Businesses make hundreds or thousands of decisions every year, many of which seem inconsequential. But the smallest details can have business-changing or even business-ending consequences. Here are 11 of my favorites to watch out for:

1. The lowly extension cord. People get cold feet. They get a space heater. They plug it into a two-pronged extension cord. They forget to unplug it when they leave work. That night, while you are sleeping, your entire business burns down. Your brilliant marketing plan, your three-year projections, all of your records, your new product samples.. You get the idea. This is not something that most business owners think about, but insurance companies know that extension cords and space heaters are major fire hazards. It is good practice not to allow any extension cords in your business that aren't three-pronged.

2. Bad receivables. Let's assume that you are using good judgment as to which customers get credit and how much. Even so, it is very easy to get into a business-life-threatening situation because of a big customer that goes broke. Months before the bankruptcy filing, the following statements will be made to you: "I'm not going anywhere. We've been short on cash before, and we always come out of it. You have my personal word." And you will respond: "We've been doing business together for 30 years. I'm not worried about it." Bad things happen to good people. Good and honest intentions do not always result in getting paid. It is very painful and difficult to cut off an old customer, especially when you need the business. But many companies go broke because of bad receivables.

3. Interviewing. It is both art and science. Like a bad science experiment, it can cause explosions. Having someone who hasn't been properly trained interview prospective employees is a recipe for disaster. There are many questions that you cannot ask without risking a nasty lawsuit that will cost plenty of time and money.

4. Hiring without doing background checks. There are some bad people out there looking for jobs. Even with a background check, there is no guarantee that you won't have a problem, but it will certainly improve the odds.

5. Vehicles. They are rolling liabilities. Allowing someone who is not insured properly through the company to drive one can have disastrous results if there is an accident. You will be seen as having "deep pockets" -- even if your pockets are empty.

6. Vehicles, again! With the demise of the full-service gas station and longer intervals between oil changes, many people are driving around on under-inflated tires, which are much less noticeable since the advent of the radial tire. Under-inflated tires are more likely to cause a blowout, which can result in very bad things. We check all of our vehicles once a month.

7. And again! Texting while driving is the new drunk driving. Do not allow it.

8. Insurance. I asked my insurance broker what the three biggest small-business insurance failings were. His response: 1) understating insurance to value; 2) not having employment-practices insurance; 3) not having business-income replacement coverage to replace lost revenue until the company is up and running again. It is no secret that the insurance companies are in a much bigger hurry to settle a claim when they are paying out money every week to replace that income.

9. The wrong accountant. Many accountants just do tax returns and are not qualified to act as an outside voice and keep an eye on the health of the company. I have seen more than one company fail because the owners didn't know what they didn't know.

10. Bad controls. Many companies have gone broke because of theft or embezzlement. Your accountant should help you set up these systems.

11. Bad company policies. I was just in a spa. There was a sign posted that said that tips must be paid in cash. I asked why. (Apparently, they get asked about this a lot.) The receptionist explained that the employees didn't necessarily claim all of the tips and the company did, so there could be a discrepancy if either got audited. Not a great story. I am sure that some customers -- 5 percent? 20 percent? -- will either find it inconvenient to use cash or will resent supporting tax evasion. If I am right and they lose customers, the spa will undoubtedly blame the losses on competition or the economy.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Benjamin Franklin was a good businessman.

If you think looking for a job and finding a career are the same thing, think again. With the U.S. unemployment rate under 5%, almost anybody can find a job. The bad news is that many of these jobs are low-paying, come without benefits, or offer little in the way of security. Finding a career where you have the upper hand takes a little more long-term planning than simply finding a job, but it will be well worth it in the long run.
These ten careers--in four major job sectors--are likely to be rewarding because employees in these fields are expected to find themselves in an employee's market.
Healthcare
For better or worse, you can't fight demographics, and those demographics show that the average American is getting older. Healthcare needs increase with age, so as the baby-boom generation enters retirement, healthcare workers are going to be in more demand than ever.
Career possibility #1: Personal/Home Health Aide. As people age, healthcare becomes more of a day-to-day issue, which is why personal/home health aides are in such demand. Health aid training will give you enough background to get started in this field.

Career possibility #2: Medical Assistants. Demand for this occupation is growing, but so is the demand for formal training. You'd want to take some medical assisting courses in school--or even consider a medical assisting degree.
Career possibility #3: Mental Health Counselors/Social Workers. The psychological aspect of healthcare cannot be overlooked. Consistent with the theme of an aging America, Alzheimer's disease is creating more and more mental health challenges, but there are also conditions such as autism which are becoming more common in the general population. Psychology programs are offered in many schools, and online psychology degrees are also available.
Information Technology
The big concern with information technology (IT) has been that some programming and customer support functions have been outsourced overseas. However, certain IT functions are more hands-on, and these are the areas where trained workers remain in demand.
Career possibility #4: Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts. Mastery of the computer system makes you indispensable to an organization. This takes a high level of training, so a degree in information technology is a must. Experience plus training is even better, so if you are already working, consider earning an IT degree online.
Career possibility #5: Computer Software Applications Engineers. Routine programming can be outsourced, but there will never be any substitute for the ability to create new, value-added applications. A computer programming degree is a good start, or go online to check out other types of computer science degrees.
Education
Teaching is another career that is hands-on enough to be immune to outsourcing.
Career possibility #6: Teacher. Dedicated teachers are in demand in virtually every part of the country, and with the general population growing, this demand is not going to wane any time soon. You will need a degree in education, and an online teaching degree is one way of meeting this requirement. You'll need teacher's certification as well, so check your state department of education website.
Professional Services
The nature of these services is highly-individualized, which is one of the reasons trained professionals are in demand.
Career possibility #7: Paralegal/Legal Assistant. These occupations are in demand because they can leverage the time of high-priced lawyers. There are paralegal schools across the country and online where you can pursue a paralegal degree or legal assisting training.
Career possibility #8: Financial Services. The heart of the baby boom is entering its peak savings years. Careers in finance can be highly compensated, so an MBA in finance may be well worth the investment. An online finance degree can be a way to give your current career a new boost.
Career possibility #9: Accountants and Auditors. These have some of the same characteristics as financial services careers. Training can be found at a variety of accounting schools, or consider an online accounting degree. Specialize in taxes or estate planning or fraud to attract even bigger opportunities.
Career possibility #10: Employment Services. With all the job demand described above, it should be no surprise that this is expected to be the fastest growing segment of the professional and business services sector. Plus, what better way to keep track of evolving employment trends than working as a recruiter or placement specialist? Consider earning a human resource management degree either online or at a traditional school.
As always, check out the relevant accreditation standards for any career training and educational program you choose. As for making that choice, the bottom line is, if you want a job where you'll be in demand, just look at society's trends and follow those trends toward your new career.

Work gives you a paycheck and, if you're lucky enough to love what you do, a primo sense of personal satisfaction. But it can also come with some unwanted "gains." I'm referring to the pounds that are easy to pack on when you're superglued to your swivel chair and a stone's throw from the vending machine for eight hours a day. Unless you're a pro beach volleyball player or samba dancer, it can feel as if your workplace is conspiring to keep you heavier than you'd like. However, you can still manage your own bottom line, and trim down while you toil. One of my secrets to keeping the pounds off? Rather than reply to emails from staffers each morning, I make several fast sweeps of the office, answering my colleagues' queries face to face. Popping in is more personal than pinging, and it burns calories. Try these tips to drop a few during your 9 to 5. That's the kind of corporate downsizing we can get behind!

Just add water. In addition to being your source for scintillating office gossip and banter about last night's episode of Mad Men, the watercooler can help you lose weight. Keeping H20 at the ready will give you something to put in your mouth besides sweets from your neighbor's candy bowl. And when you're hydrated, science has found your bod does everything more efficiently—including burning calories. Fill a reusable water bottle with ice water before you leave home, and refill it throughout the day. If you like a little flavor, drop in a frozen berry or two; they'll sweeten your H20 as they melt.

Set an exercise meeting. A midday workout keeps your energy up and the pounds down. Protect your exercise time by putting sweat sessions in your calendar just as you would meetings with your most important client. When the day gets busy or you're tempted to surf gossip sites on your lunch hour rather than take to the treadmill, seeing your commitment in print will motivate you to get to the gym. (Make quick workouts more effective.) About an hour before your workout, fuel up with a 200-calorie snack that's high in complex carbs (try whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter). Afterward, recover with a 300- to 400-calorie lunch that contains carbs to reenergize you and protein to help your muscles recover. One idea: a whole-grain bagel with veggies and an ounce of lowfat cheddar, along with a banana (400 calories).

Sculpt right on site. If you can't slip out to exercise, firm up at your desk using just a resistance band and a chair. Dejiggle on the job by doing three sets of these six simple moves on Self.com on nonconsecutive days, up to three times a week.

Bring your own snack. Slip a healthy bite into your tote as you leave the house in morning, and you won't be taunted by that Butterfinger in the vending machine when the afternoon munchies strike. To stay satiated—and sharp—until supper, aim for a bite that contains about 200 calories, some fiber and a smidge of protein, too. A few of my faves: 3 tablespoons lowfat granola mixed with 1 tbsp dried sweetened coconut and 1 tbsp slivered almonds, 6 whole-wheat melba toasts with 2 tbsp hummus, or any of these simple, portable snacks. And stock your desk drawer with energy bars that contain at least 3 grams of fiber and fewer than 200 calories—perfect for when you're in a pinch. Can't resist the siren call of the vending machine? Pick nuts or trail mix, which contain fat and protein to tide you over, rather than pure carbs like pretzels. (Check out the best and worst vending machine foods.)

Team-build. Recruit a few like-minded coworkers to get fit with you. You'll foster friendships at the office (always a good thing) while knocking off pounds. Log the miles each of you walks, runs or bikes each day on a board in your break-room or by creating a shared spreadsheet online; award prizes, such as movie tickets or a gift certificate for a manicure, to whomever covers the most ground. Get set to boost workplace morale and give your bod a lift, too!

We evaluate different approaches to retiring your credit-card balances

Americans currently owe $917 billion on revolving credit lines, according to the latest Federal Reserve statistics. Almost all of it is a result of charging purchases to credit cards. About $69 billion of it is currently past due.

We can keep piling on the bad news for debtors and creditors, much of which you've undoubtedly heard or read before. Credit-card issuers are drastically reducing lines of credit -- one analyst thinks that a year from now credit lines will be half their current levels. And despite low interest rates nearly everywhere else, rates on credit cards are increasing as lenders put hikes in place before next year, when new legislation that curbs some abusive lending practices comes into full effect. The depth and length of the current recession is giving lenders another excuse (as if they needed one) to recoup their losses by any means possible.

Motivations for a Swift Payoff

It seems like a no-win situation for consumers carrying a balance, especially if it's too high or a recent job loss has dried up the means to pay it off in a timely manner. If your debt-to-income ratio (this includes all debt, such as your mortgage and car payments) exceeds 35 percent, most lenders will be wary, even in better economic times, about your ability to pay it all off. If it's greater than 50 percent, lenders worry that the debt may never be fully paid. So it's no surprise that credit-card issuers are stepping up their efforts to get customers to pay up.

But assuming that you have the income sufficient to pay down your credit cards, how should you approach it? It's not as cut-and-dry as the math would suggest, unless you have the means to dispense with your balances in a matter of months. Apart from simply calculating the interest you'll pay, you might also consider psychological motivations that will help you stay the course toward retiring your debt. And there are other approaches that might help you improve your credit score. Here's a look at several strategies.

1. Paying More Than the Minimum

As you've probably surmised, paying only the minimum due on a card is a surefire way not to succeed. Many issuers require you to pay only 2 percent of your current balance. Assuming the annual percentage rate on your card is 18 percent, paying down a $2,000 balance with minimum payments would erase that debt sometime in 2033.

So why do so many consumers make only minimum payments? In behavioral economics, part of the reason is due to "anchoring" -- which means that when it comes to numbers, we can be easily persuaded by the power of suggestion. In a recent experiment, two groups of people were presented with a fictitious credit-card bill. One group's bill listed only the balance, while the other bill showed the balance and minimum payment. Some paid the entire balance and some paid only the minimum. But of those remaining, the payment amount was higher among the group whose bill didn't show an "anchoring" minimum payment.

The good news is that it doesn't take much of a bump in monthly payments to retire the balance a lot faster. Using the earlier example of the $2,000 balance with an 18 percent APR, increasing your payments from 2 percent to 5 percent would pay off your balance in "only" six and a half years. Not fast enough? Making payments of 10 percent will eliminate a $2,000 balance in 41 months. Our table below shows how long it would take to pay off a $5,000 balance at certain annual percentage rates and monthly payments.

2. Paying Off the Card With the Highest Interest Rate First

Mathematically, this option will result in the lowest amount of interest paid. Chances are, if you carry a monthly balance on one of your accounts, you probably do on a number of credit cards. Your cards might have a range of interest rates. By focusing most of your monthly total credit-card payment on the card that carries the highest APR, you'll quickly lower the amount of interest you're paying overall. Of course, if the most expensive card in your wallet has a large balance, this approach has even greater merit because you'll be slicing away at debt that could be having an adverse effect on your credit score.

3. Paying Off the Card With the Lowest Balance First

This is what has been referred to as the "snowball approach" to paying off debt. You budget a total monthly amount to allocate among all your credit cards. Pay the minimum balance on the cards with the larger balances, and put the bulk of your payback budget toward the card with the smallest balance. When the smallest balance is paid in full, then drive all of those payments into the card with the next lowest balance.

Although you'll pay a little more in interest (unless the smallest balance is also the one with the highest APR), the number of monthly bills will decrease eventually, giving you the psychological lift that you're making progress toward retiring your debt. But there are tangible benefits to this approach as well. According to Credit.com, having open accounts with a zero balance might improve your credit score, which may in turn give you more leverage with your remaining creditors. And the additional interest paid by using this approach is modest relative to the total payments you'll ultimately make.

4. Paying the Highest Balances First

As we mentioned, issuers are taking the axe to credit lines. Borrowers with large balances -- especially balances that comprise more than 50 percent of the total line of credit -- are especially vulnerable to having their credit limits reduced. And once that happens, your credit bureau reports will show a higher ratio of debt to available credit, which could ding your credit score and spur issuers of your other credit cards to also take adverse action against you.

For that reason, you should strive to keep your balances below 30 percent of your credit line. That can be tough when the card issuer is slashing your borrowing limit in tandem with the paydowns you've made. But a methodical approach to ratcheting down your credit-card debt -- and the discipline to keep it down by curbing your spending -- should eventually bring your total debt under control.

Which Approach Is Best for You?

As long as you stick to it, any of the approaches we've highlighted here have merit. You can even change tactics midstream -- for instance, pay down a high-balance credit card first, then, when that balance is below 30 percent, switch to paying the card with the highest APR.

The greatest challenge will be resisting the temptation to backslide toward making only minimum payments. To that end, consider depositing the entire amount you'll need for credit card payments each month into a separate account dedicated only for the purpose of paying down cards. If direct deposit is available to you, arrange to have your take-home pay automatically put into two separate accounts.

Have you ever run out of battery power on your mobile PC during a meeting or a class? Have you worried about running out of power while waiting to meet with a client? Have you asked yourself how much longer your battery will last? Sufficient battery life is a persistent challenge for mobile PC users. Microsoft Windows XP, though, offers several ways to help maximize the battery life of your mobile computer.

In this article, I'll discuss how to take advantage of Windows settings to manage power more efficiently. I'll also introduce some non-software related tips that you can use to extend battery life.

Optimize your power settings
The display and hard disk on your mobile PC are the two biggest consumers of battery power. By customizing the existing power schemes in Windows XP you can extend your battery life. Windows XP provides a number of power schemes, which are predefined collections of settings designed for different environments and circumstances.

Windows includes two power schemes that were created specifically for mobile PCs.

The Portable/Laptop power scheme minimizes the use of power to conserve your battery, but adjusts to your processing needs so that the system speed is not sacrificed.

The Max Battery power scheme minimizes power use but does not adjust as your processing demands change. You should use Max Battery only in situations that require minimal processing, such as reading documents and taking notes in a meeting.

To use a power scheme designed to maximize battery life:

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

In Control Panel, verify that you're in Category view, and then click Performance and Maintenance.

In the Performance and Maintenance window, click Power Options.

On the Power Schemes tab of the Power Options Properties dialog box, click the arrow under Power schemes, and then click Max Battery.

Click OK.

You can also create a custom power scheme to suit your specific needs. You can create as many custom power schemes as you want.

Take advantage of low-power states
Windows XP provides two battery-saving sleep states: standby (which is like snoozing) and hibernation (which is like deep sleep).

Standby

In standby, your display and hard disk turn off, and all open programs and files are saved in random access memory (RAM)?your computer's temporary memory—rather than to the hard disk. Information stored in RAM is cleared when the computer turns off, so it's a good idea to save your work before placing your system in standby mode. Otherwise, you may lose data if you lose power, you swap batteries, or your system crashes.

Standby is particularly useful when you're using your mobile PC intermittently during the day. For example, when driving between clients' offices during the day, put your computer on Standby to maximize the life of your battery and maintain quick access to open programs, files, and documents.

In standby, your battery consumes only a small amount of power. When you want to use your computer again, it wakes up quickly, and your desktop is restored exactly as you left it.

To put your computer on standby:

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

In Control Panel, verify that you're in Category view, and then click Performance and Maintenance.

In the Performance and Maintenance window, click Power Options.

In the Power Options Properties dialog box, click the Advanced tab.

Under Power buttons, click the arrow, and then click Standby.

Click OK.

Hibernation

In hibernation, your computer saves everything to your hard disk and then shuts down. When you restart the computer, your desktop is restored exactly as you left it. Hibernation uses less power than standby, but it takes a bit longer to resume.

To manually put your computer in hibernation:

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

In Control Panel, verify that you're in Category view, and then click Performance and Maintenance.

In the Performance and Maintenance window, click Power Options.

In the Power Options Properties dialog box, click the Hibernate tab.

Under Hibernate, select the Enable hibernation check box.

Click OK.

Adjust screen brightness
You can also conserve battery by reducing the screen brightness. To adjust your screen brightness, refer to the instructions from your mobile PC manufacturer. Every computer is slightly different, but you can usually use a combination of keys, a function key, or a software tool to dim the screen.

Even better than dimming the screen is blanking it completely when you're not using your computer. You can further minimize power consumption by reducing the amount of time the computer is idle before the screen goes blank.

Turn off wireless
Another significant drain on your battery power is your wireless card. You should turn off your wireless device when you're using your mobile PC but are not connected to a wireless network. You can either remove your Wi-Fi card or press the manual hardware button on your computer if you're using a Centrino-based mobile PC. Refer to the instructions from your mobile PC manufacturer to learn where the manual hardware button is.

Additional power saving tips
In addition to adjusting power settings to maximize battery life, consider the following tips to minimize power consumption when you're away from electrical outlets.

Turn off scheduled tasks. If you use scheduled tasks to run programs or scripts, or if you schedule other tasks to occur automatically at a preset time, specify that these tasks won't be performed when the computer is running on battery power.

Keep the use of tools in the notification bar to a minimum. Try to minimize your CPU's usage. Look at the notification area of the taskbar and close any tools (or utilities) that are not necessary. Often, these tools are installed on the computer when you first receive it. The notification bar, shown below, is on the bottom right of your computer desktop.


Limit power-intensive activities. Avoid watching a DVD or playing online games on your mobile PC when you need to conserve battery power.

Add memory. You can minimize the reliance of Windows on virtual memory and reduce power consumption by adding memory to your mobile PC.

Carry at least one spare battery. Buying an extra battery is a good investment for your peace of mind. Battery prices vary widely. You can significantly increase the power available to you if you're willing to splurge a little. Contact the manufacturer of your mobile PC to find a replacement battery.

Charge your battery often. When you're on the road, be sure to carry a power cord and plug your computer in whenever you have the chance.

Completely drain nickel-based batteries. If you're using an older laptop (at least 3 years old) with a nickel hydride battery, be sure to completely drain it and recharge it monthly to ensure that it will hold its charge. Most newer mobile PCs use lithium ion batteries, which don't need to be drained to maximize their capacity.

By adjusting your mobile PC settings to conserve battery power and by implementing these tips, you can relieve the stress and inconvenience of running out of battery power.

More and more companies and organizations not only allow but also encourage telecommuting. If your organization offers that option, you can use your mobile PC to be productive in the comfort of your home or another remote location. In this article, I discuss the tools of the trade and provide tips to ensure that the familiar home environment doesn't prevent you from keeping your focus and achieving your goals.

Tools of the trade
To efficiently telecommute, you'll need the following tools.

Internet access: Most teleworkers have access to the Internet at home so that they can connect to their corporate network. As a home user, you can choose from three Internet access options:

DSL: DSL stands for digital subscriber line. It uses ordinary telephone lines and a special modem to provide an Internet connection that can transmit high-bandwidth information to a user's computer. A DSL line can carry both data and voice signals. The data part of the line is a dedicated connection to the Internet and does not interfere with the use of the telephone. DSL is high speed and is always connected to the Internet.

Cable Internet: Cable Internet uses your local cable TV line to receive broadband Internet content. This data rate far exceeds that of modems and is about the same as DSL. Your local TV cable company is typically the cable Internet service provider.

Satellite Internet: If cable or DSL aren't available in your area, or if the slow dial-up access speeds are not acceptable, consider using satellite internet. It's available to you if you live in the northern hemisphere and have an unobstructed view of the southern sky. The service is expensive and the data rate is not as fast as a direct line, but it is a good connectivity alternative if you live in an isolated location.

Computer: Of course, you'll need a computer! You can use a desktop computer or a mobile PC. If you can take your mobile PC home from the office, you won't have to install the same programs on your desktop computer. If you do need to use a desktop computer to connect to your organization's network remotely, you may need to install additional software to meet your company's connectivity and security requirements.

Dedicated space with some privacy: I've heard more than one frustrated telecommuter state that they have a hard time focusing when they work at home. When I ask where their desktop computer or mobile PC is located, they usually say it's on the dining room table. By setting up your workspace in a busy location, you almost guarantee distractions. Instead, set up a safe, healthy, and efficient workspace with easy access to your computer, a phone, reference materials, and supplies.

Communication tools: When telecommuting, make sure that your colleagues, customers, and manager can communicate with you at all times. Whether you're in the office or working remotely, make it easy for people to contact you. Here are some suggestions:

Share your phone number with people you work with regularly and leave your contact information with your manager and one or two additional contacts (such as your administrative assistant or receptionist). Also, consider using call forwarding to your home or cell phone so that you receive incoming calls wherever you're working.

Consider using instant messaging (IM). Similar to a chat room, IM is a fast means of communicating with one or more people in real time over the Internet. IM also gives you a way to show and update your communication status throughout the day. For example, when you need a couple of hours of undisturbed concentration, set your status as "Busy" and let everyone know that you'll be slower than usual to reply to e-mail messages and phone calls.

Tips for staying focused
The tools of the trade don't guarantee success—you'll also need some strategies to help you stay focused.

Start working at the same time. Treat telework days like regular workdays: get up, get dressed, and be "at your desk" at the usual time.

Establish a schedule. Keep work hours similar to the ones you would keep if you were working at your office. Your manager and your co-workers appreciate knowing when you are available.

Limit distractions. Be careful not to replace office-based interruptions with home-based ones (such as children, neighbors, and friends).

Plan ahead. Take the appropriate work home. Some work may be better suited for the home office than other work, so be sure to plan the telework a day ahead.

Take breaks. Plan time to get up and move around. Consider going for a walk or a run during your lunch break to keep your mind fresh.

Focus on objectives. Work with your manager and colleagues to define clear goals and objectives against which your performance can be objectively measured.

Telecommuting is not for everyone, but if your job lends itself to working remotely and you are self-disciplined and highly motivated, you can reap the rewards of working effectively at home or remotely. Using the information presented in this column, you can take advantage of the opportunity to work efficiently away from the office while remaining in touch with your colleagues and customers.

7 ways to work faster on slow connections

There is nothing like trying to work when your Internet connection is slow. It's tougher to send e-mail, more difficult to send files to co-workers, and it's frustrating wasting time while you wait for Web pages to appear. And even with the proliferation of broadband Internet connections, there are still times you may be working on a slow connection. You might be traveling, working out of your office, still using dial-up, or your broadband connection may be acting up. But there are things you can do.

This article will show you how to increase your productivity when your connection is slow. Many of these steps are also good tips for how to increase the speed of browsing and sending and receiving e-mail.