Does Your Small Business Need A Facelift?

How you look affects your self esteem and how your business looks affects your bottom line. But what if you need to improve your business image but have minimal staff or budget to support those changes?

Not to worry. There are some simple tips you can apply that cost nothing or next-to-nothing and that can get almost immediate results. So where do you start? First, you need a plan.

Plan Your Brand

A facelift, also known as an *identity* plan deserves detailed thought because it involves more than your logo and letterhead. Having a plan assures that everything you put before a potential customer carries a unified image so that the customer can identify the product or service with your business. This identity becomes the brand upon which you build future business, so putting optimal resources toward your brand development will provide the best return.

Revamping your brand may be as simple as updating a logo or as complex as creating a many-page website with double opt-in lists, links and affiliations. Because you will likely be living with your choices for a long time, you will want to consider selecting the image that is not only the most acceptable but the one you believe will enhance your success. It is always a good idea to solicit feedback from others when creating something as critical as your identity.

Five Ways to Find the Services You Need at a Fraction of the Cost

How do you find someone to help with your identity plan? Five ways come to mind:

1. Offer a high school or college art student the chance to design what you need in exchange for including the finished work in his or her portfolio. A letter from you verifying your satisfaction with his or her work is a help, too.
2. Post the job on a freelancer site and subcontract the work. Search with your favorite browser for freelance graphic designers, publish your proposal and determine from the bids you receive what works best. (These sites can be global marketplaces so determine if terms of agreement are acceptable before you post your proposal.)
3. Barter services with a designer whose work you know and trust. For example, if your business is landscaping, offering to rid the designer of yard-weeds in the spring may be enough to offset what you need.
4. Offer to introduce a designer to two other clients who would agree to use his or her services. The business referral may be seen as equity for your own work.
5. Buy an already created set from a software or shareware company. Add your business information and voil?, you have got a new look.

Some Words of Warning

Although it may seem like a good or convenient idea to have a family member or friend do the design work for you, it usually turns out to be far more costly not only financially, but also with relationship conflicts. So, weigh the potential outcome before you ask.

Finally, make sure you have the electronic file formats and copyright permissions (or ownership) you need for the work you purchased. After all, you do not want to be seeing your image anywhere but on your business face.

Rebecca Jacoby is a business writer an award-winning designer who has written numerous projects for the web and print. She is the author of the e-book for small businesses, Surefire Design Ideas for the Design-Challenged. For more information see http://www.AFewChosenWords.com

Volvo Reveals S40, V50 Facelifts

Volvo Cars set forth a number of distinctive facelifts made to the new S40 sedan and the V50 wagon. The modifications are made to respond to the growing needs of drivers and car occupants alike. The Volvo S40 is given cues that resemble the S-range look shown on the S80 car. The V50, on the other hand, flaunts the new V-range without compromising the original compact and sporty features.

"When it comes to the exterior, we're aiming for increased differentiation between the two models. The interior refinements have focused on liberating smart storage space," said Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

The facelift made to the new S40 could be obviously seen when it is viewed from the front. Volvo?s pool of engineers and designers have given the car new headlamps, color-coordinated soft nose creates a broader, lower stance through the new grille with a larger Volvo mark, and a lower air intake. The Volvo S40 is the modern replica of Volvo 740 parts to bolster the evolution aimed at pushing away its boxy image.

"The new, lower and more horizontal appearance radiates smooth power. This impression is reinforced when the car is seen from the side. At the rear, it is the shape of the new tail lamps and the new bumper that further boost the dynamic appearance," said Steve Harper, the designer of the new Volvo S40 and V50.

The new V50 features the new black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark to stress a sportier aura. The new headlamps and the three sculpted lower air intakes are the features that give the new color-coordinated soft-nose V50 front an increased inkling of solidity. "Here, we've created visual vertical elements in order to further emphasize the new grille," said Harper.

The lower part of the tail lamp panel given to both the S40 and V50 is 30 millimeters higher than the previous version and the lamps themselves have an entirely new graphic layout. The brake lights are now of LED type and the position marker lamps emphasize the car's shoulders.

The new bumper features integrated reflectors in the lower corners and the lower, broader design language is supplemented with the more horizontal lines of the exhaust tailpipe. "The improved shape and position of the exhaust tailpipes is a good example of how a little extra visual touch can create a highly potent impression," noted Harper.

To refine the interior and to attain liberation movement, the vehicles are given more storage space. "The criticism of the current models' limited storage space served as high-octane fuel when the time came to sketch the new interior of the S40 and V50. We weren't entirely satisfied until we felt we had exploited every single available cubic centimeter in an efficient way," said Harper.

The team of designers and engineers concentrated its efforts on two areas: the door sides and the centre stack. The entire lower part of the front door inside panels was redesigned. The audio system loudspeakers were reshaped to free up space for a new, larger storage compartment with space for an A4 format book, an upright soft drinks can or a water bottle lying down.

Other remarkable features of the car include larger and classier centre console with additional decor versions such as the Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, elegant sliding cover and flexible armrest, brake lights with EBL (Emergency Brake Lights) function, a new upholstery and green highlight color, and an even sharper driveline range. Also, diesel engines, which account for 55 percent of the Volvo S40 and the Volvo V50 sales in Europe and 25 percent in total, are available in three versions: the 1.6D 109 hp, 2.0D 136 hp, and the D5 180 hp.

"We've even utilized the small spaces that are usually simply covered over when they're not housing controls for options or accessories. Now instead, the space has been converted into a handy compartment, for instance for a mobile phone. After all, the phone is not something we should be using while driving, anyway," explained Steve Harper.

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field. Please visit Volvo 740 parts for more information.

Do It Yourself Non-Surgical Facelift

I?m the first to investigate a new anti-aging product or procedure, and have been for the last twenty years. Sometimes I?ve even gone so far as to indulge myself with the promise of eternal youth. So either the earth?s gravitational pull is getting stronger or raising children has finally taken its toll. Here I am, middle aged and wondering what?s the next thing to ?go south.?

I?m an esthetician with all the tools of the trade. I have all the gizmos and gadgets that when used regularly will minimize the effects of aging. So why don?t I use them on myself? Because it seems that there is never enough time.

With all the new technology such as lasers, thermage, microcurrent and magic lotions and potions, there is always a cost. It might be the price, the risks or the inconvenience. What if there was something you could do in the privacy of your own home for as little as 10 minutes a day. I know, I?m beginning to sound like an informercial but the claims are that there really are things you can do that can help get that youthful jawline and line free forehead back. Would you be willing to give 10 minutes a day for a few weeks to try it and see for yourself?

Facial exercises have been around for ages. Now it makes sense that toned muscles are firm muscles and that goes for the face as well as the body. As we age the underlying muscles of the face become flaccid and are less able to support the skin that is attached to them. While there is a lot that can be done to tighten and firm the skin, it is the underlying muscles, that when toned and tightened, make the biggest difference.

My first experience with facial exercise was with Greer Childers in her exercise program, ?Body Flex.? She based her technique of the premise that oxygenation of the tissue keeps it young and vibrant. She had me doing the ?Lion? and the ?Ugly Face? (appropriately named) where I would get into position and pull these horrible grotesque faces and hope to high heaven no one walked in on me. She promised me that while everyone else was trying to ?smooth the wrinkles out of their face we will have the last laugh because we will already be there.?

Then came Ellae Elinwood with her book, ?Timeless Face.? This is a book I got not only for myself, but for my clients to prolong the effects of their facial treatment. Ellae has twenty three facial exercises that you do in front of the mirror....alone... or with a group of five year olds for entertainment.

Another favorite is ?Facelift at you Fingertips,? by Pierre Jean Cousin. I really like this book and incorporate a lot of the techniques in my facials. This book focuses primarily on acupressure points, massage and aromatherapy. By stimulating acupressure points in the face by massage or gentle tapping, you increase the flow of energy, increase circulation and improve muscle tone.

Now I don?t know about the facial gadgets you put in your mouth to help exercise and tone the muscles. Besides the sanitation issue, I question the effectiveness. The only thing I will put repeatedly in my mouth is my tooth brush.

One company sells a workout ball and a towel to heat and warm up the face before exercise. I guess this is so you don?t pull an orbicular oris muscle during your workout.

The most important exercise you can do to improve the face is to smile. Have you ever noticed how people who smile more tend to have a definite jaw line. If jowls are your problem try looking in the mirror and then smile and watch how the jowls disappear. Smiling can relieve stress and tension and help you feel better. Your smile will have an affect on others when they see you smiling. You can even use surgical tape while you sleep to keep that smile in place.

Incorporate these facial exercises into your daily exercise routine and you can be firm and toned head to toe.

Janice Bird is an author, an empowerment coach and a master esthetician. You can subscribe to her newsletter, Breakthrough Beauty Secrets, by going to http://breakthroughbeautysecrets.com/. Find out more about Janice, her articles and products at http://janicebird.com/

Look Ten Years Younger In As Little As One Hour With The New Band Aid Facelift

Want to look as young as you feel but not ready for a full facelift? Dr. Kassir suggests the new Band Aid Facelift, which may be an ideal solution for baby boomers, who are just starting to see the effects of aging. "Its benefits are lower cost, shorter surgical time, quicker recovery, and excellent results", says Dr. Kassir. The shortened procedure and recovery time are ideal for patients looking for a more youthful appearance without the downtime of traditional lifts. "Now we can perform these lifts in as little as two visits, and patients can resume normal activity in a few days." The Band Aid Facelift is performed through small incisions, which may be covered by a band aid, hence the name Band Aid Facelift. The incisions may be placed under the chin, above the ears or behind the ears, depending on the problem areas you wish to target. The Band Aid Facelift carries fewer risks then the traditional face lift while offering a refreshed, younger appearance.

Band Aid Facelift benefits:

? Shorter surgery time (about one hour),:

performed in the office:

? Quicker recovery time compared to a:

full facelift:

? Immediate, natural results:

? Refreshed and youthful appearance:

? Affordable ($4950, includes facility fee):
So do something for yourself for a change. Call Andria at (973) 692-9300 to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Kassir.

"I look great, and no one at work knows I've had anything done. Thank you Dr. Kassir!" "I'm so glad I had this done. I finally look as young as I feel. My husband is even happier than I am! It was well worth it." visit www.drkassir.com for more information.