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Platform. These days it's the magic word in publishing. When a publisher wants to buy, they're not just buying your book or your idea, they're buying you and the many ways you reach people. Some new authors focus solely on writing their books, thinking they can work on their platform after the book is published. Unfortunately, the business doesn't work that way. You can't wait to sell your book to build a platform, because the platform is what helps sell your book. So get started now, even if you're still in the writing stage. Here's how you do it.

Decide On a Target Market

It's tempting to skip this step, especially if you feel your book or story speaks to everyone. That may be, but it's awfully difficult--and expensive--to market to everyone. It doesn't mean you're shutting out potential customers, it just means you're focusing your laser to greatest effect. So if you survived two back surgeries and your story is about dealing with chronic pain, you may target people with back injuries, but that doesn't mean other sufferers of chronic pain (people with arthritis, for instance) will miss out on your message.

How Will You Talk to Your Market?

Thanks to the internet you have many free and low cost ways to communicate with your audience. Why is this important? Because this is how you establish yourself as an expert in your subject area. For instance, you may consider yourself an expert in back pain if you've developed ways to cope after having two surgeries. But you're a more visible expert, with loads more credibility if you have a television show, newsletter or radio show where you discuss ways of dealing with chronic pain. And here's the best part--your show doesn't have to be on one of the big networks or even on cable. You can post your own show on the web! Likewise you can have your own radio show or podcast on the web. And blogs get tons of attention as well. This is important if you're not known in your field.

Here's a great example. "Sportscaster Chronicles" is a blog and podcast by John Lewis, a New York City writer who is developing his platform as a sportcaster historian. You can view his handiwork at http://www.sportscasterchronicles.blogspot.com/.

Send Out Press Releases

Don't keep it a secret. Let the media know you're an expert available to comment on relevant news stories. You don't want to send releases out without reason, though. For instance, almost all of John Lewis's sportscaster broadcasts are connected to something currently happening in the sports world. A few weeks ago it was comments that Bryant Gumbel made during the Olympics. Before that it was the death of legendary sportscaster Curt Gowdy. He can send press releases alerting reporters of the material especially when, as in Gowdy's case, he has unique information--John had interviewed Gowdy in recent months.

Let's use the back pain story as another example. What if a popular painkiller is pulled from the market. You could send out a press release saying something like "10 Pain Relieving Exercises Developed for Former Users of Medicine X". Reporters love stuff like that. You've given them a fresh angle on a story they're already covering. And when you write your query letter or book proposal, you get to say, "pain expert quoted in magazines and newspapers". And these days you can send a press release out via email or use free distribution sites such as http://www.prfree.com, http://www.free-press-release.com/ or http://www.i-newswire.com/submit.php.

Speak Your Mind

Speaking is a great way to get people familiar with you. If you fear speaking think of it this way--pretend you are already on book tour and this is just another forum where you get to talk about your subject! You can start out speaking locally and doing it for free. If you're writing a memoir on your experiences in World War II, there may be high school history classes interested in hearing your story. Or, if you've learned how to cope with chronic pain, you could address support groups who deal with the same struggles. Speaking is also a great opportunity for adding people to your list so that you can let them know when your book comes out. Your list will always be an important marketing tool.

You don't have to have an elaborate PowerPoint presentation or music or flashing lights to be a speaker. Just choose one or two aspects of your story or subject (you don't want to give away your whole book!) and start presenting them. Groups such as local Rotary clubs are always looking for speakers. If you feel you need to polish your skills, join a Toastmasters group. Bottom line, if you have a compelling story, some group large or small will want to hear it.

Publish Articles

You don't have to send a bunch of letters out to editors trying to get an assignment to write an article. You can write a meaty, content-filled article and distribute it on the web. This is another way to establish your expertise. As with the press releases, there are many sites where you can make your articles (usually 800-1,000 words in length) available for use in other websites, newsletters and blogs. It's an excellent way to get your name in front of new audience members. Two popular distribution sites are http://www.ezinearticles.com and http://www.isnare.com.

Will You Pass the Test?

How does this all sound to you? If you're excited by these ideas and see them as opportunities to talk and write more about something you're deeply interested in, that's fantastic. It means you're on the right track--you've chosen a topic or story you're passionate about. If you aren't interested or motivated enough to want to speak and write articles or press releases connected to your topic, you may want to reconsider your book. After all, this is the kind of stuff you'll have to do at some point to sell your book. If you don't want to do it now, how will you sell your book later? Even more to the point, if you're not willing or interested enough to put this kind of activity behind your book, why should a publisher be interested in working with you? You build your platform, you build your book's future. So give it your best shot. If you feel you need help brainstorming ideas or developing your plan, hire a coach or consultant to support you. Often it's easier to move forward when you can better see the road ahead.

2006 Sophfronia Scott

Author and Writing Coach Sophfronia Scott is "The Book Sistah" TM. Get her FREE REPORT, "The 5 Big Mistakes Most Writers Make When Trying to Get Published" and her FREE online writing and book publishing tips at http://www.TheBookSistah.com

Sophfonia is also author of the bestselling novel, All I Need to Get By. If you liked today's issue, stay tuned for more because The Book Sistah also offers FREE audio classes, FREE articles, workshops, and other resources to help aspiring authors get published and market their books successfully.

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There are several well-known manufacturers of home gyms worth mentioning. While all have their advantages and disadvantages, the following home fitness gyms are particularly noteworthy. The reviews will focus on the universal gyms that the companies manufacture.

Weider Home Gyms Review The Weider Crossbar (formerly called the Crossbow) is a universal gym that uses sturdy but bendable bows to create resistance. The range of resistance is from 5 pounds to 240 pounds, with an available upgrade that increases the amount of resistance to 440 pounds. The Weider Crossbar sells for around $500.

Pros: The Weider Crossbar is relatively inexpensive and has a wide range of exercises that it can be used for.

Cons: It takes a long time to put together and some of the suggested exercises are uncomfortable and impractical.

Gold's Gym Home Gyms Review
The most popular Gold's Gym home gym is the Power Flex. This is a universal gym that uses flexible bows to provide resistance. The maximum resistance is 210 pounds, with an available add-on that increases the maximum to 410 pounds. The price range for the Power Flex is between $500 and $900.

Pros: The Power Flex includes a rowing station, is capable of doing 65 different exercises, and folds to fit in a 2by 3 space.

Cons: It is difficult to adjust the resistance level and the manufacturers provide poor customer service.

Tuff Stuff Home Gyms Review
The CFM-555 is the best-known home gym made by Tuff Stuff. This is a universal gym with a single weight stack. The CFM-555 sells for around $1200. Pros: The CFM-555 features easily operated range of motion device, a contoured seat back that is functional and comfortable, and a wide range of possible exercises.

Cons: It is large and relatively hard to move. There was no mention of any way to add resistance to the CFM-555.

Hoist Home Gyms Review
The Hoist Multi Gym H-100 is a well-respected high-end universal gym with a suggested retail price of $1500. The Multi Gym H-100 features a single weight stack.

Pros: The Multi Gym H-100 is well constructed and durable. It has a multitude of possible exercises and a sleek, space saving design.

Cons: It is expensive and there is no way to add resistance beyond the single weight stack.

Marcy Home Gyms Review
The Marcy MWM 1800 has dual 100 pound weight stacks to allow two people to exercise at once. It has the capability of doing over 20 different exercises. The Marcy MWM 1800 retails for about $400.

Pros: The MWM 1800 is a good value for its price and fits in a corner.

Cons: There was only a 50-pound resistance add-on mentioned and the MWM is difficult to assemble.

Powerhouse Home Gyms Review
The Powerhouse PH-1300 is a mix between a universal gym and a free weight home gym. It has the set up of a universal gym, but the user has to supply the weight rack. It costs about $350 plus the costs of weights.

Pros: The PH-1300 can have as much as 500 pounds added to it. It is inexpensive and relatively lightweight.

Cons: The weights must be bought separately and the cables that hold the weights break easily.

Conclusion:

Any of the products mentioned in the home gyms review could be a good choice for consumers looking to exercise at home. People who are looking to do light exercise could choose a smaller, inexpensive and less complex home gym, while people who are fully committed to build strength would be better advised to buy a larger home gym with more features. The main point to keep in mind is that there is a home gym on the market for everyone.

Home Gyms Info provides detailed information on cheap, best, used, discount, free weight, and universal home gyms, plus reviews of best home gym products, and more. Home Gyms Info is the sister site of Whey Protein Web.

All of us want our homes to be places of comfort and beauty. Some of us enjoy decorating and furnishing our homes and some of us dont. How do we decide if we need an interior designer or not?

Not everyone needs a designer. If you enjoy creating your own home and you are confident in what your are doing, it is possible that what you really need is a professional shopper. You know what you want, you just dont have the time or the expertise to find it. This is where the personal shopper comes in-to help you find a specific item or list of items. They know where the stores are and where the bargains are-and dont we all love a bargain? These hardworking folks can find you just the right table or those elusive accessories that give your home an individual look while youre at work earning money to pay for all of this style and elegance.

If you enjoy the shopping experience and just need an item or two (a new sofa, a club chair, or a table to put beside your recliner), you can find the help you need right at the furniture store. Better furniture stores usually have trained staff on hand to help you choose a style and a fabric. Take along pictures, fabric samples, anything you need to match the new piece. Above all, dont forget measurements. At the furniture store find a salesperson who is attuned to the look you are trying to achieve and with whom you feel comfortable. Dont hesitate to ask for a different salesperson if you feel that you are being pushed to buy something just because that is the flavor of the week. A good salesperson will work to help you find the exact look you are aiming for and you will be quite happy with your purchase.

However, a word of warning-if you are putty in the hands of an expert salesperson, or undecided what you want, or unsure of yourself, dont go this route. You will end up with a room that is never quite what you wanted.

So when do you absolutely need a design team? Here are 10 reasons to hire a professional:

1. You have a difficult room. If the room is oddly shaped, has too many focal points, or architectural details that are in the wrong places, you need professional help.

2. You have ideas, but dont know how to implement them or don't know where to start changing things.

3. You just dont have the time, energy, or the desire to do designing.

4. You need a major make-over, but you are on a budget. I know this sounds contradictory, but decorating mistakes are expensive, and a good designer will make sure they dont happen.

5. You have major work to be done, but it needs to be done in stages due to budget considerations or a growing family. A designer can set you up with a list of things to do and buy which is prioritized, and on a time-line.

6. You think you know what you want, but are insecure about whether or not your ideas will work.

7. You want to update a room without throwing everything out and starting over. This is a challenge , but it can be done. It generally requires quite a high level of skill. If you dont have a talent for this, get someone who does.

8. You have a piece or pieces of furniture, paintings, and accessories which dont seem to fit your rooms or style, but which you cant eliminate because they are family heirlooms or simply because you cant afford to replace them. After all, you may not want to get rid of great-grandpas desk even if it is Victorian and you like contemporary.

9. You are trying to achieve a specific style or period such as French Country, Scandinavian,18th century, 50's Retro, etc.

10. You are unsure about color combinations, proportions, mixing patterns, composition and styles.

If you fall into any of these categories, or if you simply want a professional touch, an interior designer is probably the solution to your decorating problems. Your home is too important to your happiness and lifestyle not to have the comfort you desire. If you dont love decorating or you have a decorating challenge, then hire an expert and use your time and energy for things you really enjoy.

Content for this article has been contributed by ON THE GO 4 U, Design Consultant, Suzanne Copenhaver. Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The companys creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience.

In addition to its services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net

2005 Indra A Books for ON THE GO 4 U. All rights reserved.

Never has a sport, or its participants been under such a strict inspection for doping as professional cycling is now. Even though time has passed since Floyd Landis was striped of his title as cycling's greatest champion after two of his urine samples showed an unusually high ratio of testosterone, the cycling authorities do not seem to get pass the embarrassment.

The races go on, but with more caution from the authorities, they do not want to leave any open window for a new scandal. Most American riders claim they are not to be involved in the doping allegations in Europe; we all understand the current problems are dangerous for the overall image of the sport. In the same way, they fear fans might label all cyclists as cheats and that will take away the fame and fun of the sport.

In Landis specific case media has played an important role and people has been led to confusion since no official trial has been conducted by the U.S Anti-Doping Agency. Some people believe his statements and say that he is innocent, some people believe he is guilty, and there are others who just blame it all on the French. People have made Floyd Landis a non-cheating cheater. I agree with people making their own opinion, what I really do not agree with is that, although the opinions are divided it all bends more toward the assumption that Landis is already guilty, well before the American cyclist has faced any official charges that may be brought against him by the United States Anti-Doping Agency for a positive test for testosterone at the Tour de France. Media gave Landis no opportunity, if we think back in cycling Justin Gatlins results were announced four months after he first tested positive, and because of a leak, his dream turned to a nightmare very quickly. I just feel that even though he was positive in both samples, he should have been given time to defend himself properly, instead of basically being tried immediately in the public eye.

Ally White is a top senior copy writer on sportsbook action for http://www.instantactionsports.com Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

Credit cards in general encourage consumers to spend, but the opposite is true for the One from American Express. Unlike cash back reward cards, the American Express One card will deposit cash rebates of 1% of purchase value into a high yield savings account under the cardholders name. This account is opened automatically upon a successful application; with the investment FDIC insured and a 4.0% annual percentage yield for this account.

Taking it a notch higher, American Express will contribute $25 to the account upon the first purchase made with the American Express One card. In fact, card owners are also allowed to make their own deposits into the account. As for fees, the American One card has an annual fee of $35, which is waived for first-year card holders.

Whats more, card holders are also entitled for numerous other great benefits card, such as no maximum credit limit imposed, and also the availability of a tracking alert system to help card holders control their monthly spending. As there is no one to help you keep tabs on how much you spend on your card, you can always sign up to have an alert system inform you whenever you are close to a designated amount.

Also, customers are also provided with the convenience of managing their card account and bill payments online. In addition, the American Express One card also includes travel accident insurance and car rental insurance coverage for card holders. Moreover, there is also an Interest Protection program which claims to be able to help customers cut down on the amount of insurance they have to pay.

Finally, the grace period for this card (set at 30 days) is longer than the usual 20 days offered by most other credit cards. Therefore, customers will not have to start paying interest on the purchases, which they just bought. This could hardly be categorized as a benefit as most other cards possess the same feature. However, with the rebates into high-yield investment accounts, this is already a great reason for anyone to make the American Express One card their favorite credit card.

For more information or to apply for the American Express One, Eric Wasselman recommends Find Credit Cards