Up Market

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• No-Hassle Snack Foods
• Tips for 2012 Business Tax Planning
• How to Find a Job That You Will Love
• The Most Important Part of Your Sales Message

No-Hassle Snack Foods Posted: 22 Jan 2012 09:00 AM PST When the mid-afternoon munchies come calling, unless you have already planned for the inevitable, you have no choice but to either hit the vending machine or walk across the street to your local convenience store or drugstore. But, as the signature line from Hill Street Blues goes, "let's be careful out there, people." When we're hungry and don't have a plan, we're much more likely to choose poorly – particularly since "it's just a snack." But by having a go-to list and by keeping a few strategic items in your drawer you can regularly choose well. The problem is that most readily-available snack foods are filled with sugar and trans fats — both because they are inexpensive to make and have a long shelf life. But, high-sugar foods lead to sugar crashes, which lead to munchies, which lead to more high-sugar foods, and a vicious cycle is created. And, as you probably already know, the high levels of trans fats found in processed foods is being examined for its role in most of our modern diseases. So, once you eliminate most of those foods, what practical options are left? Lots of healthy, whole foods. Snacktime Best Bets Nuts: almonds, macadamias, and cashews. But, remember that a serving is an ounce – not an entire bag or can. Pour out enough to fill the palm of your hand and put the rest back. Fruit: Apples are a virtually bullet-proof choice (easy to pack, keep for a while, and relatively moderate on the sugar). If you can combine that with a few nuts or a couple of slices of cheese, all the better. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Packed with protein and healthy fat, they are a great, low-calorie snack on the go. Cheese: A few slices on their own, or combine this with an apple or some vegetables — a nice tangy cheese will quell hunger pangs in no time. On the Maybe List There are a few other items that I'd put on the maybe list depending upon how they are made: Trail Mix: These are oftentimes surprisingly high in sugar because of the chocolate in them. Read the label before indulging. Popcorn: Most commercial popcorns that come in a bag that you stick in the microwave have the trans fats as the "butter" – which would normally take it off my OK list. But, if you can make it the old-fashioned way and add some real butter, cheese, or other healthy fat, this still can make a great snack. But, like nuts, you'll want to watch the volume. Crackers: Processed crackers are also often made with trans fats, added sugar, and contain wheat (an allergen for many people). Jerky: Quality and taste varies dramatically from brand-to-brand, so it might take some time to find one you like. And, as with all recommendations in this section, read the label, as the flavored ones often use not-so-great ingredients in their seasoning (MSG, wheat, etc) With these ideas in your proverbial back pocket (or snacks in your drawer) you'll be all set the next time the munchies come calling. What are your favorite at-work and on-the-go snacks?

Tips for 2012 Business Tax Planning Posted: 22 Jan 2012 06:00 AM PST If there's one thing all small business folks dread it's tax season. As we say goodbye to 2011, now is a good time to get a head start on your 2012 taxes by doing a little proactive planning. Okay, okay. There's no need to curl up in the fetal position and hide. Yahoo! Small Business has compiled a list of five things you should keep in mind when planning your 2012 business taxes. Use these tips to help you plan effectively and avoid emotional breakdowns. Some business tax breaks live on.  "While some helpful credits expire at the end of this year, good things that continue for 2012 include the 100 percent bonus depreciation write off and the chance to deduct up to $500,000 of first-year expenses immediately through the Section 179 deduction." You could get audited.  "A recent KMPG survey found small-business tax audits are on the rise. So be sure you understand tax laws, are in compliance and have the documentation you need to answer any questions." The healthcare tax credit may change.  "The U.S. Supreme Court will hear the National Federation of Independent Business’s case on the constitutionality of healthcare reform, with a decision expected in June. In the meantime, there’s a key provision that may change — the tax credit to help small business owners pay for healthcare coverage for workers." Estate planning—just do it.  "The crystal ball is completely cloudy on this one, as the estate-tax rules are only known through next year. After that, the rules revert to only a $1 million tax exemption instead of the current $5 million. This is likely to change next year and beyond, depending on who is elected." Low interest rates.  "If you end up owing penalties on outstanding money the Internal Revenue Service thinks you should have paid sooner, the good news is interest rates are currently only about 3 percent." You can read the article in its entirety on Yahoo! What are you doing now to make business taxes in 2012 more manageable? Share your tips in the comments! Photo Credit: mondays child

How to Find a Job That You Will Love Posted: 21 Jan 2012 03:00 PM PST Career change means change in attitude, behavior and talent.

The Most Important Part of Your Sales Message Posted: 21 Jan 2012 12:00 PM PST You must have had this happen to you too. You’re cooking dinner, reading, or watching TV, and the phone rings. It’s some salesman or some charity you never heard of, trying to get you to give them some money. They’ve got a script and they talk so much and so fast you can barely squeeze in a reply. Or, if you live in New York City, you get annoyed and just slam the phone down. They’re not listening, only talking.  And, their intended audience completely tunes them out.  They don’t need a bigger mouth, they need bigger ears. Talking (and talking) isn’t the best sales tool; listening is. For example, Bob Poole was a star salesman for many years. He knows a lot about selling (and also a lot about listening). He even wrote the book on it. His secret is to take the time to find out what his clients care about. He doesn’t shout at them, he listens. Now, he’s running a blog with a daily doughnut of sales tips. Who doesn’t like doughnuts? For someone with Asperger’s Syndrome learning when to listen, when to talk, and how to decode emotional reactions, are critical skills.   Jeff Deutsch is an “Aspie” himself.  He’s turned his condition into a coaching practice for other people with the condition.  He teaches them how to manage “NTs” (that’s people without Asperger’s or autism),  and how better navigate the world around them, win friends, and gain employment. By listening to her bookkeeping clients, Frances Schagen realized that many business owners are struggling with their businesses, don’t know how to automate, or need better connections. She says, “When I first meet someone I’m all ears, I want to find out about them. I want to know what they are passionate about. If I can help them, I do it. I get a thrill from passing on a tip or a hint or a great resource.” You can find her at Your Effortless Business. Photo: Tamabako the Jaguar

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