Letter of Reference

Have you ever been asked to write a letter of reference for a co-worker, employee or former employee? Generally, a letter of reference is used to help obtain employment, apply for higher education, or as a character reference for those seeking a government position. This is an important request, as a well-written letter can be the reason the candidate receives the offer he or she is hoping for.

In all likelihood, you won’t be asked to write a letter of reference for someone you don’t know or get along with very well. But, if you have any doubts about writing a recommendation for this person, you should decline the offer and suggest they ask another person. Only write a letter for someone whom you would truly recommend.

A letter of reference doesn’t need to be long and wordy. In the first few sentences, explain how you know this person (co-worker, neighbor, business acquaintance) and for how long. Mention any shared any experiences such as coaching the same basketball team, singing in the church choir or working on a project together at the office.

Think of two or three major character traits to describe this person that would be pertinent to the reason you are writing the reference. Are they honest and dependable? Do they always finish what they start? While Mike may be the best guitar player you know and can recite lyrics from songs written twenty years ago, chances are these are not reasons he’ll get that job offer. Think of what you would say if you were asked to make a toast to this person during a special occasion.

A short anecdote describing how this person handled a difficult situation will make your letter stand out from the rest. Think of an incident that made you see this person in a new light. Finally, add a short statement that draws the letter to a close.

Here’s a sample letter of reference.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am pleased to write this Letter of Reference for Mike Smith. I have lived next door to Mike for ten years, and we both have served on the XYZ Neighborhood Watch Committee for the past three years.

Mike is a pleasure to work with on this committee. His drive and determination to make our neighborhood a safer place was the catalyst in getting our local government to install a traffic light at a busy intersection in our community. Once, during a power outage in rush hour, and risking life and limb, Mike took the initiative to direct traffic himself rather than risk an accident at this intersection.

Mike’s perseverance and genuine concern for his fellow citizen are perfect examples of why it is my privilege to recommend him for a position with your company. I feel confident he will be an asset to your organization and will add to your continued success.

Choosing a Niche That Has Plenty of Profit Potential

One of the quickest routes to a business failure is to pick a niche that doesn’t have the potential to bring in the profits you’re looking for. The way to discover which niche has the ability to make money is easy. You have to do your research.

First, you’re going to want to select a niche that you’re personally interested in – even if it’s one that you don’t know a lot about. You can always learn what you need to know, but if the niche is too technical or you consider it boring, you’re going to be as happy working on it as you would be getting a tooth pulled.

Choose a niche that not only interests you, but one that you feel excited about working on. That way, you’ll stay pumped up and eagerly look forward to growing your business. To find a niche that’ll bring in the kind of money you’re after, seek what the big companies look for.

What are the hot selling items? You don’t have to know this off the top of your head. Look for these top selling items on sites such as Amazon or eBay or other market websites.

The bestsellers (just check to see what ranking the items have) will tell you what the pulse of the people buying is. So for example, if you see that on Amazon, a product sells well enough to be in the top ten, you know you’re onto something. Let’s say one of those products was a brand new fitness gadget and they were selling like hotcakes. You’d find plenty of potential by tapping into that market.

You’ll want to check out the self-help books to see what’s selling there. Books on depression, weight loss, and relationships always sell well and that’s a clue to let you know that the market is and always will be wide open for self help niches and the products that you can buy dealing with that subject.

If you become an affiliate, you’ll want to pay attention to the dollar amount you’ll earn by becoming an affiliate rather than the percent of commission. You’ll earn more money that way. Look for tangible products for your niche as well.

Make sure you don’t make the mistake of setting up a niche based on what’s considered a here today, gone tomorrow item. Remember the Beanie Babies? They were all the rage and people just couldn’t get enough of them. But where are they now? They fell off the scene because they were just a fad. You want to seek out a niche that has long term potential so that your business will thrive now and for many years to come.

Things to consider before buying insurance

These are the following things that you need to watch out for before buying any insurance:

1. Assess your needs – You need to assess your needs and circumstances to get the right coverage. Find out the state requirements and decide how much coverage do you need. It will only make your task easier.

2. Do some research – It is important to do proper research before you apply for insurance. Get quotes from different providers and compare them to get the best deal. You can also visit some insurance forums to get answers to your insurance questions and share your problems with insurance professionals. These insurance communities would answer all your insurance related problems from policy application to insurance claims.

3. Affordability – Make sure that the insurance is affordable. Consider your present and future financial condition before making a choice. Make sure that you get the best interest rate in the market by recording and comparing quotes.

4. Policy coverage – It is important that you know exactly what would your insurance company pay for. Read through your policy carefully and understand the terms and conditions. Be aware of the exclusions in your policy.

5. Look for discounts – Most of the insurance companies offer discounts for having a good driving record, favorable credit score or if you quit smoking. So, make sure you explore all such options.

6. Choose the right insurance company – You must gather all information about the company that you choose to be with. Go through the reviews and the quality of service provided by them before you sign the agreement.

Due to the constant rise of insurance prices, most of the insurance companies are offering some new plans which give you the opportunity to customize your own insurance plan. Doing proper research and visiting insurance forums can make you aware of the basics and it may also help you get the best insurance at an affordable price.