Know the Trends in Channel Sales Strategy and Avoid Disaster

Why is it important to stay in the know? I believe it is because staying updated on the latest trends, developments and changes pertinent to your industry is vital in designing and crafting business strategies. It prevents you from making the huge mistake of executing a plan that is already obsolete, therefore ineffective. In today’s tough and harsh economic landscape, businesses, especially the smaller ones, cannot afford to make such a grave mistake. And believe me, I know how challenging it is to come back from a grave mistake!

A channel sales strategy serves as your guide in realizing your set business goals and objectives for sales and profitability. It outlines the detailed plans necessary for you to enhance your partners’ selling capabilities and maximize profit generation. Designing a strategy for sales requires research and awareness of what’s going on in the market. Based from research and what I’ve learned from my years in the industry, here are three relevant trends that all channel-dependent companies should keep track of:

First is that buyers are advancing technologically. If you notice, selling is no longer limited to a face-to-face interaction between a salesperson and customer. Thanks to the phenomenal advancement of technology, the generation of consumers now look to online stores and sites such as Facebook to help them acquire the product information they need and purchase what the things that they want.

Second is that there is a steadily increasing use of Customer Relationship Management and Partner Relationship Management tools and applications. The newer releases of these technologies are proving to be highly effective in managing channels, its processes as well as its partners. Don’t get left out in terms of efficiency by ignoring this trend relevant to channel sales strategy.

Third is that assertive sales personnel are assets in today’s competitive marketplace. It is important to strengthen your sales force by recruiting sales personnel that are highly effective. However, do not be surprised if these individuals have more demands such as training needs, support, career growth and development, incentives and satisfactory compensation. This implies that you should be willing to invest in competence if you want to emerge successful in this cut throat industry.

Family Vacations--Small Hotel Children’s Program Review

People think that going on vacation to Barbados with the entire family seems like the epitome of perfection. Relaxation and fun with loved ones is something that a lot of people constantly look for in today’s busy and fast-paced lifestyle, nothing could possibly go wrong, right? Well, whoever thinks this way obviously does not have any children or at least the experience of taking care of one.

It is actually a terrifying and stressful experience to bring little children along to a foreign country. There are a lot of risks involved, especially when it comes to security and safety. And children aren’t exactly angels all throughout the day. They can be cantankerous, demanding, stubborn and temperamental. Do you know what every parent’s secret worst nightmare is? The answer is a big, big tantrum in a public place.

How can Mom and Dad enjoy their much needed holiday if this is the case? The answer is simple. Book your stay at a Barbados small hotel that offers Children’s Programs. These programs offer a combination of different fun activities that usually include arts and crafts projects, scavenger hunts, nature discovery expeditions, and so on. These programs vary everyday to provide the youngsters with productive diversions to allow their parents to take a breather and actually enjoy a worry-free island experience.

Here are some accommodations such as a Barbados small hotel that offer this wonderful program in their establishment:

• Sam Lord’s Castle Resort
• Almond Village
• Coral Reef Club
• Bougainvillea Beach Resort
• Cobblers Cove Hotel
• Turtle Beach Resort
• Sandy Lane
• Almond Club & Spa
• Amaryllis Beach Resort
• Crystal Cove Hotel
• Kings Beach Hotel
• Coconut Court Beach Resort
• Tamarind Cove Hotel
• Sandy Beach Island Resort
• Royal Westmoreland
• Southwinds Beach Resort

The details of each of these accommodations are available on the internet. It is advisable that you go online check each of them out to determine which would be most suitable for you and your family.

Cobblers Cove (I’d Rather Stay at an Barbados Apartment Hotel)

My wife and I just stayed at Cobblers Cove, a high rated hotel in Barbados which was very expensive. But after a few days, I felt like we should have just chosen a good old fashioned Barbados apartment hotel.

Of course there were a lot of good things going on for that hotel. The breakfast that they served was really good. In fact, I loved it. Aside from the breakfast, I enjoyed the afternoon tea they served, which was an immortal English custom in keeping with the English country style theme of the hotel. The beach view from the hotel was also top notch since this place was a prime location. Also, there were a lot of amenities such as spas. Over all, the look of the place was wonderful.

However, the hotel was not big. I felt that spending that much money would have gotten me into a bigger hotel with bigger rooms. But the fact is that I have been to some Barbados apartment hotel establishments that was of the same size but was just as cozy and almost as excellent. The only difference of course was that the rates for those other hotels were not as gargantuan as the rates in Cobblers cove. Also, the beds were not at all comfortable.

I also had problems with the rooms since they reeked of cigar even though they were supposed to be non smoking accommodations. Telephone lines were always down. The air conditioning in some places did not seem to work. The beach was not so big. And finally, there was no water at night! It was horrible; they should have at least notified the guests beforehand. What was that all about? They had to make us go to the desk and ask before we were informed and so I couldn’t take a shower at night and had to sleep feeling sticky and dirty from swimming in the sea.

Top 5 Must-Try Bajan Food on My List

Barbados is one of my top must-visit vacation destinations, and I suppose everyone familiar to the country feels the same way. Pristine shores, sparkling azure waters, unique culture—everything about this island has the power to call out on people on travel or wanderlust mode.

If I ever manage to visit Barbados, one of my goals is to try as much authentic Bajan food as I can; I say “as much as” because I’m aware that some lodging and restaurants offer food from other more popular cuisines as well. Who knows, maybe the small hotel Barbados I get to choose will tempt me to be “safe” on dining most of the time? Food will always be one of the best ways to make a truly lasting Barbados experience, and I’m determined not to miss out on that.

To get started on my Bajan food quest, I decided to give myself direction and do research on the country’s must-try dishes.

1. Cou-Cou
Mainly comprised of corn meal and okra, Cou-Cou is a part of the national dish of Barbados. It is a staple Caribbean dish commonly served along with steamed or fried flying fish (the other half) or stew dishes. Some said the original recipe can be bland or boring, but may be spiced up if desired.

This dish also has bits of history in it, since sources say it can be traced back to the early colonial period of Barbados. It is often associated with the African ancestry of Barbados as a standard meal for African slaves brought to the island. Some people even say it can be considered as a “sibling” to the cous-cous of North Africa, and a cousin to the more chic polenta of Italy.

Barbados Apartment Hotel

2. Seafood
I’m a fan of seafood, and there’s no question that this island is full of it. From all the research I’ve been doing, most blogs seem to agree that seafood is among the must-try in Barbados. And why not—the island nation boasts of a wide variety of seafood, and the flying fish is just one of them. Seaside favorites like crabs, mussels, and shrimp are imported and made available by some restaurants, while lobsters, red snapper, dorado, king fish, and tuna are offered in many restaurants.

3. Bajan Macaroni Pie and Fried Flying Fish
One Barbados vacation website recommends trying Bajan Macaroni Pie and Fried Flying Fish, the island’s own version of the popular “Mac and Cheese.” Anything with fish and pasta is good in my book. While it’s commonly served with fried flying fish fillet, other Bajan fish like Blue Marlin and Mahi Mahi are also used as substitutes.

4. Bajan Black Eye Peas and Rice
That’s one interesting name for a rice dish, isn’t it? It is described by most websites as a well-known rice dish in the island, and served in many family meals. Also called as “Rice N Peas,” this dish also has a variation that uses parsley and kidney beans.

5. Rum Cake
Barbados is known to make the best rum, so when I came across a suggestion of rum cakes for dessert, I found it interesting! No meal is ever complete without dessert, and it would be ideal to top my Bajan food experience with this Rum Cake.

I may also try cooking these up while on vacation, depending on my budget (since I know I’d have to shop for ingredients and look for an apartment-type small hotel Barbados with a cooking area)…and maybe if I have the guts to try put my “cooking skills” to the test with a new cuisine!

Too Lazy to Cook in Your Apartment Hotel — A Restaurant Review

One of the features of a Barbados apartment hotel is that it allows its guests to take care of themselves, especially since each unit comes with its own fully equipped kitchenette. A lot of people choose these kinds of accommodations because it’s a way for them to save money on extra expenses such as eating out at restaurants. But sometimes, you get tired of cooking for yourself especially when you can have someone else cook for you. So go out of your Barbados Apartment Hotel and explore the diverse cuisine available! Here are some of the best restaurants in Barbados:

Tamnak Thai and Aspara Restaurant. This place offers authentic Indian and Thai food and is located at Morecambe House. It offers a 3 course lunch menu everyday, and am ala carte dinner served every night. It’s a perfect venue for groups and weddings.

Luigi’s Restaurant. This establishment is located in St. Lawrence Gap and is one of the most well known and successful Italian restaurants in Barbados. It prides itself in using only prime products which they either make themselves or import from Italy. They also offer almost a hundred different recipes to choose from.

Barbecue Barn. This place offers the best in fast casual dining in Barbados. The food is sumptuous, filling and most of all affordable. The restaurant is fully air conditioned, giving customers a cool and comfortable dining experience. It can be found in Warrens, St. Michael and Rockley, Christ Church

The Cliff. This is one of the finest restaurants on the West Coast and is located on a cliff top. It enjoys much popularity and rave reviews because of its innovative and creative cuisine and the imaginative setting of the restaurant, where each table enjoys a romantic view of the Caribbean Sea.

L’Azure Restaurant. It is perfectly situated on the renowned Crane Beach and offers spectacular ocean views, a variety of international and Caribbean food. It features an a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner and soft evening entertainment for the pleasure of customers.

Partner Relationship Management

What exactly is Partner Relationship Management? The first time I encountered this term, I thought to myself that this must be some real esoteric stuff. What the hell could this word possibly mean? I was tasked to write about it and so I had to do some internet research pronto. However I knew right off the bat that this was some difficult material and that this was not something that could easily be learned.

So there I was doing research. As a literature major, these business terms were very alien to me. The mere sound of them made me feel like I did not want to have anything to do with them at all. But my task was clear. I had to write a couple of business articles that I was going to publish for my friend’s business periodical and so I had to learn all that I could about Partner Relationship Management.

As it turns out, Partner Relationship Management was not so hard to understand at all. My first impression soon faded away, but not that soon of course. At first I was getting lost in all the vocabulary. Well, for those who are in a similar situation as I am, here is a short and sweet list of important vocabulary one needs to know. To understand Partner Relationship Management or also called as PRM.

Partner Relationship Management or PRM is a term used to denote the system of procedures, software tools, and strategies that a vendor will need in order to keep track of its partner channel network which is also called its cloud. This system is sometimes associated with Customer Relationship Management or CRM. The difference between the two is simply the focus on partner instead of customers. Clouds, or channel partners is what one call the intricate network of a parent vendor company’s resellers, marketers, consultants, distributors, etc.

How to Cut the Cost of Car Insurance?

How to Cut the Cost of Car Insurance?

The present economic condition certainly calls for stringent measures. Daily we face the threat of losing our jobs, a rising cost of living and rising insurance premiums. Aside from purchasing the right car, owners need to put much effort in finding and maintaining low cost car insurance. It is an established fact that there is a steady rise in accident insurance claims over the last decade. This might be due in part to the congestion of our traffic ways and the younger generation's driving style. These conditions behoove us to try to cut insurance cost by as much as is possible.

The most basic step towards reducing cost is finding the best low cost car insurance available. This means shopping around and comparing rates and coverage's. With the advent of the internet, you do not even have to do it on foot anymore, nor do you need to wear away your fingers dialing your phone. There are tools available online which allows you to compare the prices of at least 80 car insurance agents and providers. If you are still in the process of buying a car, be careful to choose the conventional cars with small engines. Buying a luxury or a performance car as this will be expensive to maintain. Both high fuel consumption and high insurance premium are sure to go with it. Premiums increase because insurance is based on value, cost of repair, parts replacement, performance and security. If you do buy a performance or a luxury car, it is best to consult an insurance specialist.

Be sure you know what kind of insurance will be adequate for your needs. Know the kind of insurance mandated by your state first before applying for one. Make sure also that you do not pay for a cover that you do not actually need. Your vehicle might not require comprehensive cover. Low cost car insurance is what you are after and you could even slash premiums further using a third party only or third party fire and theft policy. You can also slash your premiums by agreeing to a higher deductible, this means that you will be paying for small expenses involving minor accidents. Regulating small claims will mean lower premiums. Be sure however that you set it a level that you can comfortably afford.

Other activities that will help you have low cost car insurance are as follows: Keep your customizations at a minimum, do not modify your car. Make sure that the security you have is adequate. If you do not have a garage, be sure to park in a well-lit area. Some insurance companies will be willing to lower their rates or offer discounts if you have an alarm and a tracking device installed. A good past driving record that is accident free or violation free will also help in lowering the value of your insurance. This will indicate that you can properly maintain the safety of you car

How to Cut the Cost of Car Insurance?

Travel Hotels: Reviewing How to Choose an All-Inclusive Resort

You’ve heard so much about them, and you know you want to give it a shot. It could be your ticket to enjoy a sunny Caribbean vacation after all. But you have absolutely no idea where to start, especially since there seems to be so many of them to choose from on the internet! You finally ask yourself, ‘how do I choose amongst all all-inclusive Barbados Travel Hotels or resorts?’

The Caribbean, or Barbados, in particular, offers a wide array of choices for all-inclusive hotels and resorts. In this time and age, it is critically important to make the right decision when it comes to expenditure. To help you with your search and comparisons, here is a simple guideline to help you along.

Be sure who you’re traveling with. A traveling party can make a huge impact on overnight lodgings because some resorts or hotels have restrictions on age, and so on. Some places may not be child-friendly or can even be unsuitable for a romancing couple. This is why before making a final choice, be sure of who are traveling with you so you’ll know which lodgings will suit your party best.

Next is that you have to know your purpose for going to Barbados. This purpose can influence the kind of resort you will choose to stay at. Some places are particularly appropriate for romantic getaways, while others are more for families or even business trips. Then, take note of what kind of activities you want to do or enjoy. Some people want relaxing vacations, while others want action-packed ones. Know what these activities are, and research on the resorts or hotels that offer them.

Last is to know your budget allocation. This is probably one of the most important things to consider whenever you go on vacation. The prices for all-inclusive stays vary because first of all, they differ in their offer and the quality of amenities and facilities they have. This leads to the consideration of the over-all quality of Barbados Travel Hotels. Surely you want to get the best value for your money. This is why you have to access their websites to check what they have to offer you, and whether or not this will suit your needs and the like.

Remember that researching is the key to a successful vacation in a foreign country. Gather the necessary information that will help you with your choices, and at the same time give you an idea as to how to deal with potential problems and issues. Take the time to go over your choices, and then after you consider the abovementioned guideline, then make your decision and good luck!

Imagine That, There’s California Car Insurance for Non-owners

It seems that people think of and have answers for everything, nowadays. Like how to make things easier, faster, stronger, safer—everything! All these new gadgets, architectural and engineering marvels, innovations, laws and products amaze me beyond comprehension. You see, I’m not the kind of person who would sit down and think of ways to change the world and help people. I guess I’m kind of nonchalant and maybe a little selfish like that.

free insurance quotes San Diego

What brought this blathering about is because I recently found out that there’s California car insurance for non owners. How amazing is that? And the thing is, according to my cousin (who was, likewise, amazed by my ignorance), it’s not really anything new. You’re probably thinking that I’m retarded, or something, for getting all worked up and excited over a trivial matter such as non owners car insurance, but come on! Isn’t it just the cleverest thing?



Every responsible driver and car owner knows that it is truly important to get the best possible coverage for your car insurance because of all the benefits a person can reap from it. Basically, it’s due to the fact that a car has the potential to be a death machine—a monster of destruction. It can kill people and destroy property and valuables. It’s dangerous enough to own a drive one, but what about the people who have to drive the car of others?

The beauty of California car insurance for non owners is that it allows people to drive practically any car without having to worry about its insurance status. Let’s face it. There certainly are times when you wouldn’t have any other choice but drive someone else’s car. I mean, yeah, it doesn’t offer the same comprehensive coverage a regular insurance would have, but it has sufficient coverage that can provide basic protection in case of untoward car accidents. Non owners’ car insurance policies normally would include liability, medical coverage, PIP, uninsured or underinsured motorist.

I am very happy that there are people out there who have the ability to create and are able to come up with these simple yet revolutionary concepts. Although it is kind of embarrassing to be ‘ignorant’ of these everyday, normal things, I think it’s kind of an advantage because this way, I am able to appreciate the genius and beauty behind them.

Microsoft fiscal 2Q earns up 60 pct on PC rebound

Of Course You Can Afford to Stay in a Barbados Travel Hotel!

A lot of normal (or middle class, take your pick) people think that dream vacations in a tropical paradise are practically impossible because they cost too much—so much in fact that they’d jokingly (or seriously) consider robbing a bank. If ever they would try to make such a dream happen, they believe that it would require years of cost-cutting for them to come up with a sum that’s substantial enough to at least enjoy a day in the Caribbean, let alone a comfortable Barbados Travel Hotel.

affordable Barbados travel

They are wrong. Of course you can afford to vacation there! What these people don’t realize is that all it takes to have an awesome time in Barbados or any other place in the Caribbean is to do a bit of planning, and a whole lot of creative thinking to make such a ‘far-fetched’ dream a reality. Yes, it is true that it would require a certain saving strategy. But what everyone must consider is that these savings should be maximized by being one step ahead and flexible.



To kick off the master plan, you should first look at the major money drainers: airfare and hotel expenses. Barbados is definitely not a cheap place to visit, but it can be made a lot cheaper. The trick is to research on accommodation deals that are all-inclusive, and book Barbados Travel Hotels and plane tickets early. The internet has tons of sources for these kinds of deals.

Next, remember to stay flexible especially with your time and schedule. This is because the most affordable deals are offered during the off-season, or on certain days of the week. However, it is understandable that going to the beach is most enjoyable during the peak season, but do not fret. The trick is making reservations well in advance on days when tourists do not normally fly or check in like Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Another way to enjoy a cheap vacation in Barbados is to refrain from indulging too much on food during the vacation itself—that is to not constantly eat out at restaurants and the like. Check in a hotel that offers rooms with kitchens so you can cook food for yourself. There would be a time that you’d be too lazy to do that, but hey! You can eat out, but at places that are popular with the locals like eateries! They are considerably less expensive.
Be a smart, discerning consumer. In order to continue to enjoy the material things in this increasingly expensive society, craftiness and creativity goes a long way.

Yahoo Travel on Barbados

Bad Bosses We love to Hate

Bad Bosses: What Kind are You?

by Jeff Schmitt
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Time to Face Your Reports

The day of reckoning has arrived. Your leadership skills need an overhaul, and I've detailed why in the following slides. Any of these shortcomings sound familiar?

1. Don't Know Your Job

Illustration by David Foster

You're the invisible man, the one who doesn't delve into the details or pitch in. You insulate yourself, telling us it's "not my job" and to "just do it." We know your dirty secret: You're out of touch. It's time to step away from your precious spreadsheets and get your hands dirty. You can't channel talent, time, and tools if you don't know how they're already being deployed.

2. Don't Listen

Illustration by David Foster

We've seen it all. You fiddle with your BlackBerry (RIMM) when we're speaking. You interrupt constantly to make your points. And you roll your eyes and grow impatient—unless you're talking. No matter, you disregard our input anyway. So we've given up; we don't come to you anymore. And we both suffer for it. If you want to succeed, rebuild that goodwill. It'll require time and toil, but the best relationships always do.

3. Closed-Minded

Illustration by David Foster

You're gifted and accomplished, the best and brightest. And that has made you susceptible to pride. Now, you're quick to reach conclusions. Everything is one-sided, with no room for discussion, differences, or dissent. You may view yourself as all-knowing, but conditions change. And talent doesn't stand for "my way or the highway" for long. Pride goeth before a fall. Question is, can you open up and adapt before then?

4. Poor Preparation

Illustration by David Foster

Another emergency meeting. Drop what you're doing, they need it now. We're changing direction and working late again. It's always last minute, make it up as you go along. Maybe it fosters teamwork and creativity sometimes, but you can only cry wolf so many times. In reality, the unexpected drama reflects your inability to set expectations, plan ahead, and think it through. And it's just wearing us down.

5. Not Building Skills

Illustration by David Foster

"People are our most important asset." Well, it's empty rhetoric here. Maybe you want to be hands-off or encourage self-reliance. Whatever the intent, you're not helping us grow. And that's your real job as a manager: to broaden our outlook, push us beyond our comfort zones, exemplify the corporate values, and focus us on learning, serving, persevering, leading, and advancing. Don't take that responsibility lightly.

6. Overzealous

Illustration by David Foster

History remembers the tyrants but rarely the subjects who did the heavy lifting. It's no different here. You've created a divide-and-conquer atmosphere, all stick and no carrot, where everyone should be the same workaholic reflection of you. Eventually, your bullying and rah-rah intensity produces one question: "Why?" You may think we should be in "for life," but what are you giving back in return for that blind loyalty?

7. Don't Maintain Discipline

Illustration by David Foster

All the workers come and go as they please, living according to their own rules. No one knows who is where or doing what, and the result is chaos. Maybe you want to be our buddy—or experience how a sweat shop atmosphere fosters only resentment. Either way, coddling does no favors to anyone. Like it or not, you need to set rules and hold people accountable.

8. Never Heard of Tact

Illustration by David Foster

You always remind us that we're replaceable and working at your pleasure. Yes, it's your legendary bluntness. Your talent and tenure shields you from scrutiny. Sadly, your lack of self-awareness results in everyone—superiors and reports—maligning or marginalizing you. Brains take you only so far; eventually, you'll need to build and nurture relationships. And that requires people skills: listening, charming, understanding, and compromising. Think you're up for that?

9. Lack Influence

Illustration by David Foster

It's funny how we're usually last to get face time and resources. Our mission is vital and performance exceeds expectations. You'd like to believe it's jealousy, but maybe the messenger is undercutting the message. Look at your variables: appearance, body language, and speaking and writing styles. Do you always convey the image of a polished professional who can work in a team and get the job done? If you can't, you'll never get anyone's ear.

10. Blindside Us

Illustration by David Foster

Ah, there's nothing like a surprise. Whether you're singling us out in public or ambushing us in private, you're not afraid to render judgments and deliver lectures. Despite our advanced degrees and track records, you still treat us as servants. Instead of dropping the news all at once, give us fair warning when our performance doesn't meet expectations. Always take action immediately—and discreetly.