Thursday, September 27, 2018

Secrets for Success & Inner Peace

1 – Be open to everything and attached to nothing
Open your mind to all possibilities – have the belief that all things are possible. This is a powerful mindset. If you close your mind off to something, it no longer becomes a possibility. We might as well be open to all possibilities because that (at the very least) allows them the opportunity to come to fruition.

Attachments create all of your problems. The need to be right, to possess something or someone, and the need to win, are all attachments. Let go of them and you’ll have a lot more inner peace.
Refuse pessimism! Since we really know nothing (as a wise man once said), we really don’t know why anything happens and therefore have no reason to be pessimistic about a situation or event.
To really illustrate this point, check out this Chinese Proverb:

A farmer and his son had a beloved stallion who helped the family earn a living. One day, the horse ran away and their neighbors exclaimed, “your horse ran away, what terrible luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.” A few days later, the horse returned home, leading a few wild mares back to the farm as well. The neighbors shouted out, “your horse has returned, and brought several horses home with him. What great luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.” Later that week, the farmer’s son was trying to break one of the mares and she threw him to the ground, breaking his leg. The villagers cried, “Your son broke his leg, what terrible luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.” A few weeks later, soldiers from the national army marched through town, recruiting all the able-bodied boys for the army. They did not take the farmer’s son because he was still recovering from his injury. Friends shouted, “Your boy is spared, what tremendous luck!” To which the farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

The moral of this story, is, of course, that no event, in and of itself, can truly be judged as good or bad, lucky or unlucky, fortunate or unfortunate.

2- Don’t die with your passion still in you
Step to your own music and inspiration. Follow your dreams!

3 – You can’t give away what you don’t have
Respond with love in all circumstances because you get what you give. Trust yourself and love yourself. You can’t give love if you don’t have any for yourself. What comes out of you in the form of words and actions, is what’s inside of you. What do you have inside?

4 – Embrace silence
Meditate and take the time to listen to the sounds of nature.

5 – Give up personal history
Live in the now because your past is gone. Remove your labels. You are not your past.

6 – Improve your mindset
You experience everyone and everything as thoughts in your head. Your thoughts are the source of virtually everything in your life. Change your mind, change your life.

7 – No resentments
When you’re resentful, you’re giving your emotional well being over to someone else. Don’t blame others. You are responsible for your life. Send love, peace, and joy for whatever comes your way.

When it comes to criticism, ask yourself, why would I let something that belongs to someone else be a source of resentment? Do not accept that gift. What you think of me is none of my business. Refuse to be offended.

Don’t judge – Judging is defining. Be peaceful, forgive others, let go, free yourself.

8 – Treat yourself as if you already are what you want to be
Act as if you are already that person you want to be. See yourself and declare it. Visualize how that future you would think, feel, and speak and then do it. It all starts with thoughts, then feelings, then actions.

9 – Treasure your divinity
Everything is a miracle. You are a piece of the divine intelligence that supports everything.

10 – Wisdom is avoiding all thoughts that weaken you
Forgive yourself for shame, guilt, and apathy. Turn over issues, fears, and problems to your higher self… not your ego.

That sums up Dr. Wayne Dyer’s 10 secrets for success and inner peace. Thanks for reading.

There’s never a day that goes by that I don’t think about God. More than thinking, I experience the presence of God in most of my waking moments. It’s a feeling of contentment and satisfaction that’s beyond anything that I might convey in a book. I’ve come to know the peace of Spirit in my life, and because of this knowing, all of my concerns, problems, accomplishments, and accumulations diminish in importance. In this short book, I will elaborate on ten principles to success and inner peace, which, if mastered and practiced on a daily basis, will also guide you to this same sense of tranquility.

I’ve often been asked to speak at high schools and colleges over the past three decades. Frequently, my readers encourage me to write to young adults embarking on the journey of adulthood and provide them with my “secrets” for being successful and happy.

The ten secrets in this book are what I talk or write about when I have the opportunity to speak to young people. However, they’re valuable for anyone who has decided to consciously be on their life path. Each of us makes that choice depending on our individual time clock. For some, it’s early in young adulthood; and for others, it happens in the middle or mature years. The secrets apply whether you’re just beginning your life path, are nearing the end of it, or are on the path in any way.

Most books of this sort, as well as graduation speeches, stress the importance of hard work, dedication, financial planning, relationship strategies, choosing the right career, listening to one’s elders, being respectful of the rules, setting realistic goals, living a healthy lifestyle, and being in a state of gratitude. This is good advice and certainly benefits those who choose to listen to and apply this wisdom. It is my experience, however, both as a lifelong teacher and a father of eight children ranging in age from 11 to 33, that this kind of advice by itself leads one to wondering, Is that all there is?

So, I have no advice on goal setting, putting your nose to the grindstone, planning your financial future, listening to us older folks, respecting your culture, and so on. In fact, I’ve almost always listened to my own impulses, paying the price for taking the road “least traveled” and resisting enculturation, so it would be somewhat hypocritical of me to now tell you to do what I say and follow my rules. Instead, what I offer you are ten secrets that allow your spirit to guide you.

In my experience working with a variety of people over several decades, far too many individuals choose to be anonymous members of the pack, therefore suffering from the inner remorse that makes them feel like failures, filled with conflict and resentment and wondering what the meaning of life is.

So, I’ve written this book in the hopes that it will help you avoid those feelings of inadequacy and help you feel the peace of God that truly defines success. Read these secrets with an open heart. Apply the ones that resonate with you, and discard those that don’t.

When you feel peaceful and successful, you want to extend and export that peace and love. The violence, hatred, prejudice, and judgment in our world suggests that we have miles to go to reach a world of inner and outer peace.

I send you love and all green lights.

— Wayne W. Dyer

The ten “secrets” for success and inner peace presented here apply whether you’re just embarking on your path, are nearing the end of it, or are on the path in any way. Dr. Dyer urges you to view with an open heart. By doing so, you’ll learn to feel the peace of God that truly defines success.

Dr. Dyer shares his view that we’re living in an age of spiritual deficiency. We have more than enough information in our society—it’s spirituality that’s lacking.

Wayne Walter Dyer was a popular American self-help advocate, author and lecturer. His 1976 book Your Erroneous Zones has sold over 30 million copies and is one of the best-selling books of all time. It is said to have "[brought] humanistic ideas to the masses".

He received his D.Ed. degree in counseling from Wayne State University. He was a guidance counselor in Detroit at the high school level and a professor of counselor education at St. John's University in New York.
He first pursued an academic career, publishing in journals and running a successful private therapy practice, but his lectures at St. John's, which focused on positive thinking and motivational speaking techniques, attracted students beyond those enrolled. A literary agent persuaded Dyer to package his ideas in book form, resulting in Your Erroneous Zones; although initial sales were thin, Dyer quit his teaching job and began a publicity tour of the United States, doggedly pursuing bookstore appearances and media interviews ("out of the back of his station wagon", according to Michael Korda, making the best-seller lists "before book publishers even noticed what was happening"

"... it somehow helped me to reconnect to myself again, regain inner peace and in a way be liberated from overthinking. The qoutes in here from famous thinkers are brilliant and I liked overall message. Quiet and calming. One of those moments in time when I had a feeling that I'm reading a right book at the right time." ~ Lea

My Will (Sample)

I ..................., son/daughter/wife/husband of ................. aged about ....... years, resident of .................................., hereby declare this will as my last will, which I make on .....September, 20...(year).

I am making this will in sound health and mind without any compulsion or coercion.

I appoint ....................... as the executor of this will. In the event of his/her death , ................ will execute this will.

I bequeath my house/apartment located in ............... to my wife/husband/son/daughter, (full name as in IC).

I bequeath all my gold and silver jewellery, which includes ............. to my eldest daughter-in-law..............(full name as in IC).

I bequeath my entire coin collection, which includes ........................., to my grand daughter..................(full name as in IC).

The remaining of my estate will be transferred to my wife/husband ................(full name as in IC).

(Signature of testator, that's you)
.....September, 20...(year).

(Signatures of witnesses)

1. ...........................
I, .................................resident of ........................attest that this will has been signed by ................... in my presence and in the presence of another witness ...........................

2.
I, .................................resident of ........................attest that this will has been signed by ................... in my presence and in the presence of another witness ...........................

(sample page) click here

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Making a will

Making a will and planning what to leave

When making your will, think about how much you have to leave and who gets what. This guide will help you work out the basics, so you can get started with writing your will.

Making your will – step by step
What to do once you’ve made your will

Making your will – step by step

Before you can write a will you need to decide who gets what.
You should set down the basics of your plan for your money and possessions – your estate – early on, before you visit a solicitor or discuss your will with your family.
Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds – just follow this step-by-step process.

1. Make a list of who you want to benefit from your estate

It’ll probably take you just a few minutes to tick off this step – you can even do it right now.
You might include:

friends
charities
your partner or spouse
children and other family members

These people (or charities) are called your beneficiaries.

2. Write down your assets and roughly what they’re worth

Start with assets that are easiest to value:

savings
valuable objects, like jewellery or heirlooms

Then move on to the things that change in value. These will be harder to estimate exactly.
They include:

your pension
your business, if you own or part-own one
stock market investments - shares, bonds & funds
property – your house, plus any investment properties, land, or even a parking space that you own. Remember to factor in the value of any debts secured against your property.

Lastly, think about any sentimental items that you want particular people to have.
Whether you can include your pension will depend on the rules of your pension itself and you’ll need to check.
If you can include your pension, estimating its value might take some thought.
The value will depend on your scheme and when you die. Your first stop should be to read the death benefits advice from the Pensions Advisory Service.

3. Think about how you want to split your money and property when making your will

There are broadly five types of legacy you can leave.

“I leave £2,000 to my son” – this is called a ‘pecuniary bequest’. It means you leave a fixed sum of money.
“I leave my jewellery to my daughter” – this is called a ‘specific bequest’. It means you leave a specific item which you own. The way to identify it will be to see what meets that description at the date of death. If there is no jewellery at that time, then the gift will fail.
“I leave half my estate to my brother” – this is a ‘residuary bequest’. It means you leave a percentage of whatever your estate is worth after any debts, costs, liabilities, legacies and tax have been paid.
“I leave my share of my house to my wife if she survives me, but if she does not survive me then it will pass to my daughter” – this is a ‘reversionary bequest’ for your daughter. You can specify what happens if the person you leave it to dies.
“I leave my share of my house to my wife for the rest of her life, and then it will pass to my daughter” – this creates a ‘trust’ over your share of the house. A trust allows you to say who you would like to benefit from your property immediately after your death (e.g. your wife), and then who you would like to benefit from your property (e.g. your daughter) once the first person you have chosen to benefit immediately after your death has died. This type of gift can easily go wrong, so you will need to get legal advice if you want to include a ‘trust’ in your will.

If your affairs are comparatively simple (for example, you want to leave everything to your husband), it’s likely you’ll just use simple residuary bequests.
If things are more complicated, you’ll probably use a combination. For example:
Mike is married with one son. His wife has a son too, from a previous marriage. He leaves:

his share of his home to his wife for the rest of her life
£1,000 to each of his grandchildren
his watch to his wife’s son
anything else in his estate to a charity

June is divorced with three children and four grandchildren. Her son has mental health problems. She leaves:

£500 to each grandchild
half the remaining estate in a trust for her son for the rest of his life, to be split between her daughters on his death, and
a quarter of the estate each to her daughters, but if any daughter dies before her, that daughter’s children will receive the dead daughter’s quarter share of the estate between them

4. Check if you’ll have to pay Inheritance Tax

The Inheritance Tax threshold is currently £325,000 for an individual, or up to £650,000 for a married couple or a couple in a civil partnership.
If your estate is worth more than this, when you die and it passes to a non-exempt beneficiary, such as a child, or doesn’t qualify for relief as an agricultural or business asset, then Inheritance Tax (currently 40%), will have to be paid on the excess.
The Inheritance Tax threshold can be reduced or eliminated by certain gifts made in the seven years before death.
A new tax free allowance of £125,000 (rising to £175,000 by 2020/21) provides each individual with an additional allowance to be used against their home, provided they leave it to their children or grandchildren and their estate doesn’t exceed £2.35 million.
The allowance can be transferred to a spouse or civil partner if it isn’t used up on the first death.
This means when added to the existing £325,000 individual allowance, a couple will be able to leave £1 million without paying inheritance tax by 2020.
The rules aren’t straightforward. If you think you’re near the limit you need to get more information on how to legally avoid it or minimize the amount – which could save thousands of pounds.
You’ll probably want to get professional advice to help with this.

Will you have to pay Inheritance Tax?
Top 5 ways to cut your Inheritance Tax

5. Think about protecting your beneficiaries

Sometimes you might want to set some safeguards on your bequest – for example, if you’re leaving something to a child or someone with disabilities or mental health issues.
Many people handle these issues by setting up trusts: this means that what you leave can be managed by people you trust to act in the best interests of your beneficiary.
Either for good or until a time when they can look after themselves.

What to do once you’ve made your will

Once you’ve worked through the steps you’ll have a reasonably clear idea about what you want to leave in your will and to whom.
You might want to Talk to your family about your choices.
Your next step is to Get your will drawn up.
If your estate is quite simple (e.g. you’re simply leaving everything to your partner), you can probably do it yourself.
The more complex (and larger) your financial affairs, the more sensible it is to take advice from a solicitor.

Drafting of Wills

Anyone older than 16 years old, unless you cannot understand the meaning and effect of a Will.
What is needed to draft your Will?

Name and ID number of the executor of your estate
Name and ID number of your spouse
How you are married? (IN Community of Property; OUT of Community of Property with the accrual system or OUT of Community of Property without the accrual system)
Copy of marriage certificate
If you are divorced – a copy of your decree of divorce / settlement.
Full names and ID number of all the children and other persons you want to benefit from your Will
In the case of minor children (children younger than 18 years old: Names and ID numbers of the guardians of the minor children
Details of all assets, liabilities and insurance policies etc.

How can you make a valid Will?
Thabo wants to make a will

Thabo makes a Will where he decides to leave his house to his wife, (Magdalene) after his death. Thabo also decides to leave his car to his grandson, (Sipho). Thabo wants his money to be given to his son (Eric). Thabo has R5 000 in his bank account. BUT Thabo owes ABC Clothing Store R2 500.

For Thabo’s Will to be valid, it must:

Be in writing (handwritten, typed or printed)
Be signed by Thabo at the end of the Will
Be signed in the presence of two or more witnesses
If the Will has more than one page, each page must be signed

What happens if Thabo can’t sign his own name?
Sign = Signature = Initials = Thumbprint = Mark (X)
If Thabo can’t sign his Will, someone else may sign for him, if:

He tells them to do so
that person signs the Will in front of Thabo
that person signs the Will in front of a Commissioner of Oaths who must make sure that Thabo wants this Will to be his
every page must be signed

What is a codicil?
A codicil is an extra document to change (amend or supplement) your Will. The codicil must comply with the same formalities as that of a Will. When amending a Will, the same witnesses who signed the original Will need not sign the codicil
Who can be a witness?
Anyone older than 14 years old, if they competent to testify in a court of law can be a witness.
It is best if the person nominated as Executor (or his/her spouse) or who is to derive an inheritance (or his or her spouse) does not sign as a witness to the Will. (Having regard to sections 4 and 4A of the Wills Act)
Magdalene can be a witness in Thabo’s Will and receive the house, only if there are 2 other witnesses not getting anything from Thabo’s deceased estate.
Must Thabo amend his will after divorce?

If you have an existing Will it is important to amend your Will within 3 months of your divorce, unless you want your divorce spouse to inherit. If you fail to amend your Will your divorced spouse will inherit in terms of the existing Will.

What happens if Thabo does not leave a Will?

If you die without leaving a Will or a valid Will, your estate will devolve according to the Intestate Succession Act, 1987 (Act 81 of 1987). In that case someone whom Thabo wanted to exclude from his Will may inherit in terms of the Intestate Laws.

Tips*:

Get all the necessary information and documentation needed
Make a list of all your assets and liabilities (debts)
Decide how you want to divide your assets after all your debts have been paid
Seek professional assistance to draft your Will / Draft your Will
Sign your Will in the presence of 2 / more competent witnesses
Store your Will in a safe and dry place.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Evaluate a Business Idea

How to Evaluate a Business Idea Before Taking the Plunge.

So, you've spent months or maybe even years searching for the perfect small business idea (read more below), and now you think you've found it. You're ready to dive right in, quit your job, and dedicate yourself to starting your own business.

Before you make any life-altering changes that can't easily be undone, take some time to first evaluate your business idea to see if it has the legs you hope it does. The very first step of the process is to do some research and analysis to dig into the potential of your idea. Here are a few ways to get you started.

Identify a Target Market

The most important step of qualifying a business idea is determining who will be buying your product or service. You need to create a picture of your ideal customer. Consider factors such as age, gender, education level, income, and location. The more you can narrow down the picture of your ideal customer the better. You won't be able to figure out if there is a market for your product or service until you have a very clear idea of who are selling it to.

Then, you need to conduct a market analysis — research to determine how big the market is, how saturated it is and if there is room for you to add your product or service to the mix. This guide to conducting marketing research is a great place to start.

It can also be helpful to create a test segment of your target market and conduct a focus group or a survey to find out who they really are. Then, you can decide if it makes sense to launch your business to a segment of your market to gauge response before committing fully to your business idea.

Know What Makes Your Product/Service Different

During your research, you will probably discover that there are other businesses already offering the same or similar products and services to your target market. This doesn't necessarily mean you won't be successful if you launch your business, but it certainly means you need to identify what makes your products and services different from the competition. You can do this by creating a unique selling proposition (USP).

A USP identifies what makes your business different, and why your target clients should choose you over the competition. Your USP can be a very effective tool that helps you define your brand and make your business memorable. This guide to writing a USP will help you get started.

Research the Competition

Just as you need to know who your ideal customer is, you also need to know who else us out there marketing to them. This is why it's really important to get an idea of who your competitors are before you move ahead with your business idea.

Two excellent tools for researching your competition are a competitive analysis and a SWOT analysis.

Conduct a Financial Feasibility Analysis

Another very important factor that plays into the validity of a small business idea is money. What will it cost to get your business off the ground? Where will that capital come from? What are your start-up and ongoing expenses? What is your earning potential once you're up and running? How will you bridge the financial gap between the start-up process and profitability?

This guide to conducting a financial analysis will help you get started gathering financial data. You will want to make sure you consider all potential capital sources, while you think about how you can bootstrap and limit the investment needed up front.

This may all seem like a lot of work, but you will be glad you did it. If you determine that your business idea isn't going to work, you may be disappointed but you will avoid wasting time and money on a likely failure. If it looks like your small business idea has potential once you've done your research, you will have a running start for the next step of the business start-up process — creating a business plan.

1. Coming up with a business idea is the first step in starting a business. But how do you come up with a business idea that is right for you?

Small Business Ideas for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you are looking for a small business idea (or even a micro business) to kickstart your path to entrepreneurship, you are in the right place. This list of 101 small business ideas includes everything from personal services, to retail opportunities, to environmental services, to pet-related ideas, to technology businesses. Use this list to identify the business idea that is perfect for your situation.

Air Duct Cleaner
Antique Furniture Sales
App Developer
Appliance Repair Technician
Aquarium Maintenance
Basement Remodeler
Blog Consultant
Bookkeeper
Business Consultant
Candle Maker
Candy Maker
Carpenter
Catering Service
Childproofing Expert
Cloth Diaper Service
Composting
Computer Repair and Maintenance
Computer Trainer
Construction Cleanup
Customer Service Professional
Data Entry Service
Desktop Publishing
Direct Mail Marketing Service
Disaster Planning and Prevention Service
Dog Trainer
Dog Treat Baker
Dog Waste Remover (Pooper Scooper)
Doula
eBay Consultant
eBay Seller
Florist
Freelance Writer
Furniture Mover
Gardener
Genealogist
Grant Writer
Green Cleaner
Green Consultant
Gutter Cleaner
Hair Salon Owner
Handmade Crafter
Handyman

Hauling Services

Holiday Decorator

Home-Based Child Care Provider

Home Stager

Home Theater Designer

Home Weatherization Professional

House Painter

Ice Cream Shop Business

Image Consultant

Ink and Toner Cartridge Refilling

Interior Designer

Internet Researcher

Jewelry Maker

Laundry Service

Life Coach

Locksmith

Marketing Copywriter

Massage Therapist

Medical Transcriptionist

Motivational Speaker
Nutritionist
Organic Hair Care Products Seller
Organic Lawn Care Provider
Party Planner
Personal Chef
Personal Concierge
Personal Trainer
Pest Control Professional
Pet Couture Designer/Seller
Pet Groomer
Pet Sitter
Photo Restoration Service
Photographer
Pizza Parlor
Pool Cleaning and Maintenance Provider
Private Tutor
Professional Organizer
Project Manager
Proofreader
Public Relations Agency
Resume Writer
Sales Consultant
Scrapbooker for Hire
Senior Care Provider
SEO Consultant

Snow and Ice Removal Service
Soap Maker
Social Media Consultant
Speech Writer
Tax Accountant
Translation Service Provider
Tree Farmer
Video Producer
Virtual Assistant
Virtual Call Center
Voice-Over Professional
Web Designer
Wedding Planner
Yoga Instructor

Now that you have a few business ideas in mind, you've completed the first step of starting a business: you're inspired! It's time to take the next step, and evaluate the business ideas that made it to the top of your list. Doing this research at the beginning of the process is vital to avoid wasting time and money on a business idea that flops.

Once you have confirmed there is a market for your business idea, it's time to jump in on the small business startup process, and you'll be on your way to starting a new business in no time.

How to Write the Market Analysis Section of a Business Plan

What to Include in the Market Analysis Section of a Business Plan

The market analysis section of your business plan comes after the products and services section and should provide a detailed overview of the industry you intend to sell your product or service in, including statistics to support your claims.
In general, the market analysis section should include information about the industry, your target market, your competition and how you intend to make a place for your own product and service. Extensive data for this section should be added to the end of the business plan as appendices, with only the most important statistics included in the market analysis section itself.

What Does a Market Analysis Section in a Business Plan Include?

The market analysis section of your small business plan should include the following parts:

Industry Description and Outlook: Detailed statistics that define the industry including size, growth rate, trends, and outlook.
Target Market: Who is your ideal client/customer? This data should include demographics on the group you are targeting including age, gender, income level and lifestyle preferences. This section should also include data on the size of the target market, the purchase potential and motivations of the audience, and how you intend to reach the market.
Market Test Results: This is where you include the results of the market research you conducted as part of your initial investigation into the market. Details about your testing process and supporting statistics should be included in the appendix.

Competitive Analysis: Who is your competition? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the competition? What are the potential roadblocks preventing you from entering the market?

Tips for Writing a Market Analysis

Here is a collection of tips to help you write an effective and well-rounded market analysis for your small business plan.

Since much of the market analysis section relies on raw data, the Internet is a great place to start. Demographic data can be gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau, a series of searches can uncover information on your competition, and you can conduct a portion of your market research online.

2. Be the Customer

One of the most effective ways to gauge opportunity among your target market is to look at your products and services through the eyes of a purchaser. What is the problem that needs to be solved? How does the competition solve that problem? How will you solve the problem better or differently?

3. Cut to the Chase

It can be helpful to your business plan audience if you include a summary of the market analysis section before diving into the details. This gives the reader an idea about what's to come and helps them zero in on the most important details quickly.

4. Conduct Thorough Market Research

Put in the necessary time during the initial exploration phase to research the market and gather as much information as you can. Send out surveys, conduct focus groups, and ask for feedback when you have an opportunity. Then use the data gathered as supporting materials for your market analysis.

Information that is highly number-driven, such as statistics and metrics included in the market analysis, is typically easier to grasp when it's presented visually. Use charts and graphs to illustrate the most important numbers.

6. Be Concise

In most cases, those reading your business plan already have some understanding of the market. Include the most important data and results in the market analysis section and move the support documentation and statistics to the appendix.

7. Relate Back to Your Business

All of the statistics and data you incorporate in your market analysis should be related back to your company and your products and services. When you outline the target market's needs, put the focus on how you are uniquely positioned to fulfill those needs.

Market Research Problems, Alternatives, and Questions

Step 1 - Articulate the research problem and objectives

Market research begins with a definition of the problem to be solved or the question to be answered. Typically, there are several alternative approaches that can be used to conduct the market research.

The Purpose of Step 1

The market research process consists of six discrete stages or steps. The task of the first stage of market research is to articulate the problem that the research will address. This includes defining the decision alternatives, and the research objectives. At first blush, this seems like an easy step. Aren't marketing problems easy to spot and easy to articulate? Beginning a research project falls into the category described as it looks easier than it is.

It is important not to define the market research problem too narrowly or too broadly. In the first instance, a market researcher may find that the actual problem has been missed because the focus was too narrow. Or even if the right research question has been addressed, other important variables may not have been considered, such as barriers to prevent copying by other competitors. In the second instance, too much information is likely to be collected - at considerable cost - and most of that data will never be used.

It is important to realize that it is not always possible to know the sweet spot in terms of scope until the data collection has begun or has been underway for a time. A change in the problem statement in qualitative research does not necessarily reflect poor planning. In fact, it may indicate new learning and the iterative nature of qualitative research.

Why a Problem Statement Is Useful

Writing a problem statement to guide the research is both practical and important. A problem statement clearly tells what is intended to be accomplished by the research, and so it is a very practical step with regard to obtaining resources to be used to conduct the research. Writing a problem statement is important because it points to how open or closed the research can be in its approach.

Open research is associated with qualitative research approaches and closed research is associated with quantitative research approaches.
Quantitative research seeks to identify the relations among a set of variables.
Qualitative research aims to gain some understanding of a phenomenon.

A market research project attempts to fill some gap in the knowledge about a phenomenon. In conventional research, this task begins with a formal literature review. In market research, research questions tend to come from internal clients about how to achieve a certain marketing objective or another.

How Market Researchers Identify Meaningful Research Questions

One of the best ways to identify the knowledge gap is to jot down all the questions that the market researcher or others have with regard to the research topic or situation. When the stream of questions dries up to a trickle, it is time to look for categories under which the questions can be grouped. These become the sub-categories. Either before or after creating the subcategories, look for an overarching question. This overarching question will be the first draft of the problem statement or research question.

An important difference between conventional research and market research is that the later is decision driven. Backward-mapping from the business decisions can assist the business manager and the market researcher to be on the same page with regard to priorities and aims of the research. That said, it is not unusual for a market research project to be exploratory, descriptive, or causal rather than decision-mapped research.

Exploratory market research seeks to provide insights into the nature of a marketing problem, come up with new ideas, or suggest a range of possible solutions to be considered. These, then, might drive the identification of the business decisions.
Descriptive market research might attempt to determine the magnitude of a marketing variable.
Some market research is experimental in form and aims to test a cause-and-effect relationship.

The Six Steps of Research

Step 1 - Articulate the research problem and objectives
Step 2 - Develop the overall research plan
Step 3 – Collect the data or information
Step 4 – Analyze the data or information
Step 5 – Present or disseminate the findings
Step 6 – Use the findings to make the decision

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Plum Village is Hakka Restaurant

Plum Village Restaurant – Staying true to its Hakka roots.

Plum Village Restaurant: Interior

Posted on Jun 10th, 2013

by Maureen

I am not a Hakka, but somehow I am a
big fan of Hakka food. Especially
during Chinese New Year, I always
look forward to visiting my aunt who
makes very good abacus seeds
(算盤子). It is made from yam and
flour, cut into abacus-bead shapes,
and cooked till soft and chewy. It is
then stir fried with minced chicken
or pork, dried shrimps, mushrooms
and various other vegetables. At
one moment, I even tried to find a
chef to teach me how to make
Abacus beads. Another moment, I
was cooking huang jiu ji, a chicken
stir-fry with home-made glutinous
rice wine and ginger.

Then, I was crazy about hong zao (红槽)
which is made by fermenting red yeast
and rice, and an indispensable
seasoning for Hakka people. It is
often used to stir-fry or steam with
meat such as Hong Zao Steamed Pork,
Hong Zao Chicken, and Hong Zao Pig
Tail. Here is my Chicken in Red
Glutinous Rice Wine (Hong Zao Ji)
recipe.

So when the colleagues decided to
treat me to Plum Village Restaurant
(梅村酒家) for my farewell lunch, I
was all over the moon! It is shameful
that I have never tried this hakka
restaurant before even though Jalan
Leban was my hometown. But
nevermind, better late then never!

Plum Village Restaurant: Salted vegetables with pork

Staying true to its Hakka roots, Plum
Village Restaurant is one of the few
authentic Hakka restaurants still
standing in Singapore today. Located
in the quaint locale of Sembawang
Hills along Upper Thomson Road,
this restaurant is one of those
quaint Chinese restaurants that reeks
of nothing but nostalgia. It serves
up heart-warming Hakka food
prepared by the owner, Mr Lai Fak
Nian, who has been cooking for over
30 years.

Plum Village Restaurant offers authentic
Hakka dishes such as Salted
vegetables with pork (梅菜扣肉,
$12.89 small). It takes a long time to
prepare this dish. Thick slices of pork
belly and preserved vegetables are
cooked and served in a dark sauce made
up of soy sauce and sugar. For
hokkien, we have Kong Ba pao which
is more savoury. Hakka’s version of
mei cai kou rou is much sweeter.
Plum Village’s pork belly is tender,
delicate and not too fatty. I can simply
finish this with a bowl of rice.

Plum Village Restaurant: Hakka Yong Tau Fu

Don’t expect fancy food here because
we are talking about traditional
Hakka dishes. Hakka Yong Tau Fu
(客家酿豆腐，$12 small) stuffed
with meat fillings was tasty. These
yong tau foo dishes are handmade
from scratch, hence it is very labour
intensive. The accompanying gravy
was thick and savoury.

Plum Village Restaurant: Plum Village's Abacus Beads

Plum Village’s Abacus Beads
(大埔算盘子，$7 small) is definitely
one of the better ones I ever have.
The yam is fragrant and every piece
of suan pan zi, there is more yam
than flour in each piece of suan
pan zi. The combination of the hae
bi (dried shrimp), mince pork and
mushroom really whet my appetite.

Plum Village Restaurant: Fried Prawns with Hakka Wine

I have heard of hong zao chicken, but
this is the first time I tried Fried
Prawns with Hakka Wine
(酒糟虾球，$12 small). Thick red
glutinous wine is stir fried with
prawns, very palatable!

Plum Village Restaurant: Pig Stomach Soup

Last but not least, a huge bowl of Pig
Stomach Soup (猪肚汤，$7) to be
shared. The soup is not too peppery
and the intestine do not have musky
taste. Each of us received a free
bowl of sweet potato soup for dessert.

Plum Village Restaurant is great for
casual family dinners or social
gatherings, and dining here will
definitely stir up feelings of nostalgia.
The pricing is friendly to the pocket,
and they truly serve authentic Hakka
dish that make me feel at home. The
boss is very friendly. Knowing that
I am very passionate about Hakka
food, he gave me his cookbook
for free and invited me to come
back again in September when
Plum Village celebrates 30 years
anniversary!

Plum Village Restaurant
Address: 16 Jalan Leban
Tel: +65 6458 9005
Serving Hours:
11.30am – 2.30pm,
(2:30pm - 6pm, staff rest time)
6pm – 10pm daily

Plum Village

(梅村酒家)

16 Jalan Leban,

Singapore 577554.

View Map (click here)

Nearest MRT

Yio Chu Kang

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Hakka

Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30 - 14:30
Daily: 18:00 - 22:00

Average Price: $17 based on 30 submissions

Suitable For: Children/Family(14 votes),; Dinner(13 votes),; Lunch(11 votes)

Phone: +65 64589005

THE BUZZ: Plum Village offers some of the best Hakka cuisine in Singapore, serving a tantalising collection of dishes that are suitable for casual dining and social gatherings. From warming soup recipes to abacus seeds, every dish in the menu is bound to satisfy your taste buds.

Located along Jalan Leban, this Hakka restaurant provides a casual and relaxed ambience to accommodate any form of dining where one can have meaningful time with their loved ones over a wonderful meal filled with the freshest and most delicious ingredients.

MUST TRY: Items to look forward to include Salted Vegetables with Pork, Hakka Yong Tau Fu, Abacus Beads, Fried Prawns with Hakka Wine and Pig Stomach Soup.

Salt Chicken

Salt Chicken :)

Suan Pan Zi ( Hakka for Abacus Beans)

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Toxicity of alkaline

Toxicity of

alkaline solutions.

Vancura EM, Clinton JE, Ruiz E, Krenzelok EP.

Abstract

We examined the question of what determines the toxicity of alkaline solutions--pH, viscosity, or other factors. Our experiments have identified pH measurement as the simplest and most easily measured parameter for determining initial management of caustic ingestions. Viscosity is not a clinically useful measurement. The closer to 14 the pH measures, the more destructive the caustic. Non-lye solutions known to cause esophageal ulceration have a pH of 12.5 to 13.5. Most cases of deep ulceration going on to stricture formation involve lye solutions of pH 14. The critical pH that causes esophageal ulceration is 12.5, and thus a patient ingesting a substance with a pH greater than 12 should be followed closely for the possibility of esophageal ulceration.

4. DESCRIPTION OF pH OR "ACID-BASE STATUS" IN THE BLOOD

4. DESCRIPTION OF pH OR

"ACID-BASE STATUS" IN THE BLOOD

Controversy and confusion surrounds this subject as there are many ways of expressing and presenting pH disturbance of the blood. Much of the literature deals with conflicting claims of superiority of one method over another.

It seems to me that one can deduce from any of the current methods of measurement on blood, the direction and to a lesser but acceptable extent, the magnitude of changes in the whole organism.

In practical clinical situations we want to know the direction of change, the size of the change and how it alters with time, physiological events and treatment. In such circumstances only large abnormalities are important.
At present the most popular system of description is that proposed by Astrup et al (1960) which uses pH, PCO2, base excess and/or standard bicarbonate. For reasons of logic this system is not described first. It must be emphasized that all the systems are compatible, so that results from one system can be converted to another by mathematical manipulation. In particular if base excess is positive both standard bicarbonate, non-respiratory pH, serum bicarbonate and total carbon dioxide will be greater than normal and vice-versa.
4.1 DIRECT ANALYSIS
It is logical to analyse blood for abnormal quantities of acids or bases which can cause changes in pH, e.g. lactic acid level in lactic acidosis or to quantitate part of the acid or base, e.g. Cl^- level in pyloric obstruction. Some of these investigations are not routinely available, e.g. keto acids, and in most clinical situations are unecessary as the chemical cause can be deduced from other clinical evidence.
Most clinical disturbances can be understood by deciding if the blood pH has changed and whether or not CO2 or other acid or base changes are the primary cause.
When there is more than one possible chemical cause for a change in pH and management of the possible chemical causes differ, it will be essential to chemically differentiate the possibilities, e.g. some cases of diabetic acidosis where either lactic or keto-acids may be involved.
4.2 ACTUAL pH, P CO2, NON-RESPIRATORY pH
4.2.1 Actual pH and PaCO2.
The simplest way of describing pH status abnormalities is in terms of actual pH and PaCO2 . If the actual pH is low, the primary disturbance is probably one that would lower the pH (i.e. an acidosis). If as well, the PCO2 is high, it is a primary respiratory acidosis; if low it must be a primary non-respiratory acidosis.

Table 4.2.1. shows the possible combinations of actual pH and PaCO2.

4.2.2 Actual pH, PaCO2, Non-Respiratory pH.
Use the Siggaard-Andersen nomogram when reading this section. This is supplied by Radiometer, A/S, Emdrupvej 72, Dk2400, Copenhagen, Denmark. This is the preferred method of quantitating pH or acid-base status.
pH in the blood may be altered by changes in the quantities of carbonic acid and/or acids other than carbonic or bases. Actual pH (pH of anaerobically collected blood), and [H2CO2] (i.e. PaCO2) are standard clinical laboratory estimations. The changes in pH due to non-respiratory acids or bases are estimated by measuring the pH of the blood in vitro having corrected the PCO2 to 40mmHg. This parameter is called the non-respiratory pH (Siggaard-Andersen, 1962). It was recognised by Jorgensen and Astrup (1957) who used it to calculate standard HCO3^-. Nunn (1962) called it reduced pH and recognised that it was a valid indication of non-respiratory acid-base status but he did not emphasize the idea. Pierce (1966) called it eucapnic pH, and advocates the system of expression used in this book. Hasselbalch (1918) also proposed the same thing (Siggaard-Andersen 1967).
The actual pH, the PaCO2 (or [H2CO2] ) and non-respiratory pH are derived by measuring the blood pH and constructing the pH/PCO2 titration curve. This curve is approximately a straight line on pH/ log PCO2 coordinates. It is called a "buffer" line although "pH/log PCO2" line is a better description. The PaCO2 is read off at the point where the pH/log PCO2 line crosses the actual pH value:

Figure 1 for Section 4.2.2. - Siggaard-Andersen Nomogram.

This is a PCO2-pH plot. I and II represent PCO2 - pH plots for two samples with pH 7.08 and PCO2 70mmHg. I is plasma. II is whole blood. III represents a similar plot for a fluid containing plasma but a haemoglobin concentration of 5g/100mls. The PCO2-pH plot can be constructed by plotting several pH's while altering PCO2. As the graph is approximately a straight line on log PCO2-pH coordinates, two points are usually sufficient. Alternatively, if one point on the plot is defined by measuring pH and PCO2 of anaerobically collected blood the line can be defined by determining its slope. When the slope is correct the reading on the Base excess curve will be equal to the reading on the Buffer base curve minus the number on the Buffer base curve opposite the Haemoglobin level in the blood sample, i.e. the Base excess read from the two curves will have to be the same.
Figure copied from O.Siggaard-Andersen. Therapeutic Aspects of Acid-Base Balance from Modern Trends in Anaesthesia, 3rd Ed. F.T. Evans & T.C. Gray. Pub. Butterworths, 1967, p.102.
The non-respiratory pH is read off at the point where the line crosses the isobar PCO2 = 40mmHg - see Figures 2 and 3 below:

Figure 2 - Section 4.2.2.

Non-respiratory pH. A Siggaard-Andersen Nomogram on which a pH/PCO2 line has been plotted and the actual pH marked. Non-respiratory pH is where the pH/PCO2 line crosses the PCO2=40mmHg line. In this case it is 7.1.

Figure 3 - Section 4.2.2.

Non-respiratory pH plotted as in Fig. 2. In this case non-respiratory pH is 7.23 (approx).
7.4 minus non-respiratory pH equals the fall in pH due to acids other than carbonic or to bases (change in pH due to non-respiratory acids or bases). Non-respiratory pH minus actual pH equals the fall in pH due to carbonic acid (change in pH due to respiratory (carbonic) acid).
Negative results equal rises. (see figures 4 and 5 below)

Figure 4 - Section 4.2.2.

Separation of pH changes due to CO2 from those due to other acids or bases. This plot is the same as in Figure 2. pH change due to CO2 is +0.14 units. pH change to other acids and bases is -0.3 units.

Figure 5 - Section 4.2.2.

Separation of pH changes due to CO2 from those due to other acids or bases. This plot is the same as in Figure 3. pH change due to CO2 is -1.3 units. pH change due to other acids or bases is -1.7 units.
SUMMARY
A. Actual pH of the blood may be affected by changes in:

1. Carbonic acid, and/or,
2. in acids other than carbonic, or in bases.

B. If the PCO2 is corrected to normal (40mmHg), the resulting pH deviation from 7.4 (7.4 minus non-respiratory pH) is due to acids other than carbonic acid or to bases.
C. Any other deviation in pH (non-respiratory pH minus actual pH) is due to carbonic acid changes.
D. The primary disturbance usually porduces the greater change in pH.

TABLE 4.2.2, showing possible combinations of actual pH, PaCO2 and non-respiratory pH.To show compatibility between this system and the base excess/standard bicarbonate system (Section 4.3), these parameters are also noted.

Table 4.2.2

Actual pH	PaCO2	Non-resp. pH	Base excess	Status
N	N	N	0	Normal
↑	↓	N	0	Acute resp.alkalosis(a)
↑	↓	↓	Negative	Chronic resp.alkalosis with renal compensation
↑	↓	↓	Negative	Chronic resp.alkalosis
↑	↑	↑	Positive	Non-resp. alkalosis with respiratory compensation
↓	↑	N	0	Acute resp. acidosis(a) without compensation
↓	↑	↑	Positive	Chronic CO2 retention with compensation(b)
↓	↓	↓	Negative	Non-resp. (metabolic) acidosis with compensation
↓	N	↓	Negative	Non-resp acidosis without respiratory compensation
N	↓	↓	Negative	Complete compensation or
N	↑	↑	Positive	Mixed disturbance
↓	↑	↓	Negative	Mixed respiratory & non-respiratory acidosis
↑	↓	↑	Positive	Mixed respiratory & non-respiratory alkalosis

(a) Brackett et al (1965) have shown that the in vivo pH-PCO2 curve differs slightly from the in vitro curve. In vitro PCO2 = 80mmHg gives a pH of 7.21 whereas in vivo the pH is about 7.16. This corresponds to a non-respiratory pH of 7.36, a base excess of -3meq/l and standard HCO3^- of 22 meq/l. The difference between the two curves is trivial clinically. Although the slight apparent in vivo non-respiratory acidosis is not a true non-respiratory disturbance, some change between body compartments must occur for it to happen. (See Appendix 4.2).

(b) Schwartz et al (1965) have tried to define what is the "normal" actual HCO3^-level in chronic hypercapnia. They conclude that if the HCO3^- (and therefore actual and non-respiratory pH) level deviates from an experimentally defined range some other complicating disturbance apart from "normal" compensation has occurred, e.g. a non-respiratory acidosis or alkalosis independent of the "normal" renal response to CO2 retention. The experimental work was done in dogs but even if we assume that it applies to man (Brackett et al 1969), the clinical situation of CO2 retention is rarely "pure" and rarely is the degree of CO2 retention constant. That is the initial assumptions of these studies is wrong. (See Appendix 3.1).

4.3 OTHER METHODS OF ASSESSING NON-RESPIRATORY pH CHANGES

(There are at least 6 indirect methods of assessing non-respiratory pH change. See Appendix A4.3. Base excess and Standard HCO3^- are still in current use, and will be defined here. They can be read off the Siggaard-Andersen nomogram. (Fig. 1 for Section 4.3))

4.3.1 STANDARD HCO3.

This is obtained by solving the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for [HCO2] when the pH is known and PCO2=40mmHg. 24.5meq/l = normal; >24.5meq/l = a high non-respiratory pH, <24 .5meq="" font="" l="a" low="" nbsp="" non-respiratory="" ph.="">

Actual pH

PaCO2

Primary pH Status

Normal

↑

↓

Respiratory alkalosis

↑

Non-respiratory alkalosis

↓

↑

Respiratory acidosis

↓

Non-respiratory acidosis

Actual pH	PaCO2	Primary pH Status
N	N	Normal
↑	↑	Non-respiratory alkalosis
↑	↓	Respiratory alkalosis
↓	↑	Respiratory acidosis
↓	↓	Non-respiratory acidosis