The Glory of Massage Chairs

For a long time, I have wished for a massage chair. I get professional massages regularly, but being able to have that level of relaxation at home would really make a difference.

I get sore muscles easily from working out and also from being on the computer several hours each day, up to 10-12 hours. Getting regular massages really help me relax and keep my body in good condition.

Another thing that massages do for me is to decrease my stress and anxiety. I get stress and anxiety because I own my own business, so I put myself under a lot of pressure to do well and to keep growing my business.

Having a big massage chair at home that I could use would really make a big difference when it comes to my stress levels. I hope that one day I will be able to afford a large massage chair, but until that time comes, I guess I will have to keep getting pricey professional massages at my favorite spa!

The Wish List For My Personal Trainer

Because I really enjoy exercising, I have always thought getting a personal trainer might be a good idea, because they would push me harder to do more with my exercise. Sometimes I will exercise for stress relief, but the main reason why I do it is for weight loss. I know that a personal trainer would help me accomplish that.

Whether you are looking for a Personal Trainer in Potomac or other city, they can be easy to find. However, the key is finding a personal trainer that matches your personality and work out style. For instance, I really would like a personal trainer that:

• Took me seriously
• Trained me hard
• Reliable
• Challenged me

Because I am a woman, I worry sometimes that I am not taken seriously in the gym. Whatever Personal Trainer in Potomac I had would have to get me over that fear!

Cool Gadget: Car Cameras

We have all seen those viral videos of police pulling over another car, and antics ensue. Luckily, we get to see these, thanks to the police cruiser's car camera. One thing I just found out was that these car cameras are for sale! I had no idea that they were available to anyone else except for the police.

Car camera may have a variety of uses- to create a home movie commemorating a road trip or travels, for evidence should anything happen (this may be a good idea for semis or other long-distance drivers in a company car). Having a camera as back-up evidence is always a great idea.

These car cameras come in a variety of difference styles, sizes, and shapes. There are also different capacities and recording features. There are smaller styles so they don't inhibit the driver's view, and there are even more that have larger capacities to record long sessions of video tape at a time.

The majority of these run through the AC outlet in your car or truck and are easy to set up.

The Development of Business Instant Messaging

 Even as recent as a few years ago, the use of instant messaging clients by employees in the workplace were strictly prohibited by supervisors and managers. However, once business owners began to realize the power behind instant messaging as a communication tool, they learned that it may be more that just a waste of company time. IM can actually increase productivity, employee team cohesion, and the  efficiency of communication.

At first, supervisors began to allow employees to download instant messenger programs like AIM and Yahoo! Talk. However, as important or confidential data began to be traded through this new channel of workplace communication, companies began to worry about the instant messenger security.

This is where  corporate  messenger systems come in. They provide secure instant messaging by encrypting all conversations, data, and file transfers that take place. This is achieved by allowing businesses to download an enterprise instant messaging client that is kept on a secure server.

As more and more businesses make secure instant messaging a priority, hosted instant messaging clients will continue to grow in popularity. Besides encrypting all data and conversations, many programs allow managers and supervisors to oversee their employee's accounts using an online account manager. From this database,  they can add new employees, remove employees, view employee conversations,  and much more. This may ease the fears of many business owners who worry that their employees will use instant messaging to talk to friends or others not affiliated with the company.

The goal behind enterprise instant messaging programs is to provide the flexibility to communicate online instantly, while still providing security and control due to the confidential nature that is crucial to most business's profits. Many hosted IM programs offer free trials and can be found online. Try out several different interfaces, programs, and options before deciding which is best for your individual company.

How to Download Instant Messenger Programs Safely

In an ideal world, it would be great if every program that was downloaded was completely safe and no one had to worry about the program containing a virus or Trojan. However, in the real world, this simply isn't the case. Malicious computer hackers will use whatever means necessary to gain access into home computers through viruses posing as safe and legitimate programs, like instant messenger   clients. Some hackers use these programs to collect personal information, allowing them to steal a user's identity and wrecking havoc on their credit. Below are some steps to take in order to ensure that users download instantmessenger programs that are safe and credible.

Research Ahead of Time

Before you download instant messenger clients, be sure to do a lot of research. Only download instant messenger clients who have all the components you need and will use almost every day. Make a short list of what you are looking for and try to stick with it when you decide which program to choose.

Company You Trust

It's important to remember to only download instant messenger programs that have good reviews from the users that have a lot of experience with them. User reviews are also great because they allow you to find out bugs or flaws that may come from every day use of the client.

Verified Download

After you have located a IM client to download, make sure you either download it from the creator's website itself or from a trusted download site like CNET. To make sure that it is safe, look for an icon that says it is verified, certified, or has been 100% tested for viruses by an independent resource.

Virus Scan

Finally, after the .exe file has downloaded, have your virus scanner check the file to make sure that a virus isn't embedded into it.

Once you have completely downloaded your IM program, use it and make sure you provide feedback both to the developer and the user community. They will appreciate your feedback and put it to good use.

How to Find Effective Self Storage Marketing Opportunities

There are several different available self storage marketing opportunities, both online and offline. Varying your marketing strategies can certainly make your overall marketing and advertising efforts generate a higher return on investment (ROI). 

·         Direct Mail: This may be a good strategy if you have access to a new homeowner or apartment tenant mailing list. Other instances where people may be a good targets for direct marketing are college students leaving school for the summer, as well as recent graduates. 

·         Social Media: Hosting social media exclusive specials, promotions, and events can be a great way to use this online marketing medium. 

·         In-Store Advertising: Having a billboard or sign outside the storage grounds can attract potential customers driving by. Additionally, advertising specials in the store (such as volume or referral specials) is also a good way to drum up business.

·         Website: Having a website is a necessity for local businesses. Many potential customers look for self storage facilities online before deciding on one. A website can help your future tenants find you easily.

·         Business Exchange: Partnering with other area small businesses can definitely be a great help. Choose businesses or properties where their customers would benefit from your facility, and vice versa. Such places include container and organizing stores, moving services, home stores, and more. 

These are just some of the offline and online marketing strategies for self storage owners. Do you have any others? Let us know in the comments. 

This post was sponsored by Scott Meyers' Self Storage Investing.

Helping Severe Sweating with Botox

Botox can be used for a variety of reasons beyond decreasing the look of wrinkles, which was also discussed in my previous blog post. But did you know that Botox for men and women can have different uses as well?

For instance, men may find Botox useful to help cure Hyperhidrosis for excessive sweating in the armpits and other areas. While women can also use Botox for this reason as well, it is usually more common for men.

A use of Botox for women that is becoming more popular is the inject of Platisma bands in the neck. This can decrease the occurrence of "turkey neck" or sagging neck skin. Many women feel self-conscious about this occurrence and Botox can certainly help reduce the appearance of sagging platisma bands.

This post sponsored by CI MedSpa, a medical spa, Chicago-based