The Value of Goal Setting

You may recall last week we spoke about the value of goal setting – remember that expression “Businesses don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan” and we talked specifically about planning our budgets for 2013.  Well, today we will be talking about our Goal Setting & Planning for 2013.  It’s a statistical fact that people who goal set (whether in life or business) achieve far more than those who do not.

Remember with goal setting, we need to be SMART.  

S     Your goal must be specific.  I want to be ‘wealthy’ or ‘successful’ is not specific.  

M    Goals need to be measurable.  A 10% increase in sales/month CAN be measured.    
A    Be realistic with your goals, so that they are achievable.  Do you have any way of
    achieving a million dollar a month turnover?

R    It should be recorded.  Writing it down makes it so much more real.   And R is also
    for reviewed.  Like our budgets we need to review our progress regularly.  

T    And finally, T is timely. Set specific time limits, whether a deadline, or monthly goal.   

So, to plan for 2013, we need to write down our goals, using the SMART system.  Once you have this written down, then you need to write below each goal HOW you will achieve this.  It’s like planning a road trip.  You know you want to get from point A to point B, you mark those points on a map, but then you need to plan what route or journey you will take to get there.  If you drive randomly without a planned route, you often end up lost, in a dead end taking the very ‘scenic route’.  This is the same in business with goals.  Plan where point B is and what you are going to DO to get there.   What specifically will do you do to achieve that 10% increase in sales?
So here is the challenge.   Write this up before January 1st.  Get your sheet laminated AND stick it on your wall so you look at it every day.   All the best for 2013!  

This week’s Key Education is by Donna Stone of Stone Consulting – KBN Networker of the Year for 2010 & 2011.

Vision and Mission Statement for Your Business

Having a Mission Statement and your company’s vision in writing is very important. Having it on your website or on written literature is important to show your clients, team and prospective partners what you are striving to achieve and what you want for your clients.

Vision
The purpose of writing your vision is to create a VISION that helps pull you forward, so you can stop charging into nowhere.
It gets you thinking about the bigger picture and what you really want and that over time it may change and that is OK.
Your Vision for Your Company is what you want your company to look like 1 year from now, 3 years from now and in 5 years time - Your desires, dreams and ambitions for your company.
EG's
Wal-Mart (1990): become a $125 billion company by the year 2000.
Sony (1950): become the company most known for changing the worldwide poor-quality image of Japanese products.

Mission Statement
Your Mission Statement explains the benefit to your customer of your product or service. It needs to be what you are passionate about or what motivates you about the service or product you supply.
Mission Statement Examples
Wal-Mart: “To give ordinary folks the chance to buy the same things as rich people.”
NPE: “To empower entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and fulfil their dreams”
Nike: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.”
Sony:  To experience the joy of advancing and applying technology for the benefit of the public.

So let me ask you-
Do you have a Mission Statement or a Vision documented at present?

Information researched and supplied by Steve Kovacs from the Victoria Point group.

 Business Protection from an IT perspective

Malware, adware, spyware, worms, Trojans, viruses and defective software.

What’s the difference and how do I protect my business?

Malware is the term given to all Malicious software and therefore encompasses the family of adware, trogans and viruses but does not include defective software.
 
Malware is a software program that has been intentionally designed to change a user's settings without their permission, delete a competing software program, cause a competing software program to stop working, or leave a computer open to attacks.

A virus is a malicious program which can reproduce itself and spread to other computers while it is running. The terms such as Trojans and Worms refer to the method of attack.

A worm virus (Write Once Read Many) is a destructive software program containing code capable of gaining access to computers or networks.

A Trojan is a program or utility that appears to be something useful or safe, but in reality is performing background tasks such as giving access to your computer or sending personal information to other computers. Trojan horses are one of the most common methods a criminal uses to infect your computer and collect personal information from your computer. Below are some basic examples of how your computer could become infected with a Trojan horse.

1. A site offers a free download to a program or game that normally costs money. Downloading the pirated version of a program or game allows you to illegally use or play it, however, during the install it also installed a Trojan horse onto the computer.
2. A popular screen saver website has become infected or uploaded infected screen savers. Downloading the screen saver to your computer also installs a Trojan horse onto the computer.
3. You receive an e-mail that appears to be from a friend asking you to view this fantastic new program or look at a file. Opening the file infects your computer with a Trojan horse.
4.  A friends Facebook account is hacked and has sent out personalized messages telling all their friends to see this exciting new video. Opening the video requests a download that has a hidden Trojan horse that infects your computer.

Terms such as Scareware, Adware, Spyware

Scareware is a term given to describe software that scares the users into purchasing the full program. A good example of scareware is a program claiming it's an antivirus or other security protection program and that it's found dozens of potential threats on the computer, which in reality are either nonexistent or not really a threat to the user or his or her computer. The scareware then directs you to a website where you can purchase the removal tool.

Adware tracks individuals Internet activities and habits to help companies advertise more efficiently.

Spyware are becoming an ever-growing threat to users who browse the Internet or install free programs. However, many computer users do not realize when these programs are secretly installed on a computer or realize when their system or browsers settings are changed. Below is a listing of potential symptoms a user may encounter when their browser or computer has been hijacked.
•    Default home page changes to a different page; commonly an adult oriented web page.
•    Computer slows down.
•    New tools in the browser such as a new search toolbar is installed or added to the browser.
•    Default search engine or other settings changed.

Unfortunately, many of the software programs designed to hijack a computer's browser are intentionally designed to be difficult to remove or detect.

Below are recommendations on how these programs can be prevented and removed.

Free programs
When installing free programs such as KaZaA, read the disclaimers and watch for additional programs that are being installed. Many times these programs are supported by automatically installing spyware programs. If you no longer use these programs on a regular basis, uninstalling these programs will (but not always) also uninstall any associated software that is included with them.

Add/Remove programs
If you are running Microsoft Windows and you have noticed a program that you do not wish to use or want uninstalled, see if the program can be removed through Add/Remove programs in the Control panel.
If the spyware program you're attempting to uninstall cannot be uninstalled or gets reinstalled when you reboot the computer. Boot the computer into Safe Mode and then uninstall the program while in Safe Mode.

Restore browser settings
Some web pages and programs are designed to automatically change your browser's settings. For example, a web page or program may automatically change your default home page to an alternate home page. These issues can be corrected by following the below steps.
•    Close all browser windows so that only one window is open.
•    Visit an alternate safe site such as Google.
•    Correct the settings changed, such as changing your home page back to your original home page.
•    Once the settings have been changed and applied, close out of the browser window.
•    The next time the browser is opened it should have the correct settings. However, if the site that changed your browser settings is visited again, it is likely that the settings will be changed again.

Spyware, Adware, and Malware detection and removal programs
Antivirus programs can only detect, and remove infections they know about so it is important to keep them current. Always download antivirus programs from the manufacturer’s web site so that you know you are installing the genuine program.

Below is a listing of a few of the programs you may wish to consider.
•    Malwarebytes
•    Microsoft's Windows Defender
•    Ad-aware from Lavasoft
•    Spy Sweeper from Webroot Software
•    Spybot Search and Destroy
•    SpywareBlaster from Javacool Software
•    HijackThis by Merijn.

A computer can have any number of compatible spyware programs installed at the same time and it's recommended that you have more than one to help against computer infection. When running these programs if the spyware returns after rebooting the computer boot the computer into Safe Mode and run the spyware programs while in Safe Mode.

Microsoft Windows
If you are running Microsoft Windows, updating to the latest Service Pack will help protect your computer against spyware.

Try alternative browser
Because Microsoft Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser today and because of its vulnerabilities, switching to an alternative browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Safari can significantly reduce the amount of spyware you get on your computer.

System Restore
Users who are running Microsoft Windows XP or later and are not able to remove a program that has hijacked their computer or browser may also wish to consider running the Microsoft System Restore and restore the computer to an earlier date.
How can I protect myself while online?
Be aware that even with a current antivirus program that your information is not secure when operating over the internet.  If you give permission for a program to install, your antivirus program will generally allow it.  A lot of programs will not install correctly if your antivirus is running and often request that you disable it during installation.

Use a third-party service to confirm the safety and security of a page
I recommend the free Web of Trust (WOT) tool to verify the safety of all websites on the Internet.
http://www.mywot.com/

Conclusion
If you suspect you have Malware and are having trouble removing it, always seek professional advice.  If detection is found, it is strongly recommended to change all your passwords after your computer is cleaned as it is likely that your identity has been compromised.  Computit Pty Ltd are specialists in virus detection, identification and removal and can advise on a course of action to secure your network.

Written by Peter Stack from Computit

What Can You Do To Avoid Cancer?

Statistics sometimes (all the time?) get a bad rap. In fact, it's been said, "You can prove anything by statistics except the truth."

However, there are statistics on our collective health which can't be easily dismissed.

In 2010, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare together with the state and territory members of the Australasian Association of Cancer Registries (AACR) developed a comprehensive picture of national statistics on cancer using a range of resources, presenting the latest available data and trends over time.
It reports:
In 2007, the age-standardised incidence rate for all cancers combined was 485 cases per 100,000 people. This rate was markedly higher than the rate recorded for 1982 (the year in which national incidence data were first available), at 383 cases per 100,000 people. Accordingly, the incidence rate of the most commonly diagnosed cancers increased from 1982 to 2007, including the rate of melanoma of the skin; prostate cancer; bowel cancer in males; and lung cancer and breast cancer in females.
By the age of 85 years, 1 in 2 males and 1 in 3 females will have been diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their life.
Cancer is estimated to be the leading cause of the burden of disease in Australia in 2010, accounting for 19% of the total burden.
(from Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2010)
This summary raises a disconcerting question: we know that the quality of health care and treatments have improved over the last 30 years, so why has the incidence of cancers increased by almost 27% over this period of time?

Genetic factors are implicated in about 20% of all cancers, but we assume that these factors have always been present.  So one conclusion is that non-genetic factors need to be considered as potential causes, and that these non-genetic factors have somehow been 'turned on'.

As one researcher has put it: " 'Genetics loads the gun; but environment pulls the trigger.' That is: our bodies may be predisposed to reacting to certain chemical inputs, but it takes the presence of that chemical to flip the switch." (see http://bit.ly/IHqJci )   

Many of these chemicals come from the "daily bombardment of endocrine disruptors in household goods, pesticides and other man-made products."  

Environmental causes for many cancers are easily overlooked as we take the use of these products in our homes and on our bodies for granted.  Further, a single use of an individual product is not going to effect a significant increase in cancer risk.  However, the cumulative effect over many years of use, together with the multiple combinations of products which use these chemicals as key ingredients can be likened to a scientific experiment with no controls!

Using products (for personal and home use) which do not contain these potential cancer-causing chemicals is a simple and effective way to de-toxifying your body and environment.

We can also add the following factors as contributing to an increase in overall cancer rates:
•    A sedentary lifestyle
The World Health Organization has reported that "Sedentary lifestyles increase all causes of mortality, double the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, and increase the risks of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, lipid disorders, depression and anxiety."
Simply adding 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity to your daily routine can help to minimise disease caused by this risk factor.
•    A diet high in processed food
The industrialization of food production and the globalization of its marketing and distribution have brought processed foods, rich in fat, sugar, and salt, but low in essential nutrients, into every corner of the world.  In many cases, highly processed foods are the cheapest and most convenient way to fill an empty stomach. They are also the most unhealthy way.
A large body of literature indicates that as much as 30% of all cancer cases is linked to poor dietary habits, and is therefore preventable. The proportion reaches 70% for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life may be one of the most important ways to protect against cancer. (It is probably the second most important factor, after avoiding tobacco use.)
Research indicates that the 20% of people who have the lowest fruit intake have a 20% higher risk of lung cancer. In addition, evidence indicates that reducing salt and salt-preserved foods may reduce the incidence of stomach cancer.
Adequate consumption of fruit and vegetables reduces the risk for cardiovascular diseases, stomach cancer and colo-rectal cancer. There is convincing evidence that the consumption of high levels of high-energy foods, such as processed foods that are high in fats and sugars, promotes obesity compared to low-energy foods such as fruits and vegetables. (source: Global Health Observatory, WHO).
Some simple dietary habits you can develop include:
•    Consume a healthy diet, with an emphasis on unprocessed plant sources.
•    Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.
•    Choose whole grains in preference to processed (refined) grains.
•    Limit consumption of processed and red meats.
•    Maintain alcohol consumption within moderate limits

By addressing these three factors
1.    Active lifestyle through physical activity
2.    Nutritious diet based on unprocessed and raw food sources
3.    Toxin-free personal & home-care products
you will feel great and will be creating positive habits to minimise your risk of developing cancer.

Written by Mario Bono - Well-being For Life

Importance of the Different Forms of Communication

Studies have shown that when people communicate with each other, approximately 55% of the message is shown through our body language, 38% by the manner of speaking which includes accent, voice quality, emphasis, voice projection, pace, expression, pitch and volume, and about 7% is through the actual words spoken.

There are basically three elements in any face-to-face communication:
•    Words
•    Tone of voice
•    Nonverbal behaviour (e.g. Facial expression; body language)
These non-verbal elements are particularly important for communicating feelings and attitude.
Important: If words disagree with the tone of voice and nonverbal behaviour, people tend to believe the tonality and nonverbal behaviour rather than the words spoken. This is when ‘gut feeling’ sets in.

Given the importance of Body Language it is important to be attentive to your body.
•    Allow at least 40 or 50 cm of personal space around every person with whom you speak. Some people are very sensitive to this, especially you will find this with country people or ones who like space.
•    Be careful who you cuddle and kiss in a networking and work environment. Some, in fact quite a few are challenged with this unless they have a close relationship with someone. Others feel that they can be closer but may not be taking into account what the other person feels. Many people do not wish to be touched by people they do not really know. Take care in this area.
•    Don’t slouch and keep straight giving an image of confidence.
•    Smile and do this especially when you are speaking on the phone and want to give a friendly impression or make a sale. A smile puts energy, enthusiasm and a sense of purpose into the voice.
•    keep good eye contact without staring
•    Don’t cross your arms (difficult sometimes when it is cold)- this is an unfriendly signal especially when sitting listening to speakers and in a groups situation where we may be more likely to do this.

Think about how you say things and what you say
•    Speak slowly- keep it calm, assured, friendly and professional. Good idea to take charge of the pace especially if the other person sounds anxious or aggravated- slow down
•    If the conversation is dragging, then try to pick up the pace a little
•    Pay attention to the pitch of your voice
•    Avoid rising inflection at the end of a sentence as this usually sounds as if it is a question not a statement. (unless you are asking a question). By rising inflection at the end of a sentence can also suggest a lack of confidence
•    Use vocabulary that the other person understands. Acronyms are good but only if everyone understands them. Avoid slang and vulgarities
•    Speak complete sentences and correct grammar
•    Speak clearly and loud enough – people will not wish to stay speaking with you if they cannot hear you clearly