Stephen Covey Quotes and Biography

We have recently added a biography of the author of the popular "The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People" book, Dr Stephen R Covey. Covey has received a BS in Business Administration from the University of Utah, an MBA in Business Administration from Harvard University, a DRE in Church History and a Doctorate from Brigham Young University.

Here's some famous quotes by Stephen Covey too..

• Most people struggle with life balance simply because they haven't paid the price to decide what is really important to them.
  Stephen Covey Encouragement Quote
• If you put good people in bad systems you get bad results. You have to water the flowers you want to grow.
  Stephen Covey Leadership Quote
• Actually I did not invent the seven habits, they are universal principles and most of what I wrote about is just common sense. I am embarrassed when people talk about the Covey Habits, and dislike the idea of being some sort of guru.
  Stephen Covey Seven Habits Quote
• We are the creative force of our life, and through our own decisions rather than our conditions, if we carefully learn to do certain things, we can accomplish those goals.
  Stephen Covey Goals Quote

Read the full Stephen Covey biography or visit the official Stephen R Covey website here.

# Business Leaders, Investing Value Blog News

The Gates Foundation Donates 3.1 Million

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation started by Microsofts Bill Gates and his wife have donated $3.1 million to Pro Mujer, a microfinance network in Latin America which combines financial services and healthcare for the poorest women entrepreneurs.
This money will go a long way to helping women start their own small business to improve their families lives considering the average loan size Pro Mujer lends is only $164. The money will also help Pro Mujer expand it's network further into other poor countries. The Gates Foundation does a great job in helping many poor people with health, education, and access to digital information so check it out.

Press Release From: Pro Mujer
"Pro Mujer, a leading microfinance network in Latin America, and a pioneer at combining financial services with healthcare for the poorest women entrepreneurs, is pleased to announce it has received a $3.1 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation."
CSRwire

# Business Leaders

Lower Your Tax With Some Charity

Here's some light reading on what you could do with your next tax return if you've been a nice person and givin to charity. Some new laws have been past after hurricane katrina to help gift givers benefit more at tax time.

If you haven't giving any donations out in the new year you should get into a bit of philanthropy and maybe get some tax cuts at the same time!

Charitable gifts pay off for nonprofits and the donor
"For the second consecutive year, many taxpayers will find their philanthropic gifts larger than normal. Natural disasters in 2004 and 2005 prompted an outpouring of donations. Subsequent tax law revisions could mean added deductions for these filers".

Yahoo Finance
# Tax News

Bill Gates and Donald Trump Out of Work

Over at Worth1000.com they regularly have Photoshop competitions, where they manipulate reality to make it more interesting, weirder, or just funnier. Here's some images from the "Where Are They Now?" Photoshop competition.


Here's a picture of Donald Trump getting some of his own back.


Bill Gates looking for some html work.
See the full list of entries over at Worth1000.
>> Business Leaders, Donald Trump

Donald Trump's Successors

The two oldest Trump children Donald Jr, 28, and Ivanka Trump 24 have been setting themselves up to take over where Donald leaves off. At the moment their working their way up the corporate ladder with Donald Jr currently executive vice president of development and acquisitions and Ivanka being vice president of development and according to the Trump children if they weren't doing a good job "he would fire us like dogs".

So while the two older Trump children are setting their sites on the top job when dad gives it away another one is about to join the family business Eric, 21, is about to graduate from University and join the team, leaving two young ones left Tiffany, 12, and Barron who was only born in march 06. So there are plenty of Trumps to keep the family business alive for many years to come.

Trump children climb dad'’s corporate ladder
"Donald Trump hand picks apprentices on his popular television series, but the true apprentices, the ones destined to lead the Trump Organization, — have much closer ties to the boardroom. They are Donald J. Trump Jr., 28, and Ivanka M. Trump, 24, and they ar slowly carving out a role in their famous father'’s real estate business while fashioning their own identities".

Read the full story here
# Donald Trump News

Forbes Magazine Investing Guide for 2006

Forbes has compiled a bunch of articles and resources online to help investors for 2006. It's a good introductory guide that covers things like retirement planning, investing in stocks and bonds, mutual funds, real estate investing, insurance, charity, and taxes. It's not the most comprehensive investing guide out, but it's a good place to start.
2006 Investment Guide
"We tell you how to dicker with your broker, milk the most from a winning bond and decipher Morningstar fund ratings. We uncover tricks that sharpies employ to prey on smart investors. Amid high energy prices, you'll find out how to use solar heating tax breaks.. while they last. And with the tax code up in the air, read how to position yourself." Forbes

# Taxes, Real Estate, Stock Investments, Wealth News

Donald Trump State Park

The New York real estate magnate Donald Trump has given away 436 acres of wooded parkland in the northern suburbs of New York. Keeping in line with the rest of his projects, it will be called the "Donald J. Trump State Park".
At the news conference Trump jokingly said to his wife Melanie "This is so beautiful. Am I allowed to change my mind?"
Donated acreage to become Donald J. Trump State Park
"We're in Westchester and Putnam counties, one of the hottest real estate markets in the world," the Governor George Pataki added. "I can't put a price tag on the 436 acres, but I can tell you this would not be open space but for Donald Trump." Globe and Mail

# Donald Trump News, Real Estate

Wireless Networking For Your Small Business

The new technology in linking computers and various other devices in the office together to share information are wireless networks. This method of connecting computers and peripherals works mostly the same way as traditional wired networks, but obviously without any wires and using radio waves.
Advantages to wireless networks including being able to easily connect anything that supports wireless connections, being able to have network and internet access anywhere within the networks range not just at your desk, and wireless networks easily adapt to any rearranging of the office. If your business could do with a network upgrade this technology could be for you?

The only major downside seems to be wireless networks issues with security. Without security unauthorized users could potentially gain access to the network, but with the right security it is said to be a very safe networking method.

Look Ma, No Cables
"Indeed, local area networks (LANs) work well for many small and medium businesses, and wireless LANs (WLANs) are not right for everyone. However, it's important to set aside vague assumptions about wireless networks and properly evaluate whether they're right for your business".
This article on Inc.com can help you decide if it's the right choice for your business!

# Entrepreneurial News

Microsoft's Office Live

The Office Live site by Microsoft that is still in beta recently surged in traffic by more than 50%. Not to be confused with their Microsoft Office software, Office Live is an online resource for businesses to establish a presence on the internet.
The service that is getting all the attention is their offer of free domain registration and free web hosting. It's not a sustainable way to do business and I'm sure there will be a catch sooner or later, but it's definitely proving to be popular. Since opening the free service up on the 12th of April, an estimated 20,000 domains have been registered, which may have traditional domain registrars more than a little concerned.
Bill Gates' Microsoft didn't become the giant of a company it is now by giving too much away. They got to the top of the ladder by charging for their products. So enjoy the free ride while it lasts.
# Major Companies, Business Leaders

How to Get Credit

Young people trying to get loans or credit cards is often hard without a history of repaying credit, and the same goes for someone with a past history of bad credit. The saying rings true, you cant get credit without having had credit! Learn how to build a good credit score so when you do need to loan money the process will be easier for you.
These 7 steps will put you on your way to good credit:

1. Open a savings and checking account.
2. Pay all your bills when you get
3. Make a secure start with a secured credit card.
4. Get a credit card in college.
5. Get store credit.
6. Borrow someone else's good credit.
7. Don't open too many new accounts at once.

Seven Steps to Stellar Credit
"For millions of young people just starting out in their financial lives, getting approved for a credit card, auto loan, mortgage or other line of credit can pose a challenge. If you don't have a record of making payments or managing credit, lenders don't know whether you're reliable. They'll likely turn you down or charge you higher interest rates until you can prove your creditworthiness".

Visit Yahoo Finance for more details

# Loans and Mortgages

Donald Trump and People Skills

New York's best know real estate developer and star of the hit TV show the Apprentice, Donald Trump has been talking about people skills and being able to read people in the latest Trump University newsletter.
Trump talks about watching to see what people do, rather than what they say, as they're often two very different things.
Be a People Person (But Watch Your Back)
"One quality of leadership is knowing your subject. That also extends to knowing people. It’s always a good idea to assume the worst because then you might be pleasantly surprised. I’ve had some solid gold people and some real scoundrels, and somehow it manages to balance out. But my expectations are realistic—not every person is going to be a perfect match. No matter how much you want to trust people, you still have to be a little paranoid." Donald J Trump
# Donald Trump News

Mixing Money with Friends?

The article below asks the question of how to respond to a friend asking for money or a loan? This is always a tricky subject to deal with as i'm sure most people wouldn't be comfortable lending any great amount to a friend. There's always the concern that they will fail to pay back the money which in turn could ruin the friendship. If you do find yourself in a position of loaning money to a friend this article has some great tips to ensure you do it right and have it well documented.

Have a read before you go ahead with any loaning , whether it be to help them out of trouble or to invest in a business venture they have going to make sure you know where you stand!

Friendship and Money Not Always a Great Mix
"While Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" recounts the downfalls of lending money to a friend, a loan to a friend does not always have to result in the loss of both the friend and the money. Nowadays, a layoff, health crisis, divorce, death of a spouse or new business venture might result in a friend asking for money, so the question becomes, how do you respond?." ABC News

# World News, Loans

Nasdaq Invests in London Stock Exchange

The American based, technology heavy NASDAQ stock exchange has invested heavily in the London Stock Exchange by purchasing 15% of it. The LSE has been eyed up by a few substantial investors in recent years. Nasdaq has paid $781.5 million for it's share of LSE.
Is fear the driver behind Nasdaq's buy?
"Nasdaq’s strategic logic, therefore, could be defensive. It is most likely, however, that Nasdaq is on the offensive. It is probable that it sees the acquisition as strategic because it provides an excellent platform from which it can bid for the LSE. Of itself, possession of a 15 per cent shareholding vests strength into Nasdaq’s position."
and
"If one assumes that the move is offensive, the next question to ask is why Nasdaq has changed its tune. It was only two weeks ago that the firm withdrew an indicative offer of 950p a share. How come it has staged such a reversal, so soon? The withdrawal of March 30 was expensive — or at least potentially expensive — in two key ways. It was expensive because under Takeover Code rules it means Nasdaq was unable to lodge another bid for the LSE for at least six months — unless a rival bidder came on the scene or LSE agreed to a deal, or one of a small handful of other improbable scenarios came to pass." Robert Cole
# Stock Market News, Big Businesses

Predictions in Green Fuels Usage

In 2005 the usage and sale of green fuels more than doubled according to Clean Edge a research and publishing firm. Clean Edge also predict that usage will quadruple in the next 10 years or so, as business and the populace realize the importance of using clean energy. Oil prices are sky rocketing and as technology costs decrease the innovation of newer more efficient technology will come further pushing the use of clean energy.

Clean energy use is on the rise for the simple reason that we need it to, and as it becomes big business the share prices of these companies are on the increase and doing very well, so look out for them.

Group predicts big rise in use of green fuels
"Global annual sales of renewable energies such as wind, solar and biofuels could more than quadruple in a decade to nearly $170 billion if oil prices remain high and technology costs fall, according to a study". MSNBC

# Energy and Oil

Advertising the Unusual Way

The old idea's of mass marketing are coming to an end, with people often ignoring large events whether due to lack of interest or our busy lifestyles always demanding more time to accomplish our goals.

Famous advertising man Morris Hite, said it best with "There is no such thing as national advertising. All advertising is local and personal. It's one man or woman reading one newspaper in the kitchen or watching TV in the den." That means focusing on the individual is in and mass marketing is out. With plenty of thought, planning, and patients a bit of unusual advertising could take you along way.

These idea's can certainly apply to anything you want to advertise for:

• Door-hangers on doorknobs.
• Flyers under windshield wipers
• Purchased word-of-mouth
• Virtual showroom
• Nighttime silhouettes
• T-shirts and vests
• Hand stamps
• Publicity stunt
• Self-publish a book
• Spray-painted signs

Check out the full article for more info on these advertising strategies...

10 Unusual Ways to Advertise
"Media fragmentation is accelerating. Mass media is losing its mass. The Grammy Awards and Winter Olympics were once regarded by advertisers as vast oceans of interested viewers. This year America yawned and ignored these events completely; too much to do, too little time".

Entrepreneur, Sales and Marketing

# Entrepreneurial News

Mark Cuban's Entrepreneurial Tips

Internet entrepreneur and owner of the NBA basketball team, the Dallas Mavericks' Mark Cuban recently spoke about being an entrepreneur. Cuban suggests to focus on your strengths while being aware of your weaknesses.
For example, if you're terrible with accounting but are great with sales, your obvious business partner would be someone that is great with accounting!
It sounds simple, but many entrepreneurs try to wear every hat in the business, even if some of their skills are way below average. The confidence or bravado required to be a successful entrepreneur doesn't leave much room for self reflection. Which can be both a blessing and a curse.
Success & Motivation - don't Lie to Yourself
"I did the things I was good at. I could sell. So I sold. I could write software programs. I could integrate PCs. I could set up local area networks. And I did. My business grew. But it also grew out of control A local area network or a software program without documentation is a disaster waiting to happen. And they did. Not to the point where it killed my business, but to the point where I spent far too much time fixing things rather than selling new deals." Mark Cuban Blog
# Entrepreneurship, Blog News

More Virgin Group Acquisitions

A news story over on Reuters reports that Richard Branson's Virgin Group which includes a health club called Virgin Active, is looking to expand the Virgin Active name throughout the USA. Bally Total Fitness Holding Corp has been in Virgin's sights lately for a buyout, with Bally Total fitness also hiring firms to look over a possible sale.
Bally Total Fitness has done well on the stock market lately trading up 19% to $9.39 a share with the possibility of reaching $12 a share.

Virgin Group eyes Bally Total Fitness
"British billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Group is mulling an acquisition of Bally Total Fitness Holding Corp. As a way to expand the Virgin fitness club business in the United States, the New York Post reported on Tuesday". Reuters

# Business Leaders, Richard Branson News

Buying Stocks

Harry Domash of MSN Money has come up with 7 questions you should ask yourself before buying a stock.

• What does the company do?
• How many widgets are they selling?
• Just how profitable is the company?
• Is cash flowing in or out?
• Is the company submerged in debt?
• Any bad news lately?
• Which way are forecasts moving?

Read more about Harry's stock buying tips here.
# Stock Market News

Roll-Up Investing

What's a Roll-Up? Most may not know the answer. It's just another thing to look out for when investing in the stock market among all the other things to look out for. A Roll-Up occurs when a company purchases other smaller businesses and expands by intergrating these companies into their own business. It may be a good way to expand but it's also very hard to manage which is why many go belly up, making it a risky business investing in them.

"Roll-Ups" Explained
"Well, there are Greek salad roll-ups, and taco roll-ups, and roll-up truck bed covers -- but you're probably wondering what roll-ups have to do with investing and companies, right?"
MSNBC The Motley Fool
# Stock Market News

Don't Get Rich Quick on eBay

eBay is a hugely popular marketplace for selling your wares, and it didn't take long for eBay businesses to startup. An eBay business is very enticing to a lot of people, and some keen eBay entrepreneur hopefuls make the mistake of falling into a scammers eBay trap. These scammers spam people with lines such as:
"I made $2 million on eBay, and you can, too!"
"Try this simple, foolproof system for making money on eBay"
"We have the hottest insider information for finding limitless sources of hot products to sell."

The reality is that these guys are relying on the popularity of eBay and lines like these to get keen eBayers to hand over the credit card details to steal their money.
The next time you get an email like this delete it and if your keen to sell on eBay go and do some research on how it's done. This article goes on to debunk the most common eBay myths.

Don't Get Suckered by eBay Scams
"There seems to be three main types of eBay scams: those that promise you big bucks, those that have a questionable testimonial from some unidentifiable person, and those that promise to give you the "inside scoop" on what it takes rake in the dough. Let's dissect each of these offers and expose them for what they really are".
Entrepreneur

# Entrepreneurial News, Internet Companies

Arnold Schwarzenegger takes on Global Warming

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to cut California's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels. Rather than simply offering incentives to businesses to cut back emissions, action will be mandatory.
Schwarzenegger said in a public announcement "The debate is over. The science is in. The time to act is now. Global warming is a serious issue facing the world and California has taken an historic step with the release of this report. We are all convinced that we can protect our environment and leave California a better place without harming our economy."
California Bill Seeks to Limit Global-Warming Gases
"California would become the first state in the U.S. to require power plants, oil refineries and other businesses to cut their emissions of gases that contribute to global warming under a bill introduced by Democrats today.
The legislation would require California, the most-populous U.S. state, to cap the emissions of so-called greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020. The rules are meant to provide an incentive for investments in new technologies and spur similar moves in other states, supporters said." Bloomberg
# Environment, Political News, Famous Leaders

Google worth $109 Billion?

The Motley Fool's Stephen Ellis has published an article on the value of Google and whether it is worth the price that investors are currently paying for it. He doesn't argue that Google is not a great company, he encourages readers to think about some of the problems that the company may face in the future.
With a P/E of 72 it's not hard to start comparing the price with the irrational exuberance of the technology bubble not so long ago! One wrong move or an earnings expectation not met and the price will only head in one direction.. dooooooown.
A couple issues that Google may face according to the Motley Fool article are:

• Click Fraud - Google recently settled a lawsuit for $90 million. The issue overall seems to be still alive.
• Keyword Pricing - Some large advertisers are saying that rising cost of keywords is unsustainable.
• Cost of Content - Providers of content that Google aggregates from many sources for Google news and other services may begin to charge for its use.
• Don't be Evil - The philosophy that seemed to put everyone at ease is falling apart. Privacy issues and the cooperation with the Chinese government's censorship is seen by some as just the start of Google becoming a money company.
• Expansion - Expanding before thinking about money from the service or product.

Google's Not Worth $109 Billion
"Google is a fantastic company, and to some extent, its current high value is not surprising. The company would be more interesting to me in the low $100s, as competition kicks in and growth expectations drift toward a more realistic 20% or so. Google's current $300-something share price seems like a throwback to a few years ago, when companies were priced solely according to their vision and their audiences. Have we really forgotten the consequences of such blind optimism so quickly?" Motley Fool
>> Google News, Stock Market News

Freddie Mac 2005 Results

Now that the accounting scandals have settled at the giant American mortgage company, Freddie Mac has announced that 2005 has been a good year for them. Although it was expected to announce it's financial results for 2005 in March, it now says it will release them in May as they are changing the way they value certain assets.
Freddie Mac Says It Had Strong Year in '05
"Freddie Mac said its mortgage holdings grew 12 percent last year to $1.7 trillion. Richard Syron, the company's chairman and chief executive officer, called it "a solid year."
"We improved our business operations, enhanced our strong senior management team and built stronger ties with our business partners," said Syron. "That said, we quite obviously need to make additional progress on our financial reporting. We shall take the necessary steps to upgrade our control and financial reporting infrastructure to meet our regulatory and reporting commitments." ABC
# Mortgages, Major Companies