Archive for December, 2011

Football – The Best NFL Stadiums

Monday, December 19th, 2011



Watching an NFL football game in person at the stadium is one of life’s ultimate experiences. If you’re a football fan you know what I mean. Being in one of the top NFL stadiums is even more enjoyable. Which football stadiums are the best? Out of the 31 NFL football stadiums, here are the top 5.

#5 – Cleveland Browns Stadium

Browns stadium in Cleveland, OH ranks in at number 5 on the list of top NFL stadiums. Cleveland stadium is a great place to watch a football game. Built near downtown Cleveland, the architects of the stadium built in large gaps in order for fans to be able to look out of the stadium and into downtown Cleveland. They also installed a lot of glass in the stadium to see out of. The atmosphere in the stadium is breathtaking. The fans in the “dog pound” are some of the most boisterous and rabid fans of any NFL football team. The stadium is also built near the beautiful Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

#4 – Ford Field

Coming in at number 4 is Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Ford Field was the site for the 2006 NFL Super Bowl. That will tell you something about this stadium right there. This is without a doubt the most beautiful indoor stadium in all of football. Looking at all of the brick and exposed ductwork inside the stadium gives it an old time feel, sort of like being inside a loft that was restored in an old building. It even includes a 7-story atrium.

#3 – Reliant Stadium

Houston, TX is home to Reliant Stadium and the Houston Texans. This football stadium has a unique fabric that the roof is made of which allows the sunlight to shine through. The roof can also be completely opened to allow the natural weather elements to come through. Even though this is used mostly for an indoor stadium, the football field is made of natural grass and not artificial turf. Every NFL player will tell you that this stadium is one of the best to play football in.

#2 Raymond James Stadium

Coming in at number 2 is Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. This is one of the most unique stadiums in all of football. It is almost like a theme park adventure. There are lots of palm trees, flags everywhere and even a 103-foot pirate ship. This ship is located in Buccaneer Cove in the stadium and has a cannon that shoots cannon balls when Tampa Bay scores a touchdown. The football stadium is also a favorite among those who love the sunlight. The weather in Tampa makes this NFL stadium one of the nicest to watch a football game in.

#1 Qwest Field

The top NFL football stadium to watch a game is has to be Qwest Field in Seattle, WA. This stadium gives you one of the most beautiful views anywhere of Mount Rainier and the downtown Seattle skyline. It’s breathtaking to see. There is no bad seat in the house to watch one of the better football teams playing from. The atmosphere, location and view, make this the best NFL football stadium to be in for a game.

Finding a Floor Planning Solution – Software

Monday, December 19th, 2011



Quite often dealerships of varying kind go in search of those lenders that can help them finance their inventory. Finding effective ways to link lenders and dealerships together to forge valuable relationships is necessary to ensure profitability for all parties. Having a useful dealer financing software tool that provides interaction for everyone involved is key to the success of the lender’s efforts in properly managing relationships they have with their dealers.

Finding software that is designed to aid you in the floor plan industry is a must to be successful, efficient and profitable. Each business is different and finding software to suit the unique requirements that is specific to your business can be tough. The floor planning industry can be difficult to navigate through, especially in today’s tough economic times.

So what is the answer?

Doing your homework in selecting the right auto dealer finance software is the key. Working with an unfamiliar software tool can cause anxiety unless you are willing to spend time on the phone with their customer service department. Make sure that the software you purchase is able to address your current needs. This will help in understanding your asset requirements, both near term and in the future. Also, take the time to understand their warranty. Finally, speak with the software manufacturer about support and repair options for your potential purchase and existing systems.

For companies trying to find a floor planning solution, turn away from hand-written ledgers and unnecessary expenses related to hiring employees; turn towards state-of-the-art technology and use a proven software solution. During difficult economic times, utilizing your resources properly can be the difference between being in the black and seeing red. In fact, in good times and in bad, finding the right software can help you make the most of your budget and will surely lead to higher profitability.

Internet Marketing – Advantages and Disadvantages

Monday, December 19th, 2011



Everyone seems to be jumping on the internet marketing bandwagon lately. In the race to get their business online, many successful businesses forget to ask themselves some tough questions about what they are doing, what their expectations are and what their plan is to meet those expectations.

The internet can be a powerful tool that can put you on solid footing with bigger companies. On the other hand, the other companies may have more money to pay for advertising. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind as you analyze your internet marketing strategy.

Advantage of Internet Marketing

- your store is open, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Further, your customers are worldwide in reach, and can shop anytime that they want to

- the cost of spreading your message is next to nothing. Emailing your subscription base is more oftne cheaper than sending a letter through the mail

- updating your subscribers can be done almost instantly through email. Visitors to your website can get up to the minute information on each visit. If you are having a sale, your customers can start shopping at the discounted prices literally as soon as they open their email

- if you have an information sensitive business, such as a law firm, newspaper or online magazine, you can deliver your products directly to your customers without having to use a courier

Disadvantages of Internet Marketing

- online marketing is not free. The cost of software, hardware, wed site design, maintenance of your site, online distribution costs and of course, time, all must be factored into the cost of providing your service or product.

- slightly over 50% of households shop online. While that number will continue to grow, you are reaching less than two out of three households.

- the internet is still regarded as a source of information gathering for the majority of your customers. Of the number of visitors to your site, the vast majority of visitors who are motivated to buy will do so in person. Many people prefer the live interaction when they buy. If you have a small business with one location, this may deter customers from buying.

- easier to have outdated information on your site, thus timing of updates is critical

- there is no replacement for good old fashioned customer service. The majority of internet marketers lack customer service and inquiry response programs. As a result, many online visitors to your site will already have painted your site as poor service before they have even contacted you. The majority of websites also have poor navigation, which makes it difficult for your visitor to find what they are looking for. Many sites were created with a marketing view, not a customer service point of view.

- is your site secure? Does your customer know this? There are many incorrect stereotypes about the security of the internet out there. As a result, many of your visitors will not want to use their credit card to make a purchase. The fear of having their credit card info stolen is a clear and present danger in the minds of your visitors

- there is a lot of competition for your product already out there. By the time your visitor finds you, they have already been clicking many links. Unless they can find what they are looking for quickly, they are gone.

- many web visitors expect something for free. What do you have to offer them?

There are many other pros and cons of internet marketing. Its important for you to consider each when creating your internet marketing strategy. Each of the disadvantages can be overcome, but only if you view the customer experience from the eyes of your customer, not as an internet marketer.