Piggyback Scriptures

By Paul W Hoffmaster

To stand on the Word, one must understand the context in which the Scripture is used. Many people claim a Scripture without fully grasping the intent of the presented Word. To fail to recognize the true meaning of a verse or section of verses is to open the door to potential confusion and the challenging of one's faith. To pluck a Scripture out of its context and adopt it as part of our faith package is to build our faith on assumptions rather than facts.

Years ago, the prayer of Jabez was publicized as the prayer of fulfillment. (I Chronicles 4:8, 9) Pray that prayer and the benefits that Jabez experienced would be at the threshold of your life. Books were written expounding people to "piggyback" on that prayer and their lives would be changed. Pray that prayer and God would increase their possessions while, at the same time, extending His hand to keep them from evil and anything that would grieve them. All across the country, churches caught the vision of the Jabez prayer and petitioned Heaven with their requests for blessings. To add to the excitement, stories began to abound about people who prayed his prayer and received phenomenal results. The question is why, of the 222 prayers in the Bible, was the prayer of Jabez centered out for adoption? What people thought was that if God could bless Jabez with his request, why couldn't God bless them; after all, God is not a respecter of persons! The Jabez prayer was a giant shot in the arm of the "prosperity group." What lengths Christians go to experience materialistic abundance! Too bad the Apostle Paul wasn't exposed to the humanistic interpretations of the Word, for instead of learning to be content with what he had, (Philippians 4:11) he could have reigned as a chief financial officer at a highly respectable mutual fund organization. He would not have had to make tents on the side, (Acts 18:3) but could have been the owner of the "nomad tent company." What should be noted is that through Jesus we have already received everything we will ever need to lead an abundant life. So why would we go back to Scriptures under the Law and pray for what we already have!

Another area of Biblical misunderstanding is the Upper Room exchange that Jesus had with His Apostles. Jesus told them that God's house was filled with many mansions, and that He was going to prepare a place for them. Many take this Scripture as an assurance that everyone has a mansion that is reserved for them. Many funeral messages are based on this discourse. We need to put that exchange in its proper context. James' and John's mother had requested a positional role for her sons in Jesus' futuristic Kingdom. Jesus told her it was not up to Him, but up to God whom special seating would be given to in Heaven. (Matthew 20:23) In the Upper Room, Jesus told His men that they would sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:29) Some time before that, He told Peter that the Apostles would sit upon 12 thrones judging Israel. (Matthew 19:28) During the Last Supper, He told them that His departure would have a direct effect on them in the afterlife. He shared with them that in God's Heavenly domain (house) were places (mansions) where the Apostles would reside. He told them He was going to make ready (prepare) for their eventual arrival. There would be an area (place) where they would be in a position of authority. All I know is that when I leave this life I will be with Jesus, and that's all that matters. The "housing" arrangement is up to Him.

There are many Scriptures that we have interpreted to benefit our comfort zones. Let the Holy Spirit, instead of our human spirit; show us the intent of the Word.

ERP for Automobile Manufacturing? Know The Basic Features

By Rob Stephen

Automobiles and parts manufacturing units, especially the small and mid-sized ones are striving hard in the globally competitive industry to sustain their place. Large-scale manufacturing units rely on specific software systems to make sure their operations run fast and efficiently and help them produce more output. But, that involves a huge investment, only affordable by large units.

ERP solutions are new-age software systems, targeted for all industrial segments. They gained prominence lately and are helping enterprises to manage all of their processes fast and effortlessly. As software companies are bringing out industry-specific ERP solutions, automobile manufacturers are deploying them to thrive and achieve sustainability in the global market. But, what makes an ERP solution best and fitting for an automobile manufacturing unit? Definitely, its integral set of features! Take a look at them.

#1 Management of Multiple workstations

ERP software for automobile industries is specifically designed to help them manage wide-ranging processes that are taking place in the different workstations from one point. It helps the managers to schedule of tasks of workstations, track the flow of goods, and also check progress of each process.

#2 Quality management

ERPs offer complete support for quality management which helps the manufacturers to offer best quality products and vehicles parts at economical prices. In short, ERP software help auto businesses to enhance product quality with costs optimisation, achieve operational excellence and efficiency and increase customer satisfaction.

#3 Cloud-based document management

With ERP solution, automobile manufacturers no more have to deal with vast amount of paperwork and documentation. It provides support for electronic documents management and cloud-storage systems. That is, manufacturers can now create, upload, download, store or view files of any formats in a common database of the ERP system. So, from sales order, purchase orders, to accounting transactions, data of all get saved in one common place.

#4 Separate DMS (Dealer Management System)

With ERP software, manufacturers get a separate Dealer Management System that will provide them comprehensive sales performance over a time-period and make successive strategies accordingly. Further, ERP offers some futuristic features too that help improves sales function, which are Live Sales Chat, Dealers Portal, POS for up-to-date sales tracking, and Modifying of sales pattern.

#5 Inventory management

For automobiles or parts manufacturing units, an excess of stocks is always an added expenditure. For this, manufacturers try to follow a lean production process for optimising their inventory and produce as per the market demands. ERPs include features for traceability. This means manufacturers can know the stocks withstanding, track inventory level in separate categories, and plan JIT (Just-in-time) delivery of their products.

Well. this shows why ERP software is a one-point solution for automobile industries. Every manufacturer, including cars, motors, trucks, tractors, and automotive parts must deploy it to streamline operations and achieve cost-efficiency.

However, processes are different for different manufacturers. So, there's need for customisation of modules of the ERP according to one's processes. Trusted software development agencies that deal with modern ERP solutions can give them a solution specific to their processes.

Rob Stephen is an experienced and dedicated software developer at GetAProgrammer having 5+ years of experience in the software development domain. GetAProgrammeris a leading company for software development in Sydney, which also specialises in mobile applications, web and eCommerce development. You can follow the   LinkedIn page to know more about our services and get updates on software technology trends.

The Mystery of the Unmarketable Hypnotist

By William T Batten

Hypnotists should make great marketers. We are experts in persuasion, masters at solving pain and sublime communicators. When we speak, we transform worlds. And yet most hypnotists struggle to attract clients. How many of us dream of meaningful and profitable work, only to be forced to return to corporate hells after a few years?

In person, you are literally mesmeric. How do so many of us have bland, forgettable websites? What's with the incoherent email campaigns? Do we capture our client's personal details as easily as we capture their hearts?

What is going on?

Many entrepreneurs fail because they don't believe in themselves or their products. I don't blame them - the amount of garbage available today is disheartening. But the hypnosis industry doesn't have this problem. We know we offer value. Actually, 'value' sounds cheap. We change lives. We break unbreakable habits, we dig up buried dreams and phobias fear us. If everyone knew a good hypnotist, the world would be a saner place. And we know it.

Do we, perhaps, turn our noses up at 'marketing' and other dirty business words? Some of us do, though that's a cover. If a client presented this feeble excuse, you would cut through it. Yes, you are healer and yes, business stuff distracts you from that. But you know that, without a viable business, you can't help anyone.

Marketing is the noblest endeavour when you offer something genuine. If your skills transform lives, then it is your duty to break through doubts, excuses and objections. You know that most clients would rather pay you then suffer through their problems a minute longer. You owe it to them to help them make the right decisions.

We have the means and the motive to persuade people. So what makes so many of us let the opportunities pass by?

You might be different. My guess is that most of us have failed to generalise. No doubt you've seen plenty of subjects with incredible inner strength. The reason they still smoke or fear rabbits isn't that they're weak but that they never thought to apply their strength. I politely accuse many of us of doing the same thing. If you frame their hesitation to be your client as a fear of solving their problems... well, you know how to dissolve fear.

Treat objections from potential clients the same as you treat actual clients. There are limits to how much hypnotic power you want to use uninvited, of course. Please don't mistake me and think you should induce trance in everyone who walks by you. But the principles in marketing and hypnosis are the same, even if the intensity isn't. Tap into their resources, reframe their problems, dissociate them from the objections or do whatever it is you do. They want you to help them so prove to them that you can.

Hypnosis and marketing are similar: everyone knows a little but, for the big things, you'd best rely on an expert. If you want to reach more people and inspire them to act, talk to a marketer who knows the hypnosis business today:

   https://battenandking.com/

SEO Best Practice - Why Page Loading Speed Matters

By David Little

We all can relate to a website that simply stalls before loading content, or in another typical scenario, experience content that loads painfully slow. Most of us agree that either experience is annoying. But beyond annoying web visitors, let's find out what the real consequences are for a sluggish website.

Show Me the Money

Once you assign a dollar value to speed, it becomes crystal clear in terms of real costs why the enduring visitor perception and experience with page speed relates directly to customer service and brand value.

For example, KISSmetrics presented statistics from Akamai who studied the dollar cost of speed as it relates to page conversions. They found a 1-second delay in page response time results on average in a 7% increase in page abandonment. The kicker here is that page abandonment exponentially grows as seconds add up, so a 4-second delay results in about 28% page desertion, which means your sluggish website is hemorrhaging visitors and potential income at an alarming rate!

Maybe this doesn't seem like a big deal if you measure things like downloads and other call-to-actions where speed is not considered a critical metric, but it is an important metric when applied to an e-commerce site making $100,000 per day.

Think about it; a 1-second page delay could potentially cost you $2.5 million in lost sales per year. Additionally, page speed is an important online metric for both perceived customer service and brand quality.

Check Your Website's Speed

What does speed mean to website managers in 2018 and beyond? Don't ignore it! Do everything in your power to increase the page speed of your website for both desktop and mobile sites. If your website is responsive, make sure it works well on every device imaginable. If you test your website and it's found to be less than optimum, contact a competent web developer who knows how to optimize your website's speed. It's more affordable than most other SEO endeavors, and you have nothing to lose but customers-right?

Use Google's PageSpeed Insights tool to see your score and take notice of any advice they may give you in the results. Secondly, take a look at the size of your page, as many sites are bloated nowadays. Try to shave off as much as you can by optimizing images, compressing code and loading fewer external scripts and ads.

Maybe it's time to drop the most egregious designer "cuties" that bloat your website and go with a more minimalist approach. What customers love most about your site is the content and how quickly they can see it!

Google Loves Speed, Too

Speed is most critical when web visitors are using mobile devices, but desktop websites are not off the hook. Google takes note of your website's optimization for all devices, and poor results reduce search ranking automatically by its Page Rank algorithms. If your website speed is annoying enough to catch Google's attention, then it's a sure bet your user experience is in the toilet, too.

Of course, there are over 200 factors that make up Google page ranking; however, not all elements are weighted evenly or even come close to the importance of speed. Yes, your website should be responsive so it can work well on all types of devices. Yes, you should have a security certificate whether you are doing e-commerce or not. And yes, you need to optimize your website for speed. Once these things are in order, you can continue to add to the list, but these items are the most important after great content, which will always be number one.

David Little is the owner of Little & Associates LLC that specializes in marketing techniques that generate buzz, sales leads, and new business, respectively. David developed a strong background in emerging digital technologies as a product engineer during the advent of digital video before becoming involved with marketing in the high-tech industry for the last 20 years. Today, he enjoys applying his marketing insight to overcome business stagnation, create growth solutions, and enhance customer experiences. David is also a partner at   Fox Web Creations, where you may view additional examples of how Little and his team can assist you.

Essential Things for Travel Packing

By Maria Williams

Travel packing can be a complicated process even for the simplest person. The decisions that have to be done are numerous: what clothes to take with you or how many bags to carry on. Packing depends whether you'll drive your vehicle to the airport and whether you'll reserve a spot at the parking airport.

You should bring small luggage if you are taking a short trip. Take only necessary things like clothes, shoes and cosmetics. Choose clothes that can be combined easily by colour and shades. Always choose casual and comfortable outfits in which you will travel smoothly. Bring smaller bottles for your cosmetics in order not to take over so much space. Do you know what you shouldn't take on broad? There are а few things that are not allowed in your hand luggage like weapons, kitchen tools and instruments, goods which are explosive, flammable or magnetic. When it comes to shoes, it's best to bring only 3 types: boots, sandals and sneakers. However, this will depend of the person's character.

If you have to bring extra luggage, there are more things you need to keep in mind. The ideal situation is if you drive your own cat to the airport. You can carry as much luggage as you want. You have to book a space at parking airport in advance. They will take the luggage to the airport instead of you. While you are travelling, they will keep your car safe in their car park.

Check yourself at least two hours before your departure. Baggage handlers need more time to transport the luggage to the latest location - the plane. It is considered luggage most often lose those passengers who came later for their flight. If you still need to bring more things, take only two pieces of luggage. It can be one travel bag on wheels and one backpack that you can carry on yourself.

People who travel often know how to loosen up the situation when a luggage is lost. They take a photo of the bag and make it easier for the airport staff to find it and bring it back to you. Create a list of all the things in the bag to serve as a proof that the bag is yours. You can take insurance if you want to bring your baggage security to a higher level.

Nowadays, you can find different travel packing tips and guides online. Just by frequent travel, you will build your own packing system that will fit your needs.

If you finished packing your stuff, get yourself to the airport and leave your vehicle at the   Sydney parking airport. It's time to enjoy your trip.

How to Cope Up With Dynamic Search Results and Attain a Higher Ranking

By Om Namdev

With the growing technological world, people have also become more accustomed to using the internet to search various information and collect data from there. Using specific keywords often shows the highest ranking websites offering relevant information in the SERP. And with search results becoming more and more dynamic and personalized over the years, it has created a challenging SEO environment for webmasters and content marketers. But these changes can create opportunities for those who are willing to explore it.

The search behavior of consumers is also changing rapidly and a report has stated that 57% of searches have now started to begin by using the mobile device. Google has revealed that voice search has also increased about 20% of all the Google mobile search queries. The search engine is also constantly updating and adjusting the SERP layout so as to better align the searcher's context and expectations. Audiences always expect to see rich and relevant content in the SERPs that not only include text listings, images, videos, local map results and many more. The standard organic listing also features rich snippets that enhances the lists by presenting information that is visually appealing and often very easy to scan.

Even there are changes in the paid search and Google has doubled the size of its PLAs and has also announced that four search ads can appear for highly commercial queries when it was three earlier. This shift in the SERP has made a great impact on the SEO and now marketers have to consider how the content is displayed or evaluated on varied devices used by the audience so that they can target more traffic from the right search and at the right time.

The impact of the shift on SEO:

The shift of the SERP from the classic "10 blue links" to a dynamic and visually appealing SERP has a great impact on how the webmasters perform their jobs. Earlier, creating content for a webpage with the chosen keywords helped to gain a higher ranking in the SERP, but now different content types rank in different sections of the SERP for different users in various locations.

Today, you need to create other types of content so as to capture the various areas of the SERP, a video, high quality product image, information on local storefront and even a question answer section. Once these four content elements are ready together with your standard text content, you can easily win a place in the SERP for the same keywords that you targeted to rank years ago. Targeting three mobile devices with 5 content types makes it a permutation of 15 in total. And this is in fact a challenging task that involves more content to produce, optimize them and keep a track to enhance the organic search performance.

How can SEO webmasters focus on their efforts to attain a igher ranking?

SEO webmasters and markets have to make great content marketing efforts. It is very important to observe the type of content that is most likely to gain a top rank on the SERP for most important target keyword. This type of observation will be the key for the search markers to improve their organic search performance and also sustain in the market. Nowadays, Google will never display a one size fits all SERP anymore and the marketers also have to analyze the ranking position of the varied content element of the SERPs for the chosen keywords. Webmasters also have to understand the signals and check if the selected keywords produce the SERPs with local results or not.

With major shifts and changes in the SERP,   optimizing a website for the search engine has become a complex and a challenging task. Now marketers have to look much beyond the ranking position in the SERP if they want to succeed. By observing closely and checking the types of content present, the content type that is displayed and how much each type occupies on the result page for the keywords, marketers will be able to manage their ranking and also focus on areas that will have a huge impact on their organic search.

God Has His Hand on You

By Laura M Schroeder

As a young adult, I made a few immature choices that resulted in unnecessary heartache for myself. Fortunately, God had his hand on my life and it turned out good. I remember those days as if it were yesterday though.

If I were wealthy, I would build a home for young women and mentor them through time needed to develop them into confident, self-reliant adults capable of becoming educated, productive, nurturing spouses and parents. I would love to have a home for young men as well to be mentored by godly mature men.

It would be wonderful to reach at risk young adults before the stage of homeless shelters, rehab, welfare, abortion or the criminal justice system.

I enjoyed working with a caseload for several years and making a difference. I would love to work with individuals one-on-one over an extended period of time through the life stages from high school graduation through becoming parents.

I have witnessed many crisis scenarios over the past 35 years. Some I was able to help with and others I wish I could. Every day on the news and other programs we see the devaluation of life. Abortions and shootings are routine now.

Young ladies, if you are searching to find your purpose, I hope you will take theses words to heart. Do you know how precious you are to God? Save your heart for the young man who will lift you up, not leave you in tears.

If you are currently pregnant without support, please don't think abortion is the answer. The people who perform them will not heal your broken heart. We know so much more on the subject today. Although I haven't been in your situation, I've seen enough testimonies to understand the heartache it leaves behind.

I see adults that I knew when they were children and wish I could have been around to mentor. Now that we've reconnected, I hope I can still make an impact over time.

When you are twenty, time seems like an eternity. Thirty years later, you begin to look back and see how God worked through your life. There are people praying for you. I suspect there are guardian angels. I can't answer why people aren't spared from unthinkable events but hope healing can come about over time.

I was young once. Please don't let discouragement keep you from moving ahead. Your story isn't over yet. God has his hand on you. Wait for the storm to pass and let him work. One day, you will see things clearly. In the mean time, if you are in crisis, seek out local resources. You don't have to walk alone.

Whar Are The Top Benefits of PPC Advertising?

By Sumeet Khanna PhD

You might have spent great time working on internet marketing, so, you might have heard of pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. A popular advertising channel, PPC has many tricks for improving your online traffic and getting more leads. Just the once you get to know its prime benefits, you'll carry on coming back. PPC is a peak of online promotion. In this type of marketing, you pay each time somebody makes a click on your ad. The instant benefit you'll make out is that, you can fly straight to the top of the lineup.

There are numerous benefits that make PPC an appealing option for many online marketers. If you're thinking about deploying a PPC plan, investing some time into learning about the returns can assist you to frame your mind. While other content advertising strategies need momentous build-up earlier than results can be seen, PPC can be managed easily with the click of a mouse. With content promotion, you'll see a steady increase in leads and traffic eventually, however, with PPC, you will get results instantly. Results are instantaneous when set up by a freelance PPC management consultant.

The one drawback of this is that once you flick that identical switch off, you'll see a perceptible drop in your traffic. As part of a complete internet marketing plan, yet, this is something you'll be able to reimburse for. As opposite to old-fashioned cost per impression (CPM) models, PPC doesn't really charge you anything until those impressions get changed into link clicks.

With the growth of internet marketing, brands now have the prospect to target their audiences to an excellent position. This is a prime benefit of PPC advertising. Not considering of your business type, you'll be able to pull and modify your PPC strategy to reach the true people at the right time.

Search engine optimization is a foundation ingredient of any online advertising strategy that's put up around driving traffic to a website. Reality is, you could have the greatest website in the world, but if you're not ranking greatly in search engines, very few individuals are going to identify it. In this situation, PPC plays an important role. By evaluating your keyword impression data, and how many individuals are considering your ads displayed on definite keywords, you'll begin to develop a picture of which keywords are most well-liked.

You'll also be able to put up a list of long keywords. As the name recommends, these are lengthy, frequently more detailed search terms. Even though they account for less traffic, they also draw less competition. By utilizing these lists, you'll be proficient to optimize your content to edge up through the outcome page rankings and draw highly-targeted audiences.

With a bit of hard work and strength of mind, you'll have the possibility to become visible both at the top of the page in the ad pack, in addition to the organic results below. Lead making is a numbers game, and the more times your links are exhibited, the more your content will be able to work in your favor. Hire the services of a freelance PPC management consultant and get positive results.

Essential Boat Cleaning Products For A Pristine Vessel

By Shelby Lowry

If you've ever had the pleasure of going to a boat show, you'd know the variety of boats, accessories, and boat cleaning products you can find. When people think of buying a boat, they most likely think about cutting through waves and escaping their worries on a secluded island. It's an appealing fantasy and one that is certainly possible to live out with a boat. But these same people probably don't consider the maintenance that comes with a boat. Sure, you're cruising through water but that doesn't mean you don't need to clean it. Your hull, deck, seats, and other parts of your boat need regular attention if you want to keep it in good condition.

The ocean can be brutal. If you're not careful, it will deteriorate parts of your boat and you won't be living out your dreams for much longer if you don't maintain your boat. Luckily, there are boat cleaning products that can help preserve your dream. But you need to be careful about the products you use. Your boat might seem like a sturdy vessel, but with constant exposure to the sun and harsh conditions in the ocean, it needs all the care it can get. This means getting boat cleaning products that keep your boat looking pristine. It wouldn't hurt getting some that don't require too much work either, would it? Before we get too carried away, let's see the essential boat cleaning products you'll need for a sleek and clean boat.

When it comes to the essentials, there are a few that you should always carry with you on your boat. If you plan on fishing a lot, get a fish box deodorizer. Unless you don't plan on having passengers that don't mind a fishy smell, this is one of those necessary items you need. A deck cleaner keeps dirt and stains from becoming a permanent part of your boat. Of course, you want your deck to look its best for you and your passengers. Keep your deck pristine with a non-toxic formula and a scrub brush so you can really get those stains out.

If you really want to keep your boat looking great all the time, you really need two boat cleaning products: a boat hull cleaner and a boat seat cleaner.

Essential #1: A Boat Hull Cleaner
The first thing others will see is your hull. That's why it's important to invest in a boat hull cleaner. There's no way to prevent your hull from getting dirty or from getting covered with algae and scum lines. Instead of keeping your boat docked and sitting pretty, use a boat hull cleaner that easily gets rid of the rust and fish blood after a long day. Regardless of your surface, you can find a boat hull cleaner that instantly cleans fiberglass, metal, and gelcoat surface. Aesthetics aren't the only reason to get a boat hull cleaner. Regular maintenance of your hull reduces drag and helps you navigate the water more efficiently.

You can find a boat hull cleaner that is safe to use and won't require too much work on your end. We know that the last thing you want to do when you dock after a long day is clean your boat, but it's something you just have to do. Make it bearable with high quality products.

Essential #2: A Boat Seat Cleaner
Don't wait until you're out in the water to notice your dirty seats. If you have passengers with you, you want them to be comfortable and enjoy the ride. Finding droppings or residue from your last fishing trip won't be appealing. Even worse, not keeping your boat seat cleaner can eventually wear out your seats. A boat vinyl cleaner for your seats can keep them clear and ready for your next ride. In addition to that, the right kind of boat seat cleaner can prevent the inner foam of your seats from deteriorating and unsightly cracking.

Once you're making your way out onto the water, you and your passengers want to have a great time. Cracked or stained seats can affect the experience. So, get a boat vinyl seat cleaner to make your adventure memorable for all the right reasons.

Don't Wait To Get Marine Cleaning Products
Now that you know the importance of marine cleaning products and the essentials for a pristine boat, it's time to act! Don't have your go-to products yet? There's no better time than now! With a variety of dedicated brands offering their marine cleaning products, there's no doubt that you'll find everything you need.

Mobile-Free Life - 9 Pathways to Retaking Control of Your Lives, Loves, and Relationships

By Bernhard Heine

Distraction is a killer!

Distraction kills both people and relationships. The evidence for this is mounting daily; ignore it at your peril. The average amount of time spent in the cyber world by each of us is between five and six hours per day. Hey, I'm not looking at my smartphone or tablet that much! So, someone else must be doing my share on top of their own.

Texting while driving is an epidemic in our country today. One in four accidents is caused by it, resulting in 330,000 serious injuries. It's scary, isn't it? Studies in performance psychology consistently show youngsters underperforming in exams when their smartphone is on the desk - not switched on, not used, just available and within reach - in comparison with when it is absent.

In business, the smartphone is ubiquitous, which means that we are all less productive than we can be. Because our attention is divided between "here and now" and "there and then," our interpersonal communication and relationships are suffering hugely. But it doesn't have to be this way. Here are 9 pathways to greater control over your life and loves.

1. Meditate at least once a day. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, focus inwards, and be uncoupled from all the usual stuff. Allow your unconscious mind to innovate.

2. Be mindful of the proven side effects your smartphone has on you, both physically and emotionally. Be aware of stress so that you can combat it. When you find yourself squeezing and scrolling frenetically, take a deep breath, count to ten, and start again.

3. Focus on your purpose in going to your devices. When you realize you are multitasking in ways such as talking and typing, or texting and driving, just stop with the secondary task. Get back to the primary job in hand. You'll do a much better job of it and hopefully live to tell the tale.

4. Be sure to listen and respond with empathy when you are talking on Skype or WhatsApp, etc. Concentrate on the voice tone in your ear and their silences. Check your understanding of the messages they are sending you. Deal with others as you want to be dealt with.

5. Censor your desire to check your phone when in the company of others. When it rings or vibrates, you may experience the fear of missing out on "something." The feeling will pass, and the world will keep on turning. Nothing is more important than authentic communication with the person in front of you.

6. Limit and schedule time for your device usage. It's only a tool! A means to your ends. Every time you find yourself reaching out to the Internet, ask yourself, "is this the best way to accomplish this task?" Each small step will loosen the bonds that ensnare your mind.

7. Share your rationale with any people you interact with if there is a pressing personal or business need to be available. Never place your device between you and your colleagues, family, or friends. Rather, say something up front like; "There's a chance I may have to take a call. Please excuse me if that happens while we're talking."

8. Dare I say, stop it with the selfies and the food pictures? Think of the time and resources involved in posting, replying, and checking. What could you do instead? How about check in with a customer? Or call your partner or parents, to let them know you are thinking of them. Every minute spent online is one NOT spent on authentic interaction with people in front of you.

9. Recognize you are addicted to your device if IT sleeps nearby. If it's the last thing you see at night and the first thing you reach for in the morning, then you are in trouble. Time to wean yourself from checking emails or social media at every opportunity. More than once a day is an expensive habit. The bedroom is no place for smartphones. Be mindful of two things: 1) We all need a calm state of mind to achieve restorative sleep. 2) We are at our best and most creative immediately after sleep. Take time to listen to your thoughts before plunging into the cyber whirl.

Smartphones, the Internet, and social media are here to stay. They are fantastic modern servo-mechanisms. But there is also danger in them when we become their slaves. The answer to this postmodern dilemma is mindfulness, pure and simple. So, retake control and have a wonderful, mobile-free life!

Professional Business Coaches, Inc. helps business leaders achieve their vision, meet their challenges, and succeed by working with them and their teams individually or in groups on topics such as: leadership, strategy, marketing, sales, customer service, operations, finance, and management training. And we do all this one small, manageable, step at a time. At PBC, we have hundreds of tools to ensure that you take action on your plans to improve in all of these areas! Call us now at (781) 319-9820 and let us make your good businesses better!