Why Could An Offshore Structure Suit My Business

The offshore business world is full of unvalid, unprofessional and inefficient solutions, which cause the negative attitude towards offshore countries and offshore companies. Without making a deep research people come to mistaken conclusions about the opportunities the offshore world can offer.

Wisely and carefully studied International business company (IBC) and offshore company’s structure, business activities bring good results, big time and money saving as well as confidentiality and satisfaction.

Once decided to incorporate an offshore company it is important to consult with professionals and experienced specialists in the sphere. Companies, trusts, bank accounts, banking licenses, gambling licences, yachts registration are just a few of the many solutions that can be provided for a client’s needs. CarloScevola&Partners, one of the leading consultancy companies, provides suitable and lawful offshore structures for private or business deals, always in 100% legal contests.

Offshore management world is ever-changing, and a consultant must be a deep and dynamic expert of ALL the jurisdictions and international laws. In order to be always updated with the latest news and regulations, and ready to anticipate any changing in the international scenario, it is essential to have strict working contacts with local authorities and financial institutions. One offshore country can not be preferred to another one; each of them has different characteristics and provides various opportunities for international business companies. Ready-made products from a consultant’s side is a sign of unprofessionalism and incompetence.

So, when a business is organized legally, when structure and organization of the company give much more profit than any other variant, when good and always better results are guaranteed, why to refuse the offshore experience'

By :- Carlo Scevola

Carlo Scevola
CEO, President, Chairman
Carlo Scevola & Partners
14 Wall Street 20th Floor
New York NY 10005
E-mail :- c.scevola@carloscevola.com
http://www.carloscevola.com

The Leadership Development Plan

Many people are born leaders, yet the ability to lead is actually an art and an amazing collection of skills, which can be learned and sharpened through a series of daily habits and activities. The following ten keys will provide the foundation for a powerful leadership development plan and can be your guide in expanding what is possible in your life personally, professionally, and spiritually.

1. Start your day with Intention.

There is a direct correlation with how you start your day and the quality of your life. Most people start the day in a hurry and as a result play catch up all day long. Unless you try something different this sense of not being able to get it all done won't change. Here is a suggestion. Spend 10-15 minutes each morning for daily reflection looking at the major areas of your life: career, relationship, family, community, and spirituality. Ask yourself what are you grateful for and what do you intend to accomplish. Then ask yourself what will be the highlight of your day. By asking yourself this question you will have created a positive expectation throughout the day. No matter what is going on or who you are interacting with, you can always ask yourself this question. Remember this time in the morning is your time and no one else's so it is essential to take this time before listening to the news or reading the paper. This practice becomes a spiritual practice and mental discipline so that your ability to focus and concentrate increases dramatically. You also expand your ability to say no to limiting beliefs.

2. Be dedicated to a high level of learning.

Great leaders are highly competent, because they are dedicated to a high level of learning, growth, and improvement. They know the worse thing they can do is to be too comfortable. Spend 15-20 minutes each day devoted to learning something new. Do not settle for knowing "how" to do something. Dig deeper by asking the question "why" and then go find the answer. Search the internet, consult with experts, or take a day trip to find the answer to a question that is on your mind or the minds of those who follow you. Don't hesitate to hire a consultant, coach or expert in your field. At the end of the day ask yourself "what did I learn today?"

3. Follow a regular exercise routine.

One of the most beneficial and practical habits you can develop is a regular exercise routine. There is no question that regular exercise has many benefits. The most energetic people that I come in contact with all exercise. They look better, feel better and always seem to have time to do what they want. From a time management perspective they are mentally alert, more efficient and able to get more done in less time. From a health prospective there are numerous studies that document the value of exercise....just read any of the bulletins from the American Heart Association. An additional benefit is that many leaders have asserted that during exercise solutions to challenges are revealed.

4. Discover your strengths.

The strengths profile finder from the book NOW! Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D. is a revolutionary program which can show you how to discover and then develop your unique talents and gifts. One of the secrets to discovering your leadership potential lies in your ability to exercise your strengths, not in dwelling on your weaknesses. This tool by Buckingham and Clifton can guide you to becoming a high performing and empowered individual.

5. Be an innovator by tapping into your creativity.

Many adults move through life thinking "I am not creative," and wondering "What if?" As humans, we all have the ability to be wildly creative, and sometimes, this requires practice. By spending time each day with the support of tools such as "Five Star Mind" by Tom Wujec, you can begin to unlock and expand the creative potential that lies deep within you. Using puzzles, mind-mapping, word association, and the power of curiosity, you can stimulate your intuition, innovation, and creative expression. As Napoleon Hill stated "All the 'breaks' you need in life wait within your imagination. Imagination is the workshop of your mind, capable of turning mind-energy into accomplishment and wealth." As your creativity soars, you will find that others will view you as a leader and will be attracted to you for your amazing ability to be innovative.

6. Be willing to interrupt your thought patterns.

Herbert Benson, M.D., a Harvard cardiologist, in his latest bestseller The Breakout Principle, describes a four stage process in which new insights and peak experiences are achieved. According to Benson and his researchers, the first stage in this process occurs when there is a crisis or a problem that you are attempting to solve. In the second stage what is important is to interrupt your thought pattern by breaking away from your predicament and doing something totally different. You might leave the building and take a walk, go to the gym, or listen to some music. In the third phase, when the mind is less stressed and less cluttered, the peak experience or solution occurs quite often accompanied by something unexpected-a surprise that produces new ideas or higher levels of performance. In the fourth phase you incorporate your new insights and improved performance into your everyday way of life and live from this new standard.

7. Start or join a Master Mind Group.

Did you know that Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone were all members of a Mastermind Group? This group of Leaders knew something many of us do not know. They knew that the key to their success was in their ability to rely on each other for feedback, ideas, accountability, and above all...support! These men controlled much of the industry of the United States during the height of their careers. Innovation and expansion in human thought often result from teams that mentally capitalize on the principle of collaborative thinking. With spontaneous expression and interchange of thoughts with folks who are up to big things in life, a mastermind group can shift your awareness, expand your thinking, and can take you to unprecedented levels of leadership.

8. Don't be a one trick pony.

Most people spend too much time working. They don't realize they have a choice. If you spend all your time and energy working, you limit your understanding of yourself and of people in general. You will be unable to see the big picture. From this limited perspective you will find it difficult to connect with other people and to enroll them in your vision. Have an open mind and develop interests and hobbies and become a complete person. Become involved in your community and become interested in how you can contribute. Quite often it is outside the office when you make the key strategic alliances.

9. Develop the ability to fully express yourself and be a better communicator.

Have you ever had a meeting or encounter with someone and as soon as it was over, you said to yourself "why didn't I say that?" If you haven't had that experience you are unique. The ability to express ourselves is an essential tool in our ability to create impact. Develop this skill. Be aware of what you are really feeling in the particular moment so that you do not make agreements you do not intend to keep. You might want to consider joining Toastmasters or Speaking Circles to fine tune your ability to speak on your feet.

10. Embrace change.

It's happens everyday... that is change. Prepare to adapt to what is happening. Have you ever noticed how rapidly children change and we as adults try to put the brakes on change. Studies show that the average person has at least five different careers. Change can lead to innovation and can be exciting. Ask yourself what is possible. Ask yourself what can I create? Prepare yourself for change. Try something like yoga. It makes your mind more flexible and as a result you look at life differently.

How To Choose A Public Relations Agency

Public relations is a very important part of the marketing mix. A successful PR campaign provides third-party endorsement of products or services which is something no other marketing element can deliver. Many people think that once a company starts advertising, editors beat a path to your door. In some cases, that actually does happen, but it's not the norm.

by Diane T. Creston

Public relations is very different from advertising. One main differrence is that you can't buy media placement. The story is either newsworthy, or it's not. Paid placement is called advertising.
Both marketing elements are important, but public relations can sometimes be a slow build. Results don't happen in a few weeks or in a month, especially with the three month lead time needed for magazines print deadlines. When dealing with television, newspapers or radio, the three month lead time is not an issue, but competition is an issue.
There have been situations where we've had an instant success story. We created a museum event in Philadelphia at a small children's museum that was an incredible media success story. Every newspaper, ethnic publication and television station showed up for this event. Over the years, we've also had a number of press conferences with tons of media coverage the next day. This is expecially true if the news is sensational or the product is very popular at retail.
In one case, we generated thousands of stories for a client, but we were trying to generate an article in a major business paper. Nothing worked. The editor was interested, but he didn't understand the point we were using as the "hook" for the story. When we finally drove home the point of differrence between mass market retailers and specialty retailers, he wrote the story and it was fantastic. Our story ended up on the front page of the business section minus one column, but it took months and months of work.
Many clients don't understand the PR process. For example, when I was handling the marketing for a major children's line of licensed apparel, the client had signed the advertising contract, but not the public relations contract. He just didn't understand the entire subject and finally asked for a meeting to discuss things. Shortly into the meeting, this charming, grandfatherly gentleman looked at me with a straight face and said, "Why do I have to pay for this, doesn't it just happen?"
At first, I thought he was kidding, but then I could see that he simply didn't understand the process, or the discipline. After a rather lengthy discussion, he signed the contract. The campaign was a big success and so was the clothing line.
Some clients don't have the budget for the entire marketing mix of trade advertising, consumer advertising, sales promotion, web site development and PR. Many will start with PR and trade advertising and then increase their marketing budget over time.
How To Choose An Agency
When you are ready to consider an agency, what should you look for in a PR team? For starters, the chemistry has to be there. You also need experience and media connections. Don't hesitate to ask for client references. Once you have them, pick up the phone and make some calls.
Don't assume that the new business people will service your account. If there is one account person that you feel has the expertise you need, consider requesting that this individual be the point person on your account. The agency should be willing to agree to this request in your written contract. Beware of bait and switch, where you are courted by the new business people who will never be seen again after the contract is signed.
What You Can Expect
Some points to remember:
* Nothing kills a bad product faster than excellent PR and advertising. Customers may purchase the product once and then, that's it.
* When products are photographed, the samples must be in perfect condition. The camera picks up and magnifies very tiny flaws. Retouching is expensive, so be careful when you select product samples for photography.
* PR is not a tool used to force retail distribution. If you try it, the move will come back to haunt you. When an editor asks for information about the retail distribution of a product and/or service, the PR agency had better have answers or the ability to obtain the answers quickly. Reporters and editors always manage to call for this information when they are on deadline so everything is a rush. A response such as we're planning to open outlets soon in your area is not the correct answer.
Put yourself in the editor's place. He/she is interested in writing about your product and the readers expect to be able to find the item in local stores, on respected web sites, or in catalogs. If they can't do any of the above, the editor will not write about the product.
I have had consumers track me down because they wanted a specific product and could not find it at the retail store mentioned in the article because the item had sold out. One Christmas, I was practically running a mail order operation out of the agency because frantic consumers were calling for one specific product that did not have wide retail distribution.
* Trade books usually publish one month in advance. Consumer books publish three, yes three months in advance. If you're hoping for a December magazine story, you'd better start planning in July or August.
* If your agency is creative, it will come up with innovative "hooks" for your products or services.
PR is a wonderful marketing tool, but you must understand the basics to understand how it can work for your company.



About The Author
Diane T. Creston has over 25 years of marketing experience covering a wide range of products and services. She has handled campaigns for Fortune 500 companies as well as companies with new product/service introductions. If you are interested in learning more, please visit: http://www.crestonadvertising.com

Introduction to Hedge Fund

Although there is no universally accepted definition of the term hedge fund, the term has evolved over time to include a multitude of skill-based investment strategies with a broad range of risk and return objectives. The common element among these strategies is the use of investment and risk management skills to seek positive returns regardless of market direction.
Hedge funds are an exciting innovation to the range of professionally managed investment vehicles that have brought sophisticated investment strategies and a new sense of excitement to the investment community. They can serve as an important risk management tool for investors by providing valuable portfolio diversification. One might define a hedge fund as an information-motivated fund that hedges away all or most sources of risk not related to the price-relevant information available for speculation.
Hedge funds use a wide variety of investment styles and strategies. Even among hedge funds that purport to use the same investment strategy or invest within the same asset class, there is a wide range of investment activities, performance and risk levels. Because the investment activities of hedge funds are so diverse, the hedge funds assigned to a particular investment category are likely to exhibit less similarity than more traditional investment vehicles, such as registered investment companies.
The investment strategies are typically designed to protect investment principal and engage in a variety of investment techniques that include fixed income securities, convertible securities, currencies, exchange-traded futures, over-the-counter derivatives, futures contracts, commodity options and other non-securities investments in order to generate specific risk-return profiles.
Strategies may be designed to be market-neutral (very low correlation to the overall market) or directional (a "bet" anticipating a specific market movement). Selection decisions may be purely systematic (based upon computer models) or discretionary (ultimately based on a person). A hedge fund may pursue several strategies at the same time, internally allocating its assets proportionately across different strategies.
Hedge funds are often classified according to investment style including following categories: relative value, event-driven, equity hedge funds, global asset allocators and short selling. Within each style category, funds are then classified according to the underlying markets traded. For example, within the relative value style classification, there are a number of sub-groups, including equity market neutral, fixed income arbitrage, convertible arbitrage, credit arbitrage and statistical arbitrage.
Various hedge fund return opportunities stem from the expanded universe of securities available to trade and the strategies that can be employed. Funds can access both financial and non-financial (commodity) markets and can easily take long, short, spread, and option positions in any of these markets. Expanding the set of investment opportunities results in providing diversification benefits to a portfolio that cannot be replicated through traditional stock, bond, and real estate investment strategies.

For alternative investments, such as hedge funds, to grow as an investment alternative, individuals need to increase their knowledge and comfort level as to their use in investment portfolios. The logical extension of using investment managers with specialized knowledge of traditional markets to obtain maximum return/risk tradeoffs is to add specialized managers who can obtain the unique returns in market conditions and types of securities not generally available to traditional asset managers; that is, hedge funds. In addition, investors must compare the unique returns available to each of the hedge fund styles to insure that the particular style does not duplicate existing investment opportunities.