Posts Tagged ‘blog’
Saturday, April 12th, 2008
Noble Finances offers alternative financing solutions for Business.
Following is the post from www.squidoo.com/NobleFinances:
Is your business having cash flow problems?
Noble Finances provides financial solutions to foster business growth.
Companies with at least $10,000 in monthly revenues, can leverage accounts receivables from their creditworthy customers to get cash in 24 hours.
Businesses with as little as $2000/month in Visa/Mastercard credit card sales also qualify for cash advances against their future sales volume.
And, we also offer equipment leasing and pre-settlement lawsuit funding.
Clients sleep better at night knowing they sufficient cash and working capital to survive, to meet payroll, and to pursue bigger deals.
Who do you know whose business could be more successful if they had better cash flow?
Call 404-374-3384
Noble Finances
http://www.GetCashFromReceivables.com
http://www.BusinessCashSmallReceivable.com
Tags: blog, Business, Business Over 50, businessover50.com, company, Consultant, consulting, corporate, Finance, financial, Noble & Associates Consulting, Noble Finances, Sandra Noble, Senior citizen
Posted in Business, Finance | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, April 9th, 2008
Recession is defined as two consecutive quarterly declines in GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
US Fourth Quarter 2007
Financial industry profits fell $104.6 billion annualized. Nonfinancial industries’ profits fell $30.7 billion annualized. Corporate after-tax profits fell $37.9 billion at a quarterly rate of 3.3%. But despite the quarterly decline, corporate profits after taxes are up 3.3% compared with a year ago. And the U.S. economy, as measured by GDP, grew at a 0.6% annual rate, the slowest pace since late 2002.
But the operative word is “grew”. Believe it or not, we have yet to have one quarterly decline in GDP. Companies and institutions are losing money but the overall US economy is healthy and growing.
State Economics
So, let’s move down to the state level. I lived in Cleveland, OH for many years. Ohio has been hit hard by the non-recession. Ohio and other similar high take, high labor union states are losing jobs and population. These states tended to not have had the housing bubble that other states have enjoyed. The high unemployment rates have caused the increase in mortgage defaults and foreclosures. So the mortgage crisis in the country has a greater negative impact in states like Ohio. Housing prices have gone from steady-state to a decline. Hence my friends in the Ohio would find it more difficult to be bullish on the economy.
Personal Finances
Then on a personal level, many are convinced that there is a recession. There has been a significant reduction in the amount of disposable money. Consumer spending is down, at least for me and most people I know. Tears came to my eyes the first time I saw $3.25 per gallon at the gas pump. I have since seen even higher prices. So those of us struggling to make ends meet are at the lower levels of Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs”. Our focus is on putting food on the table, keeping a roof over our heads, and having gas in the car so we can get to work and earn a living.
Relativity
According to quantum physics, nothing is real unless it is observed and outcomes are influenced by the observer. This conforms to conventional thinking about what relativity is. It all depends on how you look at it. Two people can look at the same situation and draw different conclusions.
One of the tenets of Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity is that outcomes are the same for all observers. However, the theory also indicates that two simultaneous realities exist at the same time.
Reality
So yes, the US economy is still growing, however slowly it may seem. But the other reality is that many people are seeing and feeling a recession in their personal financial situations. And the forecast for many business industry sectors is bleak.
Sandra Noble
NOBLE FINANCES
NOBLE & ASSOCIATES CONSULTING, INC
Tags: Albert Einstein, blog, Business, Business Over 50, businessover50.com, Consultant, consulting, consumer spending, corporate, crisis, default, economy, Finance, financial, forecast, foreclosure, GDP, gross domestic product, Housing, Jobs, labor union, Maslow, mortgage, Noble & Associates Consulting, Noble Finances, Ohio, physics, prices, profits, quantum physics, rate, recession, Sandra Noble, tax, theory of relativity, unemployment
Posted in Business, Finance | 1 Comment »
Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
MARKETING -
Small Budget, Big Impact!
Friday, April 18, 2008
3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
At
The Knowledge Shop
Only $79.00, by April 16
$85.00 After April 16
Get More Info Now!
Directions:
Go to http://www.ksatlanta.com/
Knowledge Shop
(at the far corner of the Wal-Mart parking lot)
Marietta Trade Center
180 Cobb Pkwy SE #C-24
Marietta, GA 30060
In this seminar you will
· Learn internet marketing tools, tips, strategies and concepts
· Receive step by step instructions
· Get a hands-on opportunity to apply what you’ve learn.
· Leave with a web presence and a business email account.
Prerequisites:
· Knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Office products: Word, Excel, Outlook
· Beginning level experience with the Internet
Specific topics include:
· Marketing Concepts
· Creating a web presence (bring your credit cards)
· Opt-in pages
· Contact databases and Autoresponders
· Online Marketing Techniques (emails, article, etc)
· Traffic generation and getting leads
· Available resources
For More Information,
Contact Sandra at:
404-374-3384 or info@NobleAdvantage.com
www.GetPeopleToComeToWebPage.com
Give Me More Info Now!
Tags: blog, Business, Business Over 50, businessover50.com, consulting, Finance, get people to web page, get people to website, Implementation, internet marketing, lead generation, market on the web, marketing funnel, Noble & Associates Consulting, Noble Finances, online marketing, political, Process, Process Improvement, Sandra Noble, Senior citizen, Social Network, Strategy, Technology, Ways to Attract Customers
Posted in Business, Marketing, Strategy, Technology | 1 Comment »
Sunday, March 16th, 2008
I was perusing BPM Strategies magazine and came across the term “applistructure “. Applistructure has to do with the convention of combining enterprise infrastructure and enterprise business applications. Service-oriented architecture (SOA) refers to a web centric / web focused approach to technology. According to the “SOA and Application Infrastructure” article by Mike Rosen, this applistructure trend was hot a couple of years ago. Can you relax? Or, as Mr. Rosen suggests, can you take comfort in knowing that solving management and business process issues are more critical to enterprise success than the actual technology?
I attended the Atlanta AFCEA (Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association) February 2008 meeting. The speaker, Mr. Joe Capps talked about the subject of moving to enterprise level systems and procurement processes. Instead of haphazardly developing technology in an “after the fact” manner, he advocated a more proactive approach – as in developing a strategy to move toward enterprise infrastructure, enterprise business applications and enterprise technology in general.
Additionally, a key imperative of the Department of Defense (DoD) is to change and accelerate the requirement to solution process. What’s known as Moore’s Law (based on Gordon Moore’s predictions about semiconductors), says that technology is rapidly changing. Probably about every 18 months. Where there is a need for the latest technology, Moore’s Law has financial, logistical and feasibility implications. The government and the DoD are known for red tape and cumbersome processes. But our country’s ability to respond to immediate threats requires current, accurate information delivered to those needing it in a timely fashion. He suggested the criticality of providing our war fighters with decision making data on how to even respond to five guys running down a street in Iraq. Wow!
Moore’s Law has implications in the private sector as well. Large scale technology projects often take 18 months or more to implement. That time is in addition to the time required to budget for, select and procure the software, hardware, and implementation partners. While ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and the like, may not be obsolete, there are sure to be upgrades, patches (corrections and fixes to software problems) and new feature by the time the system is finally rolled out.
So, what can be done? Knowledgeable consultants with system expertise can help companies and public sector entities develop a strategy and select the right software in the first place. Then, the right implementation partners can accelerate and provide Independent Verification and Validations (IV&V), project management and governance throughout the implementation process. If none of these things were in place or addressed during the course of the technology project, then you’ll probably need the cure for the “Post Implementation Distress” that is sure to occur.
You’re spending millions of dollars for enterprise initiatives. Wouldn’t it be worth spending a small percentage on ensuring that you get what you paid for? Perhaps you need a technical advocate to help you navigate through the planning and implementation process.
Sandra Noble
NOBLE FINANCES
NOBLE & ASSOCIATES CONSULTING, INC
Tags: AFCEA, applistructure, Atlanta, blog, BPM, Business, Business Over 50, businessover50.com, Change, Consultant, consulting, CRM, Department of Defense, DoD, enterprise, ERP, Finance, Implementation, infrastructure, IV&V, MES, Moore's Law, Noble & Associates Consulting, Noble Finances, Post Implementation Distress, Process, Process Improvement, Requirements, Sandra Noble, SOA, Software, Strategy, Technology
Posted in Business, Finance, Process, Requirements, Software, Strategy, Technology | 2 Comments »
Monday, March 10th, 2008
What’s wrong with talking to a human? Apparently it costs too much to talk to a human. And companies are about reducing costs. Companies focus on the bottom line – profits. Businesses don’t consider the fact that the top line, revenues, might be enhanced if their customers had better experiences when interacting with the company.
I recently had another birthday. Thus I’ve even further distanced myself from the working people pack. When you consider that most people work for about 40 years, those over 50 are in the last quarter of their working lives. And, with all the early retirements, there are not many people older than me still working. Or some, as one lady I know, are focused on counting the months and days until retirement.
But let’s consider those who retired 10 or more years ago. Most of them are impacted by technology because their children and grandchildren are “keeping up with technology”. The teens of today have never been without computers and cell phone technology and satellite TV and the list goes on. They are totally comfortable with technology.
One pet peeve of many people, irrespective of age, is dealing with telephone voice prompts. It’s difficult to get through to a person. When I’m calling for help, I never seem to fit into any of the options numbers. There are still people with rotary phones, as in my uncle. I admit I sometimes cheat and follow the rotary phone option. But many times I just tough it out. After all, my career has been in and my company, Noble & Associates Consulting is focused on Information Technology. Technology does not scare me. So, I can do this.
Nevertheless, I was delighted to know there is a website that has the secret to getting to a living, breathing person – without punching 50 buttons. Check out http://www.gethuman.com/.
Sandra Noble
President/CEO
NOBLE FINANCES
NOBLE & ASSOCIATES CONSULTING, INC
Tags: Atlanta, blog, Business, Business Over 50, businessover50.com, cell phone, computer, Consultant, Finance, information technology, Noble & Associates Consulting, Noble Finances, Profit, retirement, Revenue, Sandra Noble, Senior citizen, Technology, telecommunications, telephone
Posted in Business, Finance, Technology | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008
I keep finding myself drawn to this 2.0 stuff – whether Web 2.0 or Enterprise 2.0. Atlanta appears to have large following and fan base of these concepts and techniques. I’m still working on getting the terms straight. At times, I’m not sure whether I should be using “social media” or “social networking”. One thing I do know: I need to keep tabs on what’s going on with Web 2.0.
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is an umbrella group consisting of technology special interest group communities / societies. The newest society is called TAG Enterprise 2.0, and its focus is to explore and educate on Web 2.0 technology movement. Perhaps this phenomenon could be better described as a revolution and societal paradigm shift. It’s already second nature to the under thirty crowd. The wave is spreading to the over 30, over 40 and over 50 populations. And, this technology is being embraced more and more by the business community.
The first TAG Enterprise 2.0 meeting (March 5, 2008), featured Puneet Gupta, CEO and Founder of Connectbeam. Connectbeam’s product is used behind corporate firewalls for searching, tagging, social bookmarking and social networking. What they add to typical Google searches, is the ability to see
1) Who else in the organization has searched on the same thing?
2) The intent, context or tags associated with the prior searches.
3) The ability to connect with others doing similar searches.
Finally an application and strategy that makes sense for businesses of all sizes. Connectbeam already has an impressive list of clients, starting with Honeywell as their first customer. The implementation of this product enables companies to control their data, integrate with existing IT infrastructure, and incorporate data access and security requirements. Connectbeam’s product allows companies to measure the rate of adoption and increases in productivity as a result of implementing an Enterprise 2.0 framework.
I guess it’s innovate or be left behind.
Sandra Noble
NOBLE FINANCES
NOBLE & ASSOCIATES CONSULTING, INC
Tags: Atlanta, blog, Business, Business Over 50, businessover50.com, Community, connectbeam, data security, Enterprise 2.0, Finance, Google, Implementation, infrastructure, Innovation, Noble & Associates Consulting, Noble Finances, Sandra Noble, Senior citizen, Social Bookmarking, Social Media, Social Network, Social Networking, Strategy, TAG, TAGent2.0, Technology, Technology Association of Georgia, web 2.0
Posted in Business, Strategy, Technology | No Comments »
Friday, February 29th, 2008
It’s pronounced “Web two dot oh“. And, it seems I’m on track in exploring this Web 2.0 stuff. Web 2.0 is impacting the government as well as the presidential campaign. Many feel that embracing this new technology paradigm is one of the keys to the success of Barack Obama’s campaign. I think it was part of his strategy to implement and use Web 2.0 for competitive advantage.
As I mentioned in a prior article, all are impacted by this new internet / technology revolution. It may be directly by you accessing blogs, joining online social networks or accepting networking connection invitations. It may be indirect by your children or grandchildren helping you to do google and yahoo searches and researches. Or it could just be a societal impact. Whether you like it or not, those who embrace Web 2.0 and other internet features are affecting the way we run our businesses, purchase goods and services, donate money and run political campaigns.
This phenomenon is even being reported in government newsletters and government related article. It was reported that the U.S. Joint Forces Command’s (JFCOM) has set up a website to facilitate Web 2.0 activity. The membership of AFCEA (Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association) provides communications, IT, intelligence, and global security solutions to the military. The article “AFCEA Solutions Series Blazes New E-Trails” is all about Web 2.0.
A recent title in the Government Technology hnewletter was “E-Vote: Tapscott Says Web 2.0 Will Determine Presidential Campaign Advantage”. And who is Tapscott? Don Tapscott is author of Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything (Portfolio 2006). In my “What’s a Wiki” article on February 10th, I tried to put mind energy around the concept of a Wiki. Suffice it to say, a Wiki is one of those Web 2.0 things. Tapscott’s “Wikinomics” terms suggests that there is an economic impact to the use of Wiki’s.
Watch out for Wiki’s and Web 2.0.
WWW – It’s what’s happening now!
Sandra Noble
NOBLE FINANCES
NOBLE & ASSOCIATES CONSULTING, INC
Tags: 2008 presidential election, AFCEA, Atlanta, Barack Obama, blog, Business, Business Over 50, businessover50.com, consulting, Finance, Implementation, Noble & Associates Consulting, Noble Finances, political, Process, Process Improvement, Sandra Noble, Senior citizen, Social Network, Strategy, Technology, web 2.0, Wiki
Posted in Business, Finance, Marketing, Process, Strategy, Technology | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008
Linkedin is a social networking and connection forum for business people. If you’re in business, check it out. You might be surprised who’s already signed up.
Invite me to join your LinkedIn network. Every opportunity you have to network and build your sphere of influence is important to your success. When you add me as a connection use president@NobleAdvantage.com for the email.
Click the above icon or go to http://www.linkedin.com/in/SandraNoble.
If not already member, then click “Join Now” on the right.
If you’re already linkedin, then click “Contact Directly” on the right.
Let’s look for ways we can help each other have more successful
businesses and make more money!
Sandra Noble
President / CEO
Noble & Associates Consulting, Inc.
Noble Finances
Tags: Atlanta, blog, Business, Business Over 50, businessover50.com, Consultant, consulting, Linkedin, Noble & Associates Consulting, Noble Finances, Sandra Noble, Senior citizen, Social Network
Posted in Business, Business People Over 50 - Who are we?, Finance, Marketing | No Comments »
Friday, February 22nd, 2008
I was recently on an airplane perusing the in flight catalog. Have you ever seen anyone actually order something on a domestic flight? I haven’t. But the fact that these books continue to appear in seat back pockets, is evidence that they are effective revenue generators. And, they have a lot of neat gadgets and things.
The headline for one product talked about boosting your prestige and your hearing at the same time. This product was basically a hearing aid which looked like a Bluetooth mobile phone headset. So the implication was that it is cool and prestigious to walk around with a phone headset in and on your ear. Once again I was reminded that I am probably out of step with mainstream thinking.
Am I the only one who thinks it is sometimes in poor taste to be wearing those “things”. I’ve seen people posing for pictures and even speaking in front of an audience with the above mentioned head gear. Now I know I’m over 50. And I go back to rotary dial phones where you had to stick your finger in a circle slot and rotate for each number. In those days wireless and cordless was unheard of. But, most people who need hearing assistance are over 50 like me. (Although that may change, since the younger generation is ruining their ears with loud music.) I’d be interested to know if the effectiveness of that particular advertisement for hearing aids. Someone thought that was a good idea.
Do babyboomers think Bluetooth is a status symbol? And, do we need to be that connected, where we don’t miss a call? With all these communications & telecommunications, are we really communicating better? Or, just faster and more frequently?
Sandra Noble
NOBLE FINANCES
NOBLE & ASSOCIATES CONSULTING, INC
Tags: Atlanta, blog, Business, Business Over 50, businessover50.com, Consultant, consulting, Implementation, Noble & Associates Consulting, Noble Finances, Process, Process Improvement, Sandra Noble, Senior citizen, Technology, telecom, telecommunications
Posted in Business, Finance, Marketing, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, February 21st, 2008
I attended the Atlanta APICS meeting the other day. Juergen Meyer from Step 3 Consulting spoke about Lean in administrative processes. Now APICS, The Association for Operations Management, offers three certification programs, Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Certified in Integrated Resource Management (CIRM). As a result, much of the audience and much of the membership is from the manufacturing arena. I’m a CPIM member of APICS Atlanta. And, I’m a bit of an oddball in the group, since I’ve had a long career in information technology. But, I’ve also earned Six Sigma certification to assist in the process improvement and re-engineering activities that often take place in technology projects. Six Sigma utilizes data and statistical analysis to measure and reduce variations in processes and ultimately eliminate defects. More and more, Six Sigma and Lean are spoken of together.
In Juergen’s talk, there was much mention of process improvement, although Six Sigma was not mentioned by name. The goal of Lean is to eliminate waste and non-value added activities. And the byproduct of waste elimination is lower costs resulting in higher profits. The eight types of waste are: over production, waiting, transportation, over-processing, inventory, motion, defects, rework. Parallels were given between manufacturing waste and administrative waste.
And, how to attack the waste? You Define, Measure, Analyze and Improve the process – key steps in the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology. Often the implementation of the Six Sigma methodology or its use in projects is considered costly and time consuming. But the principles can be simplified. After all over-processing is a waste. The goal is a Lean Six Sigma.
Bottom line, improving and streamlining processes reduces defects, eliminates waste, decreases costs, improves efficiency, increases profits and provides competitive advantages.
Sandra Noble
NOBLE FINANCES
NOBLE & ASSOCIATES CONSULTING, INC
Tags: APICS, Atlanta, blog, Business, Business Over 50, businessover50.com, Change, CIRM, Consultant, consulting, CPIM, CSCP, defects, DMAIC, Finance, Implementation, Lean, Noble & Associates Consulting, Noble Finances, Post Implementation Distress, Process, Process Improvement, project, re-engineering, Sandra Noble, Six Sigma, Software, Strategy, Technology, waste
Posted in Business, Finance, Process, Process Improvement, Strategy, Technology | 2 Comments »