How to Relax and Put Your Negotiations on Auto-Pilot

You are in the middle of an intense negotiation for a big contract with a large company. If you are able to come to an agreement, you will make one of the largest commissions you've ever made. You are almost there, and then your negotiating opponent throws you for a loop by asking for a last-minute concession on the price.

What do you do?

If you have a proper system of negotiation in place, it will be easy for you. You will just react based on pre-defined rules that you've already set for yourself before starting the negotiations.

You do have a set of rules and a system in place, don't you?

If not, it's time to put one into place.

First, you will need to define the desired outcome of the negotiation. What is your ultimate mission and purpose? What does a successful outcome look like for you?

Within that framework, there will be plenty of smaller agreements to come to before the big agreement is made. So, you will need to draw out a map, at least in your mind and preferably on paper.

Start at square one and list all of the potential forks in the road. What decisions could you possibly have to make during the course of the negotiation? If you are offering consulting services for example, you may think of some of the following:

How many hours will you be expected to dedicate to this client?

Will you be working on-site or off-site?

Will you be the only one working on the client's project or will there be a team available?

Are you offering a guaranteed level of performance?

Are you going to bill up-front, after the work is done, or in small increments throughout?

For each one of these questions, you should already have an answer. Once one of these items comes up in the negotiation, you won't even have to think about your approach to it, your system will kick in and the answer is right there for you.

The same applies to a fighter pilot. If the pilot has lost control of the plane, there will be a certain protocol to follow that will eventually lead to the pilot ejecting from the plane. Because the pilot has trained beforehand and knows the sequence of events that lead up to this decision, he is able to eject calmly.

If you or I were in that situation and had never trained and thought of our system of evaluating when to eject, we would panic. We wouldn't know if ejecting is the right thing to do or not. We would question our own sanity. What's missing is a simple and automatic decision-making protocol.

So, before going into your next negotiation, consider all possible scenarios and decide beforehand how you will handle them. Will it be something you can continue on with, or will it be a roadblock that will prevent the continuation of the negotiation?

Once you have this system in place, your negotiations will be on auto-pilot.

Repairing Plaster Walls

Details on repairing plaster walls, here are a few steps that can help anyone that needs help in fixing plaster walls. There is a certain technique to it and if these steps are followed through correctly a hole in a plaster wall can be patched successfully.

1. Preparation- With a putty knife chip any loose or crumbling plaster from the edges of the hole until only solid plaster remains. Caution if you find seriously damaged lath underneath, the lath the lath must be repaired before replastering repair generally calls for the skills of a professional.

2. Undercutting all holes in plaster and all cracks wider than 1/8 inch or so must be undercut a procedure in which some of the old-but intact plaster is removed along the inner side of the hole (or crack) so that the patching material that is used as filler will bond securely to the solid plaster around the opening. To undercut use the tip of a beverage can opener or putty knife and scrape away a bit of the plaster under the rim of the hole. Then bevel the scraped area to make a V shaped hollowed under the surface. Vacuum or blow out the plaster dust from the undercut area.

3. Applying the first layer- Mix enough patching plaster to fill the hole almost completely. Moisten the back and edges of the hole with a sponge. Beginning at the undercut surfaces at the edges of the hole, apply the patching plaster is about ¼ inch below the surface of the undamaged plaster around the hole. While the patching plaster is still wet score its surface with the tip of the tapping knife. This scored surface will provide a firm grip for a second layer of patching plaster. Let the first layer set for about a half hour.

4. Applying the second layer. Mix a fresh batch of patching plaster. Dampen the scored layer of patching plaster and 2 or 3 inches of the undamaged surface and around the hole. Using a taping knife preferably wider than the hole, fill the hole with plaster to the level of the undamaged area, spreading the plaster onto the surrounding surface for an inch or so. Smooth this layer by drawing the knife blade evenly over the patched area. Let the plaster set

5. Completing the patch. Cover the filled hole with a smooth layer of wallboard joint cement or vinyl spackling compound, using a taping knife. Continue spreading the cement or spackling to an inch or so beyond the edges of the patching plaster. Let the patch area dry. When completely dry it will feel hard and have lost it clammy feel of wet plaster. Sand the dry area smooth with a sanding block and feather the edges of the compound into the surrounding surface. If you first do not succeed keep trying. Trying is the first step on becoming a great person. Thank you for reading.

Fax Machines Or Internet Fax - Which is Best For Your Business?

As technology makes advancements, the way that people communicate in the business world is changing. Many people still use fax machines to send documents and files. However, there are many advantages to using internet fax services instead.

New businesses may start up using internet fax services and find that they don't have the need to buy traditional fax machines. When they sign up for online fax services, they can send and receive faxes from other online fax users as well as those who still use traditional fax machines. Online fax services can provide virtual fax numbers. Businesses can have these printed on their business cards and documents, and use them exactly like they would use a regular fax number. Anyone can send them files using this virtual fax line. It is also usually much cheaper to get these virtual lines than to get a regular fax number. You can buy multiple lines and use them so that different employees have different fax lines.

How do these virtual numbers work? When someone faxes a file through to one of these lines, it goes through the internet fax service. The service provider is able to have the document converted to a computer friendly format, such as a PDF file or a TIFF file, which it can then send directly to you. You can receive these files as email attachments or at a secure website. Service providers use encryption to protect the confidentiality of your documents. You can also view your files on mobile devices, such your cellphone, if they are capable of displaying the file types and able to use email.

Sending files can also be a lot faster and easier with internet fax. Some companies provide special drivers and software, which allow you to send just about anything you see on your computer screen as a faxed document. Others will have you upload the files to a secure website to fax them. In either case, the files can be converted and sent almost instantly, in contrast to the time and effort it may take to send a traditional fax. It is usually quite easy to send faxes over the internet as well. The software will provide step by step instructions. It is as easy to send a fax over the internet as it is to send an email.

Internet fax services are available for a low flat rate, or sometimes they are charged by the page. There are no long distance charges, and you can sign up for a variety of different service plans. Different providers may have different special offers, as well, such as free trial periods. It is a good idea to read customer reviews or sign up for trails before you decide which service provider is best for you and your business. Online faxes can save you money, but it is important to look for a service that will best suit your needs and that will fit your budget.

The Power to Empower Yourself

A set of goals would empower you and you could then proceed to begin and follow your journey or voyage by setting your desired goals. Goal setting is indeed very necessary if you would like to empower yourself, as it is the initial step towards a more satisfying and fulfilling life. So to use personal empowerment to develop and further enhance your life, ample support from family, friends and relatives are essential and you need discipline as well to create and come up with the right and best decision in your life. Goal setting could be in the form of the achievable and the feasible and also, those which are not within your ability and your budget but that could be addressed later.

Personal empowerment will allow you to follow the dreams that are not within your means now. Take those small steps and set attainable and reachable goals within a brief time frame so that you would feel empowered when you accomplish them. Achieving goals become easier as you pursue and persist to empower yourself. You could take your time to experience your growth personally as it can be very empowering to aspire to move on and be more in life. There are several rewards you can reap to personal empowerment but you really need to think forward as goal setting would enhance your life for the better and likewise help you to attain more.

Inspiring moments are also helpful and it could enliven you more and move on to pursue and foresee more personal goals. As you pursue and reach every small goal, you can see positive and better changes in you and the succeeding set of goals become more and more challenging. You would begin to look forward to it and personal empowerment would form a life you truly desire and always dreamed about. Every personal growth would heighten and intensify your sense of power and ideas and ambition are no longer out of reach. You may also need to map out a group or team of action to handle with the several obstacles in life as they delay and postpone one's progress.

Always bear in mind to keep pushing yourself and think positive at all times, as they can be so empowering. Get rid of the negative vibrations and feelings. It will take time, yet try to make it a routine to think more on a positive note. Turning negative into something optimistic is a good distinctive feature and never, ever giving up as endurance and perseverance and patient and tolerant in overcoming the many barriers and hindrances, and always looking forward is truly important to empower oneself. To create something out of your own life, there are myriad of ways out there but each begins with a small step.

To begin empowering yourself, you have to do things which truly interest you and along the way, you would be the person ever you will hold in high regard. Don't stop empowering yourself because your personal empowerment and growth as a person will bring about self worth and positive image.

Living With Back Pain

In this day and age, it is often quite common to hear someone complain of back pain. Sedentary work days spent hunched over a computer, moms lifting heavy children, jobs that require physical labor - they can all result in back pain. And when you add to this equation the fact that as a society, our waistlines are continuing to expand then you may notice the correlation of this with increased back pain. Extra weight can not only cause back pain but exacerbate an existing condition.

While pain medication may seem like the answer when it comes to eradicating back pain, the truth may lay in much more holistic forms of treatment. It's true that medication will undoubtedly have an effect in reducing pain but it's really only treating the symptom rather than the underlying problem.

Rather, there are far more comprehensive ways to address back pain so that you are not reliant on medication to get through the day pain free. Exercise, believe it or not, is one of the best forms of back pain treatment and prevention. Injury to the back may initially stem from the weakness of muscles. It stands to reason, therefore, that if you work to strengthen those muscles, the injury will heal and pain will be eliminated. Exercise also does much to prevent back pain before it even begins. However, keep in mind that exercises such as weight lifting and low-impact aerobic exercise - especially when you are already experiencing a back injury or back pain - should be strictly supervised by your doctor. A medical professional can help design an exercise program based on your specific situation; thus working to address those muscles that will most contribute to your recovery. In the beginning, a simple walking program may be implemented, allowing you to get your body moving without putting unnecessary stress on your joints.

In line with an exercise program is also a program of stretching, yoga, or Pilates. The back muscles are enormously affected by the strength of the body's core - the midsection of the body where the abdominal muscles reside. If you have weak abdominals you will have a weak back. Working to strengthen this area will give your back the support it needs and help reduce back pain. A stretching program also fosters flexibility, working to loosen stiff joints and muscles which can work wonders for back pain management.

If you are experiencing back pain it is best to see your doctor right away. In many cases, a chiropractor can be enormously instrumental in helping the patient alleviate back pain. Work with your medical professional to find the best course of treatment for you.

The Alchemist and The Filmmaker - Part One of Two

Last week I was talking to my good friend Tim Beachum about new scripts I had completed, current projects, and future films I wanted to shoot. The conversation moved from talking about filmmaking to a book he had recently read called, "The Alchemist." I am confessed book junkie, but lately I have not been in the mood to read as much. My mind has been consumed with looking to the future for that next screenplay to write or movie to make.

I had never heard of "The Alchemist" and politely told Tim I did not have the time to read it. It was a complete BS excuse. The reality was I was mentally drained and frustrated that Slice Of Americana Films projects were not coming together as fast as I wanted them to. The goal was to fund, produce, and distribute two to three independent films a year in-house.

Sources of funding disappeared when the economy crashed and burned. Film investors for indie projects became scarce. The executive producers for two films that were going to be shot back to back had to pull out after already spending $15,000 on early preproduction. The commercial buildings they built in Southern California sat empty with no tenants. This changed their cash flow dramatically and the projects were now dead.

Last Friday a copy of "The Alchemist" arrives as a gift from Tim with a note that said, "Sid, you have to read this book as soon as you get it!" I put it on my desk without even reading the back cover. Instead I chose not to be productive at all and spent the weekend burning off steam to relax.

I felt somewhat better after raising a little hell, but was not looking forward to another round of pitching to new investors for the next two movies. My mind had already been geared up to get on set, roll cameras, and make two entertaining movies. Now I was back at step one of financing. I really felt like that first deal had been a total waste of time and energy. At the end I had accomplished zero and was not any closer to the goal of producing two to three movies a year in-house.

Sunday I finally started reading "The Alchemist" and could not put it down. I finished it that night. I immediately called Tim to say thanks for sending it. He told me, "Sid, no problem amigo. I wasn't going to let an excuse keep your mind stuck in the mud."

Funny, how life works sometimes. The unselfish gesture of a friend had a positive mental impact that came at a point when I needed it most. I would have never read this book if it had not been sent as a gift. It turns out this story shined a light on what I was overlooking lately as a filmmaker.

The story author Paulo Coelho told in "The Alchemist" spoke to me. My personal take on the theme for me is this. Everything I had done from writing my first short story as a teenager to having movies distributed has been part of my own creative journey.

I had a renewed appreciation for all the knowledge of screenwriting, directing, and producing I have learned and continue to learn as I pursue what author Paulo Coelho describes as a "Personal Legend - the path we decide to take that fills our heart with enthusiasm. It is the path of our dreams."

I have learned many important lessons, both good and bad, from actors to distribution companies I have worked with in the film industry. I am now more grateful for having the opportunity to have been in the position to live and learn through those experiences. My creative and business mindset has been changed for the better.

This is part I of II. I will continue my story of how reading "The Alchemist" inspired a new perspective on screenwriting, producing, and directing films if that is your Personal Legend, like it is mine. This is indie filmmaker Sid Kali typing: Fade Out Part I of II of The Alchemist & The Filmmaker.

Basketball Secrets to Improve Your Game

First, I want to discuss with you the two most important factors in all sports whether you're in basketball or if you're jumping rope.

These 2 factors have nothing to do with your size, your talent, or your ability but they have everything to do with how you play the game. And as a matter of fact, it's the only two things we can control. The first factor that I'll discuss is your attitude. You may have heard that "attitude is everything", well trust me it is. People hate being around others with a negative or pessimistic attitude. If that describes yourself, then stop right now and figure out where your bad attitude stems from and work to correct it.

The next factor is your effort. If you plan to do anything, you must do it one-way and one-way only: That's ALL OUT! Now, great basketball players all start out in the same way: with a plan. So, tell me where is it you want to go? What are your dreams? Desires?

Now, let me ask you have you made any plans to get to where you want to go?

There was a quote that I heard that says, "If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail"

Do you have your plans in front of you tracking your results? So, with that said, I want to give you some goal setting tips for you to improve on your game. Goal setting is the key to getting what you want out of life. Remember that Life just doesn't happen, you have to make it happen. And you must be relentless in your pursuit of your goals. So here are my top 10 lists of goal setting tips:

1. Define exactly what you want (the clearer the better)

2. Set priorities with deadlines

3. Develop a love for your work

4. Always do more than someone ask you

5. Respect all people

6. Write notes and track your progress

7. Develop love for learning

8. Picture success (what does it look like, feel like, can you taste it?)

9. Never say quit

10. Live your life with no regrets. (Go ALL OUT!!!)

So, I'm going to leave you with something that has extremely beneficial in my basketball days as well as my days as business owner. Eliminate these three words out of your vocabulary:

Try, But, Can't

Eliminate these words and start today setting your own goals and you'll see magical things happen to your game as well as to your life!

Softball - How it All Started

Of all documented sports, softball might by far be the one with the clearest genesis. Unlike football, soccer or golf, softball's history is very distinct. This might be due to the sports young age.

Softball originated in a Chicago suburb in 1887. George Hancock is single-handedly credited for creating the popular game. He is said to have drawn a diamond on a floor then used broom's handle as a batting stick to hit boxing gloves tied together to form an oversize ball.

Softball originally was an indoors game, exclusive to men. With time, the game was modified loosely as a shortened baseball version. Ironically, the game was given a larger ball than that for baseball and yet a smaller playing field. Hancock soon painted some permanent lines in his gymnasium, which helped him derive some playing rules.

Softball popularity caught a fire and Hancock published rules of the game officially. It was the popularity and amusement that softball gained that eventually saw it featured on outdoor fields, especially during summer.

The genesis of softball is thus as both an indoors and outdoors game, based on weather patterns. Softball teams and even leagues developed in many towns soon after, especially in northeaster states like Chicago, Minnesota, Massachusetts and New York. The game was however still a male's dominion.

At around 1895, women's softball was in initiated, again in Chicago, where West Division High became the pioneer women team. By 1900's softball, tournaments and leagues gained popularity. In 1933, a National Championship was inaugurated in Chicago for both male and female teams. Thus begun one of the most beloved sport, simple and yet passionate.