RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, July 15, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ — Bayer CropScience (http://www.bayercropscience.us), one of the world’s top innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and traits, has announced that it is a presenting/season sponsor of the North Carolina Theatre. Bayer is donating more than $25,000 to the theatre this season. The North Carolina Theatre’s mission is to strengthen the cultural vitality of North Carolina by cultivating musical theatre appreciation. It strives to produce outstanding professional Broadway musicals and to develop the next generation of artists through youth training, performance and outreach programs.

Bayer CropScience is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live and work. Over the years, it has sponsored a variety of cultural and educational events as part of its commitment to valuing people and their different perspectives and cultures

Read More:24-7 Pressrelease

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As a small business owner, you know that any moment could be your next business opportunity. Therefore, you would never want to lose an opportunity because you were missing one of the key tools in your marketing arsenal.

Whether it’s checking in with the email marketing company you work with to make sure you’re staying in contact with your customers , or revamping your website, now is as good of time as any to take inventory of your marketing efforts. If you’re looking for a place to start, here are 10 marketing tools – some old-school and some new technologies – that you don’t want to be caught without.

1. Business cards: No matter what type of business you own, you need to be able to pass on your information so those you come in contact with will know where to find you.

2. Customized business forms: Whether it’s invoices and statements or sales transaction forms, including your logo on documents is an easy way to make a professional impression on the people you do business with.

3. Brochures: They provide an easy way to let those you meet know what you’re all about when time is short to explain.

4. Promotional items: Putting your logo on useful items given to your potential clients will keep your business front and center.

5. Special events: There’s no better way to introduce new people to your business or promote interaction with loyal customers than hosting a special event.

6. Websites: Make sure your website is up to date and accurate. Your business domain name should accurately reflect the name of your company. It may also be worth it to purchase similar domain names that you could envision your customers using to ensure they’ll be headed to the right place when they search for you on the Web.

7. Social media: Facebook and Twitter are free to use, and are an increasingly effective way to interact with customers and spread news about your company.

8. Email marketing: Keep your clients aware of new developments at your business by sending out a weekly or monthly newsletter.

9. Search engine marketing: Tailor your message to specific demographics using marketing directly related to where your clients are searching from and what they are searching for.

10. Marketing analytics: Analytics programs can tell you what type of marketing works best for you.

By taking stock of all the tools in your marketing arsenal, you can figure out how to improve your message and make sure you aren’t missing any opportunities to attract new business.

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Insurance industry catching the eye of job-seeking African-Americans

(ARA) – Americans are more interested than ever in identifying new job opportunities in growing industries. While emerging opportunities in technology and health care industries have won a lot of attention, another long-established industry is poised for growth – insurance.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand for insurance will continue to rise, and the industry will experience “significant growth” over the long term. As baby boomers age, their need for different types of insurance products will likely increase.  This is also likely to be the case for their adult children and their families.

The growth in the industry should be of particular interest to African-Americans seeking a high-growth profession, some industry watchers say. That’s because demand for insurance products and services that meet the needs of the African-American population is expected to rise, and with it the need for insurance professionals who know how to serve the market.

“There is a greater need in the insurance industry for professionals educated and experienced in African-American culture,” says Jodi Webster, a district manager for Farmers Insurance Group in northern California. “The industry is realizing — and responding to — the need to provide education to the African-American community on the importance of having the proper insurance in place, especially in the life insurance arena.”

In addition to the opportunity to fill a high-demand role that will help educate their community, African-Americans might find a career as an insurance agent interesting for several other reasons, says Webster. A Farmers agent for five years and district manager for eight, Webster feels an insurance career as an agent offers the opportunity to be self-employed, in control of one’s own professional destiny and provides an unlimited income potential.

“As an agent, I was an independent contractor, not an employee,” she says. “For agents, there’s a huge opportunity to serve an evolving, growing African-American marketplace. Plus, you get to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The investment required to start an agency is affordable and you gain the benefit of corporate branding and support.”

Major insurance providers are also realizing the value of agents who can culturally connect with the African-American community. Farmers, for example, recently launched its African-American Market Expansion, which aims to provide products and services to a growing market segment. As part of that initiative, the company has focused recruitment efforts in the African-American community to expand awareness of career opportunities with the company.

“This initiative will help Farmers better serve the African-American community’s insurance and financial needs,” says Faye W. McClure, Farmers vice president of strategic marketing. “The campaign aims to increase Farmers’ exposure to the second largest minority group in the nation.” Farmers African-American Market Expansion will initially focus on eight states; California, Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Alabama and Tennessee.

As a people person, Webster says, the opportunity to serve the African-American community has been professionally and personally rewarding. “I like the opportunity to coach and mentor people to develop successful agencies,” she says. “It’s rewarding to help them develop their ability to realize their dreams and provide themselves and their families with a comfortable lifestyle.”

“Need for insurance knowledge and education continues to grow in the African-American community, and so will opportunities for agents adept at serving this community,” she adds.

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New medicine approved by FDA to treat type 2 diabetes

(ARA) – Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) affects approximately 25.8 million Americans and an estimated 220 million people worldwide. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, accounting for an estimated 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either does not properly produce, or use, the hormone insulin.

Now there is good news for people with type 2 diabetes. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved TRADJENTA(TM) (linagliptin) tablets, a new prescription medication used along with diet and exercise, to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

TRADJENTA (pronounced TRAD gen ta) can be used alone or with other commonly used medications for type 2 diabetes – metformin, sulfonylurea or pioglitazone. TRADJENTA lowered hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C or A1C) levels up to 0.7 percent (compared to placebo) in clinical trials.

A1C is measured in people with diabetes to provide an index of blood sugar control for the previous two to three months.

TRADJENTA should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine). It has not been studied in combination with insulin.

“Many people with type 2 diabetes are not able to control their blood sugar with diet and exercise alone and may also require one or more medications,” says Dr. John Gerich, professor of medicine, at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. “The FDA approval of TRADJENTA is exciting because there is only one dose to remember for patients, regardless of kidney or liver impairment. With TRADJENTA, physicians will have another option for managing type 2 diabetes, a potentially devastating condition.”

TRADJENTA is a tablet that can be taken once a day, with or without food. It lowers blood sugar by increasing incretin levels, which increase insulin levels after meals and throughout the day.

It was approved based on a clinical trial program which included approximately 4,000 adults with type 2 diabetes. Included in the program were placebo-controlled studies evaluating TRADJENTA alone and with other commonly-used medications for type 2 diabetes.

TRADJENTA lowered fasting plasma glucose (FPG) compared to placebo, when used as monotherapy and in combination with metformin, sulfonylurea or pioglitazone. FPG is used to determine glucose levels in a fasting state, usually upon waking up in the morning.

It also lowered two-hour post-prandial glucose (PPG) levels compared with placebo as monotherapy and when used in combination with metformin. PPG is used to determine glucose levels after meals, usually two hours after eating.

To learn more about TRADJENTA and for full prescribing information visit: www.TRADJENTA.com or call Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at (800) 542-6257.

Please report any unexpected effects or product problems to the Boehringer Ingelheim Drug Information Unit by calling (800) 542-6257.

What is TRADJENTA?

TRADJENTA is a prescription medicine that is used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. TRADJENTA is not for people with type 1 diabetes or for people with diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).

It is not known if TRADJENTA(TM) (linagliptin) tablets is safe and effective when used with insulin.

Important Safety Information

Who should not take TRADJENTA?
Do not take TRADJENTA if you are allergic to linagliptin or any of the ingredients in TRADJENTA.

Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to TRADJENTA are rash, raised red patches on your skin (hives), swelling of your face, lips, and throat that may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking TRADJENTA and call your doctor right away.

What should I tell my doctor before taking TRADJENTA?
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you take other medicines that can lower your blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. If you take TRADJENTA with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as a sulfonylurea or insulin, your risk of getting low blood sugar is higher. The dose of your sulfonylurea medicine or insulin may need to be lowered while you take TRADJENTA. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heart beat, sweating, or feeling jittery.

Also tell your doctor if you take rifampin (Rifadin(R), Rimactane(R), Rifater(R), Rifamate(R)), an antibiotic that is used to treat tuberculosis.

TRADJENTA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how TRADJENTA works.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

What are the possible side effects of TRADJENTA?
The most common side effects of TRADJENTA include stuffy or runny nose and sore throat.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.  Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call (800) FDA-1088.

NEWS FROM TOOLS-AND-THINGS .COM, Please Note
Do to tornados on April 16th 2011 we have a waiting list for furniture repairs and finishing, so please call (919-803-4425 for more detailed information on how long the list is or growing.
We repair and refinish furniture here in our small shop in west Raleigh NC, and I’ve been involved in working for over 25 years. We have never tried to get too big to do a good job for our customers. We ‘ve only posted one ad to promote the business in 14 years, most our business is word-of-mouth. We stay busy and we never take on more than we can handle. I work mostly a one man operation, with two part-time helpers.

We repair and refinish almost any kind of furniture, from wood to metal and modern to antique. We take our work very serious and aim for customer satifaction.
We repair tables, chair, beds and headboards, damaged by water or pet. Broken spindles,regluing joints, dowels, inside outside furniture, restoration of modern and antiques. We also strip off old finish for all natural look, fill and sand, polish and buff, hand strip and chemical strip, specialty paint finishes, hardware restoration. All types of top coats: Varnish, Lacquers, polys, shelac, oils, waxes, paints, stains.
We can get the job done and satisfy our customers at a great price! If you live in or arround Raleigh NC we can help you. including Cary NC, Apex NC, Garner NC, Holly Springs NC, Clayton NC, Fuquay-Varina NC and area’s within reasonable driving range.
BIRDHOUSES, FEEDERS, YARD DECOR & OUTSIDE FURNITURE.

All our birdhouses, bird-feeders and butterfly houses come with a 30 days return policy.

We are always adding new products so feel free to check back often. We want to make you a lifetime customer by giving you the best in products and services. We ship most orders 24-48 hrs if in stock items and after customer’s payment has processed.

Do to high gas prices, higher shipping rate and increases in shipping supplies, we try to ship the most economical way. Please call if you need to order or get more information on a product or service:919-324-8905

Please Note: That these handcrafted items are not massed produced they are handmade, one at a time, in our small shop here in Raleigh NC. Our wooden birdhouses and bird feeders are made from the very best woods and plywoods that can be used for outside products. We use waterproof glues and sealers to make sure our handi-crafts stay together in wet and harsh weather.

Our metal top bird houses and birdfeeders have extra thick and insulated tops to help from over heating. We use only woods that hold-up year round and is harmless to human and animals. We do use presure treated lumber for planters, garden art, and some pic-nic tables and they are all sealed or painted to prevent contact.

Do to the tornados in April this year we are still cleaning, repairing and rebuilding from the damage, untill we are completely finished with rebuilding we won’t add any more pictures of our new products, but feel free to call and inquire about our products and services. We only make our blue bird houses in the Fall Season at this time, do to early nesting of bluebirds in North Carolina in Spring.

At peak times (April-July, we may get orders that leave us temporary out of stock or I may have discontinued an item before taking it off our website. In this case call me. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your order to be filled and shipped if the products you order is out-of-stock..Look For Our New Bluebird Design Comming This Fall!

We invite you to shop our online store and our retail business with confidence. We adhere to a strict privacy that means your information will not be shared, sold. or otherwise distributed

Free Appliance and Electronics pick-up for recycling, Stoves, Dryers, Heaters, Freezers, Refrigerators, Computers, Washers, Radios, TVs, Tools, Metal Furniture and other appliances that you are trashing or nedd recycling. We pick-up free and disasemble and properly recycle all parts.
We pick-up in Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Holly Springs and some outside surrouning areas. If you have these items to be removed and it is out of our pick-up area you may still call us and we may be able to remove the item or find someone else to pick-up item. Please do not set your item out untill you have got a confirmation of pick-up form us. Do to high gas prices you must set-up a time for us to pick-up these items and confirm your address and what is to be picked up.

We also have these items checked for salvaging or repair, if repaired we give to persons free, or charge for repair cost and parts if needed only. We do not repair these appliances ourselves and not in the repair business, but we will try to salvage and donate appliances if repairs is not costly and is worth the effort and not just a delay to end up in landfills. Call 919-324-8905 OR 919-803-4425
If no answer please leave voice mail and someone will contact you and set-up a time to remove your items at your convenience. Thank you; Tools-and-Things

Tips for making your home office comfortable and functional

(ARA) – When you start a home business, you will probably set aside one room or area of your house to be your office. This is the place where you’ll handle general business, customer relations, shipping and delivery of products and services, payroll and many other details that pertain to your company.

Of course, this room is also in your house, so you want to make sure it looks good in case you have customers stop by, or if friends or relatives stay over.

Setting up your office so that it is functional and looks nice is important, but because you’ll be spending a lot of time in there, you should make it comfortable as well. Here are some tips on how to make your home office functional, yet fun and stylish.

* If you have young children at home, designating your office separate from the rest of your house with a closed door, or a standing partition, can help your children learn that you are “at work” and not to be disturbed unless they have an emergency. If you plan to use your office space for family business as well after work hours are over, consider making a sign indicating you are busy working to hang on the door or partition.

* Your desk probably will be where you spend the majority of time in your home office, which means you need it to match your style perfectly. Your office chair needs to be comfortable, but you also want it to match the decor as well. You can choose a HON Volt or HON Ignition chair, picking from over 30 different fabrics and colors, allowing you to match your decorating scheme and comfort levels. Visit www.officedepot.com/customdesign to see how a HON chair can enhance your home office space.

* Decorate your office in colors and materials that will help keep you operating efficiently, but also allow you to enjoy the time you spend working. For example, yellow is considered to be a stimulating color, orange encourages creativity and green provides a calming influence. Depending on the energy level you would like to have in your office, consider using file folders, binders, pictures and wall paint to bring colors into your office that would enhance your professional emotions and behaviors.

* Keeping your home office picked up is key, especially if you pace while talking on the phone or while brainstorming a business idea. Make sure all your electronic cords are bundled and tucked away under your desk so you aren’t tripping over them while chatting with a client on the phone.

* Get organized with a cubby hole or filing drawer system, which will help keep the paperwork off your home office desk area and also help you find filed information quickly and easily if you were to have a customer catch you by surprise on the phone. These items are available at office supplies store such as Office Depot.

As you get your company up and running in your home office, don’t forget to add little personal touches to make it feel even more comfortable. After all, you might be spending a lot of time in your office, so there’s nothing wrong with having inspirational photos or a desk plant or two to provide you with the pleasant atmosphere you need to get your work done.

Free Business Listing For Wake County NC BusinessesMade to last wooden birdhouses and bird-feeders, made in Raleigh NC, USA.

Website or Call 919-324-8905 or 919-803-4425

Steps for catching up with old 401(k)s

(ARA) – The average American will hold 11 jobs between the ages of 18 and 42, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010). When you start a new job, you probably remember to pack your personal items and update your contact information, but did you consider what to do with your 401(k) held at your previous employer? It’s easy to leave behind.

A recent Merrill Edge survey found that nearly half (46 percent) of mass affluent Americans plan to rely solely or heavily on retirement plans offered by their employer for their retirement savings, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). This makes it more important than ever to keep track of your retirement savings.

Having accounts in more than one place can make keeping tabs more difficult. Rolling over your balances into one account helps to ensure you can properly track and manage your savings to help you pursue your retirement goals. When it’s simpler to monitor your investments, you can make changes as needed.

“One of the biggest challenges facing Americans today is planning for their retirement,” says Dean Athanasia, mass affluent and small business executive at Bank of America. “Many people expect to retire later than they had planned a year ago. Rolling over old 401(k)s is one small step consumers can take to help make managing their retirement savings easier and their retirement goals more attainable.”

Rolling over your old 401(k)s isn’t as complicated as you might think. Merrill Edge, offering a wide array of investment solutions from Merrill Lynch and access to the banking services of Bank of America all in one place, has a three step process to help you keep things simple:

1. Locate your accounts: Collect statements and account numbers for all your 401(k)s. If you’re missing any account information, call your former employers or benefits providers for the information you need.

2. Consider your options: Review all of the rollover options available to you. There may be many options for retirement investing and saving, so consider the length of time you plan to invest and the level of risk that’s comfortable for you. You can use a retirement calculator, like the Retirement Evaluator available on merrilledge.com, to help you see where you stand today and help you determine whether you’re on track to meet your retirement goals.

3. Choose your investments: Finally, decide how you’d like to invest. IRAs typically offer more investing options than 401(k)s to help you reach your retirement goals. Many online tools, such as the Asset Allocator available on merrilledge.com, can help you make investment decisions. Or, consult your financial services provider to help you make investment choices for your unique situation.

Consolidating 401(k)s into a single IRA account can make it easier for you to track and manage your retirement assets now, as well as when you start to withdraw funds in retirement. The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you remember a few simple steps – collect your account information, evaluate the choices available to you, and select a roll over solution that is appropriate for you.

For more information on rolling over 401(k)s and retirement strategies visit merrilledge.com or speak with a Financial Solutions Advisor at the Merrill Edge Advisory center at (888) MER-EDGE (888-637-3343).

Investing in securities involves risks. Neither Merrill Edge nor its associates provide tax, accounting or legal advice. You should review any planned financial transactions or arrangements that may have tax, accounting or legal implications with your personal professional advisers. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax. In addition, a 10 percent additional federal tax may apply to withdrawals taken prior to age 59 1/2.

Investment products:
* Are not FDIC insured
* Are not bank guaranteed
* May lose value

Merrill Edge is the marketing name for two businesses: Merrill Edge Advisory Center, which offers team-based advice and guidance brokerage services; and a self-directed online investing platform. Both are made available through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S).

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N. A. and affiliated banks, members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

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Five steps to take when considering a career change

(ARA) – Is this the right time for you to follow your passion or to reinvent yourself and make a career change? If so, make sure you can put your finger on what you want, so that you can sell yourself to prospective employers.

Carole Redden, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – Phoenix, offers five career-change tips.

Network with a mission
Networking is vital to reinventing yourself or making a career move, but according to Redden, it should be done strategically and often. “You cannot wait for the job of your dreams to come to you,” says Redden. “There are people who attend networking events and do not maximize the number of people they talk to, or do not ask the right questions. If you are looking for a job, you must have a plan.”

Establish your targets before attending networking events and job fairs, and keep the conversation brief and to the point. Develop a relationship with employer representatives you chat with and remember, it’s not just about what you can get from them, but what they can gather from you. It’s a two-way exchange of information. To learn more about networking strategies read “Never Eat Alone,” where author Keith Ferrazzi contends that you’ll be more successful if you take the relationship-building approach. “You should circulate and make multiple new contacts at these events,” Redden says. Those who are unsure about how to network should think of it as “purposeful and engaging communication.”

Most people have more of a network of friends, family, former coworkers and other connections than they realize. It’s important to share your plans with them and ask for help. “If you don’t already have a network, try volunteering or going back to school – both are great ways to meet new people,” Redden adds.

Examine your skills and resources
You don’t have to be stuck in a job. Be proactive. Do a personal assessment and ask yourself: What background, skills and experience can I offer an employer? “If you’ve been in a job for 20 years, ask yourself, ‘What do I really want to do for a living?’,” says Redden. “Make some changes and some tough decisions. It may not be easy, but it’s worth it. Job seeking takes patience.”

Update your credentials
Many jobs require additional education or training. Take classes at local college, or a community or education center. Some nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost training. If required, obtain certification for your chosen field. “Once you have a developed your ‘brand,’ you’ve got to make yourself more marketable than the next person,” says Redden.

Pursue your passion/your goal
A career is more than a job; for some it’s also a passion, and the career path chosen will require some work. “Some people get so caught up in life pleasing others and forget they have the option to do what makes them happy,” says Redden. If you are out of work, be more diligent. Until you get to where you want to go, you should be willing to work harder in pursuing your passion. The practice of reinvention takes effort. For people who like delivering babies, they are happy when they go to work every morning because they have a passion for what they do.

Volunteer with nonprofits
Use your weekends to volunteer. “This is an opportunity to support those nonprofits that could benefit from your experience,” says Redden. With reinvention, you can still give back and offer to help those who are less fortunate. You will gain valuable work experience in your career of choice.

You can take the Myers-Briggs professional or similar assessments offered by many college career and employment counselors to measure competencies and areas of interest. “If you want a life change, then it’s up to you to do something about it,” says Redden. Be realistic about your strengths, skills and resources. Within reason and with passion, reinventing yourself is possible.

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Finding shoes to inspire confidence and comfort

(ARA) – It’s no secret that shoes can either make or break an outfit. But can uncomfortable shoes also affect your confidence?

According to a recent study, 94 percent of women say they feel good when their feet feel good. Stacy London, style expert and host of TLC’s “What Not To Wear,” has partnered up with the makers of Dr. Scholl’s For Her. She agrees that when it comes to shoes – women can look good and feel good at the same time.

“As a stylist, I know that finding a balance between fashion and comfort can sometimes be tricky. And chances are that most women have experienced “Fabulitis” – the discomfort caused by the decision to wear uncomfortable, yet fabulous shoes,” says London. “That’s why I use Dr. Scholl’s For Her insoles – because I can wear the shoes I want and feel comfortable doing it.”

Helping women get back on their feet

One of the most inconvenient times for women to face “Fabulitis” is during a job interview, especially since the right shoes are an essential component to feeling comfortable and confident. That’s why the makers of Dr. Scholl’s For Her are launching an interactive campaign to support Dress for Success Worldwide, a nonprofit organization that offers professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to women entering the workforce. The program will help empower women by contributing confidence-inspiring footwear and insoles to keep them comfortable while interviewing for jobs.

Stacy London’s interview wardrobe tips
London shares her tips for achieving fashion, comfort and confidence when tackling a job interview:

Comfort is key: Such a big part of achieving success is feeling comfortable in your own skin – and shoes for that matter. Go for heels and add a Dr. Scholl’s for Her insole for comfort.

Suit up: Suits (pant or skirt) are always appropriate. Pair suits with more feminine, colorful or textured tops to add flair.

Must-haves: Every woman should have a comfortable closed-toe heel for suiting and separates, a pencil or simple A-line skirt and a suit.

Walk the talk: Choose clothes and shoes that look and feel good for your body type, stand up tall and show your style with confidence.

To make a difference in the lives of women entering the workforce, consumers can visit www.facebook.com/drschollsforher to vote on the most confidence-inspiring shoe style from now until Aug. 26. Votes will help determine the style of shoes donated to Dress for Success Worldwide ($25,000 in value), and every pair of donated shoes will be matched with an insole. Additionally, for every purchase of a Dr. Scholl’s For Her insole product from July 11 to July 17, a 25 cent donation will go to Dress for Success Worldwide (a minimum donation of $25,000).

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ARA) – If you’re a recent college graduate or a professional looking for work, you already know you need every advantage to compete for work in a marketplace where there are more applicants than opportunities. It pays to be in control of every variable you can, from picking the right suit and honing your interview skills to making sure you know what’s on your credit report before a potential employer looks at it.

If you’re applying for a job, it’s very likely that your potential employer will want to check your credit. More employers than ever are checking job applicants’ credit history. Sixty percent of employers now check applicants’ credit reports, according to a report in the Washington Times. That percentage has climbed nearly 20 percent in the past five years, according to the report.

Employer credit checks can be problematic for many people in this economy. If you’ve been out of work for a while, you may have fallen behind on your bills. And if you’re a recent college graduate, you probably have little credit history – perhaps a few credit cards with a running balance, but probably not a car or home loan that can help add depth to a credit history.

Reviewing your credit report for inaccuracies before an employer sees it is an important step for job seekers, experts agree. It will also help prepare you to address any credit-related concerns a potential employer might have.

As you’re reading want ads and scouring job websites, keep this information in mind:

* Obtaining a report and score, such as the PLUS score offered by CreditReport.com, can help you understand your credit status before a potential employer asks to check your credit. While such a score and report are not necessarily the ones a potential employer will obtain, they can give you a snapshot of your credit status.

* The basics of credit management remain the same, no matter what your situation: pay bills on time, maintain a good ratio of credit used to available credit, show a long history of timely payment, and be smart about the types of credit you use (loans, credit cards, etc.).

* Employers will not be able to check your credit until you give your consent, in writing, for them to do so. While you may expect that an employer would check your credit if you’re applying for a job in the financial services industry or another industry in which you’ll be directly working with money, be aware that a broad spectrum of employers are now checking credit for applicants at all job levels – even some you may not expect.

* If your credit history has some blemishes, you may want to consider adding a personal statement of explanation to your credit report – the major credit bureaus all allow you to do this. While credit experts agree that such statements usually have little impact on potential lenders, an employer may view your explanation differently.

Finally, hold your head high regardless of what’s on your credit report. In this economy, many people are facing financial hardship through no fault of their own. If you’re one of them, be honest and open with a potential employer, explaining your challenges and what you are doing to ensure you’ll be able to meet your financial responsibilities. If your credit history is good, consider it one more tool to demonstrate to potential employers that you are organized, responsible and a desirable worker

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It’s nearly impossible to separate real estate’s fortunes from the health of the overall economy.
Yet one sliver of the property game has a most curious — even at times, inverted — relationship with the business climate.
Welcome to the odd world of self storage, those somewhat odd facilities where one can rent space to stash everything from keepsakes to household goods to business supplies to plain old junk.
This is not a small business. The industry claims it services 1-in-10 Americans. According to Self Storage Almanac, there are 49,000 storage facilities across the nation — 1,100 in Los Angeles and Orange counties — worth roughly a quarter of a trillion bucks.
How’s that? When the economy’s a mess, lives get turned upside down. Thus, people frequently need space to keep some — or many — of their belongings. Failed small businesses — another outcome of a financial downturn — additionally create demand for storage for tools, machinery and/or inventory. Where better to stockpile the goods but at a local storage locker?
This recent economic cycle has been particularly brutal in many ways. Yet it’s proven to be an opportunity for self storage as a flood of foreclosures has forced scores of families from homes. That’s boosted demand for storage as these households are often forced to relocate to smaller quarters that can’t hold all their possessions.
Bad news can be good news in the real estate genre.
“Self storage has weathered the storm,” says Michael Schwartz, CEO of Strategic Storage Trust Inc., a self-storage investment firm from Ladera Ranch. He feels he almost has to apologize because, “we’re moving so fast.”
He’s not alone. When Selfstorage.com recently surveyed 200 self-storage owners on business conditions, 42 percent replied that their rental traffic rose in 2010 vs. the previous year and 38 percent said revenue rose as well.
On Wall Street, where shares of four big owners of storage facilities trade, self-storage investment trust stocks were up 18 percent in the first five months of the year – the hottest real estate investment trust niche, according to NAREIT indexes. Note: U.S. stocks in general, as measured by the S&P 500-stock index, were up 8 percent.
And the industry’s even a hit on TV. Not one, but two cable shows – “Storage Wars” and “Auction Hunters” — follow the antics of the bidders drawn to public auctions of goods stored in self-storage units with delinquent renters.
Schwartz’s SSTI — a real estate investment trust with stakes that do not trade on stock exchanges — was started in 2008 and has raised $230 million from investors. It recently started the SmartStop brand of storage facilities and, according to its financial filings, if it completes a series of acquisitions it will own 77 self storage facilities located in 17 states with 50,590 units and 6.2 million square feet of space. One of those planned deals includes a facility in its hometown, what will be its second Orange County property and its eighth in California.
“I want more assets in California,” says Schwartz, noting the state’s population density and its typical – though not current — economic heft.
This isn’t a play on extended lean times, Schwartz insists. Self storage flourishes in good times, too.
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