A green computer or green IT system is one where the design, manufacture, use, and disposal involves as little environmental impact as possible. This means that a green initiative is taken in consideration of all aspects of a computer’s life, from design to disposal.
From the design aspect, a green computer is created to perform without a negative environmental impact. Such design encompasses everything from materials and components to how the computer utilizes its power supply. These days, most computers are built with a sleep or hibernate mode that allows them to power down when not being used and, therefore, save on energy impact.
A green computer will also take into account the impact it has on the environment during its life. One option to make a green computer reduce its usage impact is to extend its longevity. The longer a computer can last, the less effect it will have on the environment because disposal, probably the most significant green influence of the computer’s cycle, will be extended for a longer period of time. To increase a computer’s longevity, we suggest looking toward upgrades and modularity. For example, building a brand new computer results in a significantly larger environmental effect than building a new RAM module for replacement in computing equipment.
Virtualization of computers is helping to make large strides in green computer technology. Through the method of virtualization, it is now possible to operate two or more computers on the physical hardware of a single computer. In this manner, you could create the ultimate green computer; one that exists logically, but not physically. The logical units utilize all the material components of the physical computer, but are devoid of physical structure themselves. This means that the environmental impact of logical computers is virtually eliminated. The perfect green computer, therefore, may lie in the virtual computer.
Terminal servers can also be used to create a green computer. When using a terminal server, you are connected to a central terminal where all the computing is done. The operating system is experienced by the end user on the terminal. These terminals can be matched up to thin clients who depend on the server to do most of their computing. This sort of green computing setup can use as little as one eighth of the energy of a conventional workstation.
Some of the world’s leading companies that engage in green computing by researching green technology, developing energy efficient products, using sustainable materials, offering recycling programs, and marketing a greener look and feel, include well-known brands such as:
Toshiba
Samsung
LG
Hewlett-Packard
Microsoft
Apple
Nokia
Sony
Dell
One of the main challenges to successful green computing is disposal. Many computers contain harmful elements such as lead, mercury, and others. Safe recycling of these computers has become of more and more concern in recent years. It is a good idea to consider donating your old computer to a charitable organization or having it re-purposed for use in some other capacity
Often parts from outdated computers can be salvaged through recycling centres. Perhaps, you can give your old computer away to someone who doesn’t have one and would be happy for your used unit.
So, we have learned that a green computer can be created in many ways. Everything from your existing computer, with upgrades and modularity, to virtual computers that exist purely in logic, can be a green computer.
If you are interested in learning more about ways to go green, save money and help the planet, go here to receive a FREE green living tip delivered to your email inbox daily: Green Living Tips
Alternative energy continues to fuel widespread debate on a number of fronts. Humankind has known for a very long time that fossil fuels such as coal and oil are not limitless. There will reach a critical point where we will start running out of these reserves. The question as to when this will happen is debatable but we are becoming aware of the challenges associated with our use of fossil fuels.
The broad umbrella of the alternative energy debate includes a range of topics and issues and can be a fairly complex one. The complexity varies depending on, but is not limited to, your beliefs, moral issues, education on the topic, and/or agenda/s. Social, corporate and environmental sustainability issues have become common topic today and the energy debate must have these broad subjects at the forefront of any discussion.
Alternative energy is defined as any type of energy that is a renewable energy source. Examples of alternative energy are wind, solar, any type of biological process, and geothermal energy flows. Most examples of renewable energy sources can all be indirectly linked to the sun. The exceptions would be geothermal energy or tidal energy. These are powered by the Earth and the moon’s gravitational pull.
Alternative energy is further defined by its effect upon the Earth’s atmosphere and landscape. The end goal of all alternate fuels is that there are no waste products or harmful by-products associated with alternative energy’s use.
Are there any hazards to using alternative energy?
If we consider nuclear power as an alternative energy source, then we should be aware of the dangerous side-effects of radioactive power. When a nuclear core is breached or a meltdown occurs, living organisms and the environment immediately suffer as radiation poisoning spreads. It is for this reason that many environmentalists do not consider nuclear power as a source of alternate energy. Other alternative energy sources such as the sun, wind and water, do not produce any harmful side-effects.
Is using nuclear power considered an alternative energy source?
This is a debatable question. Several scientists argue that nuclear power is a renewing process that can provide unlimited power. Technically nuclear power would not be considered an alternative energy source due to its by-products. As evident by the Chernobyl reactor meltdown, the environment suffers a deadly blow if something were to go wrong.
What is the initial cost of switching over to using alternate energy?
Switching over depends on what exactly you are switching. Houses that have to be retrofitted using solar panels to generate electricity can be quite costly although many governments around the world are assisting by way of rebates or subsidies. Vehicles are less expensive to retrofit but require work. The best way to get a general idea is to seek out a mechanic or contractor that is using alternative energy sources.
The cost of alternative energy sources to the consumer can vary for anything switched over. The cost of switching an entire global economy, which has primarily been built around the availability of cheap oil, is massive to say the least. With that said, many argue the cost of doing nothing will be far greater.
What types of products are available on the market?
Products that use alternative energy sources range from entire houses to vehicles. Engineers are aware of consumers seeking out cheaper alternatives to the rising costs of utilities and fuel prices. As more and more people push for the decline in fossil fuel usage, we will see more and more alternative energy products being brought to the market.
Regardless of your views about climate change, the date and effects of peak oil (the time when oil demand will outstrip supply), or the health of our planet in general, one thing is for certain and that is our current energy sources of oil, gas and coal are non renewable therefore unsustainable. Alternative energy is going to be a major necessary challenge in the 21st century, or if you’re a ‘half full’ person, a major opportunity. It will require great courage from our global leaders, as well as constant pressure from the people who place them there. Corporate leaders in particular, and the media, also have a moral obligation to give us all the facts, without prejudice, to assist in the necessary transformation from a dirty, non renewable and unsustainable energy source, to a cleaner, renewable and sustainable energy source.
If you are interested in learning more about alternative energy, consider joining www.EarthHuddle.com – a free online community focused on all areas of sustainable living, including wind and solar energy, alternative energy sources, sustainable energy and eco-living.
If you are interested in learning more about ways to go green, save money and help the planet, go here to receive a FREE green living tip delivered to your email inbox daily: Green Living Tips
Smart marketing and an entrepreneurial spirit have propelled many self-published books to become best-sellers. Modern examples are ‘Life 101’ by Peter McWilliams and John Roger, ‘What Color is Your Parachute?’ by Richard Bolles, and ’50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth’ by Julie Bennett and John Javna.
Self-publishing, according to many in the modern literature sector, has been afflicted by a so-called stigma of amateurism. However, this attitude is regarded nowadays as a thing of the not-so-distant past. The reason being, that many self-published books have proven time and again that they can be deserving of praise and respect from even he harshest book critics.
Within some of the more entrenched and conservative publishing hubs and conventional literary centers, this kind of stigma may still surround self-publishing, but to many of those who are willing to embrace change and progress, it is becoming more of a timely wake-up call for numerous trade houses, writers, and book agents alike.
To some experts, most writers today still do not fully realize how advantageous self-publishing actually is. The practice could potentially stand to become a way of making good and timely content more available and accessible to the masses. To some writers, print-on-demand (POD) is very unlikely and self-publishing is offering much more opportunities, especially for first-time writers and book authors.
As always, authoring a book or written material for the first time can mean going through a baptism of fire. Getting into self-publishing arrangements can be a tough decision to make. Many new writers still prefer to first try a more conventional approach to getting published, which consists of initially approaching an agent, waiting patiently for responses, and then possibly dealing with the harsh and bitter reality of rejection. Self-publishing can be a ticket to getting published without having to undergo the normal ordeals of publishing. It is not surprising that more writers and authors are deciding to self-publish despite all the risks and challenges involved.
Most self-publishing arrangements call for authors to assume full or a greater part of the publishing costs. Some publishers may be willing to give assistance and facilitation, but these will incur a variety of fees and service charges. If you are planning to self-publish a book or manuscript, don’t enter into any self-publishing arrangements with your eyes shut just because you really want to see your work published.
Many professional writers are also now encouraging more beginners to consider self-publishing. Their argument is that self-publishing helps to empower writers about marketing ideas, platform building, promotional strategies, and provides practical life experience on what it takes to manage the process of getting a book written, published and sold. Some experts say that it is the author’s responsibility to not only breathe life into their books, but also drive interest in getting them read. According to this point of view, therefore, if a book doesn’t sell, it could be inferred that the author is not really trying. This statement can be considered especially true for self-publishing authors.
In summary, self-publishing can be a viable way to create, achieve and maintain a highly successful book writing business or career. The world of publishing is undergoing major changes and self-publishing may just evolve to become the new dominant paradigm. Achieving success with self-publishing can be challenging, but it is an option worth considering, especially for aspiring authors with limited financial resources, or for those who tried more traditional publishing routes and have not yet found success.
If you are interested in learning how to create your own profitable information products, then check out Product Profits Club – an online membership site where members learn how to develop info-products and software, including advanced modules on product research, outsourcing, promotion, pricing strategy and generating publicity. As a special for our valued readers and site visitors, we have secured a complimentary FREE Lifetime Silver Membership Pass to Product Profits Club. This membership is normally valued at $47, but you can access it for FREE today by clicking here: Product Profits Club Free Lifetime Silver Membership Pass.
If you’re a business owner, looking for work, of even if you socialize a lot, having an “elevator speech” is an essential resource to have in your professional or personal tool box.
If you are unfamiliar with the concept of an elevator speech, let’s begin with an elevator speech definition:
An elevator speech (or elevator pitch) is a short, persuasive description of a person, organization or group, or an idea for a product, service, or project.
It is a sound bite that details your professional or personal story, which should be prepared well in advance before you need it. This sound bite, which is often referred to as an elevator speech, is a short well-crafted statement that should be concise but detailed enough to inform a potential business prospect, employer or anyone else you come into contact with about yourself, your business, your products or services, or your organization, ideally in the amount of time it takes to ride in an elevator.
An elevator speech, therefore, should be short, to the point and grab your listener’s attention by saying a lot in very few words, yet leave your audience curious to know more.
A good elevator speech can be as short as 3 to 4 short sentences, about 50-100 words and take less than 30 seconds to deliver, or, as we will see a little later in this article, it can even be longer than 30 seconds. One minute and 2 minute elevator speeches can also be used in appropriate situations.
According to Wikipedia, an elevator speech is an overview of an idea for a product, service, or project. A good elevator speech is short but packed with information that is memorable, original, and personal.
In business, the elevator speech can be a powerful sales tool for just about everyone. A great elevator speech will create great relationships and bring in more sales. Those who know how to use it effectively, would probably agree that an elevator speech is as essential nowadays as using a business card.
In your personal and social life, having an elevator speech can provide a quick introduction to any subject you want to pursue further with others in conversation.
Ultimately, the elevator speech is your 7 – 30 second response to the question, “so what do you do?” and the answer should be effective enough to introduce yourself and get your point across to a complete stranger in the time it would take for you to share a ride in an elevator.
The Purpose Of Crafting An Elevator Speech
One of the great benefits of thinking about the purpose of an elevator speech is that it helps you think attentively, creatively and intently about yourself, your job history or business, and your goals. It helps you to organize the information inside your head and crystallize your communication with others.
I first came across the concept of “elevator speeches” and the necessity of having them readily available many years ago, when I joined a multi level marketing company with no previous experience in business, sales or presenting.
The dilemma that most newcomers to network marketing experience when trying to grow their business, is whether to lead conversations with people they meet with the product or the business opportunity. In other words, if someone asks you what you do and you talk to them about your products (e.g. “I distribute a terrific nutritional supplement, blah blah blah …”), then you are steering the conversation towards a retail sale. If you lead with the business opportunity, however, (e.g. “I train motivated people on ways to build a profitable home based business, etc …”) then you are qualifying people for your business as a potential new recruit. In other words, the type of elevator speech used in any given situation can determine the outcome of the interaction.
Having a number of elevator speeches ready and knowing when to apply each type, therefore, was a valuable lesson I gained during my network marketing years.
Although I am no longer involved in the direct selling industry, the elevator speech is just as vital today in my professional and business life, as it was when I was trying to build a distributor organization many years ago.
Today, elevator speeches are more often used at networking events than in actual elevators, but the purpose is the same. Using an elevator speech when seeking a job lead enables you to provide succinct information to the network of people around you so they know exactly what you are looking for and can help you find it. Elevator speeches are also appropriate to use when following up on referrals or leads.
Let’s take a look a little more deeply, then, at the purpose of creating and using an elevator speech.
A really good elevator speech should help you create opportunities to pursue new business, new job offers, or new social contacts.
The goal of your elevator speech should be to help you start a conversation with one or more people and get their permission to continue it. A good elevator speech will immediately grab your listener’s attention by saying a lot in a few words and then leave your audience wanting to know more.
Instead of putting people to sleep, a properly delivered elevator speech should create a positive response and lead to a positive result. It should get people interested enough to continue talking about you, your product or your business, or make them want to call you again to understand more of what you’re all about.
How To Write An Elevator Speech
Your elevator speech should not be your organization’s mission statement, or your resume. Also, one of the most common mistakes made when trying to craft an effective 30 second intro is to focus on what you do, or what you are.
Your elevator speech should be conversational, probably last 30 seconds or less and focus on one or more “emotional benefits” for the prospect.
In other words, there’s got to be something in it for your prospect. Don’t make it about you, make it about “them” and how you can help “them” to solve a problem or improve their lives.
The elevator speech example below is the one I use at business networking events for growing my internet marketing consulting business:
“I help businesses get more leads and sales from their web sites.”
It may not be a “killer elevator speech” as such, but it works. I know that most small business owners have websites that are not delivering them the results they want (more traffic, more leads and more sales), and I can help them, so my elevator speech is targeted specifically for their need.
Your best elevator speech should be a “viral creature” that can burn itself into your listener’s brain so that they will not only remember it, but also repeat it enthusiastically to others.
Can such a thing be created?
Of course! But it will probably take time, and lots of trial and error.
The best way to begin creating a personal elevator speech, a sales elevator speech, or any other kind of elevator speech, is to think long and hard about the answer to questions such as:
– Who is the audience for my elevator speech?
– What do they need or want that I alone can provide?
– Where and when will I use an elevator speech?
– What are all the different situations I might face in the course of my professional or personal life where it would helpful to have a compelling mini-speech already prepared?
– What is the best response I want to elicit from others after I give my elevator speech? (For example, do you want to get a conversation going, a business card, an email address, a referral or an appointment for another meeting or presentation after delivering your elevator speech)?
Once you have thought carefully on the above questions, create your first elevator speech draft and then write out your elevator speech. If required, create different versions of your elevator speech for different business situations.
You may want to record a video or audio of yourself delivering your elevator speech. Watching the video afterwards will help you finetune your message and delivery, as well as help you develop clear, concise and compelling elevator speeches.
If you feel anxious about using an elevator speech, practice. Rehearse your 30 second elevator speech with your partner, a friend, or in front of a mirror. Make your elevator speech such an integral part of you that if someone woke you up from a deep sleep at 3:00 am in the morning and asked you “what do you do?”, you would be able to respond instantly, smoothly, naturally and without any hesitation.
Finally, don’t worry if your “elevator speech” isn’t smooth, easy, or natural in the beginning. Just keep rehearsing it and presenting it, and monitor the response you get afterwards.
If you are really having problems coming up with an elevator speech, consider joining a business networking group, or search online for terms like:
elevator speech outline
30 second speech
elevator speech tips
30 second elevator speech examples
elevator speech for job seekers
If you can afford it, you may even want to consider hiring a marketing professional or sales copywriter to help you or staff come up with an effective elevator speech.
Ideally, you should develop a 30 second elevator speech following the guidelines and suggestions presented here. Keep in mind that a full 30 second elevator speech may sometimes be too long in certain situations. The more concise you can make it, therefore, the better.
If, like me, you are a “systems-driven” person, then here is a really useful tip: Think about every business interaction with your prospect leading up to your sales presentation (and beyond) as a chain of scripted presentations. Your elevator speech is a scripted mini-presentation and your sales process is really nothing more than scripted speeches of longer duration.
So, if you were to map out your business sales process as a chain of speeches, you would probably find that your 30 seconds elevator speech naturally leads to another conversation, i.e. a 60 second elevator speech (or a 2 minute elevator speech) as the person expresses an interest or curiosity in response to your 30 second speech, which then leads to a longer scripted conversation called a “needs analysis” presentation, then more conversations called a “solutions” presentation, “decision confirmation” presentation, “training” or “product delivery” presentation, etc …
When you learn to tie up all of these “speeches” or scripted conversations together, you will have a powerful business system that you can test, measure and improve upon for continuously better results.
Some Great Ways To Use Your Elevator Speech
To conclude this article, here some useful tips on ways you can use your elevator speech for growing your business and getting more leads and referrals:
– Don’t be afraid to leave your elevator speech as a voice message when making cold calls or speaking to potential employers (e.g., when leaving a voice-mail message for a hiring manager).
– Use it in your blog or web site in the “About Us” section.
– Use it in your email signature and on the back of your business card.
– Use your elevator speech any time you are networking for business … even socially when attending functions.
– Use your elevator speech when following up on referrals.
For more great ideas on ways to grow your business, I recommend listening to business audio books. Check out some of the excellent business audio book titles here: Best Selling Business Audio Books
I hope you have found this information useful and practical and I wish you great success with your elevator speech.
To become an effective copywriter for the Web, the first thing you need to learn are the major differences between online and offline copywriting.
Who Reads It?
Offline copies are printed on various materials, and they’re something that some people may read just to pass the time. With no expectations, offline readers can afford to be more patient and forgiving.
Online copies, however, don’t have that luxury. More often than not, Internet users have a reason for visiting a website and they definitely have expectations when it comes to reading any online copy. And since they know what they want and what to look for, they’re more inclined to be impatient and wouldn’t hesitate to switch to another article if what they’re currently reading proves to be unsuitable.
One Chance from Start to Finish
Again, certain situations in the offline world give readers no chance to be choosy. Reading from a single magazine limits them to the contents of the magazine. If there are no other magazines available and they need to acquire certain information or, once again, they’re desperate to pass the time, they have no other recourse but to read the magazine from start to finish.
Second chances are rare for online copies and as such, you need to make every word powerful and significant from start to finish, beginning with your headline and until you finish your call to action.
Switching from one copy to another is also easier for online readers. With search engines more than ready to supply them with the next best link if your copy proves to be inadequate, the only way to keep their attention is by making every sentence worth their time.
Cost
Offline copywriters may occasionally have to worry about the costs of printing their works in a certain format. Too many paragraphs as well as larger fonts could make the cost of publishing escalate in an alarming rate, and for this reason, they’re forced to make adjustments, which are not always favorable to readers, to their works.
Online copywriters, in this case, stand to gain more from their line of work. Since text weighs little in terms of bytes, formatting rarely make a substantial difference to their work. As a result, they can afford to make more paragraphs and keep it short – exactly the way their online readers like it. Having large fonts aren’t a problem either. Indeed, they can change the color of the text and suffer from no additional cost.
Skimming
Online readers have a habit of skimming, and they do it more frequently than their offline counterparts. Web copywriters will, of course, have to adjust their work accordingly.
Skimming makes optional formatting techniques in offline writing necessary in online copywriting. Subheadings are one of them. Their presence ensures that online readers are still able to comprehend the gist of the copy even if they’re skimming. If you can supply one subheading for every paragraph, that can only work to your favor!
Now that you’re aware of the differences between online and offline copywriting, you can apply what you’ve learned the next time you write an online copy. These newfound tips may make writing more difficult at the start, but rest assured they come with greater rewards!
Remember to double-check for errors before uploading your work. Good luck on keeping the attention of your readers!
For more great copywriting tips check out Power Copy Club – an online membership site where members learn how to master the art of sales copywriting and ad creation, how to create short copy, long copy and how to do video sales letters the right way. As a special for our valued readers and site visitors, we have secured a complimentary FREE Lifetime Silver Membership Pass to Power Copy Club. This membership is normally valued at $47, but you can access it for FREE today by clicking here: Power Copy Club Free Lifetime Silver Membership Pass.
Online copywriting requires certain skills to perfect. Indeed, it can even be considered an art as not everyone has the ability to make mostly old information sound mostly new and turn economically written sentences into powerful messages. The secret to online copywriting, however, ultimately boils down to two things: keeping it short and simple.
Why It Has to Be Short and Simple
You can blame it on various factors, but regardless of the reason behind it, online readers tend to be more demanding and impatient. A short and simple copy is able to give them what they want quickly and easily. A longer and more in-depth one can’t.
It’s also best to think of online readers as having tunnel vision. They have a one-track mind, and if the first instance that they suspect your copy of being unable to give them what they want, they’ll immediately switch to the next website in their list.
If you want to please online readers with your copy, you need to give them what they want without any delay. If they want you to explain in greater detail, they’ll only have to click the link you’ve thoughtfully provided for them. But until they do that, it’s better to stick with the plain but effective short-and-simple format.
No Fancy Words
Online readers skim and when they happen to skim right to the part you’ve used a fancy word they don’t comprehend, you stand to lose not just their attention but their presence in your website. And all of that is just because you took pains to use a fancy word. Such effort will remain unappreciated by online readers so don’t bother wasting your time with it.
Stick to the Facts and Figures
Online readers aren’t interested in things that haven’t yet been proven. What they want are statistics and the more impressive they are, the better! In this case, you’ll have the type of reader who doesn’t mind but in fact prefers that you brag. If there’s data you can share to convince your reader of buying your product or service, share it.
Don’t Overwhelm
Online readers are easy to scare. Give them an online copy that’s longer than a full-length page or two and they won’t even try to read it. Effective online copies never overwhelm their readers. Their sentences are simple and basic. Their paragraphs are the same and composed of not more than four or five sentences.
If a few sentences or a single paragraph are not enough to explain a particular concept, break it into several paragraphs instead. If you want to be a good copywriter, the first thing you have to understand is avoid doing anything that scares off your readers.
One Idea at a Time
Don’t make your readers frown in puzzlement. They want information given to them in a smooth-flowing manner, preferably in a step-by-step method. As such, you need to stick to one idea per paragraph. Given the ideal length for paragraphs, doing otherwise is foolhardy anyway.
Use Proper Formatting
Making your online copy convenient for your readers is another sign of good copywriting. One way of doing that is to use proper formatting. Subheading, large and legible fonts, and bullet points are just a few ways to make reading – or skimming – easier for your customers.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you write an online copy!
For more great copywriting tips check out Power Copy Club – an online membership site where members learn how to master the art of sales copywriting and ad creation, how to create short copy, long copy and how to do video sales letters the right way. As a special for our valued readers and site visitors, we have secured a complimentary FREE Lifetime Silver Membership Pass to Power Copy Club. This membership is normally valued at $47, but you can access it for FREE today by clicking here: Power Copy Club Free Lifetime Silver Membership Pass.
