Magazine Subscription Savings

By editor | Published:

Certainly, in a difficult economy, everyone needs to look for ways to trim costs.  One way that people will often recommend is to get rid of the extras in your life.  This might include cable T.V., magazine subscriptions, drinking soda and coffee, going out to the movies and more.  These are great ideas – but at the same time, you still have to continue living and enjoying your daily life.

So, with that said, here are some recommendations for creative ways to save money on magazine subscriptions – while still enjoying those great reads.

1. Library: You might find great magazines that you can check out of the library.  All it will require is a library card.  Now, you may find that most of the good magazines are already taken by the time you get there each month, but it’s worth a try if you want to save that money.

2. Kindle or other reader: Yes, there is a large initial investment if you want to purchase Amazon’s Kindle or another e-reader.  Then, however, you’ll be able to get subscriptions to your favorite magazines at reduced rates and will have them at your fingertips wherever you are.

3. Magazine Subscription Companies: There are many companies that offer magazine subscriptions at reduced rates.  Companies such as National Magazine Exchange, Magazine Deals Now and others have great packages.  You can buy just one magazine, or a series of great reads, for reduced prices.  And, you can usually switch magazine titles mid-subscription, which allows for great flexibility in your subscription.

4. Magazine Exchanges: Get together with a few friends and swap magazines.  This will require a bit of coordination and you’ll have to make sure that you like the magazines that your friends read.  It will, however, allow you to read a number of magazines each month without paying for all of them.  Enjoy O Magazine, Time Magazine, Vogue and so much more without having to pay for them all from your pocketbook.

The Business Side of Movie-Making

By editor | Published:

movieCertainly, most people enjoy going to see a movie.  What they don’t realize, when they sit back for that two hour experience, is just how much business know-how and effort went into the creation of the film.

The main person in the movie making process with ties to the business world is the producer.  This person is usually with the film production from beginning to end.  The producer usually has a part in developing the film idea or script and in securing the rights.  He will often be the one to hire the director and supervising cast, and to assemble the crew.  He will also be in charge of overseeing the budget and coordinating the postproduction work.

The executive producer will often be someone who owns the rights to the book or story and who secures at least 25% of the overall film budget.  Executive producers, such as Eric Gozlan, will often be involved in a number of productions at once and they rarely have creative or technical involvement in each film.  This person, or persons, main interest is to protect the studio’s investment in the course of the movie production.

Finally, the associate producer title is usually seen as an honorary one.  Often, it’s a way for a producer to say thank you to someone, or to pay back a favor.

Movies typically have more than one producer and executive producer.  While enjoying a film, it is important to consider the vast array of business energy and expense that went into the production of that enjoyable movie.

Business Help for 2010

By editor | Published:

Certainly, every business would be happy to save money in 2010.  With the recession hanging heavy over many companies, it is more important than ever to manage well and to find specific ways to cut corners.  One business executive, Daniel Touizer, the CEO of Cinergy Health, offers these specific tips to take advantage of the recession while watching the bottom line in 2010.

As a small business owner and successful entrepreneur, Mr. Touizer understands how much money the rent or mortgage can take from a business.  For 2010, he recommends renegotiating your rent, or looking for less expensive office space.  One advantage of the current recession is that commercial vacancy rates around the country are 10% or higher.  Use this to your advantage and find a new, less expensive place to conduct business.

Raw material prices are also down at the moment.  This means that you might be able to buy your business supplies for less and that you can find sales on office furniture, office supplies and more.

Take a look at your personnel and see if you might need to hire people.  While this may sound counterintuitive in a recession, it actually makes sense.  You can find quite talented workers for less.  This can make your company work more professionally and efficiently, while not requiring a huge salary expenditure.

Using these suggestions for almost any business in 2010  just might save you money and help you to get a leg-up in the current recession.

Business Etiquette in Malaysia

By editor | Published:

Certainly, if you are traveling overseas for business, it’s important to know the culture to which you are headed.  The more familiar you are with their customs and practices, the more comfortable you will be while there; and the less likely you will be to make a social or business mistake.  Many business people such as Taek Jho Low, Teh Hong Piow and others have had great success both in Malaysia and abroad.

It rains quite a bit in Malaysia, and is hot and humid most of the time.  Pack lightweight suits and shirts to stay comfortable, and bring along an umbrella.  Avoid wearing yellow, as this color is reserved for Malaysian royalty.  Women should bring knee-length skirts and long-sleeved shirts.  Pantsuits are frowned upon, as some offices will look negatively at this attire.  Adults don’t wear shorts in Malaysia, although jeans are acceptable for casual dress.

Malaysian culture makes it acceptable to ask questions that might be frowned upon in America.  Don’t be surprised if someone asks you about your marital status, your income, and other personal questions. Answer with dignity or find an appropriate way to avoid the subject; don’t look upset or annoyed, as this will cause the person to be embarrassed and that is a serious matter in Malaysia.

Amazing Assets in Austin, Texas

By editor | Published:

Most people know that Texans are fiercely loyal to their state.  What people often don’t know, however, is how loyal people in Austin are to their town.  Austin is an amazing place to live.  While it’s relatively small in size and quaint, it also has a wealth of cultural activities, intellectual pursuits, green spaces and more.

While many large cities are hardest hit by the recession, a smaller location like Austin is booming at the moment.  Austin condos are being built at a rapid rate, and there are fantastic opportunities to own Austin real estate within walking distance to work, shops and so much more.  Many new collections, including Barton Place condominiums, offer a variety of floor plans, beautiful designs, and great values.

For nature lovers, Austin is awesome.  With over 175 parks and over 15,000 acres of wilderness and park land, you’ll enjoy hiking, biking, boating and more.  In addition, Austin boasts that they have a nationally-recognized “green” program.  Austin real estate projects, condo owners and homeowners are rewarded when they build and outfit their homes and business with energy-efficient products.

Austin has it all for the taking!