Archive for the ‘Business’ Category
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
Once you have made up your mind to be a business person next thing that strikes you is whether to start a new one on your own or buy an existing business. Both options are doable. Yet, buying an existing business seems to be an easy way out. Let us see the advantages of selecting this alternative.
1. Knowledge Bank: The first and foremost plus point is that you know the lay of the land as far as the business you intend to buy is concerned. You have details of financial, operating and marketing performance; you are appraised of its staff, customers, suppliers; you have ideas about its owners and bankers. You can get published information to corroborate what the present owners have tried to convey
2. No Sunk-cost: There is no need to re-invent the wheel; you are spared with time and money in setting up a new business and going through start-up stage ; you have no hassle of getting approvals and licenses; more than that your decision making is made much easier as you have to say yes or no
3. Ready-made: It is just like buying a ready-made suit that fits you well. When you buy an existing business you take not only the entity but everything connected with the entity. There are trained staffs attuned to the ground realities of the business; they are well equipped with systems encompassing various activities of business such as purchasing, operating, marketing, selling, billing, financing and so on. You take over a pool of customers who are time-tested and have above par credit reports. In addition, there are suppliers, reliable in honouring contracts. All these cascading benefits are of long term nature impacting your short term performance. On top of all, you are briefed on business trends and future scenarios by the owners and employees. At a given time this turns out to be your short-term asset that helps you capitalize it for long term survival
4. Business Reputation: The fourth advantage rests on reputation of the existing business. They have track experience and a name in the industry to go with. In common parlance it is known as goodwill. You buy a business associated with the kind of reputation in which it is recognized by the wider society
5. Price is creamy: Depending on how you negotiate you may end up with a big bargain if you buy a business at a stated value that is less than its market value; sometimes you may have to pay a premium price that is to pay more than the market value. In either case you get a worthy business in your hands
6. Finance available: Another key positive is that you can finance the purchase of an existing business much easily than getting money for a new start-up. Banks generally lend part of the purchase price when it changes hands. The existing bankers of a business are generally inclined to continue their relationship with the new buyer by supporting him
7. Foundation is laid: When you buy existing business you get one with solid foundation. What you have to is to build on this foundation. You can set the tone on product improvement, profitability enhancement, widening the customer base and diversifying capital sources in felicitous manner
8. No Down-time: Once you buy existing business you metamorphose as a business person overnight. There is no waiting time; absolutely no time is wasted either. You get into the hot seat sooner than later as per purchase agreement you sign up with the seller
9. Cash flows from day one: An excellent plus is the way cash-flow begins. You buy the business and immediately afterwards you see cash coming in, in correspondence with the business activities continuing unabated
10. Cosmics begin: Finally, as I say, cosmics commence to function making your life rewarding and profitable. You have chosen a business; it has its own cosmics. You are a business person and you have your unique cosmics, aspects residing within you shaping and influencing you though these are un-seen and un-noticed by you. Once you fuse both these cosmics you become a successful business guy.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
When you are in trouble, you are counselled “count your blessings”. To be grateful for the good things you have and stop badgering of the bad things you are beset with. What are the good things a business has given you? Let me name them one by one:
1. Grateful forever: Business gives you the sense of gratitude; you pay the salaries and wages to your employees; you file the tax returns regularly; you meet your obligations squarely and finally you reward yourself for the trouble you are taking in running the business
2. Lasting friendship: You traverse the friendship bridge. Everything you do in business is in good faith upholding noble virtues of friendship and team spirit. If you take one of these out your business flops. Alfred A Montapert put it succinctly: “All lasting business is built on friendship”.
3. Nothing but the truth: Earth has a core of minerals and melting fire; fruit has core of plum and seed. Likewise, business has a big core; not made up of metals or flesh; but with layers of truth. You strive to be truthful in all your dealings, which we call in plain word as integrity. In a small business integrity is the key strength. No surprise that John Greenleaf Whittier declared: “As a small businessperson, you have no greater leverage than the truth”.
4. Morality to the fore: Ethics and responsibility of business is a subject of debate after the Gulf fire caused by the British Petroleum (BP). US administration is now taking efforts to bring criminal action on the company’s miserable failure in not putting out the fire in timely fashion. For an ordinary business person morality shall remain the binding cord between him and people whom he associates with, in the conduct of his business. “Every young man would do well to remember that all successful business stands on the foundation of morality”, admonished Henry Ward Beecher. Morality, therefore, remains larger than life picture in your business
5. Winning Attitude: “Success or failure in business is caused more by the mental attitude even than by mental capacities”, says Walter Scott. Not a whit of doubt about it. So many guys with brilliant ideas enter the market but fail to make their mark and wither away. What is going wrong with them? Attitude, positive attitude. That is what they lacked. A sought after boon from your business is the kind of winning attitude where upon success is premised such that even if you run into snags you come out with a broad smile
6. Drive you Crazy: Pause for a moment; look at what business bestowed you now. The burning desire to do, to perform and to succeed. The coals never stopped smouldering within you. You go ahead whether rain or sunny. That is what keeps you in trim and shape, not the treadmill you work out in the evenings. Still you have to drive the business like a car or perhaps your wife. What happens if you don’t? B C Forbes gives the answer: “If you don’t drive your business, you will be driven out of business”
7. Grow tall & grow big: Looks like childhood stuff. Never mind. From toddler to kid; youth to middle aged you continue to grow; so must be your business. Unless you build up your business big and tall you leave no signature of yours. Will Rogers put it this succinctly: “If you can build a business up big enough, it’s respectable”. Your business gives you that dream; let the dream becomes a self-fulfilling vision
8. Never Stop running: Ostensibly, business makes you run in marathons. Success must breed further success. Any complacence skittles you off from your turf. You remain tethered to your business till you finish your marathon line and breast the red ribbon. Sample this from Thomas J Watson “Whenever an individual or a business decides that success has been attained, progress stops”
9. Cosmic Blessings: My final piece as always is to talk about how cosmics make you as a business person. I looked at what Thomas Carlyle has to say about cosmics. “ “Blessed is he who has found his work; let him ask no other blessedness”. See how pithy and philosophical the statement is. Cosmics are aspects hidden within you influencing you in your business life. If you can understand and evaluate your cosmics you can get into right business. When your cosmics are firing in all the cylinders, you wake up in the morning, feeling in high spirit as a triumphant business person.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmic Blessings, Cosmics, Small Business
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Small Business | 1 Comment »
Monday, January 23rd, 2012
Everybody has to take some risk somewhere at some time with something in his life. Prototyping business and career persons into risk taker, risk neutral and risk avoider is too mathematical and sounds theoretical. To succeed in life you have got to take risk. Let us see how taking risk can be made easy for you.
Imagine you are travelling in a speed train. A fellow passenger got stuck in the auto door in between two compartments. Someone must dislodge him from the door panels to get him extricated. If he remains there the chance of his being suffocated perhaps leading to fatality is high. If you attempt to stop the train unnecessarily you are subjected to a huge fine. What you will do?
1. Pull the alarm signal
2. Try to extricate the passenger with what you can, failing which you will alert the engine driver of the impending calamity and wait for instructions
3. You will cry out, get others involved, do everything you can, alert the engine driver and pull the alarm signal
What you do in this circumstance reflects your attitude for risk taking. If you have ticked off item one then you are an impulsive type of risk taker ready and willing to take risks on the spur of the moment and driven more by emotions than by intelligence. If you park on the second option, you are a cautious risk taker playing safe and taking no chance. The last option is chosen by a calculated risk taker. He thinks fast acts fast and gets cracking.
What makes you take risk?
Attitude to risk is influenced by many factors. Culture of person is chief amongst these. People who live in Northern Hemisphere are more prone to take risks, especially in Europe and North America. Traditional societies that value loyalty and obedience shun much of risk taking. Genetics on the other hand play a distinguished role. Chinese have traditional Confusion culture shaping their outlook and behaviour; we believe that it prods them to conform and comply and treads the beaten path. Nailing this myth, men and women from Hakka Caste amongst Chinese show remarkable ability to take risks and as a result they have emerged as the most successful community in the Chinese mosaic. Location is a key factor in the evolution of risk taking personality. Surprisingly city dwellers get spoofed by a crisis while their counterparts in off-city limits are far too adventurous. Upbringing also contributes in moulding risk taking. Families where strain of courage and bravery runs select armed forces as their major choice. General Patton and General MacArthur are noted examples. This can be further extended to occupation as well. Generally guys in the Navy will sink with their ships after letting others use the remaining lifeboats. Most deciding factor is cosmics that reside within each person influencing and shaping his life throughout. Observe a school teacher in her brooding moods and a college professor in cheery moods, both are in teaching profession, but, what makes one pensive and other sprightly is the work of their individual cosmics.
What taking risk can do for you?
You can hone your skills in risk taking if you are convinced what it can do for you. Here are few goodies you get:
1. Taking risks helps you to broaden your outlook, your horizon, and your space in managing events and people
2. You learn to use your emotion and intelligence equally well
3. It aids you in developing a strong personality and let you have a hanker for risk and uncertainty
4. You will not wilt under pressure but keep composed and calm
5. It marshals your power in directing your swirling mind to focus on the job at hand
6. You learn to make decisions quickly, cautiously or in calculated manner as demanded by the situation you are in
7. You tend to learn a new skill and get coached in new methods of doing business and career. Even at old age stockbrokers look ostensibly younger and smarter because they continue to be up and running in the bull and bear market
8. You get all three “ Es” in one go: that is education, experience and exposure
9. You will develop an analytical mind at the same time willingness to go through life challenges. More so in taking business risk
10. Finally, you develop your cosmics to give you that re-assuring aura; people tend to trust and admire those who never hesitate in taking appropriate risk as and when necessary.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Business Risk, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics | 5 Comments »
Friday, January 20th, 2012
Personal branding is packaging your unique personal features into a consolidated brand. This branding then turns out to be a valuable asset in your repertoire. Every person in business or career shall develop his own personal branding. As time goes on, you and your personal branding are perceived by the society as one and the same. Your unique personal branding is a sum total of one or more of the following aspects:
1. Personality Traits: It is all about how your personality attributes make the man you are. Will you think in silence and be an infighter like Leo Panetta or passionate and extrovert like General David Petraeus. Recently President Obama made a tactical change. He shifted General Petraeus to CIA and Leo Panetta to Pentagon. Obama read the future well. Obama has to season the 1. 4 million US Armed forces to be trained in future wars that require intelligent analysis and actions rather than mere bravado. Leo Panetta fits the bill. Contrarily, the present CIA has to be transformed as a fighting unit with covert operations in armed conflicts. None other than David Petraeus is suitable for this vocation
2. Character Mapping: Strength of character is a unique personal branding. When you remain unfazed on the face of crisis as General David Petraeus oversaw in Afghanistan and Iraq and later as the head of the U S Central Command you are singled out as a person having the grain of character mapping to be a leader. You must possess such vastness of character that can be can be summed up in a simple phrase: personal branding
3. Smile & Style: Frank Sinatra sang “Do it in my way”. In cinema and in real life he had his own style. His cigarette lighter never left him and was buried as a memento with him. He was too smash & bash to go without it. What about his smile. For yesteryear Cinema goers his smile held much allure and they still rock around to see his films even decades after these were originally made
4. Speech & Mannerism: Ronald Reagan had unique personal branding in speech and mannerism. He was an actor, swashbuckler and a great communicator. His choice of words and diction is legendary as his cinema and political career. He used jewelled phrases, sometimes pithy sometimes denigratory. In 1986 confronted with multiple terrorist actions by the fulminating Libyan leader Muammar al Qaddafi, Reagan used fighting words by calling him “The mad dog of Middle East”. In fact, it presaged his wisdom; years later Gaddafi was killed on the streets of Sirte in Libya echoing Reagan’s diatribe
5. Body Language: George Clooney displays his personal branding via his body language. His walk & gait, his sitting postures, the way he moves his head and the mischievous twinkle in his eye are examples of body language that seal his personal branding. Furthermore, as an accomplished actor he uses cadence and rhythm in his tone to orchestrate his body language. He is final embodiment of American cinema today. The point need not be laboured anymore; just look at any survey on eligible bachelors, George Clooney tops the list
6. Image Projection: Your image projection distinguishes you from countless others. Your image can vary according to your skills and attitudes. Positive attitude combined with mastery of inter-personal skills make you a hero amongst your colleagues, peers and subordinates. A proactive executive is a born leader while a manger with a laid-back approach could project the image of a back-room operator. If you act with tenacity born out of conviction you are deemed a social reformer. If nothing can swerve your loyalty to your boss you project as an indispensable aide. As you keep your sight on corporate missions and vision you will be appreciated as the best CEO. When you are consistent in conduct and move with your network in faith and harmony you have groundswell of support and admiration wherever you go. Any of these pointers in image projection can easily translate into your personal branding
7. Value Proposition: James Bond says: “Stir the martini and not shake it”. In the films even other characters accosting him repeat this mantra perhaps to taunt him or curry favour with him. What comes to my mind is the value perception James Bond brings, albeit, as a fictional character. Do it mildly and you shall win. You see the list of movers and shakers in commerce, entertainment and industry. Many of them are too mild to become shakers anyway.
8. Cosmics as Binding Twine: When you finish reading the seven aspects outlined above you cannot miss the central thread connecting people to these aspects. That is their cosmics. Each person has individual cosmics; hidden resources that reside within him shaping and influencing his personality, skills, attitudes, beliefs, conduct and host of others. Before you develop your personal branding you must understand your cosmics and leverage it in your business or career life because it is your cosmics that elicits perception and response on the part of others in dealing with you.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Lifestyle, Personal Branding
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Lifestyle | 7 Comments »
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
Receivable finance is a novel and non-conventional way of converting credit sales into cash. In USA it is known as receivable finance and in the British Commonwealth as factoring. The system basically collateralizes your credit invoices. Financial institutions dealing in commercial credit are front runners in this mode of activity. Let see what it can do for you:
How it works
You sign up with a financier an agreement to finance your trade receivables. Once a credit sale is made you generate a trade invoice, deliver the goods/service to the buyer and send the invoice to the financier after receiving the acceptance to, by the buyer who signs over the face of the invoice. It is concomitant on the seller that he deals with credit worthy buyers. These invoices are verified by the financier who will do a check on the credit worthiness of the buyer and discount the bill according to the agreed rate of interest and the net amount is credited to your account. Receivable finance takes various forms:
1) Recourse Finance: Under this method you are liable to pay the financier in case the buyer does not meet his obligations on due date
2) Non-recourse Finance: In this case any buyer default is absorbed by the financier who takes adequate payment insurance to cover any perceived default
3) Processing Debt Collection: In most cases financiers would undertake processing of the debt collection including recording debt, collecting payment, depositing cheques, generating reports, chasing debtors and do other follow-up activities. Some banks grant receivable finance without undertaking collection on their part
4) Quantum of Finance: Generally financiers grant full quantum of the invoiced value less the discounting charge which is pegged onto monthly interest rates. Banks such as HSBC use a method where they extend portion of the invoice value upfront and the balance after the buyers pay up less any discounting charge
5) Selective Debtors: Under this scheme the financier has the right to choose which invoices he will finance and which he will reject.
Pluses
1. Receivable finance converts paper into money; debtors into capital; sales into cash-flow. You get your credit sales as up-front cash, improving your business sales and prospects
2. This is more flexible arrangement than bank loans or bank overdraft/line of credit. You have no hassle in submitting financials, tax returns and various other statements that are called for in processing conventional finance applications. Moreover, there is no limit imposed by the financier on the amount you can raise
3. Under no-recourse finance you have no responsibility for the eventual payment by the buyer
4. Where processing debtors is on the part of financier you are relieved of all the paper work and trouble in going behind debtors
5. You can deal in open account by enlarging your business operations; advance payment and letter of credit or accommodation are no longer necessary
6. Most important, you have cash resource to make your purchases without credit terms; this helps in negotiating for concessionary prices and favourable terms of delivery from your creditors who supply you materials and services.
Minuses
1. Before you sign up on the dotted line of the Receivable Finance Agreement, you must read and understand what it tells about your responsibility, your liability; the way you will get your finance etc. You should distinguish between recourse and non-recourse methods; on quantum of finance, selection of debtors and collection of receivables by the financier. If you do not understand the receivable finance methodology you will regret later
2. You must first ask the question. Do I really need this money from the financier? Can you employ the cash-resources on useful matters or will it simply idle in a checking account
3. Cost of receivable finance is very prohibitive compared to conventional bank loans. Discount rates currently hover between 0.75 to 1.50 % for a 30 day period. When annualized it goes as high as 9 to 18%. Can you afford this cost?
4. Receivable finance is suitable for a business that is in start-up or in first level growth stages when they are cut away from conventional banks. Once a business moves into secondary level or growth area they have enough credentials and clout to negotiate with bankers who can offer more completive schemes in financing working capital
5. Receivable finance has worked successfully in few sectors such as health care services which are covered by national health schemes or corporate re-imbursement schemes. I have seen receivable finance doing excellently well in advertisement industry. But in many other industrial or commercial sectors it could be a big flop
6. Cosmics play havoc when you get into receivable finance. Many customers feel second rated when someone else other than the seller contacts them for payment or follow-up. Later they do not turn up to buy anymore. The troubling phenomenon is that receivable financing conveys to many that the seller is going through financial woes. Your initial euphoria of getting cash promptly evaporates afterwards when you see your customers turning their backs on you. You are aware cosmics are aspects that are within you shaping and influencing your business throughout. Weigh your cosmics and your need to go for receivable finance and make a trade-off.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment | No Comments »
Monday, January 16th, 2012
Every business goes through business cycles in correspondence with the way economy expands or contracts. There are four or sometimes five phases of business cycle depending on how economy is doing. The business cycle is very much asymmetrical, that is, stages of the cycle are not equal in time duration. Whatever the duration is, a business has to go through each phases of business cycle with foresight. In doing so, it must think long-term and act short-term.
Business Cycles
The five phases of business cycles are:
1) Growth: Also known as Expansion
2) Boom: Alternatively known as Peak
3) Decline: Otherwise known as Depression or Recession
4) Bust: Synonyms are: Slump, Trough
5) Recovery: This phase is unique in that it either follows Decline or Bust phase
Characteristics of each phase and how business must respond to it is explained in details below:
1. Growth
Economy picks-up, so does business sentiments in the market. Consumer expenditure moves upward; corporate purchases jacked up in response. Business generally acts on the spur of the moment in enlarging the scope of operations and expanding business horizons. Some business can lurch out of control and swells its employees and grow helter skelter. Well managed ones get its act together and chalk out a recipe of success. Some tips:
Ø Plan out investment in technology and communication as you need this in the coming phase of boom
Ø Expand your market keeping an eye on how globalization, per se, will affect you. You have to be competitive in the local setting and if possible seek pastures abroad for your products
Ø Keep the cost down, finance pruned and your profit margin at reasonable level
Ø Develop your cosmics to work at the faster phase; cosmics are aspects residing in every person and as an extension in every business. Cosmics can arise in different ways. You have to understand cosmics and turn it to your advantages
2. Boom
Economy expands briskly and sometimes over-heated still triggers intermittent stimulus for business to beef up operations. So business blips up sales and purchases; hire more labour and commission new plants and machinery. Finance borrowing is at peak, so is the cash outlay on resources employed in both human and technical. You have twinkle in your eye as if Zeus has descended from Mount Olympus. Anyway you must have a sense of caution thus:
Ø You have to distinguish grain from the chaff; evaluate whether upscale is a seasonal one or cyclical one. Seasonal sales arise from holiday season and during summer; cyclical expansion in sales is a concomitant to economic cycle
Ø Ratchet things up a notch in new technology that you have acquired in the previous phase along with concerns for environmental issues; never neglect your responsibility in building up sustainable environment because as you come to the end of tether in boom cycle you badly need to keep progress at even keel
Ø Diversify your product line-up and markets. If you have concentrated on a single product change into multi track; you have to see new market opportunities. At the same time enhance product quality still more
Ø Get you cosmics to keep you in perfect balance without racking up wasteful expenditure
3. Decline
While economy shows signs of gradual bottoming up, overall progress in industry is stymied. Your business is unable to post big profits. You pitch your hope for a slow decline if your business is declining in relation to the economy. If you are getting into prolonged depression then you need to fear whether you can pull it over or you will be out of business soon. You must still be positive and take a safe assumption that the next stage is going to be recovery rather than slump. Tips are:
Ø Reduce overheads promptly; start negotiations with lenders on term loans and improve efficiency in purchases, inventory maintenance, sales and delivery
Ø Coach your employees on managing change so that they are well equipped in terms of attitude and skills in tackling an uncertain future
Ø Create some kind of buffer in money resources and get a life boat ready for any eventuality
Ø Cosmics can help in shaping your response to the incoming recovery, or in the worst case a bust
4. Bust
Economy totters and goes into slump. Many businesses shutter their doors. Everything appears gloomy. Should you follow suit and get lost? Far from it. Your business life must go on. You have to duke out the trough. My advice is you court success rather than embrace failure. Do the following;
Ø Becalm yourself and get going in business albeit in small scale
Ø Instead of retrenching employees ask them to work for lesser salary
Ø Check out for a major overseas buyer and come into terms with him for bulk sales; persuade your trade and finance creditors to give more time and canvass for emergency assistance from state; continue your good work in marketing
Ø Re-examine your cosmics to see how you can weather the storm
5. Recovery
Economy slowly emerges out of trouble. Business sentiments on rise, though, not to the level you saw during growth phase. Still there is light. Consumers are returning; sales are looking up. Advice:
Ø Put your business in first gear; get the budget process to check income and expenditure; prepare cash –flow on weekly basis
Ø Motivate your employees to meet up with the challenges in the business environment
Ø Fire in all cylinders and operate a fast track marketing campaign
Ø Follow what your cosmics say: You are a re-born business person
Cheers,
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Business Cycle, Cosmics, Finance, Investment
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment | 2 Comments »
Friday, January 13th, 2012
Banks have gotten into a corner; from four sides they are being beleaguered, stay like a mouse in a trap. Roaring home prices on one side juxtaposed against slump in the home market in the opposite direction; skyrocketing of bank bad debts pitted against higher demand for mortgage finance on the part of home owners. Encompassed in this state banks have done what you expect them to do: tighten the rules on mortgage lending. Has this policy worked?
It has not. Many banks are reporting decline in mortgage loans approvals; overall earnings dipped in many banks. Citigroup, the U S giant is expected to post revenues in 2011 highlighting 30 % drop from the previous year. To revive banks must re-examine their policy and procedure of mortgage lending. Banks always balance their portfolio of loan assets in corporate lending as against personal finance. When one goes down other must go up. Now is the time to shift the bar of personal finance much lower. To do that, banks need to relax mortgage rules.
Matching loan to value with affordability
Conservative dictum of loan to value ratio (LAV) hovers between 60 to 75%. It means that a borrower will get a loan amount equal to this percentage of the value of the home he pledges. But there is a caveat he must be able to afford this amount. In other words the borrower must have the capacity to repay the amount he borrows. Matching loan to value and affordability has brought enough headaches to the banks. In New Zealand, acting on their own, banks upped the pole on LAV to 80 to 90% to encourage demand in mortgage loans. Banks in Hong Kong, on the other hand, were spurred to by their monetary authority to relax rules and increase the LAV. But in Britain LAV went haywire. Recent pronouncement of the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) over mortgage rules brings out a telling example of banks violating the LAV prudence by granting loans at 125% of the LAV.
Equally important is to ensure banks assess affordability in a practical manner. The current practice of asking too much private details including listing of expenditure must be amended to a borrower-friendly regime of selective assessment. Household expenditure could be declared by the borrower in specific terms along with his take-home pay if he is an employed person. Self-certified income and expenditure can be allowed in certain cases. A thumb rule of 3 to 4 multiples of borrower annual revenue as loan quantum is in use globally. Still prudence must reign. FSA points out that in one instance a bank has gone up to seven times earnings of a borrower in granting a mortgage loan. In case there is revenue deficiency of servicing loan by a single borrower, banks should add his or her spouse as co-borrower and bring in the spouse’s income in calculating affordability. Some banks tend to act too conservative by insisting that the home to be mortgaged should also be in the joint name of borrowers. This entails legal cost and sometimes elicits disaffection from the original applicant. Another important issue is how to treat short term and long term debt declared by the applicant. Bundling together both short and long term outstanding by an applicant is morally wrong as mortgage lending is generally for a longer period. Therefore, banks need to look at the current long term debt of the applicant and decide on his affordability, leaving aside short term debt arising from credit card outstanding.
Re-mortgaging the future
After servicing personal finance, borrowers tend to ask for additional loans by doing a re-mortgage. In addition to the primary mortgage that exists, they require secondary and tertiary mortgages. If banks allow LAV of 80% on the primary mortgage the next tranche can go up to 90% and the next till it reaches 100% of LAV. Additional funding is generally tied to the future value of the property. There is no harm in extending additional mortgage, but this must not be done purely on expectation of future value. Piggy back riding on future home value has been the cause of property bust in Hong Kong. Learning lesson from real estate bust and boom cycle, banks should take up a defensive posture in assuming interest rate going up in future and in that context whether the borrower can service the additional finance cost conveniently. One way to mitigate the situation is to checkout borrower’s future income. At all cost re-mortgage by borrowers to maintain lush lifestyle must be axed.
Classifying borrowers and Credit Reports
Borrowers are classified according to credit reports and on need basis. Every bank gets a credit report of an applicant from a credit information bureau or agency. Un-paid outstanding of debt could bring credit score down. Let alone bad or miserable credit score, even poor score is frowned upon by banks. Recently approved U S “Home Affordable Refinance Programme (HARP)” advises banks to ignore slight blemish in credit report and urges that if an applicant is current in paying mortgage instalments during last six months, he be allowed to avail additional finance. On the basis of need, banks in New Zealand prefer first home buyers from others. Banks in Britain have predilection for right-to-buy tenants who apply for finance. Home movers and applicants for buying additional homes are rated low in terms of need and do not qualify for concessions.
Cosmics play a role….
For a bank as well as borrower cosmic balance is a must. When a borrower gulps up more than what he can chew he gets more worries; likewise over-exposure to a particular borrower also gives worries to a bank. Both bank and borrower must learn to have cosmic balance. Cosmics are aspects that are beyond facts & figures but still influence the conduct of personal finance between bank and borrower.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment, Personal Finance
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment, Personal Finance | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, January 11th, 2012
Recent spat between France and Turkey after the former passed legislation criminalizing denial of Armenian Genocide has brought chaos in both countries. Surprisingly, business in both countries has risen to the occasion to bring a sense of balance and took steps to normalize the otherwise contentious situation.
On the road to chaos
Every now and then, countries spar themselves which is considered normal in diplomacy. Globally, it is a standard practice to agree to disagree. We know about the separation of power in democratic countries comprising of Legislature, Executive and Judiciary branches. A parliament of a country has sovereign right to pass legislation. But when such legislation is passed at the behest of the executive arm to spite another country then there is a crisis. Moreover, a parliament can pass a legislation commenting and naming an incident as bad in law; but when it oversteps and makes it a criminal offence to deny such incident it is arbitrary, to say the least.
Historians are still debating about massacres that took place in Eastern Turkey in 1915 when both Armenians and Turks were killed as invading forces from Russia were being resisted. Some historians consider the massacre as perpetrated by the Turks. On the other hand quite a number think contrarily and concede both Turks and Armenians were killed by Russians and their agents. Whatever the opinion is, it is best left to the historians to establish a truth commission and find out what exactly happened instead of blaming one against the other.
France passed a law in 2001 describing the incidents happened in 1915 as Armenian Genocide. In December 2012, its legislature passed a law that imposes a penalty of Euro 45,000 on a person who denies such genocide. There are 600,000 Armenians living in France whereas Turkish diaspora is about 40,000 only. The president of France, Sarkozy is facing election next year and he wants to get the Armenian support. Hence, he has instigated the passing of this piece of noxious legislation.
In its wake….
This brought huge spat between two countries. Turkey took several measures in retaliation. Recalling its ambassador, cancelling mutual meetings, cancelling military concessions granted to France on its soil. Beside these administrative measures, Turkey has unveiled economic measures. A voluntary boycotting of French goods is a business measure the Government urged on the public. In the finance field Turkey has a potent weapon. Turkish Central Bank has foreign reserves parked in Europe. The largest reserves of Euro 23 billion is held in French Government bonds. If Turkey shifts it to another country, invariably Germany Foreign Exchange stability of France can dip. In this chaotic situation politicians in both countries are doing nothing to avert a looming crisis. Ostensibly, saner counsel prevails in business circles in both countries. They express a voice of reason.
Business as saviour
Jean Lamierre and his Turkish counterpart Hasan Colegoglu, chamber presidents of France-Turkey Business Council, sprang into action. They ensured that everything is normal and business is as usual. The powerful Turkish Business Association TUSAID also intervened when its lady president Umit Boyner urged caution on the part of Turkey to be realistic and take the situation in its stride. They cannot be wrong. Look at the statistics. Turkey is France’s sixth largest import buyer; yet in terms of volume it is about 1.3 % of French exports. On the other hand, France is Turkey’s fifth largest import buyer; in terms of volume it is about 6% of Turkish exports. In value terms the mutual trade between France and turkey is estimated as 15 billion US $. Trade balance favours France with about 1 billion US$ as evidenced in Turkish exports to France at US$ 7 billion and its imports from France at US$ 8 billion.
Apart from trade, investment also works in a skewed manner. About 250 French companies operate in Turkey; you can easily spot the best French firms in Paris as well as in Istanbul. Notable amongst them are: Carrefour, Lafarge, Alcatel, Peugeot and Renault. Automaker Renault alone employs 6,000 people and operates the largest plant outside France. The total investment of French business in Turkey exceeds US$ 8 billion. Turkish investment into France is sizeable but does not exceed 1 Billion US$. About 35 big time Turkish companies have opened doors in France. Conglomerate Zorlu Holding and automaker Orhan Holding are key players. The latter employs about 460 people in France
Cosmics help keep balance
Turkey with a growth rate of 8% is second only to China today. Its booming economy, its export friendly policy, and its young and able workforce cannot go into drains due to political chaos. France is already tottering and next in line to go down in the Euro crisis. A sober assessment is the need of the hour. That has come from business, because only business understands how to keep a balance. Common sense along with cosmic balance can keep the economic ship sailing. Ignoring cosmics bring out in its wake economic imbalance, rhetoric and knee-jerk measures. Once again business in France and Turkey demonstrate that politicians bungle, gamble and ignore their mutual cosmics but only business can save the countries from impending chaos.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment | 4 Comments »
Monday, January 9th, 2012
Whether you are in business or in career, you will have some kind of liquid assets with you. At different occasions you will be asked to declare your liquid assets. For example, when you are completing your credit card application or filling the form for personal or business finance. Therefore, it is better you get a hang of what are liquid assets.
Liquid Assets Explained
You have assets such as bank balance or real estate. Fine. When you begin to dispose the assets you find bank balance can be withdrawn on demand whereas real estate takes quite some time for its disposal. You got it right. Primarily, liquid assets can be disposed of quickly and with ease. This aspect is known as negotiability. Secondarily, such disposal must not reduce the capital amount you hold. In other words the sale value and the market value must be one and the same. Your bank balance of X amount can be withdrawn as X amount unless the bank imposes any service charge. However, in the case of real estate when you dispose you will do so discount to the market, which is sale value less than the market value. So bank balance is a liquid asset while real estate is not.
Type of Liquid Assets
On the basis of scale of liquidity I am jotting down several types of liquid assets, to enable you to take right decision in making and disposing investment:
1. Cash-in-hand: This relates to currency & coin that you have in possession. This is the most liquid ones you have. In every country the national currency is the legal tender while currencies from other countries are known as Foreign Exchange holdings. Foreign currencies are converted to local currency via Foreign Exchange market. Generally
U S Dollar is the base foreign currency for international travel and transactions
2. Cash-at-bank: You can have cash at bank in a savings account or a checking/current account. Balance in the latter can be withdrawn on demand or by writing a cheque. Generally, savings account balance can be withdrawn on demand, but some banks such as HSBC restricts the withdrawals to once a week
3. Un-utilized balance in Debit card: Any balance not withdrawn so far from your debit card is ranked third in our liquidity scale. You can swipe it anywhere or present over the counter and draw out money. I must caution you about an erroneous impression many of you have about credit cards. Unlike debit card, credit card has no liquidity in-built. It only helps you to finance your purchases out of the issuer’s money and not yours
4. Mutual / Unit Trust fund: Your mutual/unit trust account is ranked next in the liquidity scale. You can give notice generally one day, and withdraw an amount from mutual / unit trust account that lie to your credit. However, if you wish to take out the full amount your account need be closed prior to such withdrawal
5. Money Market fund: Similar to the mutual in terms of liquidity, money market funds differ in terms of volume and value. Generally, you are required to give notice before effecting any withdrawal
6. Surrender /Cash value in Life Insurance Policy: As you continue to pay your premiums on the life insurance policy, it collects a pool of money and after a certain period it begins to be marked as surrender or cash – value. This amount can be readily withdrawn or be pledged to a lender for a personal finance
7. Treasury Bills: Though Treasury Bill is considered as a guild edged investment with high degree of liquidity it suffers from a snag. Depending on the market movement for short term funds it will be quoted either premium or discount to market value. Good times you get premium; bad times you get discount. Hence, there is an equal chance of losing part of the capital stated on the face of the bill
8. Government Bonds: Similar to Treasury bills in price movement; yet, Government bonds do so in wide margin. Assuming you got the bond at 5% interest rate and the current rate of interest is 7% then the bond’s capital value will be reduced. Never the less Government bonds give you safety, guarantee and above all liquidity
9. Liquid Shares in Stock Market: Although there is huge volatility in the stock market, any shares that you hold which is traded frequently in the market can be counted as liquid asset
10. Amount due to you via Legal / Admin process: This is the last item in our liquidity portfolio. If there is any court order for damages payable to you or any award made say in the case of partition tantamount to be a liquid asset arising from legal process. In similar fashion business persons sometimes get grants or tax refunds that are construed as liquid asset arising from administration process.
Before you make an investment in or dispose of any liquid assets, you must ensure that you maintain cosmic balance. Cosmics are aspects that are beyond facts & figures but still influence the conduct of your finance and investment; cosmics reside in every individual and by extension in everything he is engaged in generating finance. If you understand your cosmics you can develop a right mix of liquid assets in your portfolio.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Investment | No Comments »
Friday, January 6th, 2012
Whatever business you are engaged in, your success depends on a single most factor: Business Location. You would have read about several businesses shuttering their doors after few months of existence due to location issues. Choosing the right business location is a sine quo non in business process. Here are ten tips for doing that:
1. Traffic: As you know traffic relates to the number of people visiting and walking around a location for business transactions, window shopping or just for fun. Out of the traffic a certain percentage gets translated into real business transaction. The rest creates a pool of admirers or by-the-mouth promoters who spread good word around about a location. This helps business generally in building clientele. Hence, you must examine the quantum of traffic before you zoom in at a location
2. Business Potential: Evaluate economic trends in and around the area where you wish to locate. Is the area growing in terms of economy? It is no point you locate your business in places where there is no apparent growth. Still more important is the volume of business that is being done in the locality. For example, New York remains the best dreamed for location for any type of business
3. Area: Ascertain what kind of area you are getting in. If you go for hustle and bustle the location must be in the centre of city where you have more business rolling in. If you prefer silence and serenity an exclusive location gives you that added feel. Day to day business needs a location where several businesses are located in same area bringing more traffic and more deals. On the other hand if you are running wholesale business or industrial products you must search for a location in the periphery of city
4. Convenience: This is a multi-faceted factor. You have to appraise whether the location offers convenience to your employees, customers / clients, suppliers and the public. Convenience depends on several issues, chiefly, ease of approach to the location, conducive environment and availability of alternate routes in case of any emergency. Customers prefer to do business where they feel comfortable. For example they prefer a business that provides adequate parking facility with security
5. Transport: This factor relates to goods moving to and fro the business location. If you do not have a separate warehouse your current business location must be fitted with a store that is equipped to receive and despatch goods. When bulk good arrives from a supplier you need sufficient facilities to un-load, sort out and store these in orderly manner. Delivery of goods demands the same features with an add-on: you have to do this in timely fashion without any delay
6. Restrictions: Ascertain the type of restrictions, if any, that prevail in the location. Restrictions work in different ways. Begin your survey with zoning rules that restrict certain business activities and then proceed to local area rules regarding transport, parking, hours of business etc. If you eye a location in a shopping mall or supermarket, you have to check with the management regarding rules of business conduct. Finally, you must ensure that safety and security rules covering the location could be adhered to by you easily
7. Amenities: While convenience relates to the ease of business process, amenities are important for human welfare. You must tick the type of amenities available and the quantum from either the local authority or the management of a shopping centre. Amenities include, provision of water, sewerage, waste disposal, fire exits, fire hosts and many others. Additionally, you must review availability of watering holes where visitors can have drink or coffee unless you are going to provide in-house services
8. Reputation: Measure the fame and note of a location carefully before you do anything. Does this location is a reputed one where people want to do business? Many people get attracted to a particular location or shopping centre due mainly to its reputation and goodwill. Moreover, you have to look for competitors in that location. If they are doing well there is no reason why you cannot. Some locations are famed for a particular trade. For example, Wall Street is famous for finance. Therefore, if a location is the one most appropriate for your type of business then grab it
9. Cost: Finance is the ultimate arbiter. Can you afford the cost of having your business in this location? Check what the price of the location is, if you are buying it outright. For rent or lease see the amount of down-payment, deposit and monthly rentals. You have to find out the cost of amenities and convenience including parking facilities. You are not just buying a location you are taking the entire suite of the eight items described above.
10. Cosmics: Why cosmics? You will ask me. Yes, you need cosmics indeed. So far we have been concerned with utility aspects; now it is the turn for aesthetics to play its role. Cosmics arise from you as well as from the location. Your cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing you and your business though these are un-seen and un-noticed by you. Location cosmics relate to aesthetics residing in a particular location. I recently visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to select a location for a business. After looking at few places I recommended one mall that had brilliant cosmic energy pervading and striking anyone who enters in.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Business Location, Cosmics, Finance
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
Well, “exit SME enter MSME” might appear as some kind of technological gimmick. Not at all; SME is an acronym standing for small and medium enterprises and MSME implies micro, small and medium enterprises. SME has bowed out from economic parlance; in its place we use MSME as an all-inclusive term covering across the board types of business enterprises. Even though MSME baffles you at first sight you will develop a liking towards it if you know what it is all about and what it does for the economy.
In the Beginning
In 1970s SME as grouping of business was popularised by the World Bank and was immediately pounced upon by several countries to be used in their vocabulary. In USA, Small Business Administration (SBA) was formed to encourage and promote small businesses. A glaring lacuna was the exclusion of microenterprise, a concept originally founded by Dr. Mohammed Yunus, a Bangladesh Social Reformer in 1976. To bring in millions of such microenterprises into the economic system, policymakers in several countries brought in different threshold levels to distinguish between micro, small and medium enterprises. European Union, Africa and India went a step ahead by granting legislative teeth to micro, small and medium enterprises by introducing the concept of MSME in their statue books. Sadly, Americans continued to cling to the SME concept as a catch–all phrase to cover all type of businesses other than the larger ones. Even though SBA recognised microbusiness as a distinct type of business in 1991, threshold levels have not been clearly defined.
Threshold Levels
Let me explain how European Union and India framed threshold levels for easy identification and much needed policy intervention.
European Union
EU employs two way thresholds; one based on employees and the other on either turnover or assets of a business. See the Table below:
EU: MSME Threshold Levels
|
Type of Business
|
Headcount
(Persons up to)
|
Turnover
(Euro Millions)
|
Assets
(Euro Millions)
|
|
Micro enterprises
|
10
|
2
|
2
|
|
Small Enterprises
|
50
|
10
|
10
|
|
Medium Enterprises
|
250
|
50
|
43
|
India
In India on the other hand, original cost of investments in plant and machinery excluding land and buildings is taken as the base in defining threshold levels. India tends to tweak the business into manufacturing and service sectors to bring more relevance.
Manufacturing Business
Micro enterprises Investments less than 25 Lakhs
Small Enterprises Investments over 25 Lakhs but below 5 Crores
Medium Enterprises Investments over 5 Crores but below 10 Crores
Service Business
Micro enterprises Investments less than 10 Lakhs
Small Enterprises Investments over 10 Lakhs but below 2 Crores
Medium Enterprises Investments over 2 Crores but below 5 Crores
Why MSME
Contribution of MSME to the economy is well documented. In USA 52% of the total workforce is employed in this sector. More than that, MSME created about 75% of the jobs in the last decade. In European Union, MSME covers almost 99% of the businesses registered in member countries accounting for more than 90 million jobs created. India boasts about 45% industrial output arising from MSME and about 40% exports generated from this sector. There are 26 million businesses registered under MSME in that country.
Globally, MSME is now identified as the engine of economic growth, fountain of innovation and harbinger of social equality. It brings in a great degree of competition and cheap cost alternative in manufacturing process and service sector. A feather in the cap is its ability to generate large number of jobs with much lower capital. Known as labour intensity, MSME creates more jobs by investing less money. Moreover, MSME is a sector where you can use your cosmics to your own profitable advantages. Cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing your business though these are un-seen and un-noticed by you. The first step is to identify your cosmics and then to select a sector in MSME so that you can employ your cosmics to succeed in your venture.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, MSME, Small Business
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Small Business | 3 Comments »
Monday, January 2nd, 2012
Greetings for the New Year
Today everyone at work craves for making money, more money and stills more money. But most of them are clueless about how to get more money into their kitty. Let me give you twelve easy ways where you can make that extra money you need very badly while working at a job.
1. Side Business: As a cosmic adviser specializing in business, I believe starting a business is the best way to make money. If you are in a career and wish to cling to, you must think of starting a side business while you continue to work. Of course, you have to contribute little bit of capital, allocate time and energy and be committed to your business while at the same time not showing any signs of neglect towards your present job
2. Freelancing: Get into some form of doing a work on freelancing basis. You can write for the press or do an eBook. Let me tell you my own experience. I was a banker once and started to write to the business press as a freelancer. It did give me three pluses: extra money, learning skills of journalism and exposure to the business circle. However, you must ensure that there is no conflict of interest in doing any freelancing.
3. Teaching: If there is a noble profession it is teaching. Pater, mater, praetor dei goes the saying; that is father, mother, teacher and god. You can enrol as a visiting lecturer or teacher in schools and colleges that run courses in the evenings or weekends. In this way, you can keep yourself updated in your own specialization and get little extra liquidity
4. Blogging: Today blogging is so ubiquitous that you can easily start a blog and host it free with popular services. When you write regular posts you get traffic into your blog. Your blog will be watched and analysed by internet marketers. You can open your blog for advertisements and flash messages. Google offers AdSense, an easy way to make money on per click basis of adverts. Writing blogs brings invitation for you to engage in many promotional activities that easily get you some cheese
5. Creative Arts: If you are blessed with creative talents, it is time you think of making it as a cash-earner for you. Painting, sculpture, drawing, dancing and many others could open doors for you to make use of your spare time in creative outputs and sell these to buyers
6. Internet: One of the key avenues for making more money is the internet. You can get into panels where you can mentor apprentices in your specialization, enter into internet polls, or be a member of panels in market surveys. On the other side of the coin, if you are an IT guy you can develop custom software for users who wish to have their own patent software products
7. Hobby: In early days a hobby is where you spend time and money and get prestige say as a stamp collector. Today you can turn the same hobby into garnering more money. Rare stamps, coins and currency notes fetch huge price. On juxtaposition stands faulty currency notes where the fault is originated by the issuing sovereigns. Such notes fetch at least hundred thousand dollars
8. Sit & Earn: This is the plum area. Initially you have to spend time and energy in developing something like a patent or process method which you can allow buyers to make use of it on condition of paying a royalty to you
9. Disposing Investments: If you have no guts and patience to do any of the above, look into your financial history. There may be few investments made that lie without being noticed. Dispose such investments and make quick money. Alternatively, you may have in your drawers old pass books that have credit balance. Take these to the issuing financial institutions and close and take the cash out
10. Chasing Debtors: It is time for you to speak to those who owe you money and get some part or if possible full payment
11. Sell Excess Assets: Look at your home & garden. You will have several items that you no longer use or needed by anybody. It can be table; chair or a standalone computer, anything that can be disposed would bring some liquidity
12. Consult: Nothing works for you; then start to consult others. I have seen even top professionals who worked for the US Government when leaving office declare themselves as consultants. Many of them join think tanks as part-timers or on-call consultants or simply remain un-employed. Once in a way they get breaks that set them for their rest of the life. May be you could be one of them.
Whatever you do try to understand and evaluate your cosmics so that you can employ cosmics to your own advantages. You know, that, cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing your career life throughout. One way of harnessing cosmic energy is to wear a suitable gems & crystals that bring you wealth and fortune.
Cheers,
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Finance, Gems & Crystals, Personal Finance
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Gems & Crystals, Personal Finance | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
While engaged in business negotiation you need to explain about your business model at some stage. Therefore, it is necessary that you must have sound knowledge of your business model, and how it follows through. Check out for the main components of a business model and bring this into your business ASAP
Business Model
Started as a buzz word during the dotcom days, business model has to come to stay as a powerful tool in business negotiation where parties thrash out how they can work together in a particular deal. Investopedia defines business Model as “The plan implemented by a company to generate revenue and make a profit from operations. The model includes the components and functions of the business, as well as the revenues it generates and the expenses it incurs”. A sound Business model can take your business to the top range whereas a poorly made one spells doom. Let me give you ten components of Business Model for you to adopt instantly:
1. Identify/Create Market Need: Look at the market place; there may be a specific need that remains un-fulfilled; or may be that the current supply of products does not give optimum results. Conversely, you can create a need that does not already exist but could offer more convenience. Computer based telephony was a created need that did not exist previously
2. Design Product to satisfy this Need: Second component relates to how you satisfy the need that you have already identified or created. This involves lot of thinking, technology, engineering skills and stipulating parameters of quality and technical specifications. Excellent features of the product, its un-failing quality, convenience it offers and finally its capacity to integrate seamlessly with existing systems are some of the concerns need to be addressed. The outcome is Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) that was found to satisfy the need for computer based telephony
3. Introduce Product to Market: Third component has everything to with what the market bears. Your business model must involve activities covering release of the product as test marketing or as a beta version to be improved later on. The depth of market along with its willingness to accept & adopt your product is a key criterion in-built in your model. If ever failure occurs the business model must provide honourable retreat or withdrawing and introducing it with modifications later. If the outcome is indeed successful you have to begin a marketing campaign aggressively
4. Price & Discounting: Your business model must take extra caution in this area. You can either choose to come up with a lower price for basic product and higher price scales applicable for use of advanced features or you can introduce at a market skimming price so that you can evade competition in the short – run. Your business model must also address the concept of discounting price scheme for bulk purchases, wholesalers, business partners or buyers under agency arrangements
5. Selling & Commission: Fifth component is how to set up sales and how much you are willing to share as commissions with dealers and business partners. In most business models these re- sellers, business partners, dealers and agents who get double benefits. One under price and the other under sales; the latter is referred to simply as commission and written-off in the trade invoice or paid separately
6. Delivery & Stand-by: Though it is the sixth component in our discussion, it is the most critical one that can damage relationship with re-sellers or direct buyers. Time, mode, quantity and delivery schedule are matters that cannot be pre-determined in any business. Nonetheless, it must be brought in as a standard element when product is sold. I do not suggest any uniform delivery mode as none exist in today’s context. What your business model must provide is the optimum manner in which you will handle delivery. Stand-by procedures often follow the delivery schedule and must come into force as and when you detect snags in delivery
7. After-Sales: The seventh component is after-sales; your business model must stipulate after-sales terms covering replacement, repair and product warranty. The best example of after sales is when you buy a Toshiba laptop; the guys will give a stand-by laptop for your use in case of break-down till they repair it or simply give you a new replacement. I am yet to see this type of after-sales from other laptop vendors
8. Review: You must build the component of review in the business model so that after successful conclusion of a business transaction and frequently thereafter you continue to review the sale by being in touch with the re-seller or direct buyer
9. Flexibility: The ninth compartment is to bring some degree of flexibility into your business model; all the above eight components are flexible and not rigid as sacrosanct. When the need arises you must be able to tweak your components quickly and get the operations going. You are not the one who should bicker acrimoniously on price and sales terms when a big deal is in the offing. By the same token you will not throw away time tested business model for the sake of a single non-repetitive deal
10. Cosmic Balance: The final component has got to with your own cosmics; cosmics are aspects that are beyond facts & figures but still influence the conduct of your business and the formulation of your business model. Your business model, therefore, must bring cosmic balance so that you make better sales and generate more revenue and at the same time make good profit and keep your buyers glued to you forever.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Business Model, Cosmic Balance, Cosmics, Finance
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance | No Comments »
Monday, December 19th, 2011
Holiday season is round the corner. Christmas comes but once a year; when it comes it brings the season of cheer. Your finance constraints should not stand between you and your enjoying the holidays. Here are few tips for you to follow through:
1. First and foremost decide where you are going to be during this season; be with the family at home or take them to a faraway land by the beach or under the shadow of peach trees
2. Assess how much is the budget for this round of holidays. Once you have worked out a figure find out how much you can marshal from your own source and how much is left to be topped-up
3. Now you must find out how to fill the shortfall; at this juncture two issues come to the fore. One relates to your personal status and the other relates to your finance sources
4. Check your personal status: you can be a business person; fully-employed in a company; part-time employee somewhere; or self-employed
5. Check your credit status: if you have excellent or good credit score then it sounds fine; any average or poor score is still redeemable. If you have bad or miserable credit score your chance of getting finance is dim
6. Now check your sources of finance spanning in consumer divisions of major banks, credit unions, building societies or savings and loans associations
7. Either choose temporary enhancement of your credit card limit to tie over the holiday season or go for a personal loan to finance holiday season
8. If you choose credit card enhancement negotiate with the banks on the amount you require, their willingness to extend the period of payment, the relaxation of minimum payment for the season without incurring any interest over-charge
9. If you tick personal loan you have to do much more ground work. The lender would look at your credit status, past performance and affordability before making a commitment. Furthermore, they would also look at the terms and conditions to decide upon the rate of interest that is charged for this personal loan. Primarily, the period of repayment matters. Depending on the market movement short and long term lending is priced lower or higher. If you tie for a long period say five years it will be tagged to bond market rate and interest will be charged accordingly. If you are eying a short term say one year loan then the rate would correspond to money market rates and interest will be charged accordingly. Interest rate you pay is also governed by the fact whether your loan is secured over collateral or remains un-secured. There is another side of the coin: you can also book in for fixed or floating interest rates
10. Before signing on the dotted line do a search to find out personal loan terms and conditions from at-least 3 sources and do what we call as “comparative terms”. You must also get the precise amount the lender would charge as commitment or engagement fees
11. It is advisable that you clear out the option of early payment with the lender. Generally, personal loan is granted for a fixed term of X number of years. In case you wish to make a lump sum payment during the pendency of the loan, the lender is not amused. This is because he has to find ways to park the excess funds. Ordinarily, lenders insert a clause that such early payment attracts a penalty. When you go for a personal loan negotiate for the removal of this penalty clause
Even though you are borrowing to enjoy your season of merry be rest assured that it comes with a big plus point. You are relaxed; more than that your cosmics are fine-tuned. Cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing you and your business or career though these are un-seen and un-noticed by you. After giving a chance for your cosmics to work you return to your office desk as a new-born guy with zest and zing.
Season’s Greetings
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Finance
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance | No Comments »
Thursday, December 15th, 2011
Business faces some kind of risk in normal course and that is inevitable. What is important is to identify and understand which risk turns out to be a strategic one. Normally such risks arise due to a failure of one or more of your strategy in seven areas. Let me elaborate seven strategic risks facing business:
1. Reputation: This strategic risk is the most critical. Your reputation is your business. If it is damaged your business will never recover. You must ensure that the name of your company, its processes, its products and its image remain always above censure. Recently a Chinese milk powder company went out of business when its products were found to contain chemicals injurious to human life. When this happens business must take every effort to neutralize bad press, news or propaganda while at the same time making amends to the damages already done
2. Regulatory: In the case of risk of reputation business has control over what it can do about it; in regulatory risk business faces situations beyond its control. As a strategic risk regulatory aspects can be debilitating. Recently, Blackberry a mobile and smart phone device sold by Canadian company Research in Motion (RIM) has to face spate of restrictive regulations in several countries. Effective negotiations, compliance with regulations along with ensuring that such regulatory rules do not recur are few of the risk control measures recommended
3. Technology: If you are in IT you know that technology is changing hour by hour. Today technology is the main strategic risk for businesses in internet and communications. Look at how Microsoft was losing its internet search engine market. Google’s adoption of Android Operating System gives endless hours of worry to search engine Bing. Updating and bringing still better technology are measures to neutralize this strategic risk
4. Marketing: Strategic risk in marketing has time limitation. When a business introduces novel marketing strategy it will have upper hand for some time. By and by its competitors would also introduce similar strategies bringing the score to even. Sticking to a single marketing strategy for promoting your products is therefore not possible. Look at the cola war that continues between giants Coca Cola and Pepsi Cola. Both are engaged in aggressive marketing campaigns including targeted advertisements against each other and heightened marketing strategies adopted to secure advantages. The one who blinks will be eliminated. So the war continues forever
5. Finance: This is a strategic risk that affects every business small, medium and large. Small business has more potency to be destroyed by finance risks than its counterparts in medium and large scale operations. Strategic finance risk arises in many areas and stretch from weak capitalization to creation of financial instruments to manage exposure to risk. Businesses that borrowed large quantum of money by issuing exotic instruments are in for trouble now. They have brought down along with them the lenders, creditors and even governments. Look at what is happening in the Euro Zone
6. Key Person: Insurance companies are smart; they brought the key person insurance pretty long time ago. Business faces this strategic risk when a prominent leader or manager leaves office. High profiled companies assign head-hunters to get their choice of key persons tumbling the companies where these persons previously worked. Though this strategic loss affects companies across the board, the worst mauled are in those in the field of technology, food , travel and tourism. Business must apply several measures to neutralize if not eliminate this strategic threat
7. Cosmic Risk: Cosmics as a risk factor is something new. Cosmics are aspects residing in every person and as an extension in every business. Cosmics can arise in different ways. You have to understand cosmics and turn it to your advantages. Ignoring cosmics can lead to failure. An interesting example is the James Bond film series. Albert R Broccoli produced 16 films in the James Bond series where he portrayed Bond as a male chauvinistic spy. After his death in 1996, his successors diluted this concept and today the appeal of the Bond as a ravisher tinged with magnetic personality has evaporated.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmic Risk, Cosmics, Finance, Small Business, Strategic Risk
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Small Business | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
When you speak to someone about your business idea the first question that pops up is whether it is an original one. So business persons are more concerned with innovation and make their business ideas sound original. But they have not looked at the performance angle. Should every business idea must be original to succeed in the market place. Let us find out.
Your business ideas are sparks of your studied imagination. You get a bright idea in your mind based on your experience and learning and from what you read and reflect upon about how others have gone through. I just looked at the Fortune December 12, 2011 issue and read about the list of 50 Movers and Shakers profiled there. Afterwards, I superimposed the originality or otherwise of the business idea represented by four of those movers and shakers. My findings are as follows:
Original Indeed: Mark Zuckerberg Co-founder and CEO of Facebook ranks as a businessman who brought the original platform on social networking in style and relevance. Leader of the social media, Mark founded Facebook in 2004 and today its sales top 4.3 Billion U S Dollars. The present valuation of the privately held share capital is between 79 to 82 Billion U S Dollars. The financial market awaits the initial public issue of the Facebook expected to open in early next year hovering around 100 Billion U S Dollars. This is remarkable success of an original business idea
Improvement: Larry Page Co-founder and CEO of Google went on to improve the business idea of internet search engine in competition with Microsoft. He improved the technology of search engine by introducing innovative platforms such as Android Operating System and implemented it seamlessly across various products offered by Google. From Android it was easy to get into telephony and the hand set market. Just look at Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and you will realize how effective Google as search engine is. It is giving strong competition to Facebook in social media by introducing Google+ which has more than 40 million users right now. Revenue for 2011 expected to touch about 40 Billion U S Dollars
Adaptation: Hamdi Ulukaya Founder and CEO of Chobani is dubbed as the King of Greek Yogurt. There is no such thing as Greek Yogurt or Armenian yogurt. What Hamdi did was to adapt the business idea of yogurt in pleasing flavours including vanilla, strawberry, peach, blueberry and honey and mixed with pomegranates and other fruits. He then presented Greek yogurt to the American market obsessed with Greek yogurt and crazy over health food. Founded in 2005, Chobani is now ranked as third largest yogurt company with sales targeted around 700 U S Dollars in 2011. Its market share in Greek Yogurt is almost 50 % while in the overall industry Chobani has about 10.4 % market presence
Re-Make: Robin Li Co-founder and CEO of Baidu is a classic example of a shaker who just did a re-make of an internet search engine in the fast growing Chinese market. Robin saw an opportunity of re-making the business idea when Google made a graceful exit from Chinese market. Modelling on Google, Robin has everything that Google did or offered. He integrated with Android Operating System and expanded his web portfolio to include search, on-line business and auction based marketing methods. Baidu is now controlling 75 % of the internet market in China
Cosmics: All four business persons profiled above took their business idea and fashioned it differently. But the binding thread that runs across them is the way their cosmics helped them succeed in their chosen ventures. It is because cosmics make each businessman succeed in a particular field or sector. Cosmics are aspects residing within everyone shaping and influencing his idea and business.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Business Idea, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics | No Comments »
Monday, December 12th, 2011
Today we observe that many a business person mixes business finance with personal finance. This trend is too acute in the case of small business where the line dividing business and the owner is much blurred. This has caused so much of troubles lately that every business person must be coerced to put his personal finance in order before doing anything else.
Streamlining your personal finance dictates that you tick off each and every instruction below as right and doable:
1. Legislate in your business model that you will never ever draw more than one-third of the profit or forecast-profit of the business. Now is the bitter part: learn to live within this ceiling
2. Once in a way you would have over-stretched your personal finance; that is excusable but do not make this as a habit
3. When there is indeed some over-stretching and your manoeuvrability is limited you must work consistently to improve the situation. Hoping for an Aladdin’s Lamp to solve your financial worries is meaningless. Of course, you are justified in having the thought that the situation might improve over a period of time; but if you are not going to act promptly the situation might even get worsen. A classic example is what is happening in Greece. The Greeks have jacked up public expenditure; borrowed more money to finance it; they do not want to tighten their belts; now they want the rest of the world to give them some more money
4. Never get into arrears in utility payments such as electricity, gas, water, telephone and mobile s as these bills add to your finance woes
5. Learn one wisdom: Credit card due is a treble-edged sword; if you do not make the minimum payment there is a plenty; even if you make a minimum amount due still the banks charge you interest on the whole amount including the amount you have paid in; if you make further purchases that amount is also added to your burden and payable in the next cycle. Therefore, either you pay the entire amount due well before the due date or never use the credit card at all
6. Contrary to many financial gurus, I hold the opinion that you must pay your bills manually rather than electronically. It is because you never know the amount you are paying till you get the bank statement. On the other hand you might be charged interest if by paying these bills your account gets overdrawn. A systematic way of paying bills as these fall due must be initiated by you rather than you allowing some machines to handle this on auto mode
7. Never lend your money to your friends or members in your family circles as the chances of getting it back is slim during recession
8. You must streamline your purchases for home and personal needs. Shopping must be done either weekly or fortnightly basis in a planned manner. This rule may not apply to urgent or daily purchases. Drive away the feeling of swiping your credit or debit card at supermarkets at your whim and fancy
9. Your business makes profits; such profit must be allocated in three ways; one part be invested within business; one part be invested outside business and the remaining part goes as your drawings. In this scheme the second one is very important. You must invest about one-third of your business profit elsewhere so that you will be able to get some return when you really need it.
10. Always save for the rainy day; keep some spare cash stuck away somewhere in a bank, bank locker or in some corner in the house
11. Examine your cosmics for guidance and inspirations. Cosmics are aspects that are beyond facts & figures but still influence the conduct of your business and your personal finance; cosmics reside in every individual and by extension in every business. A business person who understands his cosmics can plan out his personal finance by culling the fringes of his spending patterns. Moreover, he can focus on keeping a tight and right balance over income, savings and expenses.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Finance, Personal Finance, Small Business
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Small Business | 1 Comment »
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
Economy is too stupid; finance in doghouse; most families are struggling to make ends meet; gloom all over; some 45 Million Americans have slipped into poverty; recession is not abating. Endless media outbursts on state of economy paint a picture of gloom. But there is light at the end of the tunnel: despite all these concerns you can still make money by moving into a microenterprise. Here are details:
Do a quick Test:
If you are in one of the following situations, you are the suitable candidate to start a microenterprise:
1. You are unemployed or under-employed, the latter means you are not in a full time job or working below your level of qualifications
2. You are a housewife having spare time but without any individual earnings
3. You are an immigrant
4. You are member of minority community lacking social mobility
5. You have individual talent and creativity but lack economic opportunity
6. You are unable to budget as income is less and expenses have spiralled
7. You have no collateral to approach mainline banks for finance
8. Finally, you are in one of the growing pools of people who have slipped below the poverty line
What is Microenterprise?
A microenterprise is the smaller version of a small business; hope you do not get confused by my using the word small twice. It is simply a low scale business that you can start with least amount of capital and without many assets. While Government administrators do not specify any minimum capital, asset or employee levels for microenterprise they have come up with some kind of ceiling where microenterprise gets elevated to small business. The most recurring ceiling comprises the following:
1. Maximum 10 employees
2. Maximum capital about 50,000 U S Dollars
3. Maximum Assets about One Million U S Dollars
The concept of microenterprise was originally founded by Dr. Mohammed Yunus, a Bangladesh Social Reformer in 1976 and accepted by the U S Small Business Administration as a distinct type of business in 1991. Association of Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) of USA is promoting the concept in America hard resulting in more than 2 million such microenterprises operating successfully.
Distinct Advantages
Microenterprise gives results in quicker time compared to other business types. Some of the key benefits that arise are:
1. Creating jobs opportunities to you and others much faster
2. Jacks up your income earning capacity in short time
3. Takes out your financial worries immediately
4. Gives you a social status as a business person with least amount of capital
5. You are back in form with the purchasing power that eluded you for sometime
6. You are engaged in something, which itself is a relief for you
7. You provide goods and service in improving convenience of your locality
8. Your output is priced competitively as the cost of producing it is much smaller compared to other types of business
Where you can Pitch
You can pitch in any sector where there is opportunity for you to use your talents and turn out goods or services that are pretty saleable. I am suggesting few areas in the following list, which however is not exhaustive:
1. Boutiques or corner shops
2. Home-based kiosks
3. Skilled operations such as carpentry, plumbing, welding etc..
4. Specialized farming of grains or exotic fruits
5. Craftsmanship that can be provided in a localized set-ups, such as garages, picture framings, etc..
6. Creative products including painting, music, dancing and entertainment
7. Providing management services such as event management, security, maintenance and others
Caveat
Before embarking on a microenterprise you must pause for a while and think whether you have a key driving force in you. That is your cosmics. You know that, cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing your business throughout. If you are not going to evaluate your cosmics and find the suitable microbusiness for you, your chance of making it a success is doubtful or call it micro.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Finance, Microenterprise, Small Business
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Small Business | No Comments »
Monday, December 5th, 2011
Many a successful business is built around a single person who is either its owner or founder. This person endows his personality to the business thereafter he, his personality and the business are identified together. As time goes on his personality transforms as the brand for his business. When this happens we have an identity known as personal branding. For the success of a small business as well as larger ones personal branding is a definite must. Let me un-wrap a personal branding package for you:
Personal Branding Explained: The concept of personal branding was originally introduced in 1937 by Napoleon Hill in his book “Think and Grow Rich”. Later Tom Peters developed the concept as part of corporate culture in his book “In Search of Excellence”. Today personal branding as a distinct identity is popularised by many personal branding gurus, chief amongst them is Dan Schawbel, whose writings have been quoted extensively in business literature.
Personal branding is basically packaging your unique personal features into a consolidated brand. This branding then turns out to be a valuable asset in your repertoire. At the zenith, your business and your personal branding are as inseparable as Siamese twin. There is a risk of your indispensability though. Once you have retired from the business the personal branding you have developed could boomerang on your business, unless your successors too could be cultured in similar manner. Here is your personal branding package:
1. Shaping your Body: You can be tall, of medium height or short person. Whatever your height is you should keep your body in good shape to garner instant attention. You are aware most people get impressions on the first sight which is difficult to erase later on. Therefore, you have to morph your body to make you a smart and pleasing person. A big tummy has two negatives: it can cause health issues and it can kill your business chances too
2. Distinct Clothes: I am not suggesting that you should have Armani collections and Versace accessories in your wardrobe. But whatever you wear it must fit your personality and you must stick to that. You must do what we call as power dressing. It can be simple or fastidious; but keep it in your mind that you are half and the better half is not your wife but your dress
3. Shining Face: You know face is the part of human body that is watched more than any others. An adage goes thus: face in the index of mind. Of course there are different face structures; round, oblong, thin and plumb and so on. What matters is not the shape of the face but how it brightens you up. You would have seen men and women whose faces made remarkable impressions in your mind. It was a pleasure to look at them and you still remember how those faces were shining and how you were galvanized by that pleasant smile
4. Winning Attitude: When you speak or move, it is the attitude that comes out. Your uniqueness in terms of body, clothes and face convey in a single word about you and your attitude. Without a winning attitude none of the above can deliver the goods. Attitude is always based on the belief system you have about you, your business and the person with whom you inter-act. Great men are always born with winning attitude; successful men develop it. Therefore model yourself with those who have succeeded in business with positive attitude. Steve Job is an excellent example
5. Broad Knowledge: There is no requirements as such that you should get “A” grades in your subjects while in college; but gaining broad knowledge is indeed is compulsory. When you speak you must flaunt that knowledge not to impress others but to bring them onto your side; make them see your point of view; get them to think like how you think; that is personal branding in a nutshell
6. Fitting Conduct: All the above ingredients can be thrown over-board if you are lacking in appropriate conduct. You have got to play by the ear; rise to the occasion; conduct yourself in exemplary manner. You can be harsh sometimes but well meaning; you have to be guided by ethics and logic while inter-acting with staff and customers. Never allow your emotions to take charge and fly into rage. Even if that happens you must have the courage to say sorry and make up quickly. You must show dignity and decorum befitting every situation you are in, in a manner that makes you a loved person more than a feared one
7. Leveraging Cosmics: You have hidden resources which we call cosmics; aspects that are residing within you shaping and influencing your business throughout; you must understand your cosmics and leverage it in your business life. A good example is the charming smile that you have accompanied with the soothing manner in which you speak to people. You can leverage this cosmics in negotiating and closing business deals at ease
Once you have these seven aspects you are well in the way to have your own personal branding.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Personal Branding, Small Business
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Small Business | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
Debt trap is now strewn all over business enterprises. Small businesses, large ones and even multi nationals have unwittingly got into the debt trap, modern day version of apocalypse. Debt trap occurs when a business gets into a vicious circle where it borrows more money to pay up the debt already owed. Finally the burden of debt brings in disastrous results for the business, society and for the economy. So how business can avoid disaster and get out of debt trap. Here are few suggestions:
1. Contact the banker/financier for working out the current loans. Work out is a method where banks acting on their own re-schedule loans and offer concessions regarding interest payments, declare moratorium over whole or part of the accumulated interest and grant flexible terms on amount and timing of instalments due
2. Go for re-structuring of the current debt on your own. This method is different from the first one as you will be taking initiatives in managing debt and submit your proposal for negotiating the terms of the current debt. Of course, such re-structuring must have the approval of the banker/financier
3. Replace expensive finance with cheap finance. In most cases business, particularly small business tends to borrow more when the interest rates are fairly high. Interest rates generally move up and down depending on the state of economic growth. During high economic growth interest rate also hovers in high zones. Business, encouraged by positive atmosphere prevailing in the economy blindly ties up with debt at expensive rates. When economy moves into recession interest rate falls into low levels. Therefore during recession small businesses must make an effort in replacing loans booked at high rates with cheap alternatives
4. Talk to your creditors who have supplied materials for business operations. You can ask them for an extended time period to pay out the amount owing. In the case of expense creditors, generally this concession is not available. For example, electricity companies do not negotiate on arrears and tend to cut supply lines. You also have a tall order in negotiating with statutory creditors such as Revenue Department
5. Reduce operational cost as much as possible. I am afraid you cannot do this overnight. But if you put an effort you can cut corners in operational cost without much harm being done to your production line
6. Dispose fixed assets that are no longer wanted. Many business enterprises dump huge amount of finance buying up assets without doing a proper evaluation as regards to their usefulness; added to this, business generally does not bother about re-sale value of fixed assets at the time of acquisition. Hence, you have a double whammy: on one side the economic value of the assets in the current scenario is less and if disposed it could fetch much less than the original cost of purchase. You have to take hard decision and sell at some prices even though you have to take loss eventually
7. Budgeting is your weapon of mass protection; you should put in operation budgeting with a short term roll-over. I suggest that the budget exercise is rolled over every month till such time you are out of the debt trap. You must budget both the income as well as expenses on equal keel. You have to put extra effort in increasing sales revenue and pitch on chasing receivables to get the cash flow in
8. Finally let cosmics be your pull and push factor. Cosmics are aspects residing in every person and as an extension in every business. Cosmics can function as pull factor when you go for negotiation with your banker/lender or that particular customer who is promising you a big order. Cosmics play the push factor when you are impelled to change your business outlook, make a face –lift, bring in courage and confidence to weather the storm and at last succeed in getting out of the debt trap.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Debt Trap, Finance, Small Business
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Small Business | 19 Comments »
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
Today large amount of finance is tied down as capital expenditure in business enterprises. The percentage of capital expenditure is huge in utility industries like oil and gas for valid reasons. Elsewhere in service industry and small business enterprises there is a rising trend in capital expenditure without justification. Let me give you do and don’t on how to control capital expenditure in business:
What is Capital Expenditure?
Before charting a road map of do and don’t in capital expenditure, let us first find out what exactly fits the term capital expenditure which is often shortened as Capex. Any purchase & improvement of land, purchase & construction of buildings, purchase and installation of plant & machinery, tools & equipments, furniture & fittings come under the definition of Capex. These assets are classified as fixed assets in finance. After the initial phase of acquisition, fixed assets are to be maintained; this results in revenue expenditure. When it is necessary fixed assets are to be overhauled; this results in Capex once again. There are similar words used in business meaning overhaul: improvements, upgrades, refurbishing, extension, and face-lift are some of the most common.
Do List
1. Undertake Capex where the useful and economic life of the underlying fixed assets can be extended. Assume you have a plant and it is almost worn-out; if you can extend its usefulness might as well spend money to do so rather than buying a new one
2. When you experience rise in your scale of business operations you should sanction relevant Capex
3. If there is an industry wide use of a particular fixed asset that you do not possess then it is better you approve Capex. A good example is the acquisition of state-of-art technology in media and communication
4. When your competitor acquires a specific asset that can tip the scale in his favour in terms of sales and operations then it is advisable you do Capex urgently
5. If you have a drawn-out Capex plan to be rolled over a number of years, you must undertake relevant expenditure even though such Capex is not urgent. A good example is re-furbishing done in tourist hotels and cabanas. Often this type of expenditure is known as planned capital expenditure
6. Replacement of fixed assets could also be necessitated by events where the business has no control. An example is loss of fixed assets caused by fire, theft or natural disaster
7. Go for Capex where the assets you intend to acquire would generate cosmic energy which in turn can be translated into enhancement of business image, improvement of staff morale and finally growth in business prospects. This we call cosmics. As you are aware cosmics are present in everything you do including your business
Don’t List
1. Never approve Capex where you are adding fixed assets that cannot be used in near future; this superfluous acquisition can be seen in many businesses that fail within a short period of their opening
2. Any wasteful Capex must be avoided absolutely. Most small business enterprises get into this situation because they do not evaluate the purchase decision carefully. More than that they do not plan out the purchase of fixed assets in advance
3. Never acquire un-productive assets; once again this is one of the main causes in failure of small business. An ostensible example is the construction of parapet wall and other security paraphernalia that are not meant to aid in production and operations
4. Do not be overly carried away by value of aesthetics in business; it is acceptable that you should beautify your environ in the business place. But always look at the trade-off between utility and aesthetics
5. No Capex if that only serves only your ego. Grandstanding is good in politics but never in business. If you are egoistic, you will squander your finance, let go of your business opportunities and finally compromise your future.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmic Energy, Cosmics, Finance, Small Business
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Finance, Small Business | No Comments »
Monday, November 28th, 2011
Most businesses in United States and Europe are not doing the right thing right compared to their Chinese counterparts. Let us see where these businesses are heading to:
1. Do the Wrong thing Wrong: Thousands of businesses mainly in the small business sector in United States and Europe are getting into corner by doing wrong things in wrong manner. Examples galore. Let me give three areas of disaster:
1.1 In Finance businesses have ramped up debt equity leverage into un-sustainable zone; at very high interest rate to foot. During recession businesses cannot service the debt and about 75 % of them are in some stage of receivership
1.2 In – house management of operating cost is in shambles, causing break-even point to go up. As sales starts to dip a business is unable to cope up with the current cost level
1.3 Meeting delivery schedule has become a haranguing experience. Most small businesses cannot stick to the order schedules and are facing the un-palatable situation of losing buyers
2. Do the Wrong thing Right: This trend is catching up in several businesses in the North Atlantic region. These businesses are doing the wrong thing; but there is a saving grace: they do it in right manner. Shifting production location is one of the key pointers. For various reasons these businesses have shifted major part of their operations outside the region and have gone into countries like Turkey. On the one hand they have deprived their nationals employment opportunities, and on the other they have chosen well as Turkey is now being added to BRIC list of fast developing industrial giants
3. Do the Right thing Wrong: This is somewhat better than the above two modalities; we find many small businesses tend to do the right thing albeit in wrong manner. Consequently the expected results are disappointing. Good example is the investment made in undertaking ingenuous research in the fields of bio-technology and food processing. But before the businesses could put these into operationalization and garner new business opportunities, the research methodology or process gets leaked into hands of industrialists far away from North Atlantic region. The beneficiaries on the other side employ the methodology/process and mass produce products even at cheap prices. All the fuss about copyright, patents and WTO regulations just disappears like smithereens
4. Do the Right thing Right: At present, I see businesses in BRIC countries get well-versed in doing the right thing right. No wonder the tip of balance is slanting in their favour. A good example is how business houses in these countries are churning out consumer items in cheap prices and slowly edging upwards to the manufacture of capital goods as well. These businesses evaluate not only their economic assets but understand and use their cosmic energy in order to raise their operational level up. Surely, cosmics have given them that extra push that made today’s China a giant in industry and commerce. Unless businesses in United States and Europe are alive to this situation North Atlantic region would fast become an importers’ heaven.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Small Business
Posted in Business, Cosmics | 2 Comments »
Friday, November 25th, 2011
You have a got a business idea. You think that it is really great. Having mulled it over, you feel that it can be translated into commercial success. All the while, it is you and your idea that mattered. Now comes the third party angle. You have to find someone to look at your business idea and evaluate it for you. Here are persons whom you should approach:
1. Charity begins at home so does evaluation of your business idea. Firstly, you sound your family about it. Your wife is an important resource person who, knowing you very well, can give an informal assessment. She may not be a business person but she possesses insight into how you work and what will work for you. Next you should turn to your children who are adults and can understand many things in proper perspective than you. The reason is that you are emotionally attached to the business idea you have developed whereas they can bring a rational approach to bear upon it. When discussing within family never load them with facts and figures. Just explain them broad principles and major matters
2. Secondly, you must talk few of your relations over. You can choose to speak to one who has succeeded in business or career. Additionally, you must also have a rendezvous with a relation who is more of academic bent. This way you can mesh academia with practical life; a method often brings you a via-media approach. During this discussion you should wait till they finish and pose them questions, taking the stand that your business has definite fault lines. Why do I say this; if you profess loyalty and possessiveness towards the idea, your relations would often be silent and would not venture making any adverse comments
3. Next in your appointment schedule are close friends who could come from different backgrounds: in business, career, academia, government service, military, social service and so on. When you meet them you explain your business idea and give the pros and cons and await their own appraisal and analysis. You should ask searching questions that include benefit and cost; risk and reward, limitations and growth etc. As you proceed ask them to look at your idea from neutral ground and prod them to give you more qualitative comments
4. Then comes the professionals; you must approach accountant, company secretary, lawyer to give their feedback on your business idea. Once again you must adopt the approach I gave you in dealing with your family members. Give them facts and figures as well as broad principles and major matters surrounding the business idea
5. In the next segment you elect to choose either your banker or venture capitalist for an informal chat. These guys are well versed in seeing, reading and evaluating great number of business proposals and would be a big source not only in critically examining the idea but proffering advice and assistance in translating it into commercial success
6. Finally, you must get someone who can understand you, your business idea and your cosmics. However much bright and usefulness your business idea is, its successful transformation depends on how you understand and evaluate your cosmics. Cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing your business though these are un-seen and un-noticed by you. If you know cosmics well, you can employ these to your own advantages. For example, let us assume that your cosmics support you in food processing industry and your business idea is on data processing industry. So your success in transforming your business idea stands alone without any support from cosmics within you. No wonder why so many bright business ideas falter in the market.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Business Idea, Cosmics
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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
So you have an appointment to meet up with your banker tomorrow regarding a proposal you have sent him lately. You are wondering what kind of response the banker would give. There are for ways in which your bank responds to your proposal. Here are the responses:
1. YES: This is the one you are dreaming about, a big positive nod from the bank manager with a thundering yes. If you are one of the lucky guys whose dreams come true very often you can bank on this response as the most feasible one. Then there are businessmen, quite a number of them running small businesses that have the kind of cosmics supporting them tend to get a yes answer. Whatever the manner in which a proposal is made, you should have necessary requirements to get a yes from a banker. Some are related to your finance, some are personal some are aspects no one can explain about. The last one intrigues you always. You would have had this experience when you saw the most qualified is not the one who gets the job. This is what we call cosmics, aspects that are residing within you shaping and influencing your business throughout
2. Yes, But: Unlike the previous response, “Yes but “, is not very stronger. Nevertheless, still it is the green light. Bankers tend to give this answer where they feel a bit of itch or snag. They have some concerns and they will drop these one by one like bombs falling during war time. During the discussion banker would dwell upon the easiest thing they can corral; that is collateral. Once you elaborate the type of collateral you are furnishing him then he would jump to the next C factor: cash-flow. Once again you will be at pains to explain him how you can tweak cash-flow to suit to his requirements in terms of debt- servicing. From here onwards the trajectory to get a yes is not so steep. You can get around his “But” to be dropped, provided you handle the situation well with facts and figures. Of course, your C-factors, that is, capital, cash-flow and cosmics all should work harmoniously
3. No, Yet: On the face of it, “No, yet” response appears to be a negative one. It is not so. A banker tends to give this response where he cannot say an outright no. There are reasons for this not so negative response. He fears that you might leave him or he knows that he financed similar proposal that is not doing well or he feels that if you are genuine about what you are asking for you can modify your proposal. When this response is made do not despair but use the window of opportunity to explain about your commitment to stick with the proposal as amended mutually between you and the banker. You must assure him that if there is a case of any previous failure the bank should not apply blanket treatment to your proposal. You have to convince him that you are able to address all his concerns. From this “No yet“, answer you must get double promotion to a strong yes. If this is not happening then you are to be blamed because you have failed to understand how your cosmics work to your advancement. A simple example is that you went to the bank in casual dress rather than in formal manner
4. No: This is the one you dreaded most and you have it now. Poor soul. What can you do? Fly in rage and blame the banker for economic recession; blame your accountant for preparing figures that could not withstand tests by the banker; or blame yourself. This is not a defeat though. You can re-make the proposal to this banker or another. You can improve your business. You can change your outlook. You can understand and evaluate your cosmics to succeed next time.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
Business partnership makes profits and such profits must be divided among partners in an equitable manner. Despite this moral rule most partnerships divide profits equally. But does this equal division of profit is equitable or justifiable? My analysis and recommendation is given below:
1. In a partnership business partners contribute in two ways: one is giving part of their money as capital; other is demonstrating interest in the business. However, there is no reason to expect that every partner will have the same level of interest. Some partners take active part while there are instances where you see a non-active sleeping partner. Let us assume a case where you and your spouse are partners; your spouse does not actively engaged in the business but minds the hearth and bed at home. Can you divide the business profit equally? Even if your wife has contributed equal amount of capital it is not possible businesswise to divide profits equally
2. There are instances where partners contribute different amount of capital to begin with. In this case nobody can insist that partnership profits must be divided equally.
3. Partners open two accounts in the books; one relates to the capital and other one is an operating/current account. Normally capital account is fixed. At the time of appropriation salaries or commission payable to partners are credited to the operating/current account. Even though partners contributed, let us say, equal amount of capital the current account balance may vary from partner to partner. Some partners withdraw money and others leave it intact. A partner who has left more money in this current account, contributes indirectly to the capital funds of the partnership. Therefore, it is not morally right to divide profits equally. My argument is that both capital and current account must be augmented to arrive at a consolidated amount and profits should be shared in the proportion of the present capital funds available rather than on the original capital contributed. Alternatively, the capital account must be made fluctuating and the partners must be given a right to transfer any surplus available in the current account to this fluctuating capital account. Thereafter, profits must be shared in the proportion of the fluctuating capital account balances
4. Yet another issue is about compensation payable to partners. In many partnerships, this factor is never taken into account in dividing profits. For example, a business must employ someone to do the sales. If you have a partner doing sales then he must be paid allowance/commission. Assume there is no such compensation is paid; in that case it is against all the principles of business to divide profits equally
5. You can have several partners; but the real operation is minded by one or two partners. In case there is a managing partner, he must be paid emoluments in correspondence to what the market pays. Assume that he is paid a meagre allowance, can the partners decide to allocate profits equally. It is a cardinal duty to pay man’s wages in a proper manner
6. Not every partner can bring business or nurture customers and clients. Among partners there could be one person who holds a magical wand. He has the charisma and personality to get going with people and situations; a kind of a doer. He possesses cosmics that attracts the customers and turn sales opportunities into fruition. Such partner has cosmics that shape and influence partnership business positively. If he goes away the partnership would also wither away. If you are a partner in this business would you insist that profits must be divided equally?
The conclusion is simple. No partnership should divide profits equally but equitably. In the latter case you have to examine the contribution by each partner in terms of capital funds, level of interest and the aspect of cosmics and arrive at an equitable manner in dividing profit among partners.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Partnership
Posted in Business, Cosmics | 2 Comments »
Monday, November 21st, 2011
The difference between buying a business and buying into a business is very simple. When you take 100% stake you buy it. When you take less than full ownership you are buying into it. This rule does not apply to large companies or listed ones. Let me elaborate three ways of buying into a business:
1. Making a Strategic Partnership: This is the time tested method of buying into a business. Instead of taking large portion of the shares or equity you lock in for a 25 to 30
% stake. Before getting into negotiation with the prospective business owners you should evaluate what kind of synergy you will have in partnering with them. You must concentrate upon several aspects chiefly, marketing, operations, human resource, systems and finance. Strategic partnership is only possible where the interest of you and the present owners can tally together. By any chance there is no interest tangent possible between you and the owners then you should not proceed further
2. Floating a Joint Venture: In this case you buy out 50% of the stake of the current owners and morph the business into a joint venture. Joint Ventures often called as JVs, though not very common are very effective means of combining strengths of two parties. Similarly unlike in the case of strategic partnership you would not be wholly concerned with the past performance of the business. It is the future that matters. How the business under a JV would turn out to be is a cardinal question. Such JVs must eliminate if not neutralize any current weaknesses of the business and maximize the future strengths of the business. For example, let us assume that the business order book is fairly seasonal; this is a nagging weakness now. After the JV is floated you must be able to alter that seasonal nature of sales and generate regular orders throughout the year
3. Taking Majority Control: A popular method often sought after by prospective buyers is taking majority stake in a business. Such a majority can come about if you take 51% or more of the equity. To be on the safe side it is always better to take between 60 to 70 % of the equity control of a target business. In this case you have to handle two issues: one relates to what to do with the minority shareholders or owners, the other is to see how you can handle transition of control from the selling party. It is common knowledge that once controls changes hands there would be quite rumbling from the minority. They generally resist changes and fear that the new management might neglect their interest. You have to be ready to face this situation and must make every effort to take them into confidence. You have to treat them equitably as well. The second issue of transition tends to be much tougher. You have got too many irons in the fire. There are parties like customers, creditors, staff, lenders, bankers and host of others who like to be assured that the new management would not act counter to their interest and purposes. Moreover, seamless integration of the business systems prevailing in the target business including finance, operations and marketing into your own systems could be a nightmare.
4. Choice: What is the best way of buying into a business depends on the amount of money you have and the level of contribution the target business could make towards your own objectives. More than anything else, you should evaluate a key driving force. That is your cosmics. It is better for you to choose the appropriate method by evaluating your cosmics. You know, that, cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing your business throughout. If your cosmics support a simple ownership with benefits you settle for a strategic partnership. On the contrary, if your cosmics dictate that you should go for high risk taking then choose either JV or majority control whichever that suits you fine.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics | 1 Comment »
Thursday, November 17th, 2011
Business plan is a vital document for any type of enterprise. It serves two purposes: one as an internal guidepost and the other as an external statement of purpose. You can easily prepare a business plan if you follow the seven steps listed below:
1. Look Out: The first step in preparing your business plan is to just look out at the environment. You see what is happening in political, economic and social spheres. You find out what your competitors are doing; anyone is closing shop and any new entry into your field. You watch how products similar to yours are performing in the market. All these can be summarised in two words: Opportunities & Threats. Management analysts place a major emphasis on understanding and evaluating opportunities and threats facing a business. Once you get a hang on this subject you can move on to the next step
2. Look In: This step is all about self-examination; the reverse of what you have been doing in the first one. Here you are assessing how you can respond to the status of affairs prevailing in the external environment. How are you positioned; what do you have; what you should get rid of; how do you optimize pluses and minuses. This stream of activities can be summarised in two words: Strengths & Weaknesses. These two are pitted against the opportunities and threats explained earlier. Once you identify and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses you can find a via-media to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses
3. Set Objectives & Goals: You have already learnt much about external and internal aspects. Now it is time to find out what kind of tools you have to make external opportunities work in your favour while at the same time ensuring that you are not unduly threatened by external forces. Moreover, the tool must ensure that you can maximise strengths and minimize weaknesses. This tool is known as ”optimization of business”. In optimization you begin to set objectives and goals. Objectives are set in broader qualitative terms, for example: business must achieve higher market share. Goals on the other hand zoom in the objective into a specific quantitative measurement. For Example: business, must achieve 25% market share. Objectives and goals vary from business to business. Broadly these cover : Quantum of sale; market share, product quality, product differentiation , customer service, diversification, best practises in managing resources within business including human resource, physical assets and financial assets
4. Craft Strategies and Tactics: Once you have set objectives and goals for your business, you must proceed to formulate strategies and tactics. Strategy is a broad area of approaching the objectives whereas tactics are narrowed down field for you to achieve the goals. As an illustration look at your objective of achieving higher market share; here you prefer to use a strategy of advertisement & promotion. Conversely, your goal of achieving 25% market share is best attempted via a campaign tactic focussing on aggressive marketing. By the time you are in the middle of the campaign surely your competitors follow suit. Hence, the usefulness of this measure is just tactical for the moment
5. Put it in Writing: As you get thorough knowledge and understanding you can put your thoughts in writing a business plan for you. This plan highlights all the aspects covered so far and includes all key facts. Additionally, you include mission and vision, monitoring and evaluation of the business plan, sub-plans for critical sectors such as marketing, operations, human resource, information systems etc..
6. Dress it with Figures: The most difficult step in the process of making a business plan is to reduce everything into figures. You are comfortable with facts, bur when it comes to figures you shiver. Not to worry, you can do as much by trying it alone, or following a standard business template or in extreme cases you can hire an accountant to cast figures for you. Remember figures are necessary as they stand as bench mark for you to do monitoring and evaluation later
7. Time it well: The final step is about time; everyone knows time is in essence; time gives you relief. We call this cosmics. There is time for everything. You have to push your button for business plan on the first day of January, barring any holidays. During January, you get a sense of new beginning and time to sit and think about your business plan. Cosmics of time in making business plan is like Christmas; it comes once a year.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Business Plan, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
Capitalism and Rome are not built in a day. It takes quite a while to build up your own business capital. Till such time, you have got to use others money. Here are some tips on using others money in your business. For easy reading, I have categorised using others money in three major phases: Initial Capital, Operational Phase and Growth Stage:
Initial Capital
At the time you start a business you need what we call as seed capital. When you are short of this money you must find alternative sources to supplement this shortfall. Here is a list of such sources:
1. Small Business Corporation. Most countries run a Small Business Corporation that lends portion of your capital in easy terms
2. Venture capital Companies: If you have an excellent business idea that can be turned into a successful venture you must consult with venture capitalists and obtain finance
3. Government Grants: In addition to provide loan capital there are grants made available by the Government Institutions for businesses
4. Informal sources: You can also get initial capital from family & friends on no-cost basis or in concessionary terms
Operational Phase
When you move into operational phase you get receivables and creditors. You will also require a whale of a lot of money for operational expenses such as salary & wages, utility and statutory payments. Here are effective tips:
1. Negotiate very favourable terms from your creditors. These terms should cover bulk discounts, extended period of credit, timely delivery schedule and stand-by measures
2. You should, as matter of fact, encourage cash sales and when you are faced with a credit sale you must ask for an advance; where you are getting bulk buyers on credit terms get some short of deposit from the debtors
3. Obtain a Working Overdraft / Operational Line: Banks generally extend working overdraft/operational line of credit for financing working capital. Your seasonal ups and down in money needed to finance working capital can be smoothened by this arrangement. Furthermore, these credit lines also offer safety valve in paying your operational expenses including salaries, wages and utility payables
Growth Stage
As your business notches up on to the growth stage, your money requirements change in terms of quantum and period. Now you need more money and for a longer duration in order to expand as well as to finance the growth of business. Here are good tips:
1. Go for a Fixed Loan/Term Loan: Generally banks and finance institutions offer term loans for long term capital requirements such as buying into fixed assets or improving existing fixed assets. In some cases you can also acquire new assets as well. In the latter case, there is an alternative in the form of equipment leasing
2. Issue Preferential Shares: These shares may be issued with a stated interest rate and made redeemable on a future date. I recommend the issue of preferential shares over equity shares because preferential shareholders are not entitled to take part in running of a business whereas equity shareholders can control the management of a business
But wait a minute. Do you possess the required cosmics for using others money in your business. If you have the right cosmics you can prosper on others money. What are cosmics? Cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing your business though these are un-seen and un-noticed by you. So first and foremost check whether you have supporting cosmics that enable you to use others money successfully.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics, Others Money
Posted in Business, Cosmics | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Most small business enterprises are run without a fitting business logo. When you ask a small business entrepreneur why he does not have a logo he would have a stock reply: I have no time to bother about petty affairs. More than a big business, it is the small business that requires a logo badly. Let me enumerate chief reasons why small business needs a logo.
1. Representation: A logo is similar to an owner or an employee. It represents small business to the people in the outside world. A business logo is ascribed living qualities. In commercial activities a business logo is just a party as the owner and his staff
2. Recognition: For a small business, logo functions as a brand. Commercial enterprises immediately recognise a brand; so do the customers, creditors, lenders, bankers and other business actors. A successful small business needs an appropriate business logo; vice versa, to succeed, a small business needs recognition and a business logo
3. Identity: A logo for a small businessperson is basically an identity card or a passport. He can just show the logo and gain entry into many places. Besides, a logo is unbreakably connected with the name of the business and the staff employed therein
4. Image Projection: Undoubtedly, a business logo projects the image of a small business to the outside world much more effectively than promotions and advertisements. It is true that you need both for initially getting into the attention of customers and clients. But once you achieve your goal in getting attention sustaining it requires a well-designed logo
5. Communication: Logo is not just a symbol, form, or lines and letters; it is more than that. A business logo essentially is part of business policy. It communicates the mission and vision of the business; its policies and practices; its commitment to uphold ethical principles of trade. Moreover, business logo conveys company strategy and directions to parties dealing with that business
6. Uniqueness: Every logo is unique, true enough. Yet there is something else in uniqueness for a small business. One with a well-crafted logo stands out among large numbers of small business enterprises; besides it automatically gets up-graded into the class of big business
7. Generates Responses: What kind of a response a logo elicits from those who look at it. Every day you see thousands of business logos. So what is the fuss about a logo doing something for a small business? The answer is very simple. For a small business a logo gets feelings of attachment, sense of appreciation, positive emotions, and rational calculations and finally “let’s try out this company” attitude in the onlookers
8. Transcends Time: Most business logos can outlive its creators and / or users. In the case of a small business it is doubly important because in small businesses there are more chances of changing hands or rapidly being wound up. Whatever happens, a logo transcends time and is passed into new owners and successors like a baton in a relay race
9. Fountain of Cosmics: Logos have inherent cosmic power; you can feel this cosmic power when you look at famous business logos; Apple, Coca-Cola, Google, IBM, Lego, Microsoft; all these are fountains of cosmic energy. These logos not only generate cosmic energy but translate it into cosmic power in the form of sales, profit, goodwill and a groundswell of positive feelings and emotional attachment to the underlying products. Conversely a business logo that is designed without taking into considerations of inherent cosmics could turn out to be very destructive to its owners and users. A good example is the Nazi Swastika that finally destroyed everyone connected with it.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Business Logo, Cosmic Energy, Cosmic Power, Cosmics, Small Business
Posted in Business, Cosmics | 6 Comments »
Monday, November 14th, 2011
As a business person your main concentration is focused on improving your business and improving your cash-flow. There are so many blogs on the subject of cash-flow. Let me be different and give you a functional model on how to improve your cash-flow.
In a business there are three major functions: Sales, Operations and Purchases. Let us do reverse engineering and start with the sales function, meander our way through operations and arrive at the purchases.
Sales
1. Look at your sales model; you have cash sales which is now becoming something rare due to recession. In cash-sales you raise invoice, receive cash and deliver goods and that is all over. As a matter of prudence, you should give incentives to your customers who pay by cash. Customers would give currency, bank cheque or credit card. If the sales are on credit card it is the same process but the merchant who services your credit card takes out a portion of your sales income. You should negotiate with your merchant better terms for you. Whatever the form cash-sales help improving your cash-flow tremendously
2. A credit sale is a different ball game; you part with the goods but the payment is received after a lag of time. Here you have to control the following areas to improve your cash-flow:
2.1 Never overtrade with a single customer; broaden your customer base
2.2 Do not stick to uniform credit terms; be flexible in extending period of credit depending on the customers and situations
2.3 As you deliver goods see the bill/invoice is also delivered; for large amount insist on acknowledgement
2.4 Segment your customers into: fast payers, prompt payers, slow payers and non-payers. Always offer rewards to those who pay well before the due date or promptly on due date. As regards to the slow payers send them reminders at-least couple of weeks before due-date and keep on chasing after the due date. You should not deal with the non-payers except in getting your money back
Operations
Operational expenses can take two forms: internal and external; internal relates to payment of salaries, wages etc. while external covers areas such as utility and other bought-in services. Follow the guidelines to ensure healthy relationship with staff and expense creditors:
1. Pay employee salary and wages on the dot
2. Pay external bills only on the due date; never pay before it falls due
3. Get whatever discount you can have on prompt payment of the external expense bills
Purchases
Like in sales purchase is a critical area where your money is tied down. Ensure the following in improving your cash-flow:
1. Plan your purchase function very well; time of purchase and level of purchase should correspond to smooth functioning of your production/process department. Over-stocking is as bad as non-availability of input goods as and when required. Institute good inventory management system and ensure that no waste, theft or leakages take place
2. Negotiate best terms of your purchases in price, delivery and related matters
3. Monitor payables so that you are never behind payment
4. And you must make payment only on the date due or just prior to the due date in case of holidays etc..
Cosmics
In addition to the above three major functions, cosmics should also be taken into considerations. The above three are mechanical and business like functions. Cosmics, on the other hand, work internally and outside the realm of mechanics. You must make your office bathing in cosmic energy. There are several measures that you can take to harness cosmic power; one easy way is that you can keep gems & crystals to get that extra zing. Some of the gems & crystal recommended include: Garnets in several hues: chiefly red, orange, yellow, pink and violet; green coloured Aventurine, Calcite and Tourmaline.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmic Energy, Cosmics, Gems & Crystals
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Gems & Crystals | 1 Comment »
Friday, November 11th, 2011
Of late, partnership form of business has become vogue in several countries. Partnerships are being formed straddling into several economic sectors including trade, industry and agriculture. Let us find out why you need a business partner now whereas you have been going solo for all these years.
Firstly, let me define what partnership is: A partnership is basically an arrangement between two or more persons who will act together in furthering their mutual interest in any trade or venture or business with a view to share profit or loss. A cardinal principle in partnership is that every partner is bound by the mutual interest which is sacrosanct. We call this as common interest. Therefore, it behoves partners to show interest in a partnership and avoid any conflict of interest. However, there is no reason to expect that every partner will have the same level of interest. Some partners take active part while there are instances where you see a non-active sleeping partner.
You need a partner for your business due to the following reasons:
1. Capital: In majority cases partnership is formed because one person alone cannot contribute the entire capital requirements of a business. Lack of capital is a perennial problem impacting initiation and growth of businesses. Even though we see sole proprietors abound in many sectors their scale of operations is fairly limited. Their growth opportunities are stunted. Therefore, it is better to bring in partners who can contribute additional capital requirements
2. Fixed Assets: There are instances where you require a property in the form of land or building for the conduct of a business. Instead of blocking your money you can co-opt the owner of such land or building as a partner in the business. Sometimes you may require a particular plant & machinery. Here again without resorting to bank loan or leasing you can persuade the owner to be partner in your business
3. Knowledge: Another reason for formation of business partnership is specific knowledge required by a business that is lacking there. In this regard let me submit to you two issues: One is that we are today in what we call as knowledge based economy. The other is that entrepreneurship is not necessarily knowledge based. You are an entrepreneur. If a particular knowledge base is vital necessity in your business then either you can resort to hire it or bring in the guy who has such knowledge as your partner. In highly competitive areas such as technology it is better to form partnership rather than opt for hiring
4. Skills: Yet another reason for bringing a business partner is skillset. You are running a business on government tenders and you are often confronted with your inability to liaise with government officials. You are too pre-occupied with the nitty – gritty of the operations and have not developed the liaison angle. Sincerely, you do not like to hang around with scheming officials. In this case you are well advised to get a guy or gal, the latter the better, to liaise with those who work behind the panelled tables in government departments
5. Connections: This is one of the smart reasons to take in that new partner who has wide contacts in the sector where you do your business. Contacts not only give you real business they can also give you what we call as business leads, that is, hints of potential business elsewhere in the sector
6. Companionship: A behavioural reason forming partnership is the need for companionship with another person for the sake of having someone else in a business. In some cases companionship turns out to be too vital that, business collapses without one. Companionship canopies contribution in areas such as business advisory, lightening business load, helping out in legal and administrative matters or simply just to be around. Some businessmen prefer an elderly person while some like to have a fair lady around
7. Cosmics: As you know cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing your business though these are un-seen and un-noticed by you. If your business demands cosmics that you do not possess it is better for you to get someone else who has this cosmic energy. For example in service and entertainment industry, you need a partner who has the charisma and can captivate hearts and minds of your customers by his mere presence.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Business Partner, Cosmic Energy, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics | No Comments »
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
You are delighted to see that your business has made substantial profit at the end of the financial year. At this moment you face a problem. How to allocate business profit into competing wants? I am listing below the theory of three parts allocation:
In history and human thought kings, philosophers, prophets and enlightened tradesmen were using the number 3 as the number for trade and wealth. Even Hindu cosmologists considered the planet Jupiter as wealth giver and assigned it with number 3. Following their steps I am sketching for your benefit a three part business profit allocation method:
Allocate one-third of Profit within a Business
Business must grow from year to year. As each year passes you see the level of operations is rising. This entails additional capital requirements from you. There are two types of capital requirements. One is for purchase of new fixed assets or re-furbishing of the existing ones. This is called as capital expenditure. The other is additional investments in inventory and receivables which is popularly known as working capital. Both capital expenditure and working capital are combined together to enhance the capacity of the business to produce goods and/or services in an effective way.
Allocate one-third of Profit outside the Business
An age old adage obliges you not to keep all your eggs in one basket. It is true that your business is growing and needs more cash to grow faster. But it does not mean that you should put all your money in a single enterprise. Any novice knows that, it is better to bet on more than one horse in a race. In modern day risk analysis the fundamental theory is to spread the risk. So be wise. Park your one – third of profit in a different area. Maybe you can place it in bank, share market, gold or other investments. In some cases you may open a subsidiary to your main business and invest it there.
Allocate one-third of Business Profit to You
In the rush you have forgotten about you, your family and the society out there. As an owner of the business you need compensation. This we call as drawings in the case of sole proprietor and partnership and dividends in the case of limited liability companies. You have to live and run a household and attend to the upkeep of your family. More than that, you have to contribute some part of your income as charity to the society at large. Therefore, it is duty cast upon you to allocate one-third of business profit to you as owner.
Cosmic Balance
If you follow this scheme of allocation, you are in cosmic balance. There is a triangle formed: one is your business, other is your savings/investment and next is your own self. By following this three part allocation of business profit you will be able to get your cosmics working for you in perfect harmony. As you know cosmics are aspects residing in you and influence you and your business throughout.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Business Profits, Cosmic Balance, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
Two third of the adult population of the world feel they should be in some sort of business. Undoubtedly, business seems to be the most alluring prospect for most if not all of them. The question facing them, however, is how to choose the right one. I am listing below in point form ten parameters on the subject of how to choose the right business:
1. Love: Unless you are really in love with a particular type of business never get into it. You must love it with so much passion such that, the business turns out to be an obsession for you. For example, if you really love gaming then casino is a better choice
2. Interest: There is a fundamental difference between love and interest; love may be blind but interest is always rational. An interest gets you rewards, financial or otherwise. For Example, you did geography in your college and very much interested in that subject. You can choose wide range of businesses from maps production to producing films on wild life. Just look at the National Geographic Magazine
3. Strengths: You have to choose a business that optimizes your strengths; assume you have a tendency to judge people and feel at home in talking to them and/or working with them. The business of head hunting would suit you fine
4. Skills: You know skills are manifest forms of strengths and could be applied in a situation. Let us assume that you have mathematical skills along with problem solving flare and being computer savvy you can easily start a software house
5. Personality: Personality is a great arbiter in choosing right business. You are an extrovert personal; never fails to wear that broad smile on your lips; always attentive on the whims and fancies of others. In your case running a stall in a supermarket is an excellent proposition
6. Lifestyle: This aspect varies a lot from person to person. Assume you are an outgoing person; has a flair for fashions; typically a ladies man. So for you anything between fashions to perfumery would work well
7. Family Background: Over generations families develop what we call as genetics. These include manners, behaviour, predilection and choice of vocations etc. If your family background is in growing vineyards and being conservative with a healthy respect for traditions then it is better for you to start a vintage liquor business
8. Networking: People who have countless contacts and have the ability to befriend many more are good in networking. If you fit this bill, then get a business in advertising or distributorship of consumer items
9. E-Factors:
Education: A business that you choose should uplift your educational qualifications. Furthermore, you should do something commensurate your status. Never go infra-dig and start sundry businesses that spoil your name and status. Good example is an MBA should never choose a Xeroxing shop
Experience: Always optimize your experience in case you have worked somewhere before you thought of going it alone. If you have worked as a journalist, it is easy for you to select magazine publishing
Exposure: A combination of education and experience applied in a given situation is known as exposure. You can have exposure to people, matters, or specific agendas. If you are exposed to areas of high level negotiations in political or diplomatic field you should find a consultancy on crisis / conflict management
10. C-Factors:
Capital: Business requires a whale of a lot of money. Always select business that can run at-least for the first year with low level of capital contributed by you alone
Cash-Flow: Unless the expected cash-flow from business is sufficient to meet your personal expenses never get there
Cosmics: Finally cosmics make you the successful businessman in a particular field or sector. Cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing your business though these are un-seen and un-noticed by you. If your cosmics dictate that you should open a jewellery business do not get into a business that sells shoes.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
Congratulations. So you want to get into a business to become a successful person. Right you are. And you said you want to know how to set about. Here are ten steps you can follow in getting into a business:
1. Understand the equation – Market & You: You cannot exist without a market; neither the market can survive without people like you. Both the market and businesspersons like you are entwined in making economic goods and services. You produce the goods or services the market wants and at the same time you consume raw materials and labour provided by the market in processing and finally sending the finished goods out of your factory gates. On one hand you are a producer and on the other hand you are a consumer or user. This relationship can be further analysed; next five steps relate to the market and the last four steps relate to you as a business person
2. Find the Market: Now that you understand the equation “Market & You”, find out what is the type of business you want to get in. In other words you must zoom in on a particular industry or sector. There are several sectors and even more sub-sectors. Let us assume you want to get into technology and narrow down to electronic chips and further narrow down to the production of a chipset for mobile phones. Now you can do the research to find out the annual demand of the product industry wide, country wide and state wide. You can also research the ways and means of providing a chip that is durable, affordable and of superior quality
3. Check Market need and how you can satisfy it: In your research you found that there is a huge need for a chip that has multi software functionality. You also feel that you can produce one that has this functionality
4. Look at the competition: You have got a product; it is time for you to look at your main competitors. Some of them may be multi-nationals or regional heavy weights. There may be still room for your product. Certain manufacturers would not like to tie up with big timers but with specific part suppliers whom they consider as captive groups. You can get few of them lined up as prospective buyers
5. Assess Market Potential: No point putting all your efforts in turning out a product if the market potential is doubtful; if the quantum demanded is below the break-even point; if the product demand is seasonal; if the product cannot be co-opted into wider use. Attractive market potential gives you a big fillip so that you can fashion your own product
6. Morph a Unique Product: Your product must have what they call in the industry a signature. A novel product that has unique features so that the buyers feel that they have got the best bargain in purchasing your products
7. Evaluate Your Capacity: Up to now it is all about the market; here comes you as a business person. First question you have to ask yourself is whether “Do I have the capacity”. Your capacity can be manifold: technical, managerial, operational, financial etc. You must not only produce the best quality product but be able to get the delivery going un-interrupted
8. Mark it as Your Obsession: Forgive me for using the word obsession. I could have used words such as inspiration, ambition etc. I am deliberately writing about your obsession because that is what you need. You must do your business as if you are possessed buy a spirit and go pell-mell in getting ahead in your product and business. For you nothing matters other than the product you are making and the business you are running
9. Write & Review Your Plan: Put your thoughts in writing; make a plan of the market, the need, your product, your operations, finance, marketing and host of other items. Write your business plan is well. Review it a number of times. Reflect. Discuss with your family and friends. Get advice. Do you feel something missing?
10. Know Your Cosmics: In most cases the missing link is your understanding of your cosmics. Everything looks good in black and white. But what is your gut feeling? Do you think you can make it? Perhaps the best way to check is to understand and evaluate your cosmics so that you can employ cosmics to your own advantages. You know, that, cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing your business throughout.
Wish you the best,
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics | 1 Comment »
Monday, November 7th, 2011
Very often you are serenaded with questions such as what do you do for a living? Are you working? What is your Job? Nobody asks you the question what is your Business even though you are engaged in some form of business already. It is because the society as a whole is so workaholic that it expects every other guy to work for somebody. It is time both you and society change track.
Basically, business relates to what you do as independent business, profession or vocation which you own fully or partly. An independent business is what you do on your own as sole proprietor or in partnership with others where you are the managing partner or by forming a limited liability company where you hold major/controlling shares and run the company as chief executive officer.
In corollary you can engage in an independent profession owning fully or partly. In accounting profession you see a solo practitioner as well as accounting partnership. Vocations such as carpentry can also be conducted by single person or in partnership or by way of a limited liability company. Whatever the form or structure a business demands a lot of discipline not seen in doing a job under someone. Some key characteristics of being in business are described below:
1. In business you are constantly on the move or busy in your office handling various issues, questions or problems or placed in un-comfortable situations.
2. You are expected to make the right decision at the right time.
3. You have no peace of mind
4. Your work is often carried to your home in the evening after the doors of business are closed for the day
5. Your commitment to your business is total and over-rides your responsibility to your family
6. There is no specific working hours
7. You are a proud owner of an entity that provides distinct economic service to the society and country
8. You have a higher discretionary income compared to the guys who are working 8 hours a day
9. Successful business life does not depend on your just being lucky; but lot of hard and smart work and proper direction you take on your own wisdom or as counselled by a neutral adviser
10. Finally, your cosmics have given you an opportunity as a business person whereas many of your colleagues and fellow graduates are languishing somewhere working for others and eternally blaming everything except them. You know, that, cosmics are aspects residing within you shaping and influencing your business throughout.
Next time someone asks you questions other than what is your business take pride and tell them bluntly that you are “CEO of the Business you own”.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics
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Friday, November 4th, 2011
Turnover relates to net sales of a business, whereas profit is the bottom line of a business. Many businesses go wrong when they over-drive on turnover at the expense of profit. So the maxim: Turnover is Vanity and Profit is Sanity. Let me explain how this situation comes about.
Firstly, let me define the terms turnover and profit:
Turnover: In any business sales less sales commission and trade discount is treated as turnover. This figure is generally shown for a complete financial year of 12 months. In mid-way of a financial year this figure is shown as turnover to date or turnover up to such a month. Turnover is the first and primary figure one should look at
Profit: In a business profit is shown in two different ways:
Gross Profit: Turnover less Cost of Sales equals Gross Profit sometimes referred to as Gross Margin. Gross profit is often shown as a percentage of the turnover
Net Profit: Gross Profit less Operating and Financial Cost equals Net Profit, sometimes referred to as Bottom Line or Net Margin. Net Profit is often shown as a percentage of the turnover. In this blog profit means Net Profit
Turnover is Vanity: A business must ensure that turnover grows from year to year. The basic parameter is that it should make sizable gross profit from its operations. It has to cover the cost of sales by a wide margin so that it can absorb operating cost as well as financial cost and return an attractive net profit. When a business goes on over-drive and increases the turnover but at the same time decreases the gross profit percentage, the situation is bad. To support the increase in turnover the business would offer extended credit terms. For example if normal credit terms offered are for 60 days, the business is inclined to double the offer to 120 days. Moreover, to support increase in turnover the business would hold more inventory than it used to be. Both developments mean more money is tied up resulting in increase of financial cost. But there are exceptions. In a business where the goods sold are of low value, it is necessary to have large turnover to ensure a safe bottom line. Caveat: Do not have vanity in jacking up turnover at un-manageable level.
Profit is Sanity: Whatever the level of turnover, it is the bottom line that matters. A business must manage its level of turnover keeping a sharp eye on the percentage of both gross profit and net profit. There are instances where you get high gross profit percentage but it does not lead to a high net profit percentage. In this case either operating cost or financial cost or both spiral up sponging all the profit of a business. From another point of view let us assume a business where the goods sold are of high value. Here, it is necessary to have reasonable turnover to ensure an attractive bottom line. Sanity prevails in a business that constantly monitors the turnover level as well as receivables & inventory level as against the cost of credit. Needless to say, healthy bottom line makes a business vibrant and indicates solvency in the short term. Furthermore, it impacts positively on the growth momentum of the business.
Choosing the Right Mix: How much shall be the turnover and how much profit could be made out of this turnover is purely a business budgeting exercise. But in most cases despite all these admonishing of “turnover is vanity and profit is sanity” businesses do get the mix wrong. Three reasons cause this problem:
1. The planning and budgeting department has not done its job well
2. Owners / directors are just crazy or egoistic or megalomaniacs
3. Cosmic balance is lackadaisical; cosmics are aspects that are beyond facts & figures but still influence the conduct of a business; cosmics reside in every individual and by extension in every business. A business that understands its cosmics can choose the right mix of turnover and profit to enhance its survival in both short and long terms.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
Business fails due to several reasons. Many of you might have some experience, somewhere in your life, in going through the mill when faced with a business failure. Let me re-visit and re-hap seven reasons of business failure:
1. Not doing the maths right
Business is all about numbers; you buy or manufacture a good in monetary terms; you hold it in inventory in the interregnum which costs you monetary figures; then you sell the goods for cash or credit; if it is cash money flows in straight away; if it is credit the period of such credit costs you bank interest which you have to pay. Everywhere you turn you see numbers. Beginning from the planning stage to the final implementation of your business plan you are slapped with numbers. Errors could creep somewhere in the value line. Perhaps you got it wrong at the time of purchase or bungled with a customer who turned out to be a bad debtor. In summary if you do not concentrate on facts and figures your business is vulnerable to failure.
2. The Big Picture is lost
Business is worried about survival in the short term entailing in constant fire fighting in the marketing and production departments. Marketer wants to cut price in a short term deal with a new buyer; production department grumbles because lowering price means either lowering quality or reduction of manufacturing profit. Then the existing buyers come to know and they too demand price revision. In the long terms there is chaos and the business starts to flounder.
3. No reverse engineering in the Value Chain
If you see your income statements, prominent and first figure is Sales or Turnover. Fantastic. But when you start the internal value chain you start with the production. You manufacture or stock the goods first and then find out how to sell these. In this case the value chain goes from production to marketing. When the value chain begins from marketing and then comes to production it is known as reverse engineering. While doing your annual budget you must first ask the questions what the market demand is and how it will work out for you. From this point you must run on reverse gear and find out how you should make your production satisfies this particular market scenario.
4. Not focusing on Core Business
In every business there is an area known as core business. A tobacco company has core business in the form of cultivating, processing and making cigars or cigarettes or tobacco for pipes. When such a company sees there is opportunity for inter-cropping tobacco with other vegetation well and good, it must go ahead. What happens is after sometime the other vegetation demands more time, resources and management attention. It is a classic Pareto rule. Twenty per cent of the production takes eighty per cent of the management time. Finally the core tobacco cultivation suffers resulting in a business failure.
5. Relationship is in shambles
Most cases business fails because it did not handle the human relation within the business properly or customer relationship outside the business properly or both. Today there is immense value placed on the relationship angle. A good relationship model should cover the stakeholder concept. Business stakeholders include: owners/directors, staff, customers, creditors, government, and society at large. Owners/directors should conform to standards and ethics and give proper directions to staff and make human resource pool happy and contended. Satisfied staff performs duties well, resulting in: Retention of customer loyalty; Retention of human resource pool; Improvement in profitability & growth of companies; Contribution of taxes and revenue to government; Involvement of the society at large. When this does not happen the relationship is in shambles and a business fails.
6. Cash-flow is the king, but he is dethroned
There is no doubt cash-flow is the one that keeps everybody going: owners, staff, creditors and debtors, government and society. Constant monitoring and progress chasing keeps the cash-flow intact. It is like oiling a machine to be in good state of repair. If you do not oil the machine breaks down one day. Cash-flow must be a continuous entity. Productions can take a short-break in between shifts; sales can take a holiday. No interruption in Cash-flow, never. Business fails because it dethrones the cash-flow and allows it to trickle and dries out finally.
7. Cosmics are not helping
All the above reasons are mundane; there is something beyond the realm of this sphere. Even after doing everything right still a business fails; no mundane reasons can be ascribed. This is where cosmics enter the picture. Cosmics are aspects residing in every person and as an extension in every business. Some businesses are eternal, for example, Columbia Pictures even though it has changed hands. There is something in that; may be it is the picture of a woman in white and flowing dress holding torch in the right hand; or maybe the pyramidal six step platform on which she stands. Cosmics can arise in different ways. You have to understand cosmics and turn it to your advantages. If this does not happen then cosmics are not helping you. Then the business fails no matter what remedial steps you take to arrest the failure.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Relationship | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
Gems & Crystals have excellent cosmic vibrations. If you choose the right gemstone or crystal and wear it throughout you can achieve alluring success in your business which you have been looking for all these years.
Depending on your cosmic colour you can choose your gems & crystals that enhance your cosmics. There are twelve cosmic colours. I have listed each of these colours and the names of gems & crystals going with this colour. Some of the gems & crystals appear in more than one place because these have different colour shades:
1. Red: Garnet (Pyrope) , Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel , Tourmaline (Rubellite)
2. Orange: Amber, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Topaz
3. Yellow: Beryl, Citrine, Garnet, Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz
4. Green: Aventurine, Calcite, Emerald, Garnet, Peridot, Tourmaline (Verdalite)
5. Se-Green: Aventurine, Jade, Moss Agate, Topaz
6. Turquoise: Amazonite, Apatite, Larimar, Turquoise
7. Sky-blue: Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, Spectrolite,
8. Blue: Azurite, Blue Sapphire, Opal, Tanzanite, Tourmaline (Indicolite)
9. Purple:
9.1 Pink: – Garnet ( Rhodolite), Kunzite, Rhodonite, Star Sapphire
9.2 Indigo :- Amethyst, Calcite, Spinel, Rose Quarts
10. Magenta: Alexandrite, Jasper
11. Violet: Garnet (Hessonite), Iolite
12. White: Diamond, Quartz (Rock Crystal), Moonstone, Pearl, Topaz, Zircon
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmic Colours, Cosmics, Gems & Crystals
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Monday, October 31st, 2011
Many of you are engaged in some form of business and employ quite some assets in generating revenue. Basically, you use solid assets and soft assets. There is another category of assets which you use but do not understand how these are functioning. These assets are known as “Cosmic Assets”. Let me explain solid assets, soft assets and cosmic assets:
Solid Assets
These are hard assets employed in a business and have several features such as tangibility, physical dimension, durability and reality. Land & buildings, plant & machinery, tools & equipment, inventory, vehicles, furniture & fittings are key assets under this category. Most of these have re-sale value. However, these assets are fairly illiquid in the sense that there is no ready or over the counter market.
Soft Assets
Softs assets are divided into four groups:
1. Financial Assets: In contrast to solid assets, financial assets do not convey any sense of durability or reality. Though there is tangibility of sort, soft assets can vary in terms of physical appearance. Currency or stock/bond certificate has physical appearance whereas balance in a bank has a notional appearance. As regards to liquidity, money and bank balances are very liquid while share/bond certificates could range between liquid to illiquid due to market conditions. Financial assets have realisable value
2. Intangible Assets: As soft assets intangibles do not have a ready price tag. Other than that these assets do have physical characteristics in the form of drawings, models etc. Intangibles of a business include: Technology, Patents, Brands, Logos, Names, Designs, and Copyrights. All these are now protected as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). In order to make Intangibles soft assets you have to ascribe monetary value. This is done in two ways:
I. When a business is a going concern intangibles could be valued and shown in the financial statements of a business as an off-balance sheet item
II. When a business is sold it is gone concern and intangibles are valued and collectively called as goodwill
3. Human Pool: People employed in a business is an important soft asset. There is no doubt that they generate the cash-flow for the business
4. Customer Relationship: A business exists in an environment where people inside the business interacts with customers outside a business to generate sales and realise revenue. Hence, customer relationship is an important soft asset
Cosmic Assets
Cosmic assets are interwoven in a business. You neither recognise these cosmic assets nor understand how to harness their cosmic energy. The lucky business gets it right when the cosmic assets start functioning on their own. That is why 90% of businesses are not successful. If you understand and evaluate cosmics you can employ the cosmic assets to your own advantages.
Let me list below few forms in which cosmic assets are seen:
1. Steven bought a furniture business; first thing he did was to get rid of the wooden table the previous owner was using. Within few months the business crashed. Steven still does not know that the table brought the business
2. Business name of a jeweller has the letter “m” in a prominent manner; his business is thriving even during recession
3. The name and emblem of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has cosmic power that last for several decades
4. Old and tested Cuticura soap and talcum powder are sold since 1865 relatively unchanged.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmic Assets, Cosmic Energy, Cosmic Power, Cosmics
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Relationship | 1 Comment »
Friday, October 28th, 2011
If you are in a business you are already familiar with few instruments of power you are wielding to get ahead in your activities. This blog post serves as a primer on the types of power a business has and how such power is manifested.
There are five types of power: hard power, soft power, smart power, stealth power and cosmic power. Each type of power is explained below along with the modes through which such power is wielded.
Hard Power
Generally this type of power is exercised by a strong business entity or a business that perceives it to be a strong one over others in a particular industry. Hard power ranges between political to economic spectrums. The following are instruments used for making hard power felt across the board:
1. Price-cutting: Blanket instrument targeting several businesses in one go
2. Pressure Tactic: Selective instrument targeting a single weakling in a group
3. Follow Me: Patronising other businesses to toe the line
4. Threats: Real hard-ball penetrating into the nerves of competitors and instilling fear of failure
5. Sanctions: Hitting the bull-eye of a specific business where it hurts
Soft Power
This type of power is demoed by a business that is not necessarily strong but has certain advantages over its competitors. Soft power uses instruments within political to social spectrum. The following are methods used for making soft power felt across the board:
1. Business Policy: Use of social engineering and political gamesmanship to achieve business goals
2. Networking: Building contacts and alliances in civil society members such as government think tanks, Non-Governmental organizations, consumer societies and vested interests to achieve one-upmanship
3. Image building: Progressively building the image of “holier than thou” and “in moral high plain “ to achieve business goals
4. Media cover: Getting the media to defend the business in the first place ; hogging media and using trial by media to its own advantages
Smart Power
When you combine hard and soft power effectively you get smart power. Hence this type of power uses instruments ranging from political to economic to social spectrum. Smart power can be exercised by a strong business as well as a week one provided that the instruments used are selected to suit the situation in hand. Hence, smart power is limited by the situation rather than the instruments per se. In addition to instruments listed under hard power and soft power above, businesses use information or more precisely misinformation in exercising smart power.
Stealth Power
Business opts for stealth power when it is faced with a situation where hard power, soft power or smart power cannot be used effectively. Although stealth power uses instruments ranging in political, economic and social spectrum it does so via surprise and under cover of darkness. Here are some of the noted instruments of stealth power:
1. Bribery: Sop the Cerberus is time-tested method of getting through business objectives
2. Corruption: Putting opposing parties under obligation
3. Espionage: It is the Mossad motto: By way of Deception
4. Black-mailing: While arm twisting is hard power the same thing done in stealth is black mailing
5. Stage Setting: Getting competitors to walk into a trap and lose profits is a key stage setting method
Cosmic Power
Even though businesses have immense source of cosmic power they hardly use any of it. Cosmic power arises from internal strengths: Here are few examples of cosmic power:
1. Brands : Think of Microsoft
2. Presentation: Form of Coco-Cola bottle during the World War II
3. Logos: Swastika of Nazi Germany
4. Mottos: Apt statement impressing all: “In God we Trust” says the greenback
5. Mission & Vision statements: Careful wording makes a business noteworthy
6. Lifestyle: It is the name of the new successful business game in cosmics
7. Charisma: Business charisma is nothing personal nor is linked to the founders only. Waldorf Astoria hotel group has this in plenty.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Business, Cosmic Power, Cosmics, Lifestyle
Posted in Business, Cosmics, Lifestyle | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
The Moon travels around the Earth; in doing so, she also intersects with the ecliptical path of the Sun. This intersection is known as Node. There are two types of lunar nodes: ascending and descending. Each node presents opportunities and sometimes threats to you.
During October we have two descending lunar nodes and one ascending lunar node. This blog post dovetails astronomy and cosmics in respect of the first descending lunar node taking place in October 2010 and gives you few tips for improving your life. For a general introduction of the lunar nodes please read the link on “Lunar Nodes April 2010”
First Descending Node, October 2010
Astronomy
Date: 1 October 2010
Time: UTC/GMT 02.42
Moon Age: 22.6 days
Lunation Cycle: Last Quarter
Constellation: Gemini
Star: The Moon comes in direct line of sight with star Mebsuta whose Arabic name is derived from “Al-Mabsutah” meaning “outstretched”. Astronomically known as Epsilon Geminorium, Mebsuta is a double star in the Gemini constellation. Located on the ecliptical plane, this star is often passed by the Moon. It is the fifth brightest star in the Gemini Constellation. Mebsuta is located on the right knee of the mortal and northern twin Castor. It is a fourth magnitude super giant giving out yellow rays; whereas its companion gives out orange hue.
Cosmics
During this descending node the Moon intersects the ecliptical path of the Sun precisely on the left calf muscle of Castor who is mortal and the northern twin. It signifies a time for cool and calculated moves. Choice in business and family are to be made rationally sans any emotion even though some of these decisions are unpalatable at the first sight.
Cosmic Advice
A check list of advice is appended below to help improving your life, under these circumstances:
1. It is time to change direction and subject your business life into objective scrutiny; time to plan new ventures or get into new partnership in career and business
2. In similar fashion, you have to make some hard choice regarding, home, spouse and children and plan your future
3. Those in the middle or higher rungs in companies have tendency to perform better in this season
4. In the home front it is time to bounce back into action; especially for those who have suffered depression, fatigue or emotional downswings
5. Industries such as Music and films, Leisure & tourism, Fashion & entertainment are poised to post good results
6. Domestically, sex and marriage issues that remained outstanding must be attended quickly without un-due postponement
7. As the ambience is cold and dry you must keep your house or office hot and moist
8. The colour choice can range between crimson red to sea blue for shirts and skirts; blue –red combination works in uplifting your cosmics
9. Take lot of care of your feet, knee downwards; special attention must be paid to your left foot; any injury would have lasting effects even though not fatal
10. Risks are shown in swimming and aqua sports; under-water swimming must be avoided
11. During your leisure, play flute or any other melodious instrument that uses wind; watch films that depict love and affection or arts, nature and history
12. Those that have criminal tendency must change their habits and lifestyle, lest they are caught by authorities and incarcerated.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Astronomy, Business, Cosmics, Descending Node, Epsilon Geminorium, Family, Improving Your Life, Lifestyle, Lunar Nodes, Lunation Cycle, Mebsuta
Posted in Astronomy, Business, Cosmics, Family, Lifestyle, Sex & Marriage | No Comments »
Monday, September 27th, 2010
The annual Saturn–Sun Conjunction takes place on the First of October this year. This celestial phenomenon has been subjected to study from time immemorial. The location of the event and the setting matters a lot in interpreting the conjunction. Let me give you few details of the annual rendezvous between Saturn and Sun in terms of astronomy and cosmics in order to help you improving your life.
Astronomy
1. A conjunction is an alignment of two or more celestial bodies in the sky, as viewed by us from Earth. It does not mean that the celestial bodies are physically close to each other in the sky. Every such conjunction is unique in that the facts regarding the celestial bodies, their relative position and respective settings differ from one conjunction to another. It gives rise to different cosmic interpretation as well.
2. Saturn – Sun conjunction 2010 takes place on Friday, 1 October at 00.18 (GMT/UTC). You have to trace your local time in reference to this. At this time the Saturn is located just above 2 degree north of the Sun and about 200 arc seconds east of the Sun. The respective positions of the two celestial bodies are given below:
Co-ordinates
Saturn
Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 12 hour 31 minutes 52 seconds
Declination (Celestial Latitude) South 1 degree 5 minutes 02 seconds
Sun
Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 12 hour 28 minutes 24 seconds
Declination (Celestial Latitude) South 3 degree 3 minutes 58 seconds
3. The conjunction lasts for about 30 hours as viewed from the Earth. Most importantly, the conjunction is in Virgo Constellation where Sun stays the longest period of 44 days in its year long ecliptical journey. Saturn entered Virgo constellation on September 2009 and would continue to stay there till early 2012. At the time of conjunction the planet Mercury is also located in Virgo constellation, whereas Mars and Venus have moved into Libra constellation. The Moon is located in Gemini constellation
4. From the location of the constellation, I traced two stars and one deep sky object as shown below:
Poorima: This brilliant star, astronomically referred to as “Gamma Virginis” is located North-east of the conjunction location. Poorima is a binary, with two stars orbiting each other and both having almost same magnitude around 3.4 in terms of brightness. Classified as a dwarf of F0 category Poorima is the second brightest star in the Virgo constellation. This white star is positioned on the waist of the Virgin prodding Al-Biruni, the celebrated astronomer to call it as a “turn” implying this star helps you to turn to better times from bad times or from evil paths to beneficial ways. For the ancient Romans, the position of Poorima in the waist of the Virgin led her being equated to the Roman Goddess of childbirth whom they called as Prorsa (head first) or Postversa (Feet first) signifying the two positions in which a woman gives birth to a child
Zaniah: Astronomically known as Eta Virginis, this star Zaniah is located North-west of the conjunction location. Zaniah also has another similar sounding name “Zannakh”. It has been variably described as blue-white or white or yellow coloured star as the star generates blue, white and yellow streaks of colour. A triple star system with two companions, Zaniah is classified under spectral class of “A2IV” as a sub-giant. Its visual brightness ranges at 3.85 magnitude and is about 130 times luminous than our Sun. This star Zaniah is very close to the celestial equator and in the ecliptical path of the Sun. Once again, the name of the star Zaniah in Arabic means an angle, which can be interpreted as a turning for better. Positioned on the left arm of the Virgin, the star Zaniah symbolizes amusement and enjoyment of life and its pleasures and said to herald good times
M 49 Galaxy: The massive ecliptical galaxy carrying the name M 49 (NGC 4472) is located just north of the conjunction location. Its distance of 60 million light years must be factored in when considering its visual brightness of just 8.4 magnitude. This galaxy has experienced supernovas.
Cosmics
Arising from the location and the setting the following interpretation in terms of cosmics are listed:
1. A time for renewal; springing back to action after bad times
2. New business ventures are in the offing; new partnerships are facilitated
3. For employed, raise in salary or position is envisaged; for self-employed both existing clients and new clients give more business
4. Associates and business partners show honesty and loyalty, whereas family members and spouses show lack of cooperation and perhaps infidelity
5. Financial woes dog big businesses and large companies; medium and small companies turn their corner in terms of sales volume and profits
6. Over all health and wellness suffer and those who are convalescing after surgery, trauma or serious illness must stake special care
7. Social life and interactions are better these days
8. Thos who have busy lifestyle must slow it during this phase, and those who are laggards must kick start their work
9. Broadly, sex and marriage issues are outstanding and must be attended quickly and quietly without keeping these on back burner.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Astronomy, Business, Cosmics, Family, Improving Your Life, Lifestyle, M 49, Poorima, Saturn Sun Conjunction, Virgo Constellation, Zaniah
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Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
Autumn Equinox arrives on Thursday, September 23 chiming merry bells. Peace and prosperity prevails in many parts of the Globe; there cannot be a better time for business and economics. For you, it could be honey and milk should you try? Let me discuss Autumn Equinox in terms astronomy and cosmics to help you improving your life.
Astronomy
This year the Autumn Equinox takes place at 03.08 UTC/GMT on Thursday 23 September 2010. You have to trace your local time in reference to this.
The Sun
On this date the Sun touches the celestial equator at 12.00 in terms of Longitude and 00.00 in terms of Latitude, as it journeys from north to southward direction. Put it the other way, the Sun is on 12 hours in terms of Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) and 00.00 degree in terms of Declination (Celestial Latitude). When the Sun reaches 00.00 latitude it is precisely over-head in equatorial countries. The Autumn Equinox has two aliases: Fall Equinox and September Equinox. The word equinox means equal day and night as most parts of the globe experience almost similar length of night and day time. Autumn is observed in the northern hemisphere while in the southern hemisphere it is Spring. The Autumn Equinox point is now in Virgo constellation. At this time, the Sun is in Virgo constellation along with planets Saturn, Mars and Venus in that order to the east of the Sun. Mercury, on the other hand is located west of the Sun in Leo constellation.
Saturn
Saturn, the coolest planets in the solar system waits patiently for a rendezvous with the Sun, tipped to take place on Friday, October 1. Saturn is located pretty close to the Sun at this time about 38 arc minute to the east of the Sun.
Star Zaniah
In between these two giants come in star Zaniah. Astronomically known as Eta Virginis, this star Zaniah is variably described as blue-white or white or yellow coloured star as the star generates blue, white and yellow streaks of colour. A triple star system with two companions, this star Zaniah is very close to the celestial equator and in the ecliptical path of the Sun. Immediately after the Autumn Equinox, the Sun is expected to whistle-by this star in late September. The name of the star Zaniah in Arabic means an angle, which can be interpreted as a turning for better. Positioned on the left arm of the Virgin, the star Zaniah symbolizes amusement and enjoyment of life and its pleasures and said to herald good omens for the mankind.
Perfect Alignment
I venture to show the perfect alignment of the Sun, Zaniah and Saturn at the time of the Autumn Equinox. Look at the Longitude figures for these celestial bodies below:
The Sun: 12 hour 00 minutes 00 seconds
Star Zaniah: 12 hour 19 minutes 54 seconds
Saturn: 12 hour 38 minutes 18 seconds
You will see that star Zaniah is almost in median distance between the Sun and Saturn.
The Moon
At this moment the Moon goes through the last vestige of the Twenty-sixth Lunar Mansion (Arabic: Al-Manzil Al-Qamar) of “Al-Fargh Al-Mukdim” which means “the first sprout” and deemed as fairly an un-auspicious mansion out of the 28 Lunar Mansions.
That said, I examined the location of the Moon at this juncture and found that it is inside the “Circlet of Fish Asterism” in the Pisces constellation. This asterism connects seven stars from the mouth of fish towards its neck. These stars are: Gamma, Beta, Theta, Iota, Lambda, Kappa and 19 Piscium, all of these located in the Pisces constellation. Hence, this location is deemed very auspicious.
Besides, the Moon comes in the line of sight with the star Omega Piscium, located east of the circlet. It is the “star of the spring” and christened as “Vernalis” in Latin. It is technically the last star in the Globe of 24 hours with the highest Right Ascension (RA) of 23 hours 59 minutes 50 seconds, just about 10 seconds to the Vernal Equilibrium of Zero point. Vernalis brings rejuvenation and lights up the theme of a new beginning.
Cosmics
Having analysed the position of the planets and stars, I sketch below positive and negative cosmics of the Autumn Equinox 2010, in order to help you in improving your life:
Positive Cosmics:
Enthusiasm that was hiding away from you comes back; new beginning a kind of rejuvenation holds you closely; in business you are planning and realizing goals; in career you are in for changes in job ambit; in studies a feeling of completion; family life is calmer and quieter now with mild and serious issues dividing the family being resolved or neutralized; entertainment and enjoyment are the two sides of the same coin; trip and outings followed by snoozing away your time in vast, open and pleasant spots; you do not forget the elders and the destitute though; lifestyle changes are for better; sharing and caring mind results in charity and bonhomie which in turn keeps you happy and contended
Negative Cosmics:
Bio-rhythm undergoes swinging changes; unbridled entertainment in sex and fun can be crucially debilitating; hyper-activity is observed in mind and body; blowing-up of emotions after incidence of hyper-enjoyment is tracked; keeping a lid over family disputes is a must; do not get over-enthusiastic and start to squander your money and time.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Astronomy, Business, Circlet of Fish Asterism, Cosmics, Family, Improving Your Life, Lifestyle, Lunar Mansions, Omega Piscium, Pisces Constellation, Virgo Constellation, Zaniah
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
You get a silver streak with the Full Moon of September 2010 which grants you the ability to focus on your objectives and the chance to achieve goals; it elevates you in business and social standing; gives you a welcome relief from stress and strain as regards to your family life. Let me explain the details of the September Full Moon in terms of astronomy and cosmics and offer you few tips in improving your life.
Astronomy
1. Full Moon: The Full Moon appears at 09.17 UTC/GMT on Thursday, 23 September 2010. You have to trace your local time in reference to this time.
2. Location: At this time the Moon is located at:
Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 23 hour 55 minutes 24 seconds
Declination (Celestial Latitude) North 4 degree 28 minutes 17 seconds
3. Constellation: Pisces
4. Illumination: 99.98 per centum
5. Apogee: This is the point where the Moon is farthest to the Earth in its revolution. The Moon reaches the apogee point two days earlier on Tuesday, 21 September at 08.03 UTC/GMT. At the time of full moon stage, the Moon is about 251,680 miles away from the earth; consequently the pulling power of the Moon has improved over the apogee position
6. Autumn Equinox: The Full Moon comes six hours after the Autumn Equinox taking place at 03.08 UTC/GMT
7. Surrounding Planet: Jupiter is located in Pisces constellation south of the Moon. In fact Jupiter is almost on the same Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) at this moment at 23 hours 55 minutes and 40 seconds, but some 14 arc seconds to the east of the Moon. There is no conjunction as Jupiter is located more than 6 degrees south from the position of the Moon
8. Lunar Mansions: At the time of Full Moon, it has managed to brace through to the Twenty-seventh Lunar Mansion (Arabic: Al-Manzil Al-Qamar) of “Al-Fargh Al-Thani” which means “the second sprout”. This is one of the 28 lunar mansions and said to be very auspicious
9. Moon Location: At the time of full moon stage the Moon is located just below the knot tying the tail of the western fish in the Pisces constellation. I noticed the star Vernalis is north of the Moon and comes in direct line of sight.
10. Star: “Vernalis” means “Star of the spring” in Latin. Astronomically, Vernalis is called as Omega Piscium; the alphabet Omega is the last one in Greek alphabet and ranks 24. It is technically the last star in the Globe of 24 hours with the highest Right Ascension (RA) of 23 hours 59 minutes 50 seconds, just about 10 seconds to the Vernal Equilibrium of Zero point. Generally Vernalis figures during Vernal Equinox in March, when the Sun comes south of this star. This time it is Autumn Equinox, Lo and Behold we see the Moon is located below this magnificent star. Vernalis is a single, dwarf, sub-giant of yellowish – white hue with moderate brightness at 4.0 magnitude. It belongs to the spectral type of “F5IV “. Located some 106 light years away and with a surface temperature of 6,600 Kelvin it is about 20 times luminous as our Sun and about 1.75 of it size.
Cosmics
The combined effect of the Full Moon in the circumstances described above gives mainly positive and few negative cosmic results:
Positive Cosmics: Enthusiasm all round; ability to focus in achieving goals; feeling of elation within; elevation in position in career and business; easing of family stress and strain; partying and club-going are on the rise
Negative Cosmics: Dry and hot outside and dry & hot inside tends to develop hyper-activities in sex and fun; un- bridled enjoyment and entertainment leading to brawls and break-ups
Improving Your Life
The effect of the full Moon lasts generally for a fortnight till the next New Moon; I am giving few tips for improving your life till then:
Family
1. Reconcile with your family members if you had disagreements before; move fast to cement the pot-holes in your relationship that has dragged on for some time now
2. Diarise a date to visit elders and remember to buy presents for your children as if Christmas is round the corner
3. Belated though it is, you can go for a family outing
Business
1. Time to ask for a raise in salary or a promotion in your job
2. Zoom in, on the short term goals; let me ask you a question: Have you reached your targets in sales? If not go out and try
3. New customers or reviving old customers who have ceased to do business with you must be your priority now
Lifestyle
1. Have a nice time with colleagues; engage in sports and entertainment
2. Good time to date, propose or fix a time and date for marriage
3. Get bluer tinge in your clothing and attire; as regards to Gems & Crystals, I recommend Lapis Lazuli, Agate, Topaz or Azurite.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Astronomy, Business, Cosmics, Family, Full Moon, Gems & Crystals, Improving Your Life, Lifestyle, Lunar Mansions, Omega Piscium, Vernalis
Posted in Astronomy, Business, Cosmics, Family, Gems & Crystals, Lifestyle | 9 Comments »
Monday, September 20th, 2010
Eridanus is a southern constellation; most of its stars are not visible to those who live in the northern hemisphere. But it does not stop us marvelling Eridanus, the celestial river whose origin is mired in mythology and whose down stream winding journey is full of cosmics significance. Let me give you a broad brush stroke of legend, astronomy and cosmics standing by the river of Eridanus.
Legend
1. Eridanus is an ancient constellation, one of the 48 constellations Ptolemy penned in his Almagest. The word Eridanus is from Greek “Eridanos” meaning a river. Greek legend has two versions for its origin:
Version one relates to the legend of Phaethon son of Helios prevailing on his father Sun god to let him handle the reign of chariot Helios rides. On concession by the Sun God, Phaethon, inexperience as he is, loses control of the seven immortal steeds and causes the chariot to veer off, setting the earth on fire. Zeus was smitten with this indiscretion and strikes Phaethon by a thunderbolt and hurls his flaming body into the river Padus, which is thereafter christened as Eridanus the celestial river
Version two relates to the legend where, Heliades kid sister of Phaethon, mourning the death of her brother weeps and tears falling from her eyes gather stream and transformed into Eridanus the celestial river
2. The Arabs called Eridanus, “An-Nahr” meaning a river; again there are two versions as to which river they are referring to:
Version one refers to the river Nile; even in Greek the word Nilus is mentioned referring to river Nile which is noted for meandering over a long distance
Version two refers to Euphrates River which fits the topology of Eridanus constellation. The Euphrates River has two branches of stream bringing alluvial soil to the heart of Mesopotamia. Eridanus constellation has two branches called northern and southern streams in the sky.
Astronomy
Eridanus is the by far the longest constellation in the sky. Beginning at south 5 degrees it finishes at about south 57 degree almost a 52 degree span in length. In terms of breath it ranges from 1 hour 38 minutes at star Achernar to 5 hour 4 minutes at star Cursa. It is also the sixth largest constellation in the known sky and occupies about 1,138 square degrees in space. The constellation is visible between latitudes north 30 degree to south 90 degree
Let me take you on the down stream journey of Eridanus constellation. For your easy convenience I am giving you the contours of the Eridanus constellation in the picture below:
Eridanus Constellation
Courtesy: http://www.astrofilitrentini.it/mat/costell/eri_e.html
The river begins its northern stream with the star Cursa (Beta) located at South 5 degree (Declination) and travels westward horizontally till it reaches star Omega then rises to north-west and braces star Mu the northern most star in the constellation. From here till star Nu the journey is flat. Nu star marks the first plunge southwards of mild depth, passing star Xi and come to star Beid (Omicron 1). This location marks the second plunge southwards a fairly deep one. As the river meets star Zaurak (Gamma) the plunge is arrested and Eridanus moves upward in two steps passing Pi star and then star Rana (Delta). Rana begins the horizontal flow of the stream to the west wherein Eridanus flows quietly passing star Epsilon and knocks on star Zibal (Zeta). Eridanus moves on effortlessly bypassing the famous Ostrich’s Nest that is built by a combination of star Zibal, three stars system of Rho (P) signified as P1 P2 and P3 and star Azha (Eta).At this point the northern stream comes to an end.
Azha star begins the southern stream and marks the steepest and deepest fall to south for the river Eridanus until the stream banks on Tau 1 star. A normal plunge is seen now but towards the south-east for the first time. This stream gushes on from Tau 1 thru Tau 3. At the median point of this fall lies Angetenar (Tau 2). After reaching Tau 3 the river meanders till about Tau 9 the entire stretch is being the fertile valley of Eridanus.
Tau 9 marks at yet another plunge towards south-east till the river Eridanus reaches the shore at Upsilon 1. At this pint the river has reached south 30 degree. After this the river takes a U turn at Upsilon 2 and plunges mildly to Upsilon 3 and thence to Upsilon 4. From this point Eridanus makes a medium steep plunge towards south-west and then climbs to north-west. In this journey Eridanus goes through Seven Upsilon stars which are collectively known as “Theemim” and signify the seven steeds of the chariot Helios rides. Thereafter Eridanus labours towards the dam of star Acamar (Theta).
Flowing straight westward, from Acamar, Eridanus passes star Iota. From Iota star, river Eridanus begins a deep descend bathing Kappa star and falling towards Phi star. A quick turn to the west and at Chi star is followed by one shot descend bringing the river to star Achernar (Alpha) located south 57 degree, whereat the longest and winding journey of the mythical river comes to a happy close.
Cosmics
1. Eridanus constellation is known for three significant groups of stars: Ostrich’s Nest, Valley of Eridanus and Seven Steeds of Helios; all of these have great cosmic significance in chiselling your lifestyle
2. In addition there are important junction stars such as Cursa, Beid, Zaurak, Rana, Acamar and Achernar playing a great deal of importance in shaping and improving your life
3. Most stars in the Eridanus constellation starting from Tau 1 downwards do not figure as birth stars, sighted by the Moon or lucky stars sighted by other six planets because these are located 20 degree south of the Ecliptic, which is the path of the Sun. Hence, these stars figure as rising stars or culminating stars only. Rising star is defined as the star rising in the eastern horizon at the time of your birth; whereas Culminating star is defined as the star that was just overhead at the time of your birth
4. The Eridanus stars portend great knowledge in science and technology; facilitate travel above the water; grant position of authority; to many these signify becalming family compared to fairly stormy business life.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Astronomy, Business, Cosmics, Eridanus Constellation, Family, Improving Your Life, Legend, Lifestyle
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Thursday, September 16th, 2010
In the southern sky a pair of unassuming stars brightens the night: this pair has rhyming names: Beid and Keid. The latter became popular in the Star Trek series where Vulcan home world is shown orbiting around the star Keid. For people in Vulcan, the star Keid is the Sun. Fiction apart, the pair means lot more to you; these stars define your destiny, perhaps the rest of the mankind. Read the blog post to find out, astronomy and cosmics about this mystery twin of Beid and Keid.
Astronomy
Beid
Beid is the first star to rise in the eastern horizon, followed by its twin Keid. The name “Beid” is derived from Arabic “Al-Baid” meaning “Egg- of the Ostrich”. Beid is located in the Eridanus constellation; the name Eridanus means “River” in Greek mythology. You might be confused by egg and river. Let me explain: the Greeks believed that there is a celestial river flowing southerly direction in the sky. Arabs went little further and built a nest for the celestial ostrich in the northernmost part of the river Eridanus. They portrayed star Beid as the egg and star Keid as the egg-shell. Astronomers are not concerned with the legend and call this star Beid as “Omicron 1 Eridani” or in short-hand “O 1 Eri”. Beid star is located at the bend marking the second and deep plunge towards the south in the river Eridanus. This white giant is located about 125 light years away from us and has visual magnitude of 4.04. About 28 times luminous than our Sun, Beid has a surface temperature of 7,100 Kelvin. It is a variable star in terms of brightness, but this variability is fairly insignificant even though the star pulsates rapidly. It rotates every 2 days and sends us white to yellow streaks of light. The co-ordinates of the star Beid are as follows:
Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 4 hour 12 minutes 23 seconds
Declination (Celestial Latitude) South 6 degree 48 minutes 37 seconds
Keid
Continuing the celestial legend, Keid the egg-shell is pictured as thrown out of the Ostrich’ nest; perhaps it has served the purpose of hatching baby ostrich. Keid derives its name from Arabic “Al-Qaid” meaning ‘egg-shell”. You cannot keep egg and egg-shell together. Hence, this star Keid is about 200 arc minute and about little less than half-degree away from Beid. Ironically star Keid is much closer to us on Earth. It is about 16.5 light years away and ranks the fiftieth closest star in the sky. Keid is a kid star in comparison with our Sun. Just about three fourth of Sun’s mass and less than half of Sun’s luminosity make Keid a pygmy in the line of magnificent stars. But wait a minute. Size does not matter both in sex as well as in the sky. Keid has figured prominently in Sci-fiction. The film Star Trek tells about the Vulcans whose home world orbits the star Keid. For the Vulcans Keid is their Sun. Recently astronomers found an earth like planet orbiting the star Keid, a definite boost to stellar science. So much so NASA is investigating the likelihood of life in this star Keid.
Astronomically called as “Omicron 2 Eridani” or in short-hand “O2 Eri” it has an alias “40 Eridani”. This star is in fact a trianary, meaning it is a three star system. The alias name has come handy in naming Keid and its companion. Keid is therefore annotated as “40 Eridani A” whereas its companions are given notation as “40 Eridani B” and “40 Eridani C”. All these are dwarfs like our Sun. Keid is an orange dwarf while the B companion is white dwarf and C companion is a red dwarf. At 5,100 Kelvin surface temperature Keid glows at about 4.43 magnitude. Combined with its companions Keid appears to give a healthy mixture of soothing orange rays. The co-ordinates of the star Beid are as follows:
Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 4 hour 15 minutes 47 seconds
Declination (Celestial Latitude) South 7 degree 37 minutes 44 seconds
Cosmics
1. The twins Beid and Keid are destiny stars. They shape your destiny and that of the mankind. These stars have given a new twist to sci-fiction and stellar science. Observing the pair could further unravel about our universe
2. Beid or Keid does not figure as a birth star, sighted by the Moon or lucky star sighted by other six planets because it is located 26 degree south of the Ecliptic, which is the path of the Sun. Hence, Beid or Keid can influence your life as a rising star or a culminating star only. Rising star is defined as the star rising in the eastern horizon at the time of your birth; whereas Culminating star is defined as the star that was just overhead at the time of your birth
3. Beid and Keid both have similar cosmics and are mutually inclusive; hence one of the star figuring is enough to trigger the combined effect of both these stars
4. The stars portend great knowledge in science and technology
5. The pair makes a person travel easily over the land, in the air, through space and above the water; but can cause disaster in sub marine travel
6. These stars shower a position of authority to a person; nonetheless such persons go through changes in their job descriptions or ambit of authority often
7. Beid and Keid have peculiar magnetic effect. A person born under either of the pair must avoid leaning over cliffs, or getting submerged or entangled in water current in river or sea
8. By dictates of business or lifestyle if you use magnetic or communication devises on your person, take care as changes in magnetic field can spell disaster to you
9. Becalming family life welcomes those under the influence of this pair
10. Avoid travelling or going out on the full moon day
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: 40 Eridani, Astronomy, Beid, Business, Cosmics, Family, Keid, Lifestyle, Omicron Eridani
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Tuesday, September 14th, 2010
When the Moon intersects with the ecliptical path of the Sun it results in a situation called lunar node. There are two types of lunar nodes: ascending and descending. Each node presents opportunities and perhaps threats to you. This blog post details astronomy and cosmics relating to the ascending lunar node taking place in September 2010 and gives you few tips in improving your life.
For a general introduction of the lunar nodes please read the link on “Lunar Nodes April 2010”
Ascending Lunar Node September 2010
Astronomy
Date: 16 September 2010
Time: 13.56 UTC/GMT
Moon Age: 8 days
Lunation Cycle: First Quarter
Constellation: Sagittarius
Cosmics
The Moon intersects the ecliptical path of the Sun precisely on the middle of the upper string of the bow the Archer holds. At this time the Moon is travelling towards the north from the south in the celestial sphere. From this location we observe three heavenly bodies: Star Polis (Mu Sagittarii) onto the north-west; Star Kaus Borealis (Lambda Sagittarii) to the south-west; star Nunki (Sigma Sagittarii) onto the south-east. Taking the middle course in between these three stars, the Moon does something spectacular. She occults M 22 Globular cluster popularly known as “Facies”.
Facies or M 22 Globular
Facies or M 22 Globular has been well –described in my earlier post. You can read by linking “Ascending Lunar Node, August 2010”. This globular cluster is the third luminous in the known sky and has within it a huge nursery of 70,000 baby stars. Located just a degree below the ecliptical path M 22 globular often gets occults (covered) by planets including the Sun and the Moon.
Improving your life
1. Use green profusely and red sparingly in dresses and appropriately during colour bath
2. Unless you are susceptible to chill, make merry out of the welcome rain that sprinkles much needed water onto your body. Watching rain drops falling or walking under a drizzle helps you immensely. Alternatively you can spend more time in a bath tub or in a pool
3. Stay in moist and cold ambience to rejuvenate your system and to re-build energy levels
4. Keep your physique in trim condition, elderly must take extra care in keeping fit
5. Follow Lord Buddha and keep to middle path during this season especially in family affairs
6. Businessmen demonstrate high degree of determination paving way in concluding new deals or striking new partnerships
7. Women play leading role during this time phase; in families there is reconciliation seen with erstwhile opponents, especially daughters and spouses; Similar trend continues in business where women cause new beginning or bring new customers or business relationships. This applies to business where the owners or leading shareholders are men. Contrarily, women dominated business goes southwardly
8. Good time to commence new constructions or additional wings in respect of family abodes and business premises
9. Bad time for sex & marriage; mitigating factor is new romance flowers well during this season
10. If you are low in spirits, I advise you to visit sea-shore and watch the waves lashing; washing your feet by the froth relieves stress. Patients suffering from hyper tension can try this out.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Ascending Node, Astronomy, Business, Cosmics, Facies, Family, Improving Your Life, Lunar Nodes, Lunation Cycle, M 22 Globular, Nunki, Sex & Marriage
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Monday, September 13th, 2010
So you are a brilliant stockbroker who make good fortune in the market and at the same time remain committed in protecting the interest of your clients. If so, you have the star Kochab guiding you in spirit and in action. For your benefit, I sketch details of astronomy and cosmics of the star Kochab and give you few tips in improving your life.
Astronomy
1. The name of the star “Kochab” is derived from Hebrew and Arabic lexicon for a heavenly body. Both Hebrew and Arabic scriptures mention the word “Kawkab” in reference to stars. In Arabic, Kochab has a lengthy name “Al-Kawkab Al-Shamaliy” meaning “the star of the north”. Because, a millennium ago this star Kochab was the North Star. Kochab is about 16 degrees away from the present day North Star, Polaris. Astronomical name for this star is “Beta Ursae Minoris (B Ursa Minor)”. In some directories the star is also written as “Kocab”
2. It is the second brightest star in the Little Bear constellation with a visual magnitude of 2.08
3. Kochab is an orange colour giant star with abnormally strong barium within it giving rise to a magnificent light and the spectral classification of “K4 III Ba 03 “
4. It is located at 126 light years away from us
5. Kochab shines about 500 times luminous than our Sun; its surface temperature at 4,000 Kelvin and its distance are factored in the star giving us cool and orange rays
6. The size of Kochab is about 50 times of our Sun
7. Kochab is a prominent star in the asterism known as “Little Dipper Asterism” in the Little Bear constellation; it occupies the top and front of the spoon in that asterism
8. The co-ordinates of the star Kochab are as follows:
Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 14 hour 50 minutes 42 seconds
Declination (Celestial Latitude) North 74 degree 9 minutes 20 seconds
Cosmics
1. The star Kochab is located on the right side top hide over the back of the little bear
2. Little Bear constellation is significant because it presently has Polaris functioning as the North Star and previously had Kochab acting as North Star, both of these are located within the constellation
3. Many cultures had fascinating affair with this star Kochab. Singly, this star was “ Polos” to the Greeks meaning the “ north star” ; Emperor to the Chinese; Guiding star for the sea – faring Phoenicians (modern day Lebanese). Together with the neighbouring star Pherkad, Kochab got a title as “Guardians of the Pole” The Arabs also considered the two stars as the calves of the Bear. They had two descriptive names for Kochab: “Al-Nair Al-Farqadain” meaning “the bright one of the calves” and “Al-Anwar Al- Farqadain” meaning “the Light of the two calves”
4. Kochab is located in the Sixteenth Lunar Mansion (Arabic: Al-Manzil al- Qamar) of “Al-Zubana” (“The Claws” in Arabic). This lunar mansion is said to give mainly positive and sometimes negative results. It gives sense of judgment and sense of courage in equal measures. For those who make bad judgements it grants their death wish
5. Significantly, Kochab gives qualities of nourishment and protection to you and to those who are connected with you; you get elated spirit and are ready for the rough and tumble of busy business life
6. Kochab does not figure as a birth star, sighted by the Moon or lucky star sighted by other six planets because it is located close to the northern pole at 74 degree north. Hence, Kochab can influence your life as a rising star or a culminating star only. Rising star is defined as the star rising in the eastern horizon at the time of your birth; whereas Culminating star is defined as the star that was just overhead at the time of your birth. There is one more condition: the effect of the star Kochab does not concern those who are born in locations above 74 Parallel north such as Nunavut in Canada or below 16 degree parallel south such as Queensland in Australia
Improving Your Life
The following are few recommendations to improve your life:
1. You should select white, apple-white, orange, crimson red as colours appropriate for your dress
2. Number 1, 4 and 6 are cosmically inclined towards you, so use these liberally in your business transactions
3. You need more air in your system as it gets moist and hot simultaneously
4. Any “ T” word marks your success: trade, travel, training and host of others. Speculative jobs such as stock broking , bond broking and dealing in white goods such as fridges and washing machines could lead to prosperity
5. Observation, analytics and deriving conclusions go systematically in your brain. Number gurgitation is observed as a significant trait. Hence you can fit in as investor , partner or venture capitalist
6. Kochab favours risk taking life style both in family and business; consequently everything depends on the quality of your judgement. Kochab can make you succeed in family and business affairs or break either or both
7. Sex & marriage together are not given excellent marks under the Kochab regime as one of these will definitely falter; nonetheless, your marriage could last without much enjoyment for quite sometime
8. Spend your leisure time in vast open to the sky spaces; for sports select swimming and aqua activities
9. Fire opal, Hessonite and Chalcedony are gems & crystals suiting you fine
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Astronomy, Beta Ursae Minoris, Business, Cosmics, Family, Gems & Crystals, Improving Your Life, Kochab, Lifestyle, Little Dipper Asterism, Lunar Mansions, Sex & Marriage
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Friday, September 10th, 2010
Many of you have to work hard to get money and wealth. But there are few who just get wealthy through the efforts of others; besides enjoyment of life too. If you are born under the star Albali you fit in this class. Check with this blog that dovetails astronomy and cosmics of the star Albali and gives you few tips in improving your life.
Astronomy
1. The name of the star “Albali” is from Arabic “Al-Balii” which means “the Swallower”. Astronomical name of this star is “Epsilon (e) Aquarii”. Originally the term Albali was used to refer to this star Albali and two of its neighbouring stars Mu (u) Aquarii and Nu (v) Aquarii; later the name Albali was limited to this star Epsilon Aquarii only, whereas Mu and Nu Aquarii stars were collectively called as “Al-Bulaan” which in Arabic means “Dual”
2. Albali is a sub-giant white star with bluish tinge interspersed; its spectral classification is “A1 V “
3. It is located at 230 light years away from us
4. It is a fourth magnitude star in brilliance with a visual magnitude of 3.75
5. Albali shines 138 time luminous than our Sun and gives out hot blue-to-white rays; this colour against the background of infra-red light emanating from the surrounding debris of Albali, makes the star a fascinating object to watch
6. Albali rotates every 2 to 3 days and considered to be very rich in metals
7. Astronomers continue to study star Albali and the nearby stars Mu and Nu Aquarii as the noted planetary nebula known as “Saturn Nebula (NGC 7009) is located very close to Nu Aquarii. It is called Saturn Nebula as it appears like the planet Saturn with a disc
8. The co-ordinates of the star Albali is as follows:
Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 20 hour 48 minutes 15 seconds
Declination (Celestial Latitude) South 9 degree 29 minutes 45 seconds
Cosmics
1. The star Albali is located on the left hand ring finger of Aquarius, the water bearer. According to constellation picture made by Urania’s Mirror in 1825, Albali is located on the ring finger, Mu Aquarii on the first finger and Nu Aquarii on the forearm; all these stars are located on the left hand. See the picture below:
Constellation Picture of Aquarius by Urania’s Mirror
Courtesy: http://www.ianridpath.com/atlases/urania/urania26.jpg
2. Aquarius is one of the oldest constellations. In Greek legend Aquarius is “Ganymede” whose job is to pour divine nectar called ambrosia to the Gods out of the jug he carries
3. The celebrated Persian Astronomer Al Kazwini is the opinion that the strange title “Swallower” comes from the fact that Al-Bali and two other stars close by, namely Mu (u) and Nu (v) Aquarii join together to swallow or absorb the light coming from the stars in the nearby Capricornus constellation
4. Albali is located in the Twenty-third Lunar Mansion (Arabic Al-Manzil al- Qamar) of “Al-Saad-Al-Bula” (“The Good Fortune of the Swallower” in Arabic). This lunar mansion is said to be auspicious out of the 28 lunar mansions and considered to shower power & glory along with amassing of wealth of which the major is gift or bequeath
5. Albali star is located very close to the celestial equator and can be counted as ruling star for you in the following order:
Birth star: If the Moon sights this star at the time of your birth
Lucky star: If Planets other than the Moon sight this star at the time of your birth
Rising star: If the star arises in the eastern horizon at the time of your birth
Culminating star: If the star is just overhead at the time of your birth
Improving Your Life
The following are few recommendations to improve your life:
1. You should select white, blue, cooling crimson as colours appropriate for your dress
2. Number 5 & 8 are cosmically inclined towards you, so use these liberally in your business transactions
3. You have to drink plenty of water
4. Sky is the limit for you; your expansive moods and nut-cracking lifestyle get accentuated by watching the blue-sky
5. Traders in Jewellery or Gems & Crystals make great success; deal makers and stockbrokers are hugely benefited
6. For politicians or rulers this star works wonder; moreover, if they are born on 8, 17 or 26 they get immense power and glory
7. Un-earned wealth by way of gift or bequeath come in your way from family or friends in an un-expected manner
8. Marriage is always stormy because you will have a harem where wives of others entertain you
9. Spend your time in gardening, whenever possible
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Albali, Astronomy, Business, Cosmics, Epsilon Aquarii, Family, Gems & Crystals, Improving Your Life, Lifestyle, Lunar Mansions
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Monday, September 6th, 2010
New Moon in September 2010 brings positive feeling and a new beginning geared towards good results. Your career is in good shape; business is doing well; there is peace and prosperity in family life too. In this blog post let me explain the details of the New Moon in terms of astronomy and cosmics and give you few hints for improving your life.
Astronomy
September New Moon
The September New Moon appears at 10.30 (GMT/UTC) on Wednesday 8 September 2010. You have to trace your local time in reference to this. At this time the Sun and the Moon are more than eleven arc minutes apart; besides the Sun is more than 4 degree to the north of the New Moon; hence any chance of a conjunction is averted. The co-ordinates of the Sun and the Moon are given below:
Co-ordinates
The Sun
Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 11 hour 7 minutes 16 seconds
Declination (Celestial Latitude) North 5 degree 38 minutes 47 seconds
The Moon
Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 10 hour 56 minutes 32 seconds
Declination (Celestial Latitude) North 1 degree 17 minutes 03 seconds
Perigee
This is the point where the Moon is closest to the Earth in its revolution. The Moon reached the Perigee point on the same day morning at 04.00 UTC/GMT when its distance from the Earth was around 221,948 miles. At the time of New Moon, the Moon has moved little farther from the perigee point about 222,051 miles away from our Earth. Even though the pulling power of the Moon is higher during Perigee stage, the fact that this is a New Moon with least illumination means that the pulling power is fairly muted
Illumination
Illuminated around 0.2 percent the New Moon cannot be seen by us. Glare of the Sun apart, the Moon’s illumination is too insignificant for it to be recognized
Constellation
The Moon has arrived in the Leo constellation just-in-time travelling from the Sextans constellation, as it reaches the New Moon stage
Location of Moon
The New Moon is located at the bottom of the right paw of the mighty lion
Surrounding Planets
1. Mercury is located in Leo constellation to the north-west of the Moon
2. The Sun is in Leo constellation north-east to the Moon
3. Saturn, Mars and Venus, in that order are located to the south-east of the Moon in the Virgo constellation
Star
No significant star is noted at this time and location
Lunar Mansions
The New Moon arises in the Eleventh Lunar Mansion (Arabic Al-Manzil al- Qamar) of “Al-Zubrah” (“The Mane” in Arabic). This lunar mansion is very auspicious out of the 28 lunar mansions and deemed to shower primarily positive results
Cosmics
The combined effect of the New Moon in the circumstances described above gives primarily positive and quite a few negative cosmic results:
Positive Cosmics: Air of confidence in and around you; you are in control with maturity and mellowness to go with it; marriage is working exceedingly well; cash- flow improves; memory of parents and duty towards less fortunate hovers around you; calm and serenity in the ambience coupled with good guidance put you on the winning track
Negative Cosmics: Cold and moist outside and to the lesser extent inside too brings a feeling of uniformity and laziness; sense of fear and anxiety in the minds of secularists whereas a degree of reverence and worship in the minds of church-goers; you may develop dependency syndrome if you are weak financially or physically
Improving Your Life
The effect of the New Moon lasts generally for a fortnight till the next Full Moon; I am giving few tips for improving your life till then:
Family
1. Women in the family are generally in weak spot as regards to their health; both menstruating and nursing women could suffer more
2. Excellent time for marriage as man woman combination works well. Gays and Lesbians could receive the wrath of the Nature
3. Rest and recreation is the key for keeping your body and mind fit
Business
1. Excellent time for those who are carrying on independent business or occupation; Business executives in companies are more attuned to do planning and execution of the plans; Marketing guys make good value-judgement even with declining profit margins; textiles and trade are industry segments showing great potential
2. Expansion of business, construction of new wings in offices and factories could be timed to this season
3. Money is aplenty with lending and borrowing to go hand-in-hand; bad debts are zeroed-in either by payment or write-off
Lifestyle
1. Good time for love, marriage, romance and dating; sex-related diseases specially coming arsing in same-sex couples are forecast
2. Be prepared to travel at short notice to promote your business or to take part in family engagement
3. Use shades of yellow colour in your dress; eat more yellow vegetables and fruits; lemon and lime are fruits that go with the prevailing temperament; moreover lemon flavour works well. If you have time for leisure do travel to flat land where you see the sky and the horizon clearly; perchance if you see lotus flower anywhere take a snap shot or peer through your eyes to get its cosmics; in the corollary those who do yoga are advised to perform more “ Padmasana” or lotus postures in this season
4. As regards to Gems & Crystals, I suggest yellow shade gems such as lemon topaz, yellow sapphire along with zircon, beryl, garnet in light shades of yellow to maximize positive cosmics.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94 777 265677
E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
Tags: Astronomy, Business, Cosmics, Family, Gems & Crystals, Improving Your Life, Lifestyle, Lunar Mansions, New Moon, Perigee
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