At one time or another, most of us have stated in disgust that we’ll never buy another item from X store or Y company. Product quality may or may not be involved. More often than not, it is perceived lack of service or lack of caring on the part of the organization. Harvard business researchers put a label on that phenomenon in 1994. Businesses know it as the “service profit chain.”

The “chain” consists of nine components in seven positions, with the endpoint being that customer loyalty drives profitability and company growth. The researchers traced the endpoint of growth and profitability to the common denominator of internal quality. Internal quality focuses on employees and includes points such as hiring the “right” people for each job, training and development, empowering employees to truly serve customers, and recognition for a job well done. These and other points of internal quality serve to support and enhance employee motivation and therefore employee loyalty.

From the customer’s perspective, dealing with a company with loyal employees often translates to being able to speak to someone who is truly knowledgeable and can resolve the customer’s issue quickly and to the customer’s satisfaction. From the company’s perspective, employee loyalty means that it has lower turnover rates and far less need to focus on replacing employees or the loss of internal knowledge and experience lost when an employee leaves. The result for the organization is greater productivity, which in the chain model drives value. For the customer, value is the perception that the products or services gained from the organization are worth more than the price paid. Value drives customer satisfaction, which in turn creates customer loyalty.

The result for the organization is that it operates with loyal customers and loyal employees, reducing the need to replace either. The organization that cares about both its customers and employees is the one most likely to deliver value, and it also is the one least likely to disappear in tough economic times. It also is the one most focused on meeting customers’ needs, and ensuring that customers become and remain loyal to the organization’s goods or services.

Reference
Heskett, James L., Thomas O. Jones, Gary W. Loveman, W. Earl Sasser, Jr. and Leonard A. Schlesinger (2008, July-August). Putting the Service-Profit Chain to Work. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved July 4, 2011 from http://hbr.org/2008/07/putting-the-service-profit-chain-to-work/ar/1.

Would your portfolio pass the diversity test? Most likely, you have a 401(k), a 403(b), a standard IRA, Roth IRA, Roth 401(k), SEP IRA, or Simple IRA. And, most likely, whichever one you have is invested in stocks. That’s fine, but it doesn’t go far enough.

When you are looking for your next investment vehicle, look beyond the stock and bond markets and consider rental houses.

“REAL ESTATE!” I can hear you scream already. Isn’t that what brought down the economy the last time?

The answer is “yes” and “no.” We could go into an entire explanation of greedy bankers and derivatives, etc., but that wouldn’t get us to the real point.

There is serious money to be made, even today, in the rental house market. Let’s face it, all of these people who lost their houses to foreclosure still need a place to live. And, all of these foreclosed houses are sitting there like big ugly warts on the banks’ financial statements.

The banks are practically paying investors to buy these houses with lower than ever interest rates and prices well below assessed value.

With a little research, you can buy rental houses, rent them out and have a nice cash flow. Even better, the tenants are the ones paying the mortgage. In the end, you will own a house, free and clear, that you can either sell or continue to rent and rake in even more bucks. You can even hire a property manager to take care of all of the details for you.

Don’t be the last one to jump on this lucrative bandwagon. While bargains are plentiful now, the best deals are being snapped up quickly. Take advantage of this opportunity to diversify your portfolio with rental houses before all of the good ones are gone.

1. Jesus Film Harvest Partners (http://www.jesusfilminternational.org)

The Jesus Film Harvest Partners bring the love of God to the people of this world who have not heard the gospel proclaimed yet. They reach people through teams going out with the Jesus Film, presenting the life of Jesus to others.

2. Campus Crusade For Christ (www.campuscrusadeforchrist.com/)

Campus Crusade for Christ has been reaching our future leaders on college campuses with the good news of Jesus for decades. By bringing Jesus to the universities, they are impacting our world forever.

3. Wycliffe Bible Translators (www.wycliffe.org)

The idea behind Wycliffe Bible Translators is that people will best understand the Bible in their “heart language,” their native language. For that reason, they seek to translate the Bible into every language.

4. Young Life (www.younglife.org)

Young Life is successfully reaching today’s high school kids with the message of Jesus.

5. Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com)

Voice of the Martyrs tells the stories of those being persecuted.

6. Redeemer City to City (www.redeemercitytocity.com)

Redeemer City to City helps others plant churches in urban centers.

7. Compassion International (www.compassion.com)

Compassion International helps those who have been blessed bless children who are suffering in other parts of the world.

8. Frontiers (www.frontiers.org)

Frontiers focuses on bringing the message of Jesus Christ to the Muslim people.

9. Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (www.paacs.net)

The Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons is a part of the larger Christian Medical and Dental Associations (www.cmda.org). At their hospitals in Africa, natives are trained to be world-class surgeons so they can serve their countries and the gospel is preached.

10. Land of A Thousand Hills Coffee (www.drinkcoffeedogood.com)

Land of A Thousand Hills Coffee provides great coffee while treating farmers fairly. The proceeds benefit orphanages in Africa.

Mobile applications are becoming more and more popular. There are literally thousands of applications for a person to choose from no matter what type of mobile device it may be. Apple is most famous for developing their application store that allows people to download a number of different apps. Some of the most popular applications that people enjoy downloading are RSS Feed Readers. These are convenient because they give users access to their favorite news all in one location. While all RSS Readers allow a person to read the news, there are different features in each different application.

For iPhone users, the RSS Runner application is a great way to receive news from a number of sources. In order to receive the news, all the user has to do is input the web address of the source they want, and they will then receive any news from that source as it becomes available. Users can also export a particular feed to their computer by emailing the link to themselves and opening it on the computer. Overall, this application is very simple to use and does not require very much setting up. For users that like many different ways to customize and a great looking interface, there are a number of other applications that allow full customization.

Overall, news is a very important part of a persons everyday life. While news may not directly affect each person, it is nice to know what is going on in the world around them. Having a RSS Feed Reader that delivers the news without taking up too much time and allows the person to read their news and then move on is great. Mobile phone owners should test a number of applications to find the one that they really enjoy. Once the app is setup, users will no longer have to worry about not receiving their news on time.

The W Hotel and Ritz-Carlton are two of the most popular hotels for professionals and millionaires. But which one is better?

W Hotel

- Overview: W Hotels are some of the world’s best boutique hotels. They are hip, trendy establishments, often renovated from existing buildings. With over 50 hotels and resorts around the world, Ws are instantly recognizable by travelers and cherished by visitors.

- Pros: Ws are fresh and modern. They use a minimalist design, with areas sporting informal names, such as the “Wonderful Room” or “Spectacular Room.”

- Cons: Ws may not be suitable for older visitors or ultra-professional guests. They are fun, almost laid-back hotels that cater to a younger crowd. For those who need to maintain a certain level of professionalism, the W may not be enough.

Ritz-Carlton

- Overview: The Ritz-Carlton is the preeminent luxury hotel in the world. Dating back to the legendary locations in Paris and London, Ritz-Carlton hotels still carry the excellence of renowned hotelier, Cesar Ritz. Their emblem – a proud lion head atop a crown – tells you everything you need to know about their philosophy.

- Pros: The company has received countless awards and frequently finds itself on “best of” lists. As a guest, you receive the finest service the business has to offer.

- Cons: Ritz-Carlton hotels are expensive. You won’t get beyond the lobby unless you have a substantial bank account. Their history and reputation is always on display. For people just looking to enjoy themselves in a nice hotel, the Ritz-Carlton may be too much.

The verdict

If you never have to calculate costs, the Ritz-Carlton is your hotel. People know who you are when you visit a Ritz-Carlton. Staying in one of their hotel rooms is a sign of your success in life.

At the forefront of the success revolution is David Allen, a productivity guru and creator of the time management system, “Getting Things Done.”

Allen’s system, known simply as GTD to its followers, establishes the principle that externalizing (notes and meetings) tasks is the best way to free the mind and boost results.

His book and methods have become hot with the privileged crowd. Famous people of all different fields proclaim Allen to be the new master of organization.

Here are 3 famous people who use GTD (Getting Things Done):

1) Oprah Winfrey:

She is known as The Queen for a reason. The inimitable Winfrey has transformed herself from a poverty-stricken daughter of Mississippi to a multi-media baroness. She is, by some accounts, the most influential person on the planet.

Winfrey follows GTD principles on a daily basis. To 22 million listeners, she has become a business icon and spiritual leader.

2) Will Smith:

The only actor to have eight consecutive movies open #1 at the box office, Smith keeps his life and career in the record books by following the effective principles laid out by Allen.

Smith has conquered entertainment’s two most challenging jobs: music and acting. GTD keeps his albums on shelves and his movies in theaters.

3) Tom Cruise:

Scientology’s greatest warrior is a die hard GTD believer. As an actor, producer, studio head, husband and father, Cruise can’t afford to waste time. GTD has allowed him to clip the unneeded activities from his schedule, leaving more time to travel the world and share his beliefs.

An already successful entrepreneur, Cruise uses Allen’s technology to remain the top gun in his industry.

Famous people use GTD because it helps with one of the biggest issues in their lives: what to do when you have so much to do.

Being charitable isn’t synonymous with being religious. Here are our top 10 secular non-profit organizations.

10. DonorsChoose.org
Donors Choose is a web-based charity that allows you to give to classrooms in need. Teachers post donation requests on the websites, and donors choose which projects to donate to. The organization takes care of buying and delivering supplies, so all you have to do is click a few buttons to give to the teachers and students who need it most.

9. Music For Relief
Beginning with members of the band Linkin Park, Music For Relief started as an effort between musicians and fans to help those in need. The program aids people affected by natural disasters such as Haiti’s 2010 earthquake and Japan’s 2011 tsunami. MFR also reduces global warming by planting thousands of trees. Supporters of Music For Relief include musicians and bands such as Jack Johnson, Disturbed, Beck, and Ozzy Osbourne.

8. The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project works to prevent suicide among LGBTQ youth. Their mission is not only to prevent suicide, but to deliver a message to the LGBTQ community that it’s okay to be different. Their campaigns work to spread messages against bullying and other hate acts against the gay community, while their services include a 24/7 “crisis intervention lifeline.” More than 90% of donations to The Trevor Project goes to programs helping a LGBTQ youth in need.

7. Oxfam
Oxfam is one of the most popular non-profit organizations dedicated to stopping poverty and injustice in the world. With only a 6% overhead, Oxfam is involved in issues such as agriculture, hunger, food security, oil, natural disasters, war, water, worker’s rights, and more. Their diversity and support has allowed them to aid thousands of needy people worldwide.

6. Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer is one of the trendiest charities dedicated to bringing about an end to cancer. It was started because of the belief that the entertainment industry has the ability to help others, which explains why so many celebrities are involved with this organization. Stand Up To Cancer is using star power, and your donations, to help find a cure for cancer. If you’re wary about a charity that’s so closely related to Hollywood, be comforted by the fact that Stand Up To Cancer only uses 9% of donations for administrative purposes.

5. Invisible Children
Invisible Children is a secular non-profit started by a few filmmakers who saw something they could not live with in silence: Africa’s children being used by Joseph Kony as soldiers in war. Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, considers himself to be spreading Christianity throughout Uganda through this bloody war. The website states that the “war in northern Uganda has been called the most neglected humanitarian emergency in the world today.”

4. Red Cross
The Red Cross is one of the most popular charities in the world, bringing emergency response to the people who need it most. Not only do they help victims of war and natural disasters, but they’re the largest organization to collect and distribute blood to those who need it. The administration cost of the Red Cross is only 4% of their income and the charity is not affiliated with any religious agenda, making it an efficient and easy way to help those in need.

3. Doctors Without Borders
Through Doctors Without Borders, doctors and nurses can volunteer their time and expertise to help needy people in over 70 countries. The charity operates on a strict medical ethics code, which means that all care is given without prejudice. The Doctors Without Borders website states that the charity “operates independently of any political, military, or religious agendas,” ensuring your money will not benefit any goal outside of helping people in need, especially since only 1.1% of money raised goes to administration costs.

2. Kiva.org
Kiva is one of the most unique charities in the world today. When you donate money, you’re loaning it directly to needy people so they can start their own businesses and help themselves out of poverty. The basis of the charity is something called “microfinance”, which is the lending of small amounts of money to the poor. If you’re skeptical, Kiva ensures that 100% of your contribution goes directly to a person in need, and there is a 98.75% repayment rate on loans.

1. Charity Water
Charity Water’s goal is to provide clean, safe drinking water to people in third-world countries. Their website boasts that “100% of public donations directly fund water projects.” According to Charity Navigator, administration costs for Charity Water are only 11%, which means a majority of funds raised go to providing safe drinking water to those who need it.

If you are getting sick of your job, consider starting your own company instead of working for the man for the rest of your life. Here are ten reasons you should tell your boss that they can take your job and give it to somebody else.

1. You Can Be Your Own Boss

When you work for yourself, nobody can tell you what to do.

2. You Can Get Out Of Your Cubicle

Cubicles sap the creativity and drive out of a person. If you start your own company, you might never have to sit in a beige box again.

3. You Can Set Your Own Hours

If you work better at night, work at night. When you work for yourself, you can work whenever you want.

4. You Can Take Fitness Breaks

Many studies have concluded that sitting in an office for eight hours every day is unhealthy. People should take frequent breaks to move around.

5. You Can Stop Wasting Time In Unnecessary Meetings

Nothing can ruin a productive day like a three hour meeting. Quit your job, and say goodbye to those time wasters.

6. You Can Say Goodbye To Your Coworkers

While you might have a good relationship with one or two of your coworkers, there are probably quite a few people at your job who drive you crazy. If you quit your job now to start your own company, you can save goodbye to them forever.

7. You Can Spend More Time With Family

If you work at home while you are starting your new company, you will be able to spend extra time with those you love.

8. You Can Save Wear What You Want

If you want to wear jeans and a t-shirt, you can.

9. You Can Say Goodbye To Your Commute

Commuting is expensive and boring.

10. You Can Pursue A Dream

You only get one life. Do not be afraid to pursue your dreams.