Self Improvement Hub


Education Info& Enterprise& Self Improvement Hub24 Jan 2010 12:52 pm

By following the path already trodden by previous voiceover artists, you can quickly discover how you can earn a significant salary in the voiceover industry

I wanted to share a few of the top tips that I have learned over the years

    Use these marketing tips to increase the publicity that you can create around your brand. Whilst none of these are quick fixes, they will be big fixes.

  1. Have an agent. The increased people you have selling you, the healthier.
  2. You have to be on-line. You can find voice-over listing blogs that promote voice-overs to ad agencies. Even if you already have an agent, join up! The extra persons you have promoting you, the better.
  3. Email advertising. Email all the copywriters and producers in ad agencies your private link so that they can listen to your demo.
  4. Signature your e-mail. Set your URL as a signature at the bottom of EVERY electronic mail you ever send. You never know who might end up clicking on it. And what the heck, its free promotion.
  5. Send out your Compact disc. Send a Compact disc with your demo on it. The downside is that its quite a pricey operation, and numerous copywriters dont even listen to CDs that land on their desks. The upside is you might get a gig or two out of it. Might. See the next level for a better way.
  6. Have a fine photo. Do you have a beneficial photo up on your voice-over site? People with photos get 5 times as many hits as those without! Dont have a cheap looking homemade photo from the 1980s. Have a fancy, black and white, professional one.
  7. Have a photo on your industry card. So when youre networking, those potential contacts will remember you when they search at your card again in a few weeks time.
  8. Offer your companies. If youre new to the industry and are trying to break in ” offer to copywriters that youd be happy to do a free gig if they have a private script (not for broadcast) that theyd like to produce. (Copywriters often try to record their personal private job for their portfolios, as such they wouldnt have money to pay for it. This could make a great impression ” even if they never have you up on the offer). You can send an email or call or go and see them personally.
  9. Hope these support you in your search for a voice over career

Beauty Treatments + Products& Self Improvement Hub11 Jan 2010 01:20 am

Girls loved stroking and pull my hair, I used to enjoy it. I first discovered the first telltale signals of hair loss while I was brushing my teeth one morning: hair was in the sink and the top of my head was noticeably less full than the crown and sides of my head. I would never have imagined that I would suffer from hair loss: Most men in my family do not start losing hair until the age of 50. And yet, as I bent my head to look at the top of my head, I could soon see that hair loss was not just in my future but already occurring.

I felt that I lost my self-assurance, once I noticed the thinning strands. I was self conscious of how people perceived me, I stopped brushing my hair and started wearing hats when I went out. My girlfriend and I weren’t as intimate as we were because I was anxious about her discovering the thinning patch on top of my head. I was suffering from anxiety and my performance at work slumped due to the inability to concentrate.

Gratefully, I found Advanced Hair Studio. One of my friends told me about them over a few beers. He had been noticeably balding far earlier than I had. However, one day at the gym, I noticed his hair looked full and fresh. He told me that Advanced Hair Studio was to thank.

That very night, I went online and purchased my first product and had them delivered overnight. The results were immediate: my hair felt stronger and thicker in just a few days. A month later and the thinning patch that caused me to worry myself sick was full of hair. I’d never before believed anti-balding products worked. However, after my experience with Advanced Hair Studio, I now know that there are products out there that can save men a lot of stress, grief, and worrying.

Finance News& Self Improvement Hub22 Nov 2009 11:56 am

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably interested in searching for ways to moderate your finances. Producing and sticking to a monthly budget has always been one of the best ways to do this. Having a solid budget is important for managing your finances, one that has allowed me to get on with my day to day life even on limited funds. One of the most crucial things that I do every month is managing my monthly budget, and it has allowed me to systematically meet all expenditures, grow my savings, and control debt.

I map out my budget for the upcoming month towards the end of the month. That gives me a heads up about what’s down the road. It’s not a good idea to prepare a budget after getting paid because, too often, that flush feeling of getting a paycheck results to unessential and impulsive spending before the paycheck ever reaches the bank.

Start your personal budget by outlining all the things that must be paid that month like rent, electricity bills, insurance policies, loan repayments and telephone bills. The general idea is to allocate a budget for the things that I must pay to keep a comfortable roof over my head and carry on earning money. I like to pad these essentials to produce “money back” after paying the bills and, if costs increase unexpectedly, I’m always covered.

Next, my budget is subjected to a list of discretionary things I need to cover but could live without if absolutely unavoidable. For example, donations, credit card repayments and monthly sving deposits. These things are also important, but in instance of emergency I could put them off for a short time. By paying credit card companies the maximum instead of the minimum, I keep my credit score high and my debt low.

My budget will not include the cost of living such as food and entertainment. Ultimately, these items get covered by what’s left in the budget. Some months involve lots of beans and rice, slow-cooker meals, free or cheap entertainment, and only one inexpensive piece of clothing . This strategy of overseeing my monthly budget has worked out very well over the long term as long as I honor it scrupulously.

Self Improvement Hub08 Oct 2009 07:07 pm

The old expression, with age comes wisdom, but regrettably for the majority of us, age also comes with hair loss. Alopecia is the scientific term for hair loss, and for many years modern science has been attempting to figure out why normal, healthy people sometimes lose their hair in specific areas or patterns. Now, a revolutionary genetic test has been produced to find out the risk of hair loss or thinning in those who have not yet seen the cautionary signals of alopecia. This product is called HairDX, and it’s changing the way men and women deal with hair loss.

Presently the only FDA authorised treatments for hair loss are successful in clinical trials at persevering existing hair instead of re-growing new hair. Based on your HairDX results, you can easily save your existing hair rather than anticipating for the first signals of hair loss, then hastily trying to re-grow hair at a smaller success rate.

Obtainable only at Advanced Hair Studio, HairDX can give at-risk patients for hair loss a head start at preserving their existing hair. The HairDX test is simple and is perfect for men and women at least 18 years of age. A trained professional at Advanced Hair Studio simply collects a genetic information sample from the inside of the patients cheek via a swab. The results are examined and returned to the doctor in a secure, private manor.

Results from HairDX are invaluable to those who are worried about losing their hair. Test results indicate whether or not your genes show a specific fluctuation in the androgen receptor gene (AR), which is the cause for alopecia. Test results are clear and easy to understand: Men who test positive for the variant AR gene have an approximately 70% chance of developing Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHR). Conversely, men who test negative for the variant AR gene have approximately a 70% chance of not developing MPHR. Test results are determined differently for women.

A professional at Advanced Hair Studio will be able to provide you with next step solutions based on your individual test results.

Dont wait for the warning signs of onset MPHR, alopecia, or hair thinning ” Talk to the staff at Advanced Hair Studio about the simple, painless HairDX test. You can save an abundance of time, money, and energy in the future, and give yourself a fighting chance at preserving and keeping your natural hair.

Finance News& Self Improvement Hub14 Sep 2009 01:07 am

It can be very troublesome at times with handling my household budget, but not managing it can put me in to financial debt before I realize it. The gains from looking after my budget correctly helps me save money and relieve some stress I have pertaining to my debt.

There are numerous things in life that regulate me financially, but there is probably nothing that impacts my finances more than a household budget. There are not too many individuals these days who have learned how to budget and this can lead to many financial issues, including debt. One reason why so many people do not create a budget is because many of us think it is too difficult. But in essence, creating a budget does not have to be hard at all; it is as easy as recording down our expenditure and keeping up with it each month. By practising this habit, we do not spend more than we have.

It is important for me to keep in mind that my budget is just my programme for my monthly spending. Just like any plan, my budget does require me to manage it to keep it operating correctly. First step is to organise the information that I need in it. I monitor my expenses like car payments, utilities, car insurance, living expenses, etc. If I do not coordinate my budget, I can easy find myself in debt. It is vital for me to know exactly what I require on expenditures every month.

I see two advantages with keeping up with my finances through my budget. Firstly, it eliminates uncalled-for expenditure. Secondly, I can keep myself from going into unnecessary debt. When I spend my money wisely, I buy only things that are necessary and I free up money that I can use on something that I want or can save it. With the surplus money I am able to save, I have the option of putting it aside and investing.

Beauty Treatments + Products& Self Improvement Hub24 Aug 2009 03:43 am

Many men and women that suffer from hair loss often have low self esteem. Hair loss can be caused by many things such as genetics, age and hormonal imbalances. Nonetheless, people suffering from baldness or thinning hair, have numerous hair loss solutions to choose from.

For the males, the doctor-prescribed drug, Propecia (generic name Finasteride) is an option. The drug reduces the levels of a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a chemical that causes balding. Propecia can reduce DHT levels by 60 percent, when consumed daily. Roughly half of all men who consume Propecia regrow hair on their scalps.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an nonprescription hair loss treatment for males and females. Based on research indicates Minoxidil works in approximately one out of every three men who apply the product twice daily. While the five-percent strength is not recommended for women, some physicians will prescribe the higher concentration. Patients applying the higher dose increased their hair growth.

Organic supplements are also used as hair loss treatments. Flaxseed and primrose oils contain necessary fatty acids that make hair look thicker and healthier. Vitamin B3, B5, and B6 also accelerate hair growth. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Coenzyme Q10 stimulate hair follicles to improve scalp circulation. Zinc, Kelp and Copper boost immune functions, aiding hair growth.

Another hair loss treatment that is available is laser hair therapy. This hair loss treatment uses low-light lasers to repair damaged hair cells. Studies suggest that roughly 90 percent of patients regrow hair. Laser hair therapy also prevents additional hair thinning and loss.

Currently, more hair loss treatments are available to treat male-pattern baldness. However, researchers are conducting studies to further understand which hair loss treatments work best for women. While many options exist, early intervention is the key to improving hair loss and regaining self confidence.

Finance News& Self Improvement Hub13 Aug 2009 01:03 am

Between frequent monthly bills and unpredicted expenses, it seemed I was constantly behind on my budget. As soon as I received my pay, it was already spent. I got a lot of bills every month and put them off to the last minute, then did them all in a flush. This results in me taking over money from the next pay just to make it through. The problem was not related to how much money I made, it’s that I had no control of my budget. In the case of any emergency, put me even further in debt.

I am sure most of us have been in this position. We try to moderate our spending and be careful with our money, but long before month-end, the money is gone. Paying bills is a juggling act that most of us don’t have the time or energy to comprehend. There’s always one bill that was disregarded or delayed, one more expense we weren’t prepared for. With school supplies and fees for the kids, groceries, new tyres for the car, and the rising cost of petrol, just making it from paycheck to paycheck is challenging enough; saving money is out of the question. Meantime, debt is quietly stacking up. How can I get my budget under control?

I was lucky to have found a service which will help me manage my money more wisely and take away the strain of paying off monthly bills, allowing me to concentrate on the things that really matter to my family. No more distressing about where the money will come from; I can finally relax, knowing that my finances are in good hands.

How financial planning services work:
Usually during your initial consultation, your budget consultant will go over all of your current debts and monthly payments to come up with a program that works for you. They will set aside money for savings, emergencies, and long-term investment, ensuring your family’s financial security. If you are planning a major purchase, this will be factored into your budget so that when you are ready to buy, the money will be there for you.

Your paychecks are usually deposited with your financial planner, and a separate account is set up for your living expenses. Your bills are directly delivered to your budgeting consultant for payment. Some budget services will even negotiate with your creditors to lower your monthly payments and reduce your outstanding debt. A affordable monthly fee is assessed for all these services.

For me, the most important monthly service my budget specialist provides is peace of mind. I don’t have to stress about paying any bills; I know my bills will be paid on time, and that I’ll have money in reserve for life’s little emergencies. My budget is finally under control, thanks to my financial planning service.

Self Improvement Hub26 May 2008 10:17 pm

Surveys tell us that that 60-80% of New Year’s Resolutions are
broken in the first two weeks. This information is not
encouraging and, of course, it may not refer to you. However,
resolutions don’t seem to work that well. What does work well
are clearly defined goals with a plan of action. 2005 is about
to close and it’s only natural for us to begin reflecting on how
the past year really shaped up. No matter how much or little
success you experienced during the past 12 months, think about
these questions: “Was 2004 all that I planned it to be? Did I
really achieve ALL my goals? What can I do differently to make
2006 even better? ” How can I crash through my barriers with a
firm intention that will carry me to what I really want and
still enjoy the trip? Questions like these fuel your momentum
for success and ensure that your mental state is where it needs
to be for maximum results. It’s now the beginning of the New
Year and the best time to make a fresh start. Start fresh by
setting new goals and making changes to improve virtually every
area of your life. For you to succeed think about the closed
doors or barriers that seem to prevent your success. Perhaps
these doors are not really locked. Perhaps all they need is a
different approach. Harry Houdini traveled the world having
local jailers lock him in a cell. He would invite the press,
demonstrate his feats, and they would write great things about
him. He was a rousing success until he got to one town in
Ireland. As hours passed he could not escape. The crowd left
ridiculing him and called his “act” a hoax. When a dejected
Harry asked to be released, the jailer gently pressed against
the door, which easily opened. It seemed it was never locked.
Every time Houdini went to unlock the cell, he locked himself
in. Do you have a Houdini door in your life? When you are
totally committed to your dream, a dream that will improve the
quality of your life, the doors that seem to be blocking you
will swing open and you will find yourself living the life you
have always wanted.

“Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream so shall you become. Your
vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal
is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.” -James Allen-

Self Improvement Hub19 May 2008 10:36 pm

I have a little confession to make.

When I was a university student, I was a music major. I tried hard to play by the rules and do what was expected of me. I believed this was the way to succeed.

Then, during my second year, some of my fellow music majors decided to put on a rather impromptu concert of pieces they had composed. It was to be held in one of the concert halls on campus. One of them asked me if I would perform a piece with her. I said yes, but I was confused. Was this concert being put on by the Theory & Composition Department? If not, who was behind this concert?

“We are,” my fellow student musicians replied. I still didn’t understand.

“But who in the college is behind this?” I asked. “Which department?”

“No department,” they said.

“But why are we doing this concert?” I asked. What I meant was, what it to fulfill a course requirement or someone’s graduation requirement or something? Was it part of a music series? What was the context of this performance?

“Because we’re musicians, silly!” they answered.

The concert was free, so who was sponsoring the concert? It turned out that nobody was sponsoring the concert. The musicians were playing for free and attendance was free. They had even found technicians to do the sound and lighting for free.

It all began over a few beers. One of the students commented that some nights, the concert halls sat empty. Then they had the idea to book one of the halls to put on a free concert. After all, the hall was empty and not generating revenue anyway. They approached the office in charge of booking the halls, and simply asked if they could have the room for free.

They booked it two weeks in advance, then distributed a flurry of flyers around campus, got it announced on the campus radio station, told all their friends to tell all of their friends, and they ended up with a full house.

I never forgot the lesson I learned from this. If you’ve read some of my other articles or my ebook, you know that I freely admit that I started out in a pretty clueless state.

It wasn’t that these kids decided to put on a concert that impressed me. If they would have set up at the park or somewhere free, that would have made sense. What impressed me was that they had that audacity and the courage to hold their concert in a venue of such authority. Until that night, performances in that venue came about because some Higher Authority brought them about. It wasn’t our place to cause concerts to occur. Sure, we could attend them and even participate in them, but we didn’t originate them. Or so I thought.

Who did these kids think they were, anyway, that they could decide to do this?

The lesson is that great things don’t have to be initiated by some Other. We don’t have to wait until someone in authority causes something to occur. We don’t have to wish that the government, the city, the administration, the boss, the teachers, and so on would make certain things occur. We can initiate them ourselves.

Instead of saying “Someone should do something about this litter by the creek,” start a Saturday cleanup program in the neighborhood. Instead of saying “They should hold free concerts in the park,” call up the Parks administration office with your proposal. Any time you have an idea about what “they” should do, ask if it’s something you should do.

Who do you think you are, anyway? You just might be someone with a great idea!

Holly Zenith wants people to find their true path in life. If you’re stuck in the wrong career or having problems reaching your goals, sign up for “On Your Way,” Holly Zenith’s mailing list full of tips, strategies, encouragement, and resources. http://hollyzenith.com/sq.html

Self Improvement Hub18 Apr 2008 11:57 pm

When I was first introduced to the profession of personal coaching, my first initial thought was that it sounded exactly like something I would love to pursue. I did further investigation into the profession and before I knew it I was happily enrolled in the Coach Training Program offered through Coach U University in Colorado, USA.

The more coaches I met through this program and the more individuals I personally coached, the more benefits I saw from having a coach.

Until recently however, I was not fully aware of the impact that having a personal coach can have in your life. When I hired my own coach, only then did I realize how quickly an individual can move forward towards their life goals.

When I hired my coach back in July, writing a self help book for Moms was only a dream. With the support, motivation, knowledge and accountability that my coach provided, I was able to write, self publish and begin to market my book, all within a five month period.

A coach assists you in keeping your focus so reaching your goals can be much easier as well as quicker.

Could I have written this book without the help of a coach? Probably. Would I have written this book without the help of a coach? Probably not. My coach assisted me in developing a time line and an action plan so I knew exactly what to do and when I needed to do it in order to reach my final goal.

Do you have personal goals you want to meet but have a difficult time staying focused and motivated? Do you make resolutions every year only to be making the same ones again the following year? If so, consider hiring a coach and let 2005 be the year of achieving resolutions, not just another year of making them.

Copyright 2005 Peggy Porter

Peggy Porter is a nurse, Wellness Coach, and author of YumME MumME Makeover-How to Balance Womanhood and Motherhood by Nurturing the Me in MumMe. If you are a Mom and want to start creating a healthier balance in your life, go to http://www.seekingbalance.ca and register for Peggy’s free monthly teleclass and Ecourse! For more info you can also email peggy@seekingbalance.ca or call 506-832-0117.

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