A GREAT PLACE TO BUY PORK IN RALEIGH NC

Lots of people all over the USA just love a great pork steak,Country ham, center cut pork-chops.
For last 15 years I would shop at my local grocery store, and be very disappointed at the
quality and value of what you get in those store packed containers of meat.

A good pork chops that’s not too thin, not too thick, not too much fat and not a lot of bone.
That’s not asking too much, but after shopping at the grocery stores and seeing the nicely
packaged packs of pork on display at the meat counter, and buying and serving to the family
for so long and just dealing with the fact that in each package of 5 to 10 pounds 1/3 to 1/2 of the pork is fat, bone and mixed lean, fat, that looks like throw away scraps.

We went to 4 of the major grocery supermarkets in Raleigh and surrounding area’s and purchased 2 packages of pork chops about 7 to 10 pounds per package, from each store,
we found that all four stores was doing the same thing. Each package had the top of the package displayed very nice, the meat looked great through the plastic wrap but under the top layer was, what my sister calls, “scraps for dogs food” not what you want to eat.

Each package had only 1/2 to 2/3 of edible meat in them, this is a practice that’s been happening for years, and it could be an industry practice across the board.

Well what can you do? Write you grocery store, call your consumer BBB, your local government, complain to the USDA or don’t shop that store.

I found a place in Raleigh NC, at the North Carolina State Farmers Market.

PORK KING, Nahunta Pork Center (919) 242-4735

The State Farmers Market is conveniently located on I-40 and Lake Wheeler Road, exit 297. Covering 75 acres, the modern facility provides up to 225,000 square feet of covered, climate controlled, all season retail and wholesale spaces.

Also Find Handmade Crafts At This Same Market.

Sell Your Handi-Crafts Online Click Here!
WOODEN BIRDHOUSES THE GREEN WAY!

(NAPSI)-When buying a car, there’s more to consider than the make and model. Price, size, gas mileage–even the way it feels behind the wheel–affect your decision. You should also weigh your options when buying auto insurance. With many brands and features and price ranges out there, it pays to do your homework.

Here are some common questions people ask Progressive when they shop for insurance:

What type of auto insurance can I choose from? There are two types of auto insurance: Liability coverage pays for damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people that you cause. Physical Damage coverage pays for damage to your vehicle. These two coverages are the foundation of your policy.

How much coverage should I buy? The state defines the minimum amount of coverage required, but after that, the amount of coverage you buy is up to you. You choose based on your comfort level, budget and lifestyle.

Some people want as much coverage as possible for all of life’s “what ifs.” Others are satisfied with bare-minimum coverage. If you have a newer vehicle, you may want more coverage to protect your investment. If you can afford higher deductibles (the amount you’ll pay out of pocket in the event of an accident), you can raise them and pay less premium.

How is my rate determined? Rates are based on a combination of pieces of information about you, your driving record and your car. It’s important for you to provide accurate information to your agent or to the insurance company. It helps determine the best options and rates for you.

Can I get a lower rate? Many insurance companies offer discounts that can help lower your rate. For example, Progressive offers discounts for good student drivers, paying your premium electronically and having more than one policy.

Some companies offer rewards for renewing your policies with them. At Progressive, the longer you stay a customer, the more benefits you gain, such as lower deductibles and accident forgiveness. Ask your agent or customer service representative about available discounts and programs.

Where should I shop for insurance? If you prefer to look on your own, begin your search online. If you want to talk to someone about insurance, contact an agent. To find an agent, visit www.progressiveagent.com.

Support Your Local Chamber Of Commerce

Wooden Bird Houses

(NAPSI)-Often, the lessons we learn the best are those we learn while doing something we love. That’s why getting a child involved in a hobby such as model railroading, radio control planes and cars or model kit building can be the first steps to acquiring the skills necessary to fill the high-paying jobs in tomorrow’s industries.

This is good news, since the U.S. Department of Labor reports that the United States will enjoy a near 14 percent growth rate in jobs in the areas of installing and repairing various kinds of equipment. It’s estimated that 40 percent of this growth will be in auto mechanics and general repair services. The refrigeration, air-conditioning and heating installation industries are expected to grow the fastest.

The downside is there will not be enough people in the U.S. to fill those positions.

You can learn about the world of hobbies and more at www.myhobbyfun.com.

Got a craft business idea you think could earn you extra income? Read how other craft artists have profited from James Dillehay’s craft business guides…..

“We couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact James Dillehay’s advice would make on our business. We thought after perfecting our product everything would just fall into place, but it didn’t until we started working with his suggestions. To our delight we are seeing results on a faster and larger scale than we expected in such a short period of time.” ~ Ken Kobrick & Angela Greene, www.Passchal.com, featured on the Today Show

“Since reading your books, I have implemented many of the ideas. I am now happy to report that I have had some surprising success here in Santa Fe. My hang cards, booth design, and even my products themselves have been changed by your books. I have only been there 5 partial days and have sold about 4 times what I sold in the equivalent time last year. I changed the color of the walls, the height of the tables, the displays, the hang cards, the pricing and more. So, IT WORKS!” ~ Julie Anderson, CostumeSalon.com

“After reading his books, my business took on a new life. I changed my product slightly and the response was remarkable! My first order was triple what I had planned for, and other orders are pouring in! I continue to look to James for inspiration and I love his approach. Because of the techniques I learned from him, my business is thriving.” ~ Cathy Marble, Chamisa Hill Designs

Ready to increase your craft sales and profits? Just click here to learn more about our craft business guides. Click Here

Promote Your Crafts Here!
And Here Also!

(NAPSI)-Difficult times can call for crafty measures. Providing an affordable escape, crafting has evolved into a fashion-forward pastime for all ages. In fact, a recent survey by the Craft & Hobby Association revealed that 56 percent of U.S. households have worked on at least one craft project during the past year; a rate that’s remained consistent for the past three years.

What kinds of craft projects have captured the hands and hearts of Americans? The same survey reveals that scrapbooking, home decor projects and woodworking top the list. Other popular hobbies include quilting, jewelry making, knitting, art and drawing. As more and more Americans discover the art of the handmade and the satisfaction it can bring, some are even turning their artisanal passions into profitable side businesses.

Creating Space

You can set up “shop” in your own home by designating a separate space to handle all your crafting needs. Serious enthusiasts can consider dedicating an entire room–attic, garage or an extra bedroom–to their passion. If you don’t have the space, you may choose to convert an extra closet into your own “craftastic” workstation to get the creative juices flowing.

Getting Organized

Once you’ve selected the space, make sure it’s properly equipped. Include a workstation or desk large enough to handle your craft projects and hang up a corkboard to pin design ideas and inspirations for quick comparisons. Keep yourself organized by adding shelving and adequate storage space for tools, paintbrushes or other accessories.

For example, adjustable and ventilated shelving such as ClosetMaid® ShelfTrack™ can easily be installed on the wall or in a closet to keep supplies like fabrics, paper, canvases, paint or varnishes within arm’s reach. Colorful ribbons and tape can slide onto closet rods for easy access, while buttons, clasps and other small objects can be kept in clear jars of varying sizes. Display your how-to books on the shelves and place yarn in baskets or pull-out wire or fabric drawers. Finally, a pegboard can be fashioned for color-coordinated thread or small-tool storage.

Learn More

To find out how you can create your own unique storage solutions, visit www.closetmaid.com or call (800) 874-0008.

Sell Your Crafts Online

Free Classifieds for Garner NC

Advertise your Business & Handicrafts Free!

(NAPSI)-All that glitters is golden this holiday season-whether it’s delicate jewelry or sparkling ways to make your home more festive. It can also be a gift that’s easier to make than you might imagine. Jo-Ann Craft and Fabric Stores offer all the basic materials and online instructions for making a variety of one-of-a-kind jewelry gifts.

In just a few hours and with some basic jewelry-making tools, you can make this season’s must-have lustrous pearl bracelet.

Directions:

1. Join 5 pairs of Flower Connectors with 3 silver 5mm round jump rings.

2. Attach a lobster clasp to ending of Flower Connectors with 2 jump rings.

3. To create dangle, slide one 8mm Pearl onto a headpin and form a simple loop. Repeat 9 times.

4. Create dangle by sliding one Pearl Drop on a headpin and form a simple loop. Repeat 9 times.

5. Attach 2 Pearl Drop dangles and two 8mm Pearl dangles to middle connecting jump rings, 2 dangles on each side.

6. Repeat step 5, placing 4 dangles between all Flower Connectors and between last connector and lobster clasp.

Finish this fabulous look with a set of matching earrings. Log on to Joann.com/projects for complete instructions.

Bejeweled items such as wineglass charms and napkin rings can add some extra sparkle to any home for the holidays-especially when created with beautiful Czech beads.

Directions:

1. Cut 4” of 16-gauge craft wire. Bend the wire into S shape with one ¼” in diameter and the other end 1” in diameter. Close smaller end. Leave the larger end open ½”.

2. Cut 6” of 20-gauge wire. Tightly loop the middle of the wire around the bottom of the small end of the S-shaped wire. Thread each hole of a button through the wires. Twist the wires together twice to secure the button in place.

3. Thread Czech glass e-beads and bright acrylic miracle beads in a varied pattern. Loop the wires back through each other to secure. To finish the ends, cut wire to 1” and create a swirl with pliers. Add pieces of wire, beads and swirls as desired.

For more crafty ideas, visit www.joann.com. The site offers instructions on necklaces, earrings, jeweled picks and many more handmade holiday gifts.

Got a craft business idea you think could earn you extra income? Read how other craft artists have profited from James Dillehay’s craft business guides…..

“We couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact James Dillehay’s advice would make on our business. We thought after perfecting our product everything would just fall into place, but it didn’t until we started working with his suggestions. To our delight we are seeing results on a faster and larger scale than we expected in such a short period of time.” ~ Ken Kobrick & Angela Greene, www.Passchal.com, featured on the Today Show

“Since reading your books, I have implemented many of the ideas. I am now happy to report that I have had some surprising success here in Santa Fe. My hang cards, booth design, and even my products themselves have been changed by your books. I have only been there 5 partial days and have sold about 4 times what I sold in the equivalent time last year. I changed the color of the walls, the height of the tables, the displays, the hang cards, the pricing and more. So, IT WORKS!” ~ Julie Anderson, CostumeSalon.com

“After reading his books, my business took on a new life. I changed my product slightly and the response was remarkable! My first order was triple what I had planned for, and other orders are pouring in! I continue to look to James for inspiration and I love his approach. Because of the techniques I learned from him, my business is thriving.” ~ Cathy Marble, Chamisa Hill Designs

Ready to increase your craft sales and profits? Just click here to learn more about our craft business guides. Click Here

Wooden handcrafted Bird Houses & Bird Feeders In Raleigh NC

Promote your products and services in Wake County NC Free!

Wooden Birdhouses and Bird-Feeders from Tools-and-Things
BIRDHOUSES & FEEDERS

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 with waterproof glues to 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 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!

Made of the best imported exterior laminated 9 ply- plywood, laminate ply layer sections are glued with water proof glue and sealed with polyacrylic,then sanded, then repeated three times, then cut to size for our woodcrafts. Our birdhouses and woodcrafts, “after finished” they are made to last for years, all four seasons.

Even as well as we try to make our products, there some preventive maintenance measures you can take, like cleaning, touch-up painting, and sealing. You will get these instruction in your order. Mount these feeders and birdhouses on a 4×4 inch post. Note: This means that you must have post that measures four inches by four inches, not the wooden post that measures three and one half inches by three and one half inches. You can purchase this post at your local Home-center. These products are asked for from all over the USA and Canada. Instock items are shipped as soon as payment has been cleared Buyer must keep in mind that these birdhouses and feeders are not mass-produced and are made one at a time by one craftsman, and if not in-stock please allow 2 to 3 weeks for your order to be shipped. Call 919-324-8905 You can pick-up your order at shop, if you live in the area.
2500 Springhill Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27603

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.

Add your business and website to city5nc.com

Social media: The best advertising money can’t buy for your small business

(ARA) – Used to be, a diligent small business owner with a great idea and plenty of gumption could grow a business through word of mouth alone. In many ways, that’s still true.  Yet today, much of the “word of mouth” conversations and recommendations, which can make or break a business, are happening online, not face to face.

Small business owners still recognize the value of word of mouth – 63 percent say it remains the most effective way to market their business and find new customers, according to a recent survey by Citibank. Yet that same survey found that 81 percent of small business owners do not use social media – word of mouth in the technology-driven world.

“Many small businesses have yet to really harness the marketing and communication power that online tools can provide them,” says Raj Seshadri, head of small business banking at Citibank. “Our survey  of 552 small business executives throughout the country reveals a huge opportunity for many businesses to begin using some of the basic online tools, such as e-mail marketing, to drive their sales.”

Moreover, business owners should utilize a variety of social media and online platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, their Web site’s homepage and even blogs, experts say. Profiles on multiple networks expand your business’ reach and help engage current and potential customers.

Studies show that after a purchase, online shoppers “friend” or follow businesses more than 50 percent of the time. Reasons include an affinity for the business, allegiance to a company, and the opportunity to receive invitations to special events and/or exclusive offers and promotions through social media.

Here are some tips for using some of the top social media options to help grow your small business:

Blog about it

Short for “weblog,” a blog allows you to speak directly to customers and establish yourself as an expert in your industry. You can use your blog as the main source for information about your business, to feature customer testimonials, answer frequently asked questions, or even to resolve problems. Blog posts are usually short and pithy – you don’t have to write the great American novel for each post. Just make each interesting, useful and brief.

Facebook is your “friend”

Facebook is the largest social network, with more than 450 million users around the world, and another 100 million logging on from mobile devices. Create your free Facebook account and begin inviting customers (through direct e-mail, signs posted in your store and other communications) to “friend” your page. Use it to interact with your community of customers, offering them specials and deals. You can also share customer reviews online, feature a “customer of the month” and even chat directly with customers during scheduled chat times.

You should know YouTube

Smart companies use this online video library to distribute news of their products and services to a broad community. Create a quick video that spotlights what’s special about your product or service, new products or to highlight your product in the context of current events.

The buzz about Twitter

Twitter accounts are also free. More than 105 million users  post in excess of 50 million “tweets” daily – short posts about current events or what’s going on in their lives at that moment. Use Twitter to relay stories of positive customer experiences, mentions of your company in other media, product announcements and updates, links and photos from your blog, or even to directly thank a specific customer in a public way.

Linking up with LinkedIn

Think of LinkedIn as the professional version of Facebook. The networking site allows you to post information about your qualifications, your work experience and your business, and to connect with other professionals.

To learn more about Citibank small business services that can help your company grow, visit www.citibank.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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City5nc Business Directory

Most small business owners who have managed to survive the proverbial
first 2 years in business probably started out thinking mail order was an
easy business to get into.
Chances are the experience would have been a fun-filled nightmare they may
not want to experience again. Sure, it was full of fantasy and hope. But
it also means a lot of hard work and long hours.

Start your advertising  in your local Newspapers and online local searchengines
and pay-per clicks. Set and know your advertising budget, it can be very
tempting to place ads in other media, including TV, Radio and National Magazines.
Staying with your start-up plans will keep you on target..

Trying to figure out where you want to take your business financially,
it is common for entrepreneurs to extrapolate numbers based on their
advertising budget. This style is perennial among mail order people who equate
advertising as the foundation of their operations.

This approach sounds very logical and statistical, but it doesn’t happen
like that in the “real world” of mail order! Well, maybe once in a blue
moon, but most of the time – it just don’t happen. It’s not always because
your offer is bad or the price is too high. And it’s not always because
your mailing list was bad. Often times, the reason lies in the fact that
you and your company are unknown.

But one of the most important reasons this statistical data only works well
on paper is that most beginners are not skilled in the area of TARGET
MARKETING. Yes – that word is vital to the money your business will make.

Target marketing is the process of focusing on a select and specific group
of people you are advertising to. And it has everything to do with the
product you are selling.

For example, if you are marketing infant products, it would be very unwise
to stage a direct mail campaign on a random list.

How many times have you got a mailing that went in the trash just because
it was selling a product or service you have no interest in? See what I mean.
If the company mailing these catalogs and advertisements would have
pre-qualified you or I and target-marketed their items correctly – we would
have never received them. It is wasted money for the company!

But how can you pre-quality or target market your audience before placing
an ad? If you are a beginner, it will take some time before you are
experienced enough to do so. However, you can always get a sample copy
of the publication first and see what items other people are advertising.
Then, test your ads in the smaller mail order publication that offer
low-cost advertising until you refine your ad and hit the right market.
As soon as you begin generating responses to your ads, keep in contact
with these customers and grow from there. They will bring you more customers
like themselves because “birds of a feather flock together.”

Therefore – SLOW DOWN a little – but if you don’t slow down, you could easily get ripped-off
and lose a lot of money. Just like attending college – you won’t get a
Master’s Degree the same day you begin classes. It takes 3-4 years!

Take your time to get to know some of the pros and read what they have to
say. Survey and study the market. Read and educate yourself by investing
time into study. Start out in mail order like you would start working for
any company – at the bottom. Learn the tricks of the trade. Make friends
and associates with “good” dealers and stick with them. Honor your word and
work dealerships to the advantage of yourself as well as others.

Mail order is only a process by which products are advertised and delivered
to consumers. It works for any product and works for anybody. You don’t have
to be rich, educated or a certain age, color or heritage. You don’t have to
wear certain kinds of clothes or have your hair styled in the latest craze.
The only limitations are your own abilities and confidence in yourself.
I know because I started out really poor and brought my business up to
a thriving, self-supporting home business!
a lot of money. Just like attending college – you won’t get a
Master’s Degree the same day you begin classes.

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Riding the social media wave: a user’s guide to Web-based communication

(ARA) – Who is using social media? What is it exactly? When and where do people tweet, post and blog? Why do people engage in social media?

Social media is everywhere. It encompasses blogs, social networks (such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace), professional networking avenues such as LinkedIn, and creative sites like Flickr, a photography-sharing website. People such as the teenager next door, grandma and celebrities are using social media outlets. Remember when Conan O’Brien made news by first breaking his recent public silence on Twitter? Did you know that there are more than 300 million active Facebook users who post nearly 1 billion photos monthly to their accounts? Additionally, it would take 7,000 years for all the photos on Flickr to be developed at a one-hour photo!

People use social media for a variety of reasons. What role does social media play in your life? What role should it play?

“The savvy social media user will know how to maximize social media use for their benefit,” explains Ted Long, academic director of Web Design & Interactive Media at The Illinois Institute of Art – Schaumburg. He recommends pointers from www.kodak.com as a guide to social media beginners. Some favorites follow.

* Know what you are talking about. If you are going to work with social media, be involved in social media. Start your own Twitter account, Facebook page, read blogs and get engaged. That is the best way to understand the culture, tone, best practices, and protocol.

* Always be transparent. When you are communicating in social media say who you are and who you work for. Don’t try to be sneaky and plant comments, don’t hire people to go out and say nice things about you and stay away from ghost writing. Be genuine and be real.

* Post frequently. It’s a lot of work, but don’t post to your blog then leave it for two weeks. Readers won’t have a reason to follow you on Twitter or check your blog if they can’t expect new content regularly.

* Add value. Share tips, tricks and insights. People’s time is precious and they need to get something out of the time they spend with you. Make listening to you worth their time.

* Respond. Answer questions, thank people even if it’s just a few words. Make it a two-way conversation.

* Have fun. If you don’t like what you are doing, others will notice it and won’t enjoy interacting with you.

Vanessa Jackson, assistant director of career services at The Illinois Institute of Art – Schaumburg, reminds users that social media should always be appropriate for a professional setting. “Social networking sites are like the invention of fire for the 21st century. There is great power, possibility and functionality, but use it improperly and you can burn yourself,” cautions Jackson.

Jackson advises:
* You can lock your profile, but remember that a lot of information can be derived simply by looking at your profile picture.

* Keep one clean profile per social media site. Don’t bother having two profiles, one for friends and one professional.

* LinkedIn is for professional networking and shouldn’t be used in the same manner that you use Facebook or MySpace, unless all of your social media profiles are business appropriate.

* Employers (and potential employers) really do check your social networking sites. Spell correctly, use proper grammar and don’t be vulgar or degrading to others.

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, leaving many who don’t use it feeling out of touch. To begin, start slow, learn as you go, and remember to represent yourself in a way that is appropriate for the world to see. Then you too can experience the benefits of being more connected than ever before.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.  

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Garner North Carolina is growing, “as they say” like a weed, well in the mist of all this growth a number of area businesses has found a little hidden treasure that most businesses have over looked, Local online advertising and marketing, meaning locally owned and operated.

Garner NC City Guide has been competing, not only with the online and off-line local newspapers, but other local online business directories and the Internet giants, “Most of the major search engines” for Garner NC business customers for the past few years and Garner NC and the surrounding area’s answered by a 600% increase in free and paid listings since 11/15/2007.

Garner City Guide is nothing fancy, like Other Directories with pop-up all over the pages, other ads all around your listings, promotional music and graphics screeming on your screen, but what Garner City Guide is, is a well managed local online key-word business directory,that brings more traffic to Garner businesses and websites, Free. Silver & Gold Members pay a small affordable yearly fee.

If the search engines can’t find Garner NC business directory and local City Guide, then its of no use to our Garner NC Businesses.

Garner North Carolina Business Directory!

The goal is to provide community businesses and residents with a low cost way to advertise and be seen by many people in and around our growing area. Now with our City Guide Site businesses can finally get the exposure they deserve.

City Guide, business directory, event calendar and free classifieds allows local residents, as well as anyone around the world, to find information about businesses ranging from a wide variety of categories in Garner, North Carolina. Offering a free business listing is nothing new, but wtat is the traffic you receive. Best of all, gold member businesses are evenly rotated and featured on the home page below, as well as on the top of their respective category page. Therefore, receiving the highest level of exposure for their business, plus even more exposure with a new personal webpage on our server. You can also use our MARKETPLACE for buying and selling your products and services in the CLASSIFIEDS ADS Section. Classifieds are Totally FREE, Garner NC City Guide more than just a place to advertise your business or promote your products and services, Find information, useful information about Garner NC and surrounding area’s that you and your business are looking for.

You should use Garner’s Event Calendar, it’s also free, “list your events” -Crafts, Government, Charity, Sports, Holiday, Business, Church, Theater, Party, Networking. Lots of things are happening in Garner NC.

Local Crafts Birdhouses Made In Raleigh NC