The United States of Inefficiency essays

The United States of Inefficiency essays The United States of America is typically portrayed as one of the top countries in the world with an amazing economy, society, and political structure. This trifecta should create an environment conducive to societal interaction with and within politics, but has worked against its own interests. Our political system affects every citizen within the country as it provides them with a myriad of services; military protection, regulatory committees to protect our markets, and a Congressional and Executive branch to react to both internal and external stimuli on a world scale. Reasonable taxes are a small price to pay for such encompassing protection for you and your family; past, present and future. With literally everything from political relationships, to our markets, to our understanding of math and sciences changing before our very eyes, it's to be expected that Americans would want a dynamic system to adequately react and prepare for further changes in the world structure not only b y building upon what we have, but by tearing down old and unpopular legislature. Unfortunately American politics has begun to stagnate at an impressive rate. Politicians have never been so dramatically separated along party lines in American History since the Civil War, and legislative advancement has been at its slowest in recent history. There is a debate right now as to whether the inefficiencies of our political efforts are due to our electorates or the system they're placed in to, when both are the issue. The American political system historically works, but years of politicians on both sides working to maintain their incumbency has created a debacle in which our government is as corrupted as those creating it. The Republican Party in the United States typically stands for more conservative values. They wish to reduce the state of government welfare, expand military influence and reduce overall government size and market interference. The Republica...

Successful Selling at Christmas Craft Fairs

Successful Selling at Christmas Craft Fairs Three years ago, I accepted an invitation to sell my novels at a local gym’s mini Christmas craft fair. I wound up selling 21 copies. The experience was so positive that the following Christmas I expanded to high school fairs and sold 51 copies. This year, I sold over 80 books at more venues, all within five miles of home. Needless to say, Christmas craft fairs can be a lucrative way to sell books. To do so successfully, it’s a good idea to first visit local craft fairs at high schools, community centers, and churches. Talk to vendors and show organizers a copy of your book. Ask about registration requirements and ask to be put on a mailing list. Begin with smaller venues that charge a minimal fee. Large community center events draw larger crowds, but their fees can be $350 or more. Most craft fairs have an adjudication process and prefer only handmade goods. For this reason, even self-published books can be a gray area for judges and organizers. Although I not only wrote, but typeset my first mystery series, the professionally designed cover disqualified me at some fairs, but not at others. A third of this year’s fairs accepted my traditionally published series as well. If you’re upfront with organizers, some of them will make an exception, especially if you’ve tried both publishing options with a single series. Competition for table space at established venues can be fierce, so apply long before the deadline. If you’re accepted at several fairs, be mindful of the dates. Most fairs occur on weekends in November and early December, (fees and application forms might be required months earlier). You won’t want to double-book an event, as organizers require you to be there in person. A few days before the fair, you’ll receive rules and helpful information. High schools are especially great venues as students are on hand to help carry your stock and will watch over your table if you need a break. Once you’ve set up your table (make it festive) employ the same strategies you’d use at a book signing: stand as much as possible, smile and engage people, offer to sign copies, and bring water. You’ll also need a float, receipt book, food, (events are five to seven hours long) and bags for customers. The great thing about Christmas craft fairs is that attendees are looking for something to buy and they bring cash. Visa/debit machines are a good idea for large venues, but not worth the bank’s fee at smaller fairs. If you have more than one book in a series, sign and wrap the books in clear cellophane, add a bow and ribbon, and sell them as signed gift sets. Generally, tables are large enough to show promotional materials and an info sheet featuring review excerpts and availability elsewhere. Business cards are a must! I handed out cards to several book club members and teachers looking for guest speakers. Customers also wanted to know if my books were available on Kindle, and preferred a card to a bookmark. Christmas craft fairs are often unpredictable. Books will sell well at some venues but not at others. The following year, the reverse will be true. Keep records to analyze which fairs work best for you. If your books are set locally or have some other local slant, emphasize this, as people love to read about their own area. Above all, have fun.

Analyse how effective a change of ownership has been for your chosen Assignment

Analyse how effective a change of ownership has been for your chosen businesses performance - Assignment Example Adidas Company markets the application of constant and updated technological innovation and excellence in generating a powerful competitive advantage. The highest level of orientation of technological development has created the expected value to customers as they provide high performance and quality shoes for the specific needs of the customers. This translates to a competitive advantage in the marketing of its products (Hussey, 2000). Adidas has also another advantage in the market of effective promotional methods for its products by associating them with popular celebrities and sports idols. This marketing strategy has generated a steady source of sales and income for the company. Therefore, the purchase of recognizable brand products safeguards their quality and this creates some extra motivation for their purchase. The company has also sponsored many events as part of its promotional strategy. This step gives the company a good brand recognition and reputation in the world. This is evident in the soccer industry as Adidas has a strong market share. The diversity and variety of products offered on the web such as shirts, bags, shorts, and shoes enables the customers to have a range of products to choose and buy. The firm has good brand recognition and reputation and has attained its stronghold in the soccer industry. This is evident from a stable distribution channel that is well monitored as it has various stores worldwide. Thus, it enables the customers to access their products easily and in good time after ordering. To crown it all, the company has a strong management team which helps to keep it on the right track (Gilgeous.1997). However, Adidas has various disadvantages in the market. The company is one step behind Nike and faces much competition from the Nike products. This is evident in the high quantity and quality of merchandise and products that