Google Local Business Center - 5 Reasons You Must Put the Power of Google Behind Your Local Business

The Google Local Business Center is a tool that enables business owners to more effectively connect with customers searching on Google for information about local business. It puts business owners in control of their business listings and helps them to provide information about their businesses that is authoritative, helpful, and, timely.

The Local Business Center (LBC) is even useful for businesses that do not have Websites as Google's LBC makes it possible for them to use the local business listing as their presence on the Web.

Signing up for an account with the LBC - and adding or claiming your local business listing - should be a top priority for your business for five key reasons:

1- Your Customers and Competitors' Customers Search Google to find Local Businesses

The Google Local Business search engine - which you can find at either local.Google.com or maps.Google.com (maps is, by far, the more popular of the two) - gets an average of more than 50 million unique visitors every month.

That's a lot of people searching every month for, among other things, local businesses to buy from.

And although it's advisable to sign up for local business accounts at Yahoo, Bing, and other search engines, a Google Local Business account should be your immediate priority because Google is the runaway leader in local business search market share, with more than double the local business search market share of maps.yahoo.com, maps.bing.com, and yellow.pages.com combined.

Please note that all links, images and videos can be found on the author's Website - the address for which appears in the Resource Box of this article.

Of course, in spite of Google's best efforts to promote the LBC - and the utilization of maps.Google.com - there are many millions of people who still use the google.com Website, even when searching for local business information. And, as you'll learn in the next section, that gives local businesses an opportunity to capture some space at the top of Google's "traditional" Web search results.

2- A Google Local Business Listing Can Take You to the Top of Google

Google's launch of universal search in May 2007 meant that content from Google Images, Google Local/Maps, Google Video, and so forth could be integrated into its "traditional" Web search results pages.

This means that Google can - and often does - serve up local business listings as part of the Web search results even if location is not specified (it appears that Google's search algorithm is able to detect "local intent").

It's increasingly common to find Google local business listings on the first page of search results - often at the top - as the "Google Local Business Seven-Pack" (a reference, obviously, to the fact that Google displays the top seven local business search results in a cluster of seven).

Alternatively, Google may display a search query box at the top of the search results page that asks searchers: Looking for local results for keyword?

Either way, a Google Local Business listing can put a business on the fast-track to a coveted position at the top of Google's search results that may have been impossible to capture otherwise.

3 - People Who Search Google for Local Businesses Take Action

A Google-sponsored, comScore.com study that looked at the importance of search in influencing offline buying behaviour found that 25% of searchers purchased an item directly related to their search queries, and that, of those buyers, 37% completed their purchases online while an even greater 63% completed their purchases offline following their search activity.

The study results underscore the fact that a Google Local Business listing is not only effective at driving traffic but, more importantly, it is effective at driving traffic that converts.

4 - The Advent of Google Local Search for Mobile

As they continue to become more sophisticated and the browsing experience continues to improve, access to the Internet via mobile phones will continue to rise. In fact, Gartner predicts that access to the Internet via mobile devices will overtake PCs by 2013.

Google has clearly understood for a long time the synergy between local search and the mobile Web, as some key developments suggest:

· Google's July 2005 acquisition of Android Inc, a manufacturer of software for mobile phones (which started triggered speculation that Google was looking to dive into the mobile phone market; the acquisition also eventually led to the development of the Android mobile operating system)

· Google's September 2009 launch of an improved Local Search for Mobile allows users to, among other things, "star" search results on their PCs and have them automatically appear on their mobile phones; it also allows users to search by browsing local business categories without typing (the video on the author's Website offers a brief introduction to the functionality of Google Local Search for Mobile)

· Google's November 2009 $750 million acquisition of mobile advertising company AdMob (on the heels of a five-fold increase in mobile search traffic over the previous two years)

· Google's December 2009 distribution of Favourite Places decals to more 100,000 of the most sought-out and searched US businesses on Google.com and maps.Google.com (see the video on the author's Website for details on Favourite Places)

· Google's January 2010 entry into the mobile phone market that finally ended years of speculation about Google's plans for the mobile phone market

Naturally, Google will continue to innovate in both the local search space and in the mobile web search space. The key takeaway is that the businesses that get on board early will be the ones to reap the greatest rewards. And it all takes to get on board is to visit the Google LBC and claim or add your local business listing.

5 - The Google LBC is Easy to Use and It's Free

If you've already got a Google account, you can simply sign in to the Google LBC and get started right away. If you don't have a Google account, all you have to do is sign up for one (you can sign up on the LBC sign-in page).

The video on the author's Website offers a brief walk through of the easy process for signing into the Google LBC and claiming (or adding) your local business listing.

As Google continues to promote local search, usage of local search by consumers will only increase. And considering that consumers who employ local search are buyers, don't you think that you should sign up for Google's LBC and get your local listing working for your business today?

Studio Condenser Microphone - How To Choose The Right Condenser Studio Mic

The best for home and professional studio setups!

A studio quality microphone is crucial for top recordings whether you are recording within a studio and need your own equipment, or are setting up a home studio. Depending on what you are looking to use the microphone for, will depend on the right brand and model for you. Although, a studio condenser microphone is what is will be deep down, as condenser mics are the best when it comes to quality studio sound.

Whether it be vocals, instruments or both, a condenser mic will most likely be the best bet, for quality recordings and professional sound.

So, why "condenser" for studio microphones?

Condenser mics are the most common style of studio microphone due to the transient and frequency response being much greater than other types of microphone.

What this means in simple terms, is that a studio condenser microphone can reproduce the sound quicker of vocals and instruments alike, allowing a much clearer and richer sound when recorded.

Studio microphones generally come in two different choices. One with a small diaphragm and one with a larger diaphragm!

They are generally used for the recordings of different things.

In simple terms,

A small diaphragm studio condenser microphone is perfect for recording stringed instruments due to the ability to produce the faster sounds. These are also great for recordings of concerts too.

Larger diaphragm condenser mics are generally more suited to other instruments but more so vocals due to the lower punchy style recording. These are the most common when recording vocals in a pro studio or home studio.

Again, depending on what you are looking to use the microphone for will depend on the brand and model as microphones from Shure, Studio Projects, AKG, Rode, and many other brands all do the job of many things.

There is a plethora of choice when it comes to studio microphones, it just depends on what type of recording you want to achieve and of what you are attempting to record.

Accounting Implication of a Global Financial Crisis

The term 'Global Financial Crisis' means economic scarcity where there exists a continuous drawback against strategic stable economic growth in the world. The underlying backgrounds with regard to the crisis had been reported in business journals for many months before September 2008, with the emphasis on the financial stringency of U.SA and world investment banks, insurance firms and mortgage Securities Companies consequent to the sub prime business crisis . Introducing with some evil criticism against the business failures predominated by misapplication of risk controls for bad debts, col-lateralization of debt insurance and fraud, large financial institutions predominating in the United States and other regions in the world had confronted a credit scarcity and sloth progression in economic activity. The impacts speedily updated and emerged into a global shock resulting in a number of European bank failures and declines in various stock indexes, relevant with numerous reductions in the market value of equities and commodities take place. The sub prime mortgage crisis arrived a critical stage during the first week of September 2008, characterized by severely contracted liquidity in the global credit markets and insolvency threats to investment banks and other institutions. It is observed by a critical analysis that the position in respect of the reserve from banks in the Federal Reserve System began increasing over required levels of about $ 10 billion at the beginning of September 2008, just after the Democratic and Republican national conventions, and just before the stock market crash and presidential debts.

Consequent upon such global financial crisis, there was a great impact in accounting strategy and in reference to world trade economy; there was scarcity of resource to measure the strength of the existing pose of the financial institutions. For such adverse connotation of Accounting, the International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board in the present day publicized supplementary steps in response to the global financial crisis following their joint board meeting held in London on 23 and 24 March 2009. These postulates have helped to establish the original form of financial statements. In former format of balanced sheet strategy, there was no scope to reflect some economic events like inflation, interest rate and mortgagelining affairs but in the present reform strategy, sufficient changes based on accounting implication have been made with so many revolutionary altercations. In reference to global financial crisis, the IASB was accepted in 2001 and is the standard-setting establishment of the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation, and self-regulating private sector, not-for profit organization. The IASB is steadfast to mounting, in the public interest, a single set of high quality, global accounting standards that provide high quality crystal clear and equivalent in order in general purpose financial statements. With regard to the objective, the IASB demeanor wide-ranging public consultations and seeks the co-operation of intercontinental and national bodies around the world. Its 14 members are drawn from nine countries and have a variety of professional backgrounds. They are appointed by and accountable to the Trustees of the IASC Foundation, who are required to select the best available combination of technical expertise and diversity of international business and market experience. Since 1973, the US Financial Accounting Standards Board was elected in the private sector for establishing standards of financial accounting and reporting. Those standards administrator the preparation of financial reports and are authoritatively recognized as authoritative by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Such standards are indicative to the resourceful function of the cost-cutting measure for the reason that investors, creditors, auditors and others rely on reliable, transparent and comparable economic information. Structuring on work underway, the two boards have agreed to work jointly and expeditiously towards common standards that deal with off balance sheet activity and the accounting for financial instrument. They will also work towards analyzing loan loss accounting within the financial instruments project. Furthermore, the boards have agreed to issue proposals to replace their respective financial instruments standards with a common standard in a matter of months, not years. As part of this project the boards will examine loan loss accounting, including the incurred and expected loss models. The boards will continue to draw on expertise provided by the Financial Crisis Advisory Group (FCAG), a high level advisory body formed to guide the boards in their joint response to the financial crisis. Composition of the FCAG includes current and former investors, regulators, central bankers, finance ministers and others from industry and the public sector.

The FCAG was established by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to advise the two boards about standard-setting implications of the global financial crisis and potential changes to the global regulatory environment. It consist of 18 senior leaders with broad international experience with financial markets, joined by official observers representing key global banking, insurance, and securities regulators. The chairmen and a few other board members from the IASB and the FASB also participate in the discussions. The FCAG has considered as to how improvements to financial reporting may help to enhance investor confidence in the financial markets and is seeking to identify, and endow with input and advice on, significant accounting issues that require the boards' immediate attention or longer-term consideration . Topics being discussed include, among others, fair value accounting, loan provisioning, and structured entities and other off-balance sheet vehicles. The FCAG was also interested in exploratory the oversight of the boards, the standard-setting process in exigent situations, and the benefits of convergence of the two boards' standards. As part of its work, the FCAG is considering various studies connected with the financial crisis, such as the US Securities and Exchange Commission's study on 'mark-to-market' accounting, the UK Financial Services Authority's Turner Review on the global banking crisis, and the Financial Stability Forum's work on addressing procyclicality in the financial system. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) this week announced the membership of the Financial Crisis Advisory Group (FCAG). The FCAG is the high-level advisory group set up by the boards to consider financial reporting issues arising from the global financial crisis. The group includes recognized leaders from the fields of business and government with a broad range of experience in international financial markets.

In view of the above discussion it is evident that the criteria as set forth as per Accounting standard that the focus should now be on ensuring that IFRS continues to be a high quality principle based accounting language. The world trade authorities need to engage with the standard setting process, as more and more countries adopt IFRS. The steps relevant to financial crisis endorse an assurance to a joint approach to the financial crisis and to the overall goal of seeking convergence between International Financial Reporting Standards and US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). There is no denying the fact that in relation to global financial crisis, the IASB and FASB have significant role to switch over the difficulties in regard to the world economic crisis. They have taken effective steps to measure the risks and uncertainty of these areas. The required discussion for those with IFRS experience to share their views and knowledge. In areas such as accounting, being too prescriptive with global measures could backfire. Issuance guidance those results in mechanical rule-following could be a recipe for disaster. The underlying principals based standard setting and professional jurisdiction has a vital role to play and should not stifle recovery. If this can be achieved through the consultative process, it should be possible for public and private sector parties to contribute to the evolution of individual standards, from the initial standard setting phase.

In view of the above it is evident that in the major cases, the concern authorities should subsequently be in a position to give their support to new standards, as they are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. However, the reforms strategy of change in present financial reporting system concludes that while the crisis has revealed deficiencies in the World's own regulatory system, the concern authoritative Board is still well positioned to play an active role in designing new global structures and ensuring that they are transparent and accountable and that developing countries as well as others are represented, in order to increase the legitimacy of the decision-making process.

The Benefits of Renewable Energy: What Do You Know?

For as long as can be remembered, people everywhere have been encouraged to 'go green' but is it easily done?

For many the notification of going green means changing a number of things from switching to organic produce, shopping for products with renewable packaging and of course opting to power their homes with renewable energy. These changes are often considered too costly and inconvenient for the average home owner after-all who has the time to find an organic only supermarket and renewable energy specifically is not affordable is it?

Contrary to popular belief, making your home greener could not be easier! From local supermarkets now offering a range of organic produce and products with recyclable packaging, to a vast number of green energy providers offering tariffs that are more than suitable for the average home owner; how could it be difficult?

Making the shift to greener solutions is no longer inconceivable and sometimes as costly as it once was, we can all now easily make a number of changes that may positively impact the environment. As a result, there are many around the world that are now proud to shout about the green changes they have made; from the average home owner to politicians and celebrities but are you following suit for the right reasons?

Going green can vastly improve the state of today's environment but are you making changes because you know exactly what kind of positive impact are you having or simply because your favorite celebrity is doing so?

If you are considering going green, knowing what impact certain changes may have is a great way to ensure that you keep going, for all the right reasons ...

Saving Resources

Have you ever considered how much effort and how many materials are required to build that sofa or to ensure that your plastic bottle of milk reaches you in the best condition possible? Shopping with sustainable companies ensures that fewer resources are being used which means that trees and plants are not entirely destroyed and extremely there is less non-degradable waste to damage the environment.

Save Money

For businesses in particular, by going green you actually can cut costs by a surprising margin. From opting for refillable ink cartridges in the printer to ensuring all monitors are switched off at the end of the day you would be surprised as to how much energy you save and what impact this conservation can have on the environment.

Save Energy

From leaving your lights on for hours to keeping appliances on standby; Did you know that overuse of energy is one of the big causes of environmental damage? Although alternative, renewable energy resources are growing in popularity, the majority of homes still use gas and fuel; the production of which causes immunity damage to the environment. If you do still use these traditional methods in your home then keep this simple math equation in mind; the less you use, the less is produced and in return the less damage there will be on the environment.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

We are all responsible for our own carbon footprint ie the effect every single one of our actions has on the environment. The certain lifestyle changes you make will absolutely reduce the contribution you make to the release of reducing carbon dioxide into the environment. You may not be able to save the planet planet but by opting to choose sustainable products that will ensure less trees are destroyed, limiting your use of energy, choosing to travel by public transport to minimize your use of harmful fumes released from your vehicle along with many other changes will ensure that if nothing else, you can rest easy knowing that you have done your part.

Do you know why you are going green?

From Small Change to Philanthropy

Whether charities are working with small change, and collecting on the street, organizing street teams, or working with a massive set of donations, or organizing events of all kinds, Managed File Transfer can support the organization, support and collection of monies for charities with ease.

Working online to collect funds

A major field of fund collection right now is online donations - whether it's a tip jar in PayPal or FirstGiving, requiring accounting, tracking and information. Whether this information is going to accountants or to another front line support group is not important - what, is the ability to track and share the information they need. It's crucial to understand at this joke that there is more to charity collection than financials, but as this is a major aspect of the most charity projects, the main system geared can be moved towards this with ease.

Complying with bank orders and protecting data

Complying with bank data is easier with MFT - whether a client has set up a direct debit, or they are collecting for charity the documents in question can be sent with ease using MFT, and may ever replace the need for paper at all - once it's scanned into the client system, it can be stored and saved in one accessible repository, dispensing with the need for paper files at all - but before companies move toward that, there has to be a greater understanding of how the range of software can support people . Data protection however is tantamount - whether the contributions are given with the expectation of privacy or the simple protection of financial data, MFT supports the transfer of encrypted data.

Distributing support where it's needed most

Whether organizing an event or a project where the money is to be distributed, liaising with companies outside of the scope of reference of the group is simple. Attach it to an email with one click (when integration is present) and the software does the rest - uploading, encrypting, tracking and logging the status of access and more. It's crucial to understand that it really is mostly hands off on install, because many groups overlook the time saving when looking at the budget costs. It can represent a serious saving of manpower, and also allows for the logging and support of compliance and auditing.

Finally, MFT can be at the center of organizing events and projects - and dealing with the external groups - transferring critical documents via email means that the data can be with the group you're using in real time, without creating information or posting problems. And because you can guarantee that people will lose paperwork, MFT represents cutting that out - it's as simple as sending an email with a link to organize or tender bids.

Disadvantages of Using Cosmetics

Although cosmetics can make you look more attractive in a matter of few minutes, these chemical compounds can have more disadvantages than what you might have thought of. Yes, there is no doubt that they offer advantages such as beautifying oneself to enhance appearance and boost confidence. They help to cover any marks or dark spots on the face providing for a better appearance. However, the disadvantages of cosmetic products far outweigh the advantages.

As these products are made up of different chemical compounds, they can pose a threat to your skin if used too frequently or over used. Some people may be allergic to certain chemicals that may be contained in these products. Therefore when purchasing, we should always read up on the package the ingredients that is used in making the product. Certain chemicals can cause reactions on skin and instead of beautifying you, they may cause your face to have skin infections and in some cases pimples. If you were to apply a lot of different creams and other forms of cosmetics, they may also pose a threat to your skin as a combination of various different cosmetics may not be good.

If you are using a certain type of cosmetic product, you should stick to it and not change too frequently as it can cause your skin to react to the different chemicals permanently being applied. Also, if you use cosmetic products too frequently, you may not realize that it is actually affecting your skin. But as you age, you would be able to see the effects. You should always consult your dermatologist if you are unsure if a certain product would be suitable to your skin type. If used without care, it can cause irritation to your skin.

Cosmetic products can also be costly therefore; you should refrain from using them too often. You would not want to be spending half of your salary on these products. Once your skin gets used to make-up being constantly applied onto it, you would have no other option but to continue. Otherwise, your skin would not look good in its natural state.

There are natural methods you could use to beautify your skin and hair instead of using cosmetic products. This could help you in several ways such as saving a lot of money and ensuring your skin stays in its natural condition. Some forms can be eating certain food and recipes that would give you smooth skin and strong shiny hair. For example, research has shown that eating fruits and vegetables actually strengthens your hair and makes it healthy. These methods are not only good to the skin but may even benefit your body in other ways including providing beautifying effects such as keeping you healthy.

There are always alternatives that you can use to look beautiful instead of simply over using cosmetic products. To a certain limit, cosmetic products can be applied. But if over used, they can be more harmful instead of being beneficial. You can choose to buy the right colored clothes that would suit your skin tone; a natural and easy way to look better. Working out at the gym to get toned and look more attractive can be another method. It simply depends on what you choose to take up. You should make decisions you would not want to regret.

Airport Transfer Service In London - Guarantee A Comfortable Trip

London - a city with a regal charm. The capital city of United Kingdom is the largest financial center in the world and hence is the home to more than 100 of Europe's 500 largest companies' headquarters. London is a place where tourists along with prominent businessmen visit, making this metropolis the most visited city in the world. All the airports in United Kingdom use 'London' in their name. However, five out of these eight airports witness the high traffic. These five international airports make the city's airspace the world's busiest urban center. The Heathrow Airport in south London is the busiest airport in the world in terms of the visits made by international tourists. However, the rest four, that is London Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport, Luton Airport and London City Airport are also witnessing a measurable traffic. The airport transfer service in London is very commendable in terms of the facilities and comfort it guarantees to every passenger.

There are many transport vehicles available outside London Airport, offering the passengers to choose according to their choice. Minicabs, taxis, shuttle cars, mini buses are to name a few vehicles that you may find at your service. There are many private car leasing companies that guarantee you a hassle-free trip in London. You can browse through the internet to find a car hiring company and book your vehicle in advance. The airport transfer service in London offers you the true value for your money. Wait and return trips or Business trips, an economic ride on minicabs or a beautiful luxurious ride in a chauffeur driven limousine, you can be assured of experiencing a hassle free trip herein.

The Airport Transfer service in London is dedicated in making the journey of a tourist most comfortable to the very best. There are special facilities for the physically handicapped persons. The private car hiring companies that are at fray in the airport terminus ensure that you never run short of choices. These private transport companies have different rates and so you can book your transport as per your budget. They operate 24 hours in the day, seven days in a week and 365 days in a year. So, you can avail transportation facilities even if you arrive in the city at late hours in the night.

The Airport Transfer service in all London airports seeks to serve the tourists and visitors in the best possible facilities. The private car hiring companies come with experienced and professional drivers so as to ensure that your trip is a comfortable and safe one. When bookings are made in advance, some of these companies offer 'Meet and Greet' service. This service sees the driver of the hiring company waiting for you in the arrivals' lounge and guiding you to the vehicle you have booked.

Gatwick Airport is the busiest airport in London after Heathrow airport. As in Heathrow airport, the facilities you find here guarantee easy and comfort to the very best. Along with cars, cabs and minicabs and minibuses, private transport services are available in plenty. The transport companies operating here also offer large vehicles so as to accommodate large groups. Airport transfers Gatwick operates 24 x7 for people's convenience. The rates are comparatively lower than other London Airports.

Airport transfers Gatwick is full of sufficient amenities that guarantee state of the art facilities to the tourists. The shuttle services available here are competent in providing emergency services to the passengers. The transfer services from Gatwick Airport connect the airport with the rest of the city, hence catering to the needs of the passengers to the very best.

Airport Transfer service in London, owing to the advanced communication facilities, commands eminent appreciation. And certainly, Airport transfers Gatwick has been one of the assets that uphold the prestige and regard of the city of London, as a whole.