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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>lupingems.info</title> <atom:link href="http://lupingems.info/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://lupingems.info</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:02:24 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3</generator> <item> <title>Strength for MMA and Combat Sports</title> <link>https://lupingems.info/strength-for-mma-and-combat-sports/</link> <comments>https://lupingems.info/strength-for-mma-and-combat-sports/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:02:24 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://lupingems.info/?p=53</guid> <description><![CDATA[Strength training plays a crucial role in the success of an athlete, especially those involved in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and combat sports. While skill and technique are fundamental, possessing adequate strength enhances performance, reduces injury risks, and allows fighters … <a href="https://lupingems.info/strength-for-mma-and-combat-sports/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Strength training plays a crucial role in the success of an athlete, especially those involved in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and combat sports. While skill and technique are fundamental, possessing adequate strength enhances performance, reduces injury risks, and allows fighters to outperform their opponents.<br /><img alt="" src="https://ohiogem.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pexels-anush-gorak-1229356-1140x540.jpg" class="alignnone" width="1140" height="540" /><br />The Importance of Strength Training</p><p>MMA and combat sports involve a combination of endurance, explosiveness, agility, and strength. Incorporating strength training into training routines can benefit fighters in several ways.</p><p>1. Increased Power and Striking Force<br />Stronger muscles generate more power and striking force, contributing to devastating punches, kicks, and grappling techniques. By improving overall strength, fighters can inflict significant damage on their opponents.</p><p>2. Improved Endurance<br />Strength training not only builds muscular strength but also enhances endurance. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuit training can simulate the energy demands of a fight while maintaining and improving cardiovascular fitness.</p><p>3. Injury Prevention<br />Combat sports subject fighters to intense physical stress and potential injury. By strengthening muscles, tendons, and ligaments through resistance training, fighters can support their joints and reduce the risk of common injuries such as sprains and strains.</p><p>4. Enhanced Body Composition<br />Strength training helps develop lean muscle mass and reduce body fat, resulting in improved body composition. A lower body fat percentage enhances performance by increasing speed, agility, and overall athleticism.</p><p>5. Mental Toughness<br />Strength training challenges athletes both physically and mentally, fostering mental toughness necessary for success in MMA and combat sports. Pushing through fatigue, overcoming obstacles, and consistently striving for improvement builds resilience and prepares fighters for the challenges they will face inside the ring or cage.</p><p>Effective Strength Training Exercises<br />When it comes to strength training for MMA and combat sports, certain exercises prove particularly beneficial. Here are a few examples:</p><p>1. Deadlift<br />The deadlift is a compound exercise that targets multiple muscle groups including the legs, back, and core. It builds overall strength and power, mimicking the explosive movements required in combat sports.</p><p>2. Squat<br />Squats are another fundamental exercise that strengthens the lower body, especially the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. They improve balance, stability, and explosive power necessary for delivering strong strikes and takedowns.</p><p>3. Clean and Jerk<br />This Olympic weightlifting exercise combines strength, power, and coordination. It engages nearly every muscle in the body, training explosive full-body movements often utilized in MMA and combat sports.</p><p>4. Pull-Ups<br />Pull-ups strengthen the upper body, particularly the back, lats, and biceps. They improve grip strength and contribute to effective clinching, grappling, and submissions.</p><p>5. Core Training<br />A strong core is essential for maintaining balance, stability, and generating power. Exercises like planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball exercises can help develop a solid core foundation.</p><p>Conclusion<br />Incorporating a well-structured strength training program into the training regimen of MMA and combat sports athletes is vital for achieving success in the ring or cage. From increased power and striking force to injury prevention and mental toughness, the benefits of strength training are undeniable. By integrating targeted exercises like deadlifts, squats, clean and jerks, pull-ups, and core training, fighters can develop the strength necessary to excel in their chosen discipline and outperform their opponents.</p><div class="mads-block"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://lupingems.info/strength-for-mma-and-combat-sports/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Bodyweight Circuit Workouts</title> <link>https://lupingems.info/bodyweight-circuit-workouts/</link> <comments>https://lupingems.info/bodyweight-circuit-workouts/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:01:31 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://lupingems.info/?p=52</guid> <description><![CDATA[Bodyweight circuit workouts are an excellent way to get in shape and improve your overall fitness level without the need for expensive equipment or a gym membership. These workouts use your body weight as resistance, allowing you to build strength, … <a href="https://lupingems.info/bodyweight-circuit-workouts/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="https://ohiogem.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bodyweight-circuit-workouts_1-1080x540.png" class="alignnone" width="1080" height="540" /><br />Bodyweight circuit workouts are an excellent way to get in shape and improve your overall fitness level without the need for expensive equipment or a gym membership. These workouts use your body weight as resistance, allowing you to build strength, burn calories, and improve cardiovascular endurance.</p><p>Benefits of Bodyweight Circuit Workouts<br />There are numerous benefits to incorporating bodyweight circuit workouts into your fitness routine:</p><p>No equipment necessary: One of the main advantages of bodyweight circuit workouts is that they can be performed anywhere, anytime, without the need for any equipment. All you need is a small space and your own body weight.</p><p>Efficient use of time: Bodyweight circuit workouts are a time-efficient way to work out as they combine strength training and cardiovascular exercises into one routine. This allows you to maximize your workout time and get results in a shorter period.</p><p>Versatility: Bodyweight exercises can be modified to suit various fitness levels and goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced athlete, there are options available for everyone.</p><p>Cost-effective: Unlike gym memberships or purchasing expensive workout equipment, bodyweight circuit workouts are cost-effective and can be done for free.</p><p>Improved functional fitness: Bodyweight exercises mimic everyday movements and help improve your overall strength and flexibility, making it easier to perform daily activities.</p><p>Sample Bodyweight Circuit Workout<br />Here is a sample bodyweight circuit workout that you can try:</p><p>Warm-up:<br />Start with a 5-10 minute dynamic warm-up to prepare your muscles for the workout. This can include exercises like jogging in place, jumping jacks, arm circles, and leg swings.</p><p>Circuit:<br />Perform each exercise for 30 seconds, with 15 seconds of rest in between. Complete the circuit 3-4 times, resting for 1-2 minutes between each circuit.</p><p>Push-ups: Targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Start in a plank position, lower your body to the ground, and push back up. Modify by performing push-ups on your knees or against a wall.</p><p>Squats: Targets the legs and glutes. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, lower your body as if sitting back into a chair, and then stand back up. Modify by performing partial squats or using a chair for support.</p><p>Mountain climbers: Targets the core and lower body. Start in a plank position and alternate bringing each knee towards the chest. Increase intensity by adding a faster tempo.</p><p>Plank: Targets the core. Start in a push-up position and hold the plank for as long as you can. Modify by performing a plank on your knees.</p><p>Jumping lunges: Targets the legs and glutes. Start in a lunge position and jump, switching the position of your legs mid-air. Modify by performing alternating reverse lunges.</p><p>Burpees: Targets the entire body. Start in a standing position, lower yourself into a squat, kick your feet back to a push-up position, perform a push-up, jump your feet back towards your hands, and jump explosively into the air. Modify by eliminating the push-up or stepping back instead of jumping.</p><p>Cool-down:<br />Finish your workout with a 5-10 minute cool-down, including static stretching exercises for all major muscle groups.</p><p>Tips for Success<br />Here are some tips to maximize your bodyweight circuit workouts:</p><p>Progress gradually: Start with exercises and modifications that match your current fitness level, and gradually increase the difficulty as you get stronger and more comfortable.</p><p>Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels during the workout and adjust exercises or intensity if needed. It’s important to avoid overexertion or injury.</p><p>Stay consistent: Aim to include bodyweight circuit workouts in your fitness routine at least two to three times a week to maximize results.</p><p>Add variety: Keep your workouts interesting and challenging by incorporating different exercises and variations. This helps prevent boredom and ensures all muscle groups are targeted.</p><p>Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to stay properly hydrated.</p><p>In Conclusion<br />Bodyweight circuit workouts are a versatile and cost-effective way to improve your overall fitness levels. With no equipment required, these workouts can be done anywhere, making it easy to incorporate fitness into your daily routine. Remember to start at your own pace, gradually increase difficulty, and listen to your body’s needs. Stay consistent, add variety, and enjoy the benefits of improved strength, endurance, and functional fitness.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://lupingems.info/bodyweight-circuit-workouts/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>CrossFit for Weight Loss and Conditioning</title> <link>https://lupingems.info/crossfit-for-weight-loss-and-conditioning/</link> <comments>https://lupingems.info/crossfit-for-weight-loss-and-conditioning/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:00:30 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://lupingems.info/?p=51</guid> <description><![CDATA[Are you looking for a workout routine that not only helps you shed those extra pounds but also improves your overall fitness levels? Look no further than CrossFit – the trendy fitness program that has taken the world by storm. … <a href="https://lupingems.info/crossfit-for-weight-loss-and-conditioning/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you looking for a workout routine that not only helps you shed those extra pounds but also improves your overall fitness levels? Look no further than CrossFit – the trendy fitness program that has taken the world by storm. With its high-intensity workouts and emphasis on functional movements, CrossFit can be an excellent choice for weight loss and conditioning. In this article, we will dive into the world of CrossFit and explore how it can help you achieve your fitness goals.</p><p><img alt="" src="https://ohiogem.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/crossfit-for-weight-loss-and-conditioning_1-1140x540.jpg" class="alignnone" width="1140" height="540" /><br />What is CrossFit?<br />CrossFit is a fitness program developed by Greg Glassman in the early 2000s. It combines elements of weightlifting, cardio, and bodyweight exercises to create challenging workouts that target multiple muscle groups. The workouts, which are performed at high intensity, are designed to replicate functional movements that you may encounter in your day-to-day life.</p><p>How Does CrossFit Help in Weight Loss?<br />One of the main reasons why CrossFit is so effective for weight loss is its ability to burn a high number of calories in a short period of time. The combination of weightlifting, cardio, and bodyweight exercises helps increase your metabolic rate and keeps it elevated even after your workout is over. This phenomenon, known as the afterburn effect, leads to increased calorie burn throughout the day, promoting weight loss.</p><p>Additionally, CrossFit workouts are highly intense and challenging, pushing your body to its limits. This intensity forces your body to adapt and become more efficient at burning fat for fuel, further promoting weight loss. The varied nature of CrossFit workouts also prevents your body from hitting a plateau, as it constantly adapts to new movements and exercises.</p><p>Improving Conditioning with CrossFit<br />While CrossFit is known for its weight loss benefits, it also has a positive impact on your overall conditioning. The constantly varied workouts challenge your cardiovascular system, increasing your stamina and endurance. By incorporating cardio exercises like running, rowing, and jump rope into the workouts, CrossFit helps improve your lung capacity and boosts your cardiovascular health.</p><p>Moreover, CrossFit workouts focus on functional movements that mimic real-life activities. Squatting, lifting, pushing, and pulling are just a few examples of the exercises performed in CrossFit. By constantly engaging multiple muscle groups and working on your overall strength and mobility, CrossFit helps improve your overall conditioning. This improved conditioning not only helps you in your daily activities but also helps prevent injuries and enhances your performance in sports and other physical activities.</p><p>CrossFit Workouts for Weight Loss and Conditioning<br />Here are a few CrossFit workouts that can help you achieve your weight loss and conditioning goals:</p><p>1. Fran<br />A popular CrossFit benchmark workout, Fran consists of thrusters and pull-ups. Perform 21 thrusters, followed by 21 pull-ups, then 15 thrusters and 15 pull-ups, and finally, 9 thrusters and 9 pull-ups, for time. Fran is a challenging workout that targets your entire body and gets your heart rate up, making it an excellent choice for weight loss and conditioning.</p><p>2. Cindy<br />Cindy is a bodyweight workout that focuses on improving your conditioning. Perform as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, and 15 air squats. This workout provides a great cardiovascular challenge while also targeting your upper body, core, and lower body muscles.</p><p>3. Diane<br />Diane is another popular benchmark workout that helps you build strength and improve your conditioning. The workout consists of 21-15-9 repetitions of deadlifts and handstand push-ups. It not only targets your posterior chain but also challenges your upper body strength and stability.</p><p>Conclusion<br />CrossFit offers a combination of high-intensity workouts, functional movements, and constantly varied exercises that make it an effective workout program for weight loss and conditioning. By incorporating CrossFit into your fitness routine and sticking to a healthy diet, you can achieve your weight loss goals while also improving your overall fitness levels. So why wait? Give CrossFit a try and experience the benefits it has to offer!</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://lupingems.info/crossfit-for-weight-loss-and-conditioning/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Can Housing and the Economy Survive?</title> <link>https://lupingems.info/can-housing-and-the-economy-survive/</link> <comments>https://lupingems.info/can-housing-and-the-economy-survive/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sun, 02 Apr 2023 05:25:05 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Politics and Government]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://lupingems.info/?p=49</guid> <description><![CDATA[“Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”The American economy is hurting with: a housing market that barely has a pulse high unemployment a government swallowing up massive losses from bad mortgages billions in bailout … <a href="https://lupingems.info/can-housing-and-the-economy-survive/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> “Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”The American economy is hurting with:<br />a housing market that barely has a pulse<br />high unemployment<br />a government swallowing up massive losses from bad mortgages<br />billions in bailout money for ” to big to fail ” corporations<br />banks reluctant to help troubled underwater borrowers<br />no help for struggling small business owners<br />Is the tangled web beyond repair? When do you draw the line and say it’s time to start fresh?We’ve allowed our controllers way too much control. Our American dream, our pride, our independence and dignity have been compromised. Yet the dance continues. The song remains the same. I can think of lots more cliche’s while the politics and posturing continue at the expense of hard working poor and middle class Americans struggling to stay afloat.What would it take to right the ship?Perhaps it’s time to begin to understand that we are entrenched in a system that doesn’t work anymore. At least not for most Americans.The opportunities to address the deterioration of the housing market should have been the number one item on the agenda in heading off the financial crises. We were once a nation dependent on housing, we now are struggling to survive without it. Home ownership which was a brass ring has become a nightmare for many American families. Opportunities for those who may be in a position to buy a home are presently endless. With so many underwater borrowers it becomes a challenge to find the few that are solvent and are wanting to sell. Folks with equity in their homes aren’t terribly inclined to compete with the lowball prices of the foreclosure down the street or the neighbors short sale.Owning a home in America will surely be a privilege in coming years. Even a status symbol much like it was when I was a boy growing up in New York City. Mom and Dad had six of us and we were renters until I was about 12 years old. It didn’t mean much to me, but my father was probably as proud of buying that first house as anything he had done before or after.Today’s financially troubled underwater homeowner is truly only a renter with no equity and an out of touch landlord. After all how can you own a home without equity in it? Bad decisions were made by tempting borrowers with unrealistic amounts of money based on an inflated valuation of the real estate involved. Borrowers responded to relentless marketing and the belief that they were or could be sitting on a pile of cash. Banks of course had little concern after packaging and selling the loans to investors like government sponsored entities Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac. Today these 2 corporations, after being seized by the government, continue bleeding cash to the tune of $150 billion. Oh by the way “seized by the government” at taxpayer expense.Banks however continue to flourish and boast about improving stock prices and bottom lines while still paying out lavish bonuses. Those who created the mess go unpunished and even rewarded. i.e. Countrywide Home Loans.The tangled web may be beyond repair. The country needs fresh ideas with humble heartfelt leadership. Our greatest shortcomings may be that we want to believe in someone and that we go through life with tunnel vision. If America continues trying to fix things that can’t be fixed simply because it benefits a few than the majority will continue to struggle as a result and we will evolve into a nation without a middle class affecting everything within it. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://lupingems.info/can-housing-and-the-economy-survive/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Using the Marketing Mix to Maximize Customer Returns</title> <link>https://lupingems.info/using-the-marketing-mix-to-maximize-customer-returns/</link> <comments>https://lupingems.info/using-the-marketing-mix-to-maximize-customer-returns/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sun, 26 Mar 2023 15:13:55 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://lupingems.info/?p=47</guid> <description><![CDATA[The traditional marketing mix used by businesses comprised of 4 key elements thought to be vital to the success of any business. However, with the passage of time and the variations in the kind of products and services offered, there … <a href="https://lupingems.info/using-the-marketing-mix-to-maximize-customer-returns/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> The traditional marketing mix used by businesses comprised of 4 key elements thought to be vital to the success of any business. However, with the passage of time and the variations in the kind of products and services offered, there are 7 key elements today in the marketing mix that require constant evaluation to ensure the best possible results. These 7 P’s are:<br />Product</p><p>Price</p><p>Placement</p><p>Promotion</p><p>Physical Evidence</p><p>Process</p><p>People</p><p>Businesses use a unique combination of all these elements in an attempt to achieve the highest customer satisfaction levels.In this article, we will discuss all the 7 elements in detail and will explain how businesses can make constant variations in their product mix to maximize their goals.Product<br />What distinguishes your product or service from other products? While there are standard quality and service components to establish performance, the product or service needs to be somehow unique, some way better than its competitor. This “unique selling proposition” is mission-critical to the business’s success. Customer satisfaction with your product or service is of utmost importance. Though it’s important to offer a high quality or a more economical price, better availability or quicker delivery time, it is also essential to make sure that your product or service has something that is unique and that sets it apart from the competitors in the market.Price<br />Consider if the target market sees the price of your product or service as affordable. If the target market is not willing or able to buy, there is no chance to build your business successfully. If the price of your products is higher than competition, it is imperative to convince the market the value of the price premium.Placement<br />In order to capture the market, make your products and services accessible and easy to buy. If the customer can’t find you, they can’t buy from you. If you offer online sales, carefully consider the process customers must go through to buy online. A difficult purchasing process is a barrier to sales. Know where your target audience lives and shops in order to put your product in front where they can see and learn about it.Promotion<br />Promoting your product through the right channels to ensure highest exposure is essential to the marketing process. A promotion on broadcast TV or radio is expensive compared to other channels; they will reach people who may have no interest or not be qualified to buy your products. The costly reach of broadcast media can waste valuable marketing dollars with little return. If the channel is online, use the internet – and search engine optimization – to your advantage. Find out the keyword search terms that will bring the most amount of traffic. Leverage the content and position of the websites that feature your product to its best advantage. If promotion is direct mail, give careful consideration to a targeted mailing list. Direct mail can be more focused and waste less resources, resulting in a more exacting approach to your target market.Physical Evidence<br />Think about all aspects of your organization that your prospective customer encounters. From the cleanliness of the selling floor and lavatories in a brick and mortar location to the ease of website navigation, the visit should be a pleasant and hassle-free experience for the customer. Polite, courteous and well-trained staff should be a priority to convey an image of quality from the product to the people who help sell and re-sell the product. The primary and secondary packaging can elevate a simple useful product and make it more desirable. Everything that the customer comes in contact with comes under the physical evidence.Process<br />A lead generation process happens from the time your marketing is seen or heard by the customer until they take advantage of your call to action. The sales process starts from that call to action until the product or service is successfully delivered and paid for. Is the process well-tested and reliable? Is the experience the same from the customer’s point of view each time they interact with your company? How efficient is the sales process? If the process can be delivered from lead to sales in the optimum amount of time, conserving resources and expense, it can be replicated over and over to build more sales revenue.People<br />From the people who answer the phone, greet the customer, handle problems, process payments, follow up on the sale, and manage the team to the president of the company, all actions contribute to an image of quality and service. It’s common to hear companies say we have great customer service in today’s world, but how they deliver the great service is what holds great significance to the customer.How Companies Use the Marketing Mix<br />The marketing mix experiences a lot of variations throughout a product’s lifecycle stage. For example, if we look at the category of health supplements, a lot of the brands started off as delivering nutritional supplements to men and women in the market. However, in the development stage of the product’s lifecycle, brands were focusing more on gaining exposure through lower introductory prices and different promotional packages. As the brands crossed the Introductory stage and moved on to growth stage, businesses started catering to more specialized categories such as Teens, Men, Women, and the above 50 and began developing more products for each category. These line extensions are typical of a business in the growth stage. When a company is in the mature phase of their lifecycle, it is common to re-launch their products with innovation to capture the surge of business experience in the development stage. In the category of health supplements, many brands identified the opportunity of attracting customers looking for exercise and athletic supplements for enhance performance. This new market segment opened the doors of a completely new marketing niche for businesses that focused on diversifying the market and on increasing the market for this new category.Conclusion<br />Experienced marketing consultants such as 1st Straw Marketing ask a lot of questions to dive deep into the different aspects of business. Getting to know the perception of the market and the internal workings of the company selling products and services is essential to developing a strategic and tactical plan that can be successful. Depending on each stage of the product’s lifecycle and the influence of the market, business leaders and professional marketers are constantly evaluating their marketing mix and making changes to serve their target market better. Planning, review, evaluation and research goes into determining every element of the marketing mix and is vital to the overall success of a business. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://lupingems.info/using-the-marketing-mix-to-maximize-customer-returns/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How Business Networking Can Help Launch Your Small Business From the Ground Up</title> <link>https://lupingems.info/how-business-networking-can-help-launch-your-small-business-from-the-ground-up/</link> <comments>https://lupingems.info/how-business-networking-can-help-launch-your-small-business-from-the-ground-up/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sun, 26 Mar 2023 13:28:59 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://lupingems.info/?p=45</guid> <description><![CDATA[What is key in any business success story is an adequate networking plan–a plan that can help launch your small business from the ground up.Generally, it is hard for a new business to become noticed, and even harder to gain … <a href="https://lupingems.info/how-business-networking-can-help-launch-your-small-business-from-the-ground-up/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> What is key in any business success story is an adequate networking plan–a plan that can help launch your small business from the ground up.Generally, it is hard for a new business to become noticed, and even harder to gain your first few clients without any success stories to back up your claims. Your formal marketing plan should therefore project the right networking mix. The right networking mix is about being proactive-in a sense that you leverage your business and personal connections to bring you regular supply of new customers. The whole idea about business networking involves relationship building-and it must be strategic and focused on networking for business growth.Professional Network ServicesWith business networking, you step up to the challenge to find avenues of opportunity that you may have otherwise never discovered. You really do not want to start your business to fail due to the decisions that you the owner makes. In other words, for your enterprise to grow, you have to be prepared to work hard, make decisions, and spend money where it matters. For instance, you may consider using a few prominent networking organizations who have successfully created models of business networking activity. A few notable examples of professional network services include LinkedIn, Viadeo, XING, and WiseStep. Using these professional network services can, in fact, be most effective in terms of generating business opportunities than advertising or public relations efforts.Online business networking can also be a cost effective method of launching your small business. Businesses are today increasingly using social networks as a means of growing their circle of contacts and promoting themselves and their business online. And with the global expansion of businesses, social networks make it easier to keep in touch with other business contacts around the world.Small Business AwardsFurther, face-to-face networking through referral business clubs also have the potential for higher quality business relationships. There are also a vast majority of awards given to businesses locally, countrywide, and globally. The different type of these awards, such as, but not limited to, small business awards, innovation awards, new business awards, local and entrepreneurial awards, are a great way to project your business accomplishments to a wide range of community of prospects. For instance, for more than 50 years, National Small Business Week has recognized the outstanding achievements of America’s small businesses for their contribution in their local communities and to the nation’s economy. The range of National Small Business Week award categories include:· Small Business Person of the Year Award· Small Business Exports of the Year Award· Small Business Development Centre Excellence and Innovation Award· Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award· Women’s Business Center of Excellence AwardThe US Chamber of Commerce also hosts the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Awards Program sponsored by Sam’s Club. The other National Small Business Awards you can win cash for, gain national recognition and valuable networking opportunities include:· The SCORE Awards· The American Business Awards· Inc. 500/5000 Awards· Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Women Awards· Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award· The Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust· The SVN Innovation AwardsApplying for some of these awards is crucial when it comes to recognition. Research is vital when trying to find awards you fit into. Researching far ahead of time and making a list is probably the best way to enter into as many awards as possible. Even though some awards have fees, enter any way, because the reward for your business would be huge. And when you get any awards, you get to put the award on your website and social sites as show of early accomplishments. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://lupingems.info/how-business-networking-can-help-launch-your-small-business-from-the-ground-up/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Film Television and Animation Tax Credit Financing – Canadian Solutions</title> <link>https://lupingems.info/film-television-and-animation-tax-credit-financing-canadian-solutions/</link> <comments>https://lupingems.info/film-television-and-animation-tax-credit-financing-canadian-solutions/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sun, 26 Mar 2023 11:56:41 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://lupingems.info/?p=42</guid> <description><![CDATA[Financing solutions and models continue to be sought after in the Canadian film television and animation tax credit financing area. Additionally other working capital solutions for Canadian productions in this area are also available and generally less known as to … <a href="https://lupingems.info/film-television-and-animation-tax-credit-financing-canadian-solutions/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Financing solutions and models continue to be sought after in the Canadian film television and animation tax credit financing area. Additionally other working capital solutions for Canadian productions in this area are also available and generally less known as to their existence and their ability to assist productions of Canadian content.Early in 2010, as is by now well known by most players in the industry, the Canadian government at both the federal and provincial level ‘super charged ‘ tax credit grants and incentives. Rates and credits increased for specified expenditures by as much as 5-10 per cent in most areas of these tax credits. Additionally a fund was even creating for Intellectual property, with a projected funding of ten million dollars.Productions with Canadian content are aggressively being produced and savvy principals in Canada are both taking advantage of these credits, and also financing them on an interim basis, or on completion.A combination of private investing, government non repayable tax credits and even some participation by Canadian banks create a ‘tour de force ‘of financing assistance for Canadian content. Although a significant previous factor in Canadian growth was the cheaper Canadian dollar even the dollar at par now has not hindered Canadian productions in all three key areas, film, television, and digital animation. (And let’s not forgot those lesser known sisters – book publishing and music!)Productions in Canada are of course financing in the same manner as almost anywhere else – equity by owners, tax credits, loans, and distribution deals. The most recent tax credit incentives in effect replace film tax shelters of previous days. In our opinion this method is more transparent, available, and takes a lot of the negativity associated with ‘tax shelters ‘.So how do principals access tax credits and how can these tax credits be financed. Did you also know that financing is available on an interim basis also, so for properly documented productions you can obtain interim financing assistance that in many cases becomes a key up front component of your financing and will allow you to complete your project more advantageously from a financial perspective?What are the basics of this type of financing – let’s review them. To say that film, TV and animation financing is a boutique industry in Canada is of course an understatement. For that reason we strongly recommend that you work with and speak to an experienced and knowledgeable advisor in this area. To access financing you must ensure your project or projects are eligible to be certified for any one or more of the six major tax credits that are available, for example, in Ontario. (We will use Ontario as our example, but each province has similar regimes to assist yourselves.) You should ensure you have created a single special purpose entity, essentially the legal shell under which your production or project will be qualified.Carefully choose which credits you are eligible for, and ensure you apply for proper certification as soon as possible. Improper or incomplete certification only (as in any business financing process) slows down and stalls your tax credit and the ability to finance it.Maintain proper disbursement and payroll records – we strongly recommend to clients that they use a specialized accountant or firm in this area. If you can demonstrate your background and experience, have proper certification in process, and are committed to document the project through completion by proper filing of tax returns and financials your tax credit can be financed as immediately as when it is accepted and provided to your project. If you seek interim financing for the same project, and are committed to maintaining and demonstrating the quality in the key fundamental areas noted above you are eligible for accrual financing, or cash flow and working capital assistance immediately even prior to the certification of your project(S).In summary, ‘Hollywood North’ appears to be booming again. The economy has picked up, consumers want entertainment in all key sectors, and even the Canadian dollar has not deterred investment in production. Tax credits have increased, and even better yet, by working with the proper experienced partner your credits can be financing when they are certified, or even earlier if you can document a strong go forward action plan on disbursements, payroll, and your experience in this great area of the Canadian economy. And by the way, speaking to an expert in area doesn’t hurt – extra tips and assistance may be worth thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash flow and working capital for your projects! </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://lupingems.info/film-television-and-animation-tax-credit-financing-canadian-solutions/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Lawsuit Financing</title> <link>https://lupingems.info/lawsuit-financing/</link> <comments>https://lupingems.info/lawsuit-financing/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:12:38 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[finance]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://lupingems.info/?p=40</guid> <description><![CDATA[Lawsuit financing is usually misunderstood as loans. In reality lawsuit finances or lawsuit funds are advances or investments made to avoid state laws against making excessive charges of interest. These lawsuit finances are available for appellate funding, attorney funding, expert … <a href="https://lupingems.info/lawsuit-financing/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Lawsuit financing is usually misunderstood as loans. In reality lawsuit finances or lawsuit funds are advances or investments made to avoid state laws against making excessive charges of interest. These lawsuit finances are available for appellate funding, attorney funding, expert witnesses and plaintiffs. Lawsuit finance helps those who have lost their jobs, have met with accidents, had personal injuries, faced sexual harassment, or are charged with malpractice.When clients sometimes cannot even meet their basic requirements like rent and expenses, lawsuit financing helps them. Under such cases the lawsuit financing companies help by providing advances to the clients. Lawsuit finance is non-recourse in nature. Unlike a loan it is retrieved by the lawsuit financing company only when the verdict is in favor of the client. The lawsuit financing company can claim for the settlement of the money only after the final verdict or statement is known.The lawsuit financing company has options like flat fee, where the lawsuit financing company decides beforehand what amount or share the client would pay after the final verdict is known. The lawsuit financing companies charge the plaintiffs with recurring fees that they have to pay until the verdict is made final. This recurring fee varies according to the case. It is usually collected on a monthly basis. The fee could be as low as 0.5% or could be as high as 15%.Attorneys, their witnesses, and testimony can together convince the judge or jury to take your favor. In these situations, use expert witness funding. The attorney funding becomes essential when the plaintiff runs out off capital or the litigation costs exceed the expected amount. Then funding or financing becomes essential. The plaintiff funding is made as investments and not mere loans. If the plaintiff has received a monetary verdict but a trial is pending, then appellate financing is suggested. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://lupingems.info/lawsuit-financing/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Alternative Financing</title> <link>https://lupingems.info/alternative-financing/</link> <comments>https://lupingems.info/alternative-financing/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2023 04:36:43 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[finance]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://lupingems.info/?p=38</guid> <description><![CDATA[Alternative bank financing has significantly increased since 2008. In contrast to bank lenders, alternative lenders typically place greater importance on a business’ growth potential, future revenues, and asset values rather than its historic profitability, balance sheet strength, or creditworthiness.Alternative lending … <a href="https://lupingems.info/alternative-financing/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Alternative bank financing has significantly increased since 2008. In contrast to bank lenders, alternative lenders typically place greater importance on a business’ growth potential, future revenues, and asset values rather than its historic profitability, balance sheet strength, or creditworthiness.Alternative lending rates can be higher than traditional bank loans. However, the higher cost of funding may often be an acceptable or sole alternative in the absence of traditional financing. What follows is a rough sketch of the alternative lending landscape.Factoring is the financing of account receivables. Factors are more focused on the receivables/collateral rather than the strength of the balance sheet. Factors lend funds up to a maximum of 80% of receivable value. Foreign receivables are generally excluded, as are stale receivables. Receivables older than 30 days and any receivable concentrations are usually discounted greater than 80%. Factors usually manage the bookkeeping and collections of receivables. Factors usually charge a fee plus interest.Asset-Based Lending is the financing of assets such as inventory, equipment, machinery, real estate, and certain intangibles. Asset-based lenders will generally lend no greater than 70% of the assets’ value. Asset-based loans may be term or bridge loans. Asset-based lenders usually charge a closing fee and interest. Appraisal fees are required to establish the value of the asset(s).Sale & Lease-Back Financing. This method of financing involves the simultaneous selling of real estate or equipment at a market value usually established by an appraisal and leasing the asset back at a market rate for 10 to 25 years. Financing is offset by a lease payment. Additionally, a tax liability may have to be recognized on the sale transaction.Purchase Order Trade Financing is a fee-based, short-term loan. If the manufacturer’s credit is acceptable, the purchase order (PO) lender issues a Letter of Credit to the manufacturer guaranteeing payment for products meeting pre-established standards. Once the products are inspected they are shipped to the customer (often manufacturing facilities are overseas), and an invoice generated. At this point, the bank or other source of funds pays the PO lender for the funds advanced. Once the PO lender receives payment, it subtracts its fee and remits the balance to the business. PO financing can be a cost-effective alternative to maintaining inventory.Non-Bank FinancingCash flow financing is generally accessed by very small businesses that do not accept credit cards. The lenders utilize software to review online sales, banking transactions, bidding histories, shipping information, customer social media comments/ratings, and even restaurant health scores, when applicable. These metrics provide data evidencing consistent sale quantities, revenues, and quality. Loans are usually short-term and for small amounts. Annual effective interest rates can be hefty. However, loans can be funded within a day or two.Merchant Cash Advances are based on credit/debit card and electronic payment-related revenue streams. Advances may be secured against cash or future credit card sales and typically do not require personal guarantees, liens, or collateral. Advances have no fixed payment schedule, and no business-use restrictions. Funds can be used for the purchase of new equipment, inventory, expansion, remodeling, payoff of debt or taxes, and emergency funding. Generally, restaurants and other retailers that do not have sales invoices utilize this form of financing. Annual interest rates can be onerous.Nonbank Loans may be offered by finance companies or private lenders. Repayment terms may be based on a fixed amount and a percentage of cash flows in addition to a share of equity in the form of warrants. Generally, all terms are negotiated. Annual rates are usually significantly higher than traditional bank financing.Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) usually lend to micro and other non-creditworthy businesses. CDFIs can be likened to small community banks. CDFI financing is usually for small amounts and rates are higher than traditional loans.Peer-to-Peer Lending/Investing, also known as social lending, is direct financing from investors, often accessed by new businesses. This form of lending/investing has grown as a direct result of the 2008 financial crisis and the resultant tightening of bank credit. Advances in online technology have facilitated its growth. Due to the absence of a financial intermediary, peer-to-peer lending/investing rates are generally lower than traditional financing sources. Peer-to-Peer lending/investing can be direct (a business receives funding from one lender) or indirect (several lenders pool funds).Direct lending has the advantage of allowing the lender and investor to develop a relationship. The investing decision is generally based on a business’ credit rating, and business plan. Indirect lending is generally based on a business’ credit rating. Indirect lending distributes risk among lenders in the pool.Non-bank lenders offer greater flexibility in evaluating collateral and cash flow. They may have a greater risk appetite and facilitate inherently riskier loans. Typically, non-bank lenders do not hold depository accounts. Non-bank lenders may not be as well known as their big-bank counterparts. To ensure that you are dealing with a reputable lender, be sure to research thoroughly the lender.Despite the advantage that banks and credit unions have in the form of low cost of capital – almost 0% from customer deposits – alternative forms of financing have grown to fill the demand of small and mid-sized businesses in the last several years. This growth is certain to continue as alternative financing becomes more competitive, given the decreasing trend seen in these lenders’ cost of capital. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://lupingems.info/alternative-financing/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Google and Microsoft Battle for Control of the Digital Universe</title> <link>https://lupingems.info/google-and-microsoft-battle-for-control-of-the-digital-universe/</link> <comments>https://lupingems.info/google-and-microsoft-battle-for-control-of-the-digital-universe/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2023 12:33:30 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[accounting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[companies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[google]]></category> <category><![CDATA[near me]]></category> <category><![CDATA[offices]]></category> <category><![CDATA[restaurant]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[services]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://lupingems.info/?p=35</guid> <description><![CDATA[Microsoft and Google are the two most valuable technology companies, according to Bloomberg, and they are engaged in a battle to control “how consumers and corporations work, shop, communicate and go about their digital lives,” according to an article in … <a href="https://lupingems.info/google-and-microsoft-battle-for-control-of-the-digital-universe/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Microsoft and Google are the two most valuable technology companies, according to Bloomberg, and they are engaged in a battle to control “how consumers and corporations work, shop, communicate and go about their digital lives,” according to an article in the NY Times on 12/16/07. Google sees all these things happening through a Web-based system, but Microsoft envisions a future where most of these things happen through desktop PC software.By offering Web-based computer software applications, called Google Apps, for word processing, email and spreadsheets to companies, universities and consumers, Google is trying to change the software business and in the process is directly challenging Microsoft’s PC software empire. “If Google succeeds, a lot of the value that Microsoft provides today is potentially obsolete,” David Yoffie, a professor at the Harvard Business School, told the Times.Taking on Microsoft will not be an easy task for Google. Microsoft has a commanding position in the personal productivity software business, with a share in excess of 90% and with Microsoft’s Office Suite running on 500 million computers, according to the Times. It’s certain that Microsoft will fight tenaciously to defend their business. They already are investing heavily in Web-based software, large data centers and are adding Internet features, to counter Google’s advances in these areas. Microsoft’s strategy appears to be one where they will embrace the web, while trying to maintain the profitability of their PC based business.Some of the advantages of Google’s software include being able to develop and release it more rapidly than conventional software, new features and improvements can be added quickly and you can access it from any online connection, without being tied to your PC. Eric Schmidt, Google’a CEO, told the Times that small businesses could greatly reduce their costs and technology headaches by adopting Google’s web offerings. Dave Girouard, who runs Google’s enterprise business, told the Times, “a lot of big companies” will soon be using Google Apps. Jeff Raikes from Microsoft dismisses Google’s optimism as wishful thinking, in the Times article. Google must also face the fact that many large companies view Microsoft as a safe choice and may be reluctant to switch software vendors. Companies and individuals may also be reluctant to store sensitive information on Google’s servers.Ultimately, the success of Google’s Web-based software will be dependent upon the cost and ease of use. Business people in a variety of industries are watching this venture closely, to see if Google can be successful in an area outside of Internet search. In the near term, I believe Microsoft will continue to be the dominant force in the software business, but if Google succeeds overtime, Microsoft will likely have to lower their prices, which will cut into their profit margins. Whatever the outcome, it should be interesting to watch these two technology heavyweights battle it out for control of the digital universe. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://lupingems.info/google-and-microsoft-battle-for-control-of-the-digital-universe/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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