open even while there is dead air and no conversation is taking place; the circuit is also open in both directions even when only one party is talking and the other is listening. This isn’t terribly efficient, and slows down the communication of information considerably.

VoIP works on a different premise -- rather than circuit switching, data packet switching sends and receives information only when you need it instead of in a constant stream. It also sends the information packets along whatever open channels are available rather than a dedicated line, which is much more efficient. The information is simply reassembled at the source.

The payload of each packet has a destination coded into it determining the ultimate destination. When the computer at the other end receives all of these packets, it will reassemble the information into useable form. This form of sending audio data is extremely efficient because it always takes the cheapest route that is also the least congested.

The compression of information and use of multiple routes in order to send that information over the most efficient route makes sending audio over packet switching quicker, much less expensive and more efficient. The number of calls that can be sent is orders of magnitude higher than it was with the more traditional analog circuit switching systems.

For companies, the savings in long distance charges can be in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. If companies also make extensive conference calls, VoIP makes even more sense when combined with conferencing options such as document sharing in systems offered by companies like Voxwire and iVocalize.

The upshot of VoIP is that standard long-distance charges may soon become a thing of the past. As more and more consumers turn on to VoIP and broadband connections make it easy and inexpensive (as well as practical) to make phone calls over the Internet, fewer individuals will be willing to pay high rates to make a telephone call they can make for free or next to nothing via their computer.

There’s no by-the-minute charges with VoIP, no set-up fees, and no “time of day” or overages. That’s the great thing about VoIP plans. You just pay a monthly fee and get to make all the calls you want over your computer for one monthly fee. It’s so simple and elegant, and it’s the solution that everyone’s been wanting and waiting for far too long.

You don’t have to wait for a certain time of day of day of the week to make telephone calls with VoIP. There’s also the advantage of being able to use your VoIP connection from anywhere -- remember, you’re not tied to a phone jack to use your number, but an Internet connection, so you can call from anywhere with many calling plans.

Some of the companies that offer excellent VoIP plans with unlimited calling are listed below with their most popular options:

VoIP is used in almost all web conferencing services as an alternative to standard conference calls, and looking into these packages will give you an idea of some ways to combine VoIP with extras such as white boards, document sharing and video. For less expensive options, many companies can provide strictly audio VoIP conference calls combined with text messaging and document sharing without video.

Some companies that offer VoIP in web conferencing packages separate from video conferencing are:

It is obvious that conference calling as well as standard long distance calling will be changing greatly in the near future as VoIP changes the landscape of telephone service. “Land lines” for long distance calling will eventually become obsolete as broadband becomes more common and makes VoIP just as commonplace as any other type of telephone call.

And with the greater portability of soft phone options built into laptops and the use of ATA phone adapters, the use of VoIP in the average home will arrive sooner rather than later.

This article on the "How VoIP Works" reprinted with permission.
Copyright © 2004-2005 Evaluseek Publishing.

About the Author
Lucy P. Roberts is a successful freelance writer providing practical information and advice for consumers and businesses about everything related to audio conferencing services and VoIP providers. Her numerous articles include tips for saving both time and money; product reviews and reports; and other valuable insights for persons searching the Internet for information about the history of the telephone and related topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_P._Roberts

Most Viewed EzineArticles in the Communications:VOIP Category

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Rescuing Your Underperforming Annuity Account
It was only a few years ago that interest rates plunged to historic lows. Conservative investors who needed guaranteed income and preservation of principal were in a bind. In many cases, returns at the bank were below two percent and fixed annuity accounts yielded only marginally better. Many of these cautious investors purchased fixed annuities rather than bank instruments in order to capture higher returns.How times have changed. The United States economy improved significantly. Inflation pressure grew, and the Federal Reserve began to ratchet up interest rates while treasury yields increased in kind. While much of this was good news, it created problems for the annuity purchaser from just a few years ago.Concerns with Older Annuity AccountsIf you invested in a traditional fixed annuity account during these low yielding years, you may find yourself in a dilemma. The problem: many of these accounts have fallen to their guaranteed minimum yields. Currently, they might only offer a paltry return between 2 and 3.5 percent. There are several reasons for this decline. To begin with, many annuity accounts have a first year bonus that will not be paid in subsequent years. In addition, these accounts often provide a floating rate of return. Their returns are not locked in. A floating rate annuity is quick to go down in years where yields are decreasing, but slow to come back up when yields in the treasury market increase. In essence, if you purchased an annuity in the lean years, you may have locked in poor yields for the duration of your account.There are other issues as well. If your annuity has not reached maturity, you will have to pay surrender penalties if you cash in the account early. In addition, if you purchased a non-qualified annuity account, you may have accumulated tax deferred interest. Should you transfer your annuity to anything another than another annuity account, you could have income tax to pay. Taxes and penalties will quickly lower your account value upon early surrender.How to Improve Your Fixed Annuity ReturnsRest assured ─ this is not a story of doom and gloom. The fix to this problem

Some of the companies that offer excellent VoIP plans with unlimited calling are listed below with their most popular options:

Some companies that offer VoIP in web conferencing packages separate from video conferencing are:

And with the greater portability of soft phone options built into laptops and the use of ATA phone adapters, the use of VoIP in the average home will arrive sooner rather than later.

This article on the "How VoIP Works" reprinted with permission.
Copyright © 2004-2005 Evaluseek Publishing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_P._Roberts

Most Viewed EzineArticles in the Communications:VOIP Category

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Automobile Tax Deduction - Am I Eligible?
Automobile tax deduction, what exactly is this and what kinds of automobiles will qualify you for it. Under federal law in the United States there are two ways to qualify for it. One is by owning what is called a clean fuel vehicle and/or a gasoline-electric hybrid car. A different kind of car tax deduction is related to donations made to a charity that involve an automobile.Those who have decided to receive an automobile tax deduction because of a clean fuel vehicle must realize that they qualify for a one-time tax deduction of up to $2,000, only if the fuel is at least 85% alcohol or ether, for example like E85. On the other hand those who have an electric vehicle or electric hybrid vehicle can qualify for an automobile tax deduction of one time up to $4,000.One thing to know about this kind of car tax deduction is that this is only for those who purchased their vehicle in 2005. If you purchased one in 2004 you may have to fill out an amended tax return in order to receive credit.There are a few other specifications to completely qualify for this type of automobile tax deduction. For example the car that is purchased must be new when bought and for personal use only, you cannot by it in order to turn around and sell it again. In addition, the car must be driven mostly in the United States. A very important thing to qualify for the car tax deduction of this sort is that the car must meet all federal and state requirements for pollution and emissions. The car must actually be a car that runs on the road and has four or more wheels and therefore this rules out trains of any sort. If any of these things change within three years of the original purchase, the person who received the automobile tax deduction may owe the government some money back.Just so you are aware, this type of care tax reduction is only valid until December 31, 2005, after which there are some different types of federal income tax credits that will be available.Another type of automobile tax deduction occurs when a vehicle is donated to a charity. There is a bit more rules and regulations when it comes to this deduction. It all depends on how much the person who donated claims the

Some of the companies that offer excellent VoIP plans with unlimited calling are listed below with their most popular options:

Some companies that offer VoIP in web conferencing packages separate from video conferencing are:

And with the greater portability of soft phone options built into laptops and the use of ATA phone adapters, the use of VoIP in the average home will arrive sooner rather than later.

This article on the "How VoIP Works" reprinted with permission.
Copyright © 2004-2005 Evaluseek Publishing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_P._Roberts

Most Viewed EzineArticles in the Communications:VOIP Category

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Tips from a San Diego Video Production: Pre-interview Your Subjects
One of the best ways to improve your on-camera interviews is by conducting mini-interviews with your subjects before the camera rolls. This was really helpful for a recent San Diego video production. An apprehensive, nervous CEO became a solid, confident presenter on tape largely because our producer spent time preparing him.Ideally, this is done in person with the subject a few weeks or days before your video production. That way, they'll become comfortable with your interview style and you'll have an idea what they'll look and sound like on tape. It will also give you an opportunity to evaluate their chances of performing as required for the program. It may be possible to schedule some quick media training or suggest other ways to enhance their performance. This could include the addition of a teleprompter or a hair/makeup stylist.If time doesn't permit a personal visit, a phone conversation is the next best thing. This is when you can determine whether your subject is long-winded, lacks energy, etc., so that you can find a better interview subject. You can help your subject to be succinct and clear (i.e., "Am I understanding you correctly when you say..." or "Do you mean to say..."). It will also give you the chance to help the subject gather their thoughts. Busy professionals often wait until the last minute to scan briefing notes and then sit down and want the interview over in five minutes. The client then wonders why the program wasn’t successful.Pre-interviews can also help you formulate better questions because you'll know what your subject is going to say. At the very least, take a few minutes before the camera rolls, while the crew is setting up, for a mini pre-interview to find out what your subject will say and to help him or her relax. The worst thing to do is to sit in the room during setup. There are too many distractions. The client will be listening to where the audio guy went on vacation instead of discussing the subject at hand with you. This is the time to take control, isolate the client from handlers if possible, and accomplish your goal of making the subject comfortable with you and their material.

And with the greater portability of soft phone options built into laptops and the use of ATA phone adapters, the use of VoIP in the average home will arrive sooner rather than later.

This article on the "How VoIP Works" reprinted with permission.
Copyright © 2004-2005 Evaluseek Publishing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_P._Roberts

Most Viewed EzineArticles in the Communications:VOIP Category

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MLM Scams And Pyramid Schemes
What is an MLM, Multilevel Marketing Company or Network Marketing Company? It is simply any company that pays it's members on more than one level. In other words you get a percentage of the sales of any person you introduce into the company. Now that you know this, how many Multilevel Marketing Companies do you belong to?By the way, which is better, a company that pays on one level only, two levels, three levels or more? I choose "or more"What is a Pyramid Scheme? A Pyramid Scheme is any organization shaped like a Pyramid. Usually the person at the top makes the most money. Oh, doesn't that sound bad, or does it? Do you know any companies that are shaped like a Pyramid where the person at the top gets paid the most? Are they scams?Examples of Pyramid Schemes are the Army, the Church, the Police, your Insurance Company, your Schools and Government. Probable any company in the world. Yes, they are usually shaped like a pyramid with heaps of people at the bottom trying to get to the top. Why? Because the guy at the top makes the most money! Where does his money come from? What do they sell? Think about it.Most of them sell things you can't even see, touch or smell. Some take your money without even asking, some give you the product after you die! But that's OK, isn't it? They are legal everyday neighborhood organizations. So when you hear the word Pyramid in association with some organization, remember you are surrounded by them and often rely on them.Perhaps the word "Scheme" sounds bad? The definition of Scheme is: "A systematic plan of action". I hope that you have a "A systematic plan of action" to make money. Do you? Or are you just going from home to the office everyday not making headway in your Pyramid shaped company?The only thing you need to know about any group or organization that you ever join is whether they are legal or not. Their structure is of no importance.Show me someone who doesn't like Multilevel Marketing and I will show you someone who lacks knowledge and or intelligence. Some people are like slinkies, they have no real purpose in life but they give you a smile when you push them down the stairs.I've bee

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