5 Ways an E-Mail Newsletter WILL Help Your Business Grow

If you’re looking for low-cost ways to promote your business (and aren’t we all?), I hope you’ve considered publishing an e-mail newsletter, or “e-zine.” Here are 5 ways that sending out this simple e-mail message will help YOU increase sales - guaranteed. (And if you already publish an e-zine, make sure you’re taking advantage of all of these points.)

1. An e-zine will STAY IN TOUCH with your clients and prospects for you on a regular basis.

Unless you continually follow up with clients and prospects, they’ll soon forget about you. But imagine calling or writing each and every one of them every week! That would be nearly impossible to pull off.

Well, an e-zine achieves the same goal - keeping you on their “radar screens,” but in an unobtrusive way. This constant contact makes these folks more likely to think of YOU - not someone they heard about yesterday - when they need to hire someone who provides your services or products.

2. An e-zine will effortlessly SPREAD THE WORD about you and your business.

If you write a decent e-zine, your readers will be very likely to pass it on to friends and colleagues. Remember that old shampoo commercial that went, “And I told two friends, and she told two friends, and so on, and so on…”? That principle - clients passing on the word about your product or service - is called “viral marketing” these days.

Most publishers begin with only a few dozen subscribers who are their clients and associates. But after several months, you can have thousands of readers on your list - thanks to viral marketing mixed with some promotional legwork.

3. An e-zine CREDIBLY and SUBTLY promotes your services or products.

Instead of simply *saying* how great your business is, an e-zine lets you *show* how great you are by sharing your expertise through tips or client stories. (As my old journalism professor used to say, “Show me, don’t just tell me!”) You’re avoiding simple bragging, and are instead offering useful information that demonstrates your knowledge. Bravo!

4. Publishing an e-zine instantly positions you as an EXPERT in your field.

By showcasing your knowledge and skills, you’re likely to attract more and better clients. And by sharing what you know well, you’re saying, “Hey, I know my stuff! I’m an expert.” If you make a living by providing a service, you’re an expert in your own right. If you’re still uncomfortable with that term, try on the word “resource.” (Okay, feel better?)

5. An e-zine is the ideal way to CAPTURE the e-mail addresses of your WEB VISITORS.

This one’s a biggie: If I visit your site today but aren’t ready to buy from you today, you’ve likely lost me forever when I click away. BUT if you invite me to sign up for your free newsletter that features helpful information on the topic at hand, I’ll be happy to sign up.

NOW you’ve got me to market to, over and over, as long as you continue to give me the practical content you promised. I’ll get to learn all about your services and products while you gain my trust. This is especially powerful because statistics show that consumers don’t usually purchase a product or service until
after they’ve seen multiple messages about it!

(c) 2001-2002, Alexandria K. Brown. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen,” is author of the award-winning manual, “Boost Business With Your Own E-zine.” Learn how to write, publish, and promote an e-mail newsletter that *increases business* for YOU. Learn more now and sign up for her FREE how-to tips at http://www.boostbizezine.com/

Gaming Rooms and Roulette - Some Words of Guidance

The bother involved in going to a offline gaming room can be ample reason to drop the idea if it can be avoided. Traffic congestion, the bother, and tasks at hand cannot seem worth the inconvenience only for that opportunity to wager at offline gaming room, then again if you are someone who is absolutely taken in by gaming then opting for online betting will probably be an excellent option. Don’t miss out… play the #1 internet casino gambling online here.

In fact you won’t need to leave your home for a stint of virtual gambling since you can access it easily from home if you own a fully functional computer plus, of course, an Internet access account. All the same, you’ll want to continue reading, as there’s several instructions that you positively should pick up about virtual gambling, in particular if you are still a newcomer to this field. So, take it easy with that excitation and meditate on what follows here. Here’s our crisp sketch which explains what to consider if you are looking out for a trust-worthy virtual gambling site. The first thing that I as a savvy online gamester definitely must check is an virtual gambling website of the type which can offer high winnings. Beyond, here are several alternative guidelines about picking your virtual casino gaming website.

You must always take care to ensure that the virtual casino gaming website is licensed, such as by tracking down the government certified license on the casino site. Should you be unable to trace any government certified license on any given virtual casino gaming website, don’t even attempt to try your hand with this establishment. Now we would advise you think over very watchfully the range of bonuses and promos that the virtual casino gaming website offers to its clientele. Moreover, another bit of advice is to wager at first in small amounts rather than lose big money straight off. Check first the operability of this particular virtual casino gaming operator prior to provoking some undue risk– in particular money loss… And here’s another info about virtual blackjack. It is, expectably, to remind yourself always that games of luck is all about pleasurable enjoyment and much less about making a buck. Gambling is not a career, instead it’s a hobby that intends to help you become cheery and life in general satisfying.

After observing the above guidelines, you are free to go ahead succumb to the draw of virtual casino gaming!

Leather, Mesh or Fabric Chairs - Choosing the Right Covering for Your Office Chair

With so many features available on even the standard office chair, picking the perfect chair for you can be complicated. There is a huge variety of different styles, upholstery and color options available on the market today. Many considerations are necessary in order to find the right office chair or furniture for you.

With all of the options to choose from, finding your perfect office chair can be as involved as designing your home interior. In upholstery alone, you can have your choice of leather, mesh, vinyl and several types of standard fabrics in a variety of colors and patterns. Then you still have to decide between metal or wood base with titanium or black finishes and which casters are best, not to mention which upgrades are needed. There is a lot involved.

Leather comes in many different grades and in many different styles. The leather dye that is used is also made of different levels of quality, making the outcome vary. The most desired office chair covering in an executive chair model would be Italian top grain leather, a high end option available in many different chair styles. Leather also comes in many different standard grades. Most custom chairs feature 2-3 different grades of leather from suede to cowhide patchwork to top grain leather. You should know which of these leathers you are buying and pay accordingly to the grades offered.

One of the most expensive options for custom seating, leather, can add anywhere from thirty to eighty percent to the original price, depending on grade. Similar to cars, many people cannot imagine owning an office chair without the upholstery being leather.

Mesh chairs are another style quickly gaining new popularity in the market today with the Herman Miller Aeron Mesh Chair having more inquiries than any other office chair online specifically. Many news programs and tv series are even using a mesh chair model in their studio program. Air flow to the skin similar to that of window screens or sheer fabric material, allows the user’s body to stay at a comfortable body temperature and regulate more effectively.

Typically in a black colored material for the mesh backing, the option for the seat cushion is usually available with leather or fabrics in several colors. Some models of mesh chairs are also gaining popularity and are made completely of steel, looking very sleek and sturdy compared to the fabric models, very modern.

Fabric upholstery can offer you the widest range of options in colors and patterns. Fabric options can extend from cotton all the way to synthetic fibers. Color options are endless and patterns can range from tropical to traditional with a wide availability of color schemes. When it comes to most standard task chairs, they are featured in the options of burgundy, navy, green, gray and black for ordering in stock. Other fabric colors and patterns are usually available in custom ordered office seating only.

Some office chairs and stools are made in vinyl and other wipeable fabric types. These chair upholstery options are perfect for the office environment where cleanliness and wipe-ability would be most important, such as a dentist’s office or a children’s center. The vinyl material can also be a great choice when it comes to getting an economy model with the right adjustability upgrades and a lower price tag.

Always make sure that when choosing an office chair, you consider your workplace situation and all of the various conditions that apply. Making sure that the upholstery is right for your needs can make a big difference in how comfortable and at ease you are in your office chair. With so many options available, you should be able to find the perfect covering for your office chair.

Amy Lieberfarb has been in the office furniture interiors and sales industry for 11 years and is the owner/operator of two office furniture websites providing information of how to pick ergonomic chairs and a catalog with hundreds of different chair models to choose from. See her website at:

http://stores.ebay.com/liebswholesale

Offering Mesh, Leather, Executive, Traditional, Custom order and Big and Tall Office Chairs and Seating. Also carrying Office Furniture, Filing and Storage Cabinets, Tables and Reception Furniture options.

http://www.liebswholesale.com

Things to Think About When Starting a Home Business

With so many young people trying to work from home on the Internet it is amazing just how many of them really do not have the slightest idea, of the workload they have gotten themselves into. Many of these people did not even sit down and assess what it is that they see as reasonable personal goal. This is a huge mistake on their part. Everyone thinking about pursuing a home business venture should consider the following issues about their character and state of mind:

1) You must know what you want in order to find a way to obtain it.

2) It must be clear to everyone willing to jump into the Internet marketing world; if you are not sure whether or not you have drive and a willingness to succeed you might want to save yourself some money and much aggravation.

3) It is easy to want something, and you may know how you have to get it. There is this little issue about dedication and determination do you have it? Why put yourself through the troubles of failing and wondering exactly where you went wrong.

The great Winston Churchill once said, “If you find yourself walking through hell, just keep going”. This idea of the struggles people face, in business and in life is just that. Struggles, the winners will survive and the weak will fall. This has been a true facet in life since the beginning of time. Basically staying power in the Internet marketing business is about keeping your face off the pavement.They also do not get the fact that because it is their business, and not someone else’s responsibility that they in turn will have to work probably much harder to keep it going. When these people hear the nonsense about working 1 hour per week and striking it rich, I truly feel sorry for their heads and wallets when they inevitably re enter the earth’s atmosphere, and hit the ground with a screeching halt. Again this may be nothing more than naivety. And not total stupidity.

The unfortunate part for most people new to the scene is that they have absolutely no idea just what it entails on a time basis. What must be remembered is that success cannot be bought in a can. It is the single marketing plan and strategy that is doomed to fail. You must be able to walk many avenues in order to reap the benefits of the successes it can yield. Buy into what you feel truly will get you ahead, listen to what other marketers are saying in the forums and try to catch on quick. This field is extremely fast and waits for no one. The best way to do business is to spread out your resources as much as possible; the best way for exposure is to be out in the middle of the field.

James Biscardi is the owner and president of DynamicWealthSystems.com,
a home business opportunity and resources website. Visit:
www.DynamicWealthSystems.com

To contact James, e-mail to teacharino@yahoo.com

Laminate Flooring - Everything You Need To Know

Laminate Flooring mimics the look of traditional woods while offering easy installation and lasting durability. At first glance, it can be difficult to spot the difference between hardwoods and laminate flooring. What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really a thin layer of decor paper (a photographic image) under a tough-as-nails protective film that is glued and pressed to a high-density backing board. Laminate Flooring comes in an array of wood effects as well as stone and ceramic effects.

Laminate floors main advantages are that it is easy to install, is very hard wearing and relatively inexpensive compared to real hardwood flooring.

Laminate flooring is a floating floor, which means it does not fasten directly to the sub-floor. Instead the planks are clicked together. This enables the floor to be fitted fast and with no real mess.

Most laminate floors today fit together with a click system with the most common being the Uniclic system as used by Quick-Step. This is extremely easy and fast to fit. The ingenious Uniclic system has a special shape of tongue and groove. You simply place the tongue of one plank into the grove of another at an angle and press down. Their sophisticated and very accurate milled shape makes it possible to create a very tight connection during the installation. The floor can be walked on straight away.

If you are laying laminate flooring over a concrete sub-floor then you will fist need to lay down a damp proof membrane (D.P.M.). This is basically a sheet of plastic usually around 5mm which helps protect the Laminate from moisture. On top of this goes the foam underlay this acts as sound absorption and also helps even out minor irregularities in the sub-floor.

Most manufactures now offer a combined D.P.M. and underlay along with several underlay’s that have better sound absorbing qualities.

You can now also get some laminate flooring which already comes with a built in underlay. This underlay is pre-fitted to the bottom of the flooring and is usually of sound absorbing quality. If you are fitting this type of laminate over a concrete sub-floor you still have to lay down a D.P.M. (Damp Proof Membrane) first.

Laminate flooring has been around in Europe for around 15 years and has seen massive growth in the past few years. In 2004 over 750 million square meters of laminate flooring was sold worldwide this was an increase of 13% on the previous year. The biggest growth market is in the US with an impressive growth rate of 25%.

What is Laminate Flooring Made From?

Laminate flooring is usually made up of four layers:

1. Overlay (Wear Layer)
The top wear layer is provided by the melamine resin, a highly wear resistant material that makes laminate flooring so hard wearing. This top layer is very similar to the top layer on counter or kitchen work tops but is usually around 40% stronger. This makes the laminate flooring highly resistant to scratches, burns, dent’s, stains, etc.

2. DPL (Decorative Paper) or HPL (Decorative Paper + Add High Strength Paper)
It is the decorative paper which gives the laminate flooring its individual appearance, ranging from highly authentic wood reproduction, ceramic or stone designs. An important thing to look out for when purchasing laminate flooring is to understand the difference between DPL and HPL. We will talk about this latter

3. Core layer
This is made up of either high density fibreboard (H.D.F.). or medium density fibreboard (M.D.F.) This is saturated in resins to make it extremely hard. Most manufactures also add a moisture resistant resin to the core. This is important as it helps keep the flooring protected against moisture penetrating the boards.

4. Stabilizing layer
The bottom layer is the stabilizing layer; this is what gives the laminate floor its stability. It is made up of moisture resistant resins

How is Laminate Flooring Produced.

This is where DPL & HPL are different.

In the direct-pressure laminate process the decorative covering layer and stabilizing layer are pressed together onto the core layer.

While the high-pressure laminate process, on the other hand, the decorative paper and overlay are pressed onto special high-strength paper first. Only in a second stage is this so-called high-pressure laminate glued to the core layer. This makes the flooring a lot more tougher and more resistant to dents etc.

How is Laminate Flooring Graded

Apart from the different warranties that manufactures offer and the difference between DPL & HPL the other thing to look out for when purchasing laminate flooring is industry standard load and traffic categories. These are broken into two different categories and are as follows.

Residential

Class AC21 - Moderate Loads. Ideal for bedrooms etc.

Class AC22 - Normal Loads, Ideal for living rooms etc.

Class AC23 - Heavy Loads. Ideal for anywhere in the house (except bathrooms)

Commercial

Class AC31 - Moderate Loads. Hotel Rooms, meeting rooms, etc.

Class AC32 - Normal Loads. Offices, waiting rooms, etc.

Class AC33 - Heavy Loads. Large offices, shops, public buildings.

My name is Jason Ashby and i have 21 years experiance in the flooring trade. First starting out as a flooring installer then progressing into training people in all aspects of flooring. I also run an online UK store selling laminate flooring products. For more informtion regarding laminate or wooden flooring please visit http://www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk/laminate-flooring-information.htm

Does Your Business Plan Ease These Investor Concerns?

Business investors are sensitive to at least three major constraints when evaluating business plans. I call these constraints The Three R’s: reality, readiness, and resources.

Reality

Many creative entrepreneurs with ideas for scientific breakthroughs have ended up frustrated with business investors who just don’t seem to “get it.” The truth is, however, that it’s the entrepreneur who’s not getting it.

Unlike creativity or scientific breakthroughs, starting or expanding a business requires the entrepreneur be keenly aware of their customers, competition, and core competencies.

Creativity and scientific breakthroughs often disregard the customer, the competition, or a company’s core competencies, which is why they are usually risky and often require significant capital over several years before they are monetized. The opposite type of investment most business investors seek.

For example, suppose you had an idea for a new everlasting light bulb. After researching the market, you determine that customers do want such a bulb and are willing to pay a premium for it. Preliminary manufacturing studies show that you can produce the bulb and profit nicely from it. Would business investors be receptive to backing a business plan that puts you up against the likes of General Electric or Westinghouse? But, you say, your plan is to some day sell your idea to these competitors. Again, how receptive would a GE or Westinghouse be to a plan that obsoletes a major product line? What would HP do with a plan that killed its aftermarket in print cartridges? Do you see the flaws in such thinking? Business investors do.

That’s why business investors like to invest in business plans that are grounded in reality. Plans based on reasonable risks that can be monetized quickly and generate a return on their investment. Although the everlasting light bulb strikes a consumer hot button, it fails the reality test by not addressing the distribution network and shelf control of large competitors. More important, the strategy to sell the business to one of these competitors is a flawed exit strategy.

Readiness

The second major consideration that a business investor wants addressed is readiness or timing. Unless the time is right for the proposed business plan, business investors are not likely to support it.

Take for example a business plan to introduce dishwashers in Japan in the early 1970’s. When dishwashers were rapidly becoming popular in other areas of the world, the average Japanese kitchen was too small to accommodate the new appliance. Moreover, the prevailing attitude among homemakers was that dishwashers were for the lazy or the idle rich. It took over a decade of attitude, social, and cultural changes before the timing was right to successfully introduce dishwashers to the Japanese market.

Business plans not only fail to gain support when they are premature, they also fail when they are late. Think how many American and European watch, automotive, or camera manufacturers lost their competitive advantage in their respective international markets because they resisted automation or robotics until it was too late. It is unlikely that investors would support a U.S. business plan based on automation or robotics in one of these markets today.

Resources

It’s amazing how many entrepreneurs ignore or neglect this constraint. Perhaps they believe that this is the entrepreneurial way…to know no obstacles. Although this attitude may impress self-help gurus, it won’t impress business investors.

The business plan graveyard is filled with plans that failed because their entrepreneurs were not sensitive to resource limitations. In most cases, these limitations range from the entrepreneur’s lack of sensitivity to their own internal resources and skills to not fully understanding what it takes to execute the plan itself.

This is especially true of businesses that are trying to expand through diversification. The world markets are filled with food companies that have failed trying to enter pharmaceuticals, chemical companies that have failed trying to enter foods, or electronic component manufacturers that failed trying to enter final assembly.

For start-up companies, entrepreneurs often fail to adequately estimate cash requirements or the time and resources required to build distribution channels, win customers, or to launch or sustain a business.

Business investors, experienced ones anyway, are all too familiar with the importance of resource constraints. So, when business investors zero in on this area and challenge your assumptions, don’t get too defensive. Instead, listen to their concerns with the knowledge that they can help you tighten up your plan and improve your chances of success.

Mike Elia is a chief financial officer and an advisor to venture capitalists and leverage buyout specialists. For more information about business plans and raising capital for your business or to review his business plan manual, visit http://www.business-plan-secrets-revealed.com

FA Cup Third Round Betting Review

There were not many surprises in the FA Cup third round, but the shock results in the minority were certainly spectacular ones.

Manchester United remain 9/2 second favourites despite whimpering to a goalless draw against non league Burton Albion. This was the second time in as many seasons the Reds have been held by Conference opposition, although it will mean a lucrative payday for Nigel Clough’s side when the two sides replay at Old Trafford.

Middlesbrough were also held to a draw by Conference North side Nuneaton Borough. Former Leicester City apprentice Gez Murphy scored a 90 minute penalty to level matters after Gaizka Mendieta gave Boro the lead after 15 minutes.

Fulham became the first Premiership side to be dumped out of the Cup, going down 2-1 at home to League Two side Leyton Orient on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday proved to be a bad day for Premiership sides with Tottenham Hotspur the next victims. The perennial FA Cup underachievers surrendered a two goal lead at Leicester’s Walkers Stadium with the Foxes winning an entertaining match 3-2. Despite the stunning victory, Championship outfit Leicester remain 200/1 underdogs to win the Cup.

Elsewhere it was business as usual for the Premiership sides. Chelsea, favourites at 11/4 needed an 81 minute winner to see off plucky Huddersfield while 11/2 third favourites Arsenal had a late scare against battling Cardiff but clung on for a 2-1 victory.

Liverpool (13/2) were involved in a remarkable match with Luton Town, in which they found themselves 3-1 down after the break, although three goals in 12 minutes restored the Reds lead to 4-3, with Xabi Alonso scoring from inside his own half at the death for Liverpool’s fifth, a goal which earned one lucky punter over £25,000 after placing a bet on him achieving such a feat.

Blackburn despatched QPR by a convincing 3-0 as did Bolton away at Watford, while struggling Sunderland managed the same against non league Northwich Victoria.

A host of ties could only muster a single goal in the Premiership sides favour, with 25/1 Newcastle edging past Mansfield, Gareth Barry’s goal being enough for Aston Villa (33/1) to see off Hull and 100/1 outsiders Portsmouth to win at Ipswich.

The third round isn’t over for Everton who drew 1-1 at Millwall, a scoreline repeated by West Brom against Reading and Wigan Athletic against Leeds. Birmingham City could only muster a goalless draw at League Two side Torquay United.

David Walker runs soccer betting and free bets websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.

Las Vegas Golf Courses Rock!

Las Vegas golf courses are fantastic for any golfer, no matter what your skill level is you will have a ball in Las Vegas. In fact, Las Vegas golf courses are perfect for those beginning to play the game of golf because the golf courses are so well planned out. These Las Vegas golf courses are designed by the best the best of the best and everyone will be able to play their best game of golf on them.

A Las Vegas golf vacation is the perfect way to spend some time with your family. With Las Vegas golf vacations you can spend some time teaching your family all about golf and why you love it o much. Golf could turn into a real family event, there is nothing better than finding something that you all enjoy to do together and a Las Vegas golf vacation might just be key.

You can get all of the information that you need about Las Vegas golf courses and Las Vegas golf vacations on the internet. On the web you will be able to track down all of the best Las Vegas golf vacation packages and specials. This can help you to save hundreds of dollars on your Las Vegas golf trip. And let’s face it, there is nothing better than saving money on a great trip is there?

You will find many different Las Vegas golf resorts for you to stay at and choosing could be a problem because they are all so darn great. These are the finest hotels and golf courses that you may ever see. They have all of the top amenities that you would want all in one convenient place. Some of the Las Vegas golf resorts even have little mini malls attached tot hem for fun shopping trips. Everyone will find something to do at the Las Vegas golf resort that you choose to stay at. It does not even matter the age range of your family, there is truly something for everyone in Las Vegas and you can find it all on your Las Vegas golf vacation.

Just remember to see the other sights that Las Vegas has to offer while you are on your Las Vegas golf vacation. This trip should allow you to see all the best of Las Vegas in your time there. The fact that it is a Las Vegas golf vacation is just the icing on the cake.

Jason Powers, a devoted golf fan, offers more golf tips
on his personal website ===>http://www.golfsites.info

The Promises and Lies of Nicotine

Nicotine is a main component of cigarettes and a huge reason why
we keep on reaching for those “poison sticks.” Let’s just be
blunt: nicotine is a drug, and it is very easy to get hooked.
Once nicotine addiction becomes part of your life it is
extremely difficult to shake it off and get back to normal.

Most people wrongly think that it is only narcotic drugs that
are addictive. This is a very wrong notion indeed. Nicotine too
is as addictive as any narcotic.

Just like any other drug, it quickly worms its way into your
life and takes control. You may not realize it at first, but
slowly and surely you’ll start to feel the effects. Everything
you do is tinged by your nicotine addiction.

I know what it’s like. For every problem in your life, nicotine
seems to promise a solution:

If you feel stressed, you reach for your cigarettes, thinking
that you need a hit in order to calm your mind and find your
center.

If you’re tired, you reach for your cigarettes, knowing that
they will give you that extra buzz you need in order to stay
awake and alert.

If you’re upset, you reach for your cigarettes, hoping that
they will cheer you up and put you in better spirits.

The truth is, cigarettes and nicotine don’t solve any of these
problems. YOU are the only one capable of doing that, and you
don’t need nicotine to help.

If you’re stressed, find healthy alternatives to ease your mind
and relax your body. Our bodies and brains are equipped to
handle stress; we don’t need any drugs to come in and handle it
for us. Moreover, if you use nicotine to try and defuse feelings
of anxiety, you’re only making your body’s natural stress
defenders weaker and more drug dependent.

If you’re tired, go to sleep! The body craves sleepusually
about 8 hours a night for most people. Puffing away when you’re
tired doesn’t really perk up the brain, even though it may feel
that way. When you smoke, the alkaloids in the cigarette send
stimulating signals to the brain, giving you the sensation of
being more alert, at least temporarily. But in the long run,
these alkaloids are doing serious damage to your body’s ability
to rest and recuperate.

And if you’re upset, reaching for cigarettes isn’t the answer.
The nicotine may give you a quick rush, boosting your spirits
for a little while. But the human body does not need any
external drugs in order to feel great. Think about the way you
feel after a good, long laugh with a friend, or after a workout
session! Those natural endorphins are a stronger, healthier and
purer source of happiness than any artificial drug.

The bottom line: your body comes naturally equipped with
everything you need to handle any situation. Don’t rely on
nicotine to see you throughyou can handle it on your own!

Bear With Each Other… PLEASE!

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you ma
have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” –
Colossians 3:12

Let’s face it–people are difficult sometimes. I haven’t met a
person (me included) who doesn’t have specific quirks and
issues. Sometimes issues that people have can rub against us
like sandpaper. And sometimes these people don’t even know that
they are being abrasive or even have an issue!

Yet we are told to “Bear with each other” and to forgive. Out of
all my experience with difficult people, I have only one real
conclusion that I can come to–most of them don’t even realize
that they are being difficult and see themselves as victims and
are just trying to be loved!

Think of three people in your life that are “difficult” people.
How do you come up with that? Easy! Think of one of your
favorite activities, and then think of the three people you
would least like to show up! If you like golf, who do you not
want to golf with? If you like fishing, who do you not want to
fish with? If you like shopping, who do you not want to shop
with?

Learning to bear with these people is the first step to letting
them feel liked and even loved. Sure, maybe they have real
behavioral issues to work out, but they will never get to them
without first feeling accepted and loved.

God commands us to bear with each other–and if that wasn’t
reason enough, think of all the good that could follow from
simple forgiveness!