Remedies to Cure Bad Breath

                

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Having bad breath can be a very embarrassing situation. However, this is a condition practically everyone goes through in their lives. Most of the causes of bad breath are smoking, dieting, having some illnesses like cold, and/or some drinks you drink. However, having bad breath is not the end of the world. There are things that can be done to get rid of it.

The first thing to do is to ensure that you brush, floss and rinse properly everyday as it removes leftover food particles in teeth and makes your breath fresh. Of course, brushing is only helpful in the beginning of the day; after that the food and drinks you consume will affect your breath.

This is where gum proves to be a wise choice for you. Make it a habit to chew on chewing gum if you intend to meet someone after eating or smoking. However, sometimes gum may not be the right alternative, and it tends to lose its flavor rather quickly. When going to dinner with an accomplice, you wouldn?t know what to do with the gum. Moreover, it is not professional to chew when talking to someone and it also makes you bloated as you tend to swallow air when chewing.

Breath sprays or mints are great for eliminating bad breath. Though they make your breath fresh, using breath sprays may not be easy in public. You never know when you may miss your mouth and spray someone else! And with mints, they take a long time to dissolve and have extra calories which you may not need. Considering all these points, breath strips seem to be the best alternative.

Breath strips are little enough to be carried everywhere but can kill your bad breath. They can be easily popped in your mouth in public and dissolve quickly to give you great smelling breath. Breath strips are usually found in different flavors which you can choose from.

We have made a research and found the most popular bad breath treatments and websites. Find it only on Bad Breath Cure Index. All about bad breath treatments on http://www.bad-breath-causes-cures.com

Bad Breath Pregnancy

                

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When we're reading about causes of bad breath pregnancy is not often listed, however many pregnant women do complain about having halitosis or about experiencing a persistent unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth. Bad breath during pregnancy may result from hormonal changes or deteriorating dental health.

Sudden bad breath is always a sign that something has changed and it should prompt a self-assessment of recent changes in life style, diet or health. It may well be a sign that a visit to the dentist or doctor is in order. If you are pregnant and you suddenly develop bad breath pregnancy may be the indirect cause; however, it could also be a sign of health problems or the onset of gum disease. If careful and persistent oral care practices don't clear up the problem, see you doctor rather than assuming that it will go away on its own once the pregnancy is over.

It's well known that pregnant women have increased calcium needs and are at greater risk of tooth decay if these calcium needs are not met. When the diet is deficient in calcium, the mineral is taken from the teeth to provide for the developing baby. Tooth decay and gum disease often go hand in hand - when this process starts in the mouth, it can contribute to sudden bad breath. Pregnant women should always be under a doctor?s care and have regular dental checkups to catch problems early. Bad breath pregnancy problems are problematic to treat because of the difficulty with taking medications or undergoing medical procedures during this delicate time.

An unpleasant taste in the mouth may not mean that there is also bad breath. The taste can often be dealt with over the short term with lozenges or breath mints (choose sugar free if possible to reduce the chances of tooth decay). When there is true bad breath pregnancy does limit the measures you can safely take, though mouthwashes, which are not swallowed, are generally safe to use. Always read the label instructions carefully, and consult your doctor if you are in doubt or if you experience unexplained sudden bad breath.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Bad Breath Remedies, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

Help Bad Breath - The Guide To Fight It

                

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Help Bad Breath

Do you think you have bad breath? Do you get embarassed due to how bad your breath is? Do you loose valuable and important relationships due to your bad breath?

Well if your answers to any of them were yes, then I sugguest you read on and take a look at a guide I'm going to show you. It helps you fight bad breath, and eradicate it the quick and easy way. I'm sure that if you are reading this, then you probably do have bad breath. I mean, no offence or anything but someone with nice breath wouldnt be reading this article, so I do recommend you take a look at the guide I'm going to link to. As you've probably gathered, it WILL help your bad breath, and tell you why you have bad breath. Most important though, it will 100% help bad breath, and help you get out of the reputation of having bad breath, and gain stronger relationships again.

The following paragraph is taken from the sales page of the product, and is 100% true about what the guide will speak to you about: -

'Now, you can get rid of bad breath almost overnight, even if everything you've tried before didn't work. Imagine having breath so fresh and so much self confidence that you'll be able to speak just inches away from someone's face and never, ever worry about bad breath again. Impossible? Not by a long shot!'

That passage of text is definatly true about the way this eBook is set out, it will give you plenty of tips on beating your bad breath and will help bad breath in a matter of hours.

This eBook will explain why you have bad breath, and never be able to smell it, 9 characteristic signs of bad breath problems, the single cause of virtually all bad breath problems, why having "Dry Mouth" can be your worse enemy while fighting bad breath, four simple techniques you can implement to eliminate dry mouth almost overnight and much much more. This guide will definatly help with your problems.

********************************************************************** Do you want to fight bad breath in the next 30 minutes? Do you want to get out of your reputation of having a smelly breath? If so, follow the link below and it will take you to the best guide there is to help you fight bad breath.

Help Bad Breath

Bad Breath Can be Treated and Prevented

                

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Most adults suffer from bad breath from time to time and the condition that causes bad breath is called Halitosis.In fact, statistics reveal that up to 25 per cent of adults suffer from halitosis. There are many reasons related to bad breath. Bad breath usually arises because of the breakdown of protein by bacteria in the mouth. Most cases of bad breath are not serious and they usually relate to dental hygiene such as gum disease and periodontal diseases. After waking up, it is also common to have bad breath due to bacteria that is present in plaque (morning breath). The reason is that the mouth often dries out when we sleep and creates a fertile breeding ground for bacteria in plaque on the teeth and at the back of the tongue. As a result, the bacteria produces number of odors, including volatile sulphur compounds which are believed to be the main cause of bad breath. Also, eating certain foods such as onion, garlic, pastrami and curries can also cause bad breath as the chemicals in the food enter the bloodstream but are breathed out through the mouth from the lungs. The elderly are also believed to suffer more from bad breath because of their reduced saliva production. Medications too contribute to bad breath as they can cause the mouth to be dry. These include antidepressants, diuretics and antihistamines. But according to medical studies, up to 10 per cent sufferers of halitosis may be due to a more serious underlying medical problem. The best way to ascertain if one has halitosis due to oral reasons is by going to the dentist who will then use a halimeter to assess the condition. A specialised device designed to measure the volatile sulphur compounds, the halimeter measures the air that the patient blows into the machine through a straw-like tube. The machine then calibrates how much sulphur compound.

Prevention

Most bad breath can be cured by having better oral and dental hygiene. In particular, it would be good to clean between the teeth with dental floss, wood sticks or an effective inter-dental brush. In fact, most people do not brush their teeth properly. On average, most people spend just 45 seconds brushing their teeth but in fact, they should take up to three minutes to cover all the tooth surfaces in their mouth. Many also do not realise that a toothbrush should be changed every three to four months. Tongue cleaners are useful in removing the coat that builds up on the surface of the tongue, possibly due to the mucus that drips down from the back of the nose. Cleaning the back of the tongue is also a good way to help prevent bad breath. This can be done with a toothbrush. But those who feel discomfort when doing so may prefer to use a mouthwash. Other ways to prevent bad breath include drinking more fluids and cleaning the mouth after eating milk products, fish and meat. More fresh and fibrous vegetables should also be consumed. Drinking excessive coffee should also be avoided.

Have Fresh Breath For Life! Eliminate Bad Breath Quickly And Easily!

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Bad Breath - Is It A Problem

                

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Whether it is something we ate or drink, or even if we smoke. At some point all of us suffer from a slight form of bad breath.

High populations of us have the dreaded morning breath, and this simply cannot be helped. This is usually caused from having a dry mouth for such a long period of time. Daily smells on your breath can be contributed from foods, drink and smoking, and sometimes medication can be a cause. Anything that dries out your mouth will cause some degree of bad breath as the dry mouth area is the perfect breeding area for the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Everyday there are adverts informing us to take mints of regularly have mouth washes. It is commonly known that these products actually help cause bad breath, so they are really doing no favors for you at all.

Bad breath is formed by high concentrations of bacteria in the mouth, and the bacteria lives and breeds underneath the tongue's surface and on the tonsils at the back of the throat. Unfortunately it is not just sat on the surface where it can be simply washed off by mouth wash or mints. Most mouth washes contain alcohol, which is a great addition in helping to dry out your mouth, which in turn leads to bad breath.

As we all know foods such as garlic and onions are great for bad breath, but we all eat more and more, because we like them. The bacteria that causes bad breath is present in everyone's mouth as it is needed to help break down the proteins in numerous types of food we eat. What we have to do is not allow that bacteria to breed to much otherwise it will work to our disadvantage and provide us with bad breath.

If bad breath is a major concern to you then there are a few precautions you can take to help eliminate the smell. Brushing your teeth several times a day, and especially after meals can do the trick. Cutting out certain spicy foods, as that is a great contributor to bad breath. Don't smoke and cut your weekly alcohol intake down considerably. Investing in good tooth paste that neutralizes the sulphur compounds and has anti bacterial properties to help reduce the risk of bad breath. Always have regular visits to the dentist.

More information on Bad Breath can be found at the author's website at http://www.curebadbreath.info

Avoid Bad Breath

                

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Bad breath can be a serious issue. No one wants to be known as having bad breath. However, brushing regularly and mouthwash may not always be effective. Here are some tips about avoiding bad breath.

If you are suffering from bad breath, brushing and rinsing your mouth may not be an effective remedy. There are many reasons why people have bad breath.

Besides eating potent foods such as onions and garlic, most dentists have found that the top bad breath contributors are a dry mouth or sinus infection. Even if you are following an oral hygiene regiment, these two contributors can still cause bad breath.

If you have dry mouth you can easily counter by constantly keeping your mouth moist by a lozenge or drinking water regularly However, if you have a sinus infection, you will need to see a doctor for a prescription to rid yourself of it.. Most people don't even realize that they have a sinus infection, but bad breath can be an indicator of one.

So if you are trying to avoid embarrassment look into these tips or see your dentist or doctor to avoid bad breath

More informations are available at http://www.health-00.info

Joel Dresse is the Webmaster of http://www.health-00.info, an informative site on health, breast cancer, exercise, weight loss and more subjects relatted to medicine.

Dog Breath! Are You and Your Family Suffering from Your Pet's Bad Breath?

                

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When was the last time your loveable canine gave you a big wet kiss? If your dog has doggie breath, you may not be the only one who is suffering. Your dog's problem extends beyond the odor. Canine halitosis (dog breath) can be a sign of periodontal disease or a mouth infection. The symptoms of periodontal disease are not limited to foul breath but also include excessive tartar build up, tooth discoloration and gum disease. Most dogs suffer from some degree of periodontal disease, but with proper dental care and food, the degree of the affliction can be limited.

Mouth infections are a more serious issue that will require a visit to your veterinarian. If the gums and soft tissue supporting the teeth are severely inflamed, it could be stomatitis. Another cause of bad breath could be a severe cavity, abscess, tooth fracture or something caught in the gum line. If you suspect any of these afflictions, bring your dog to the veterinarian for evaluation and treatment for pain with antibiotics.

If you have ruled out infection and are faced with periodontal disease, there are some treatments to help your dog's breath.

Proper Diet --Dry food is a good choice to provide chewing and gum stimulation. Moist food does not have to be chewed as thoroughly and can stick to the teeth. Rawhide and other dry chewing treats will also provide a chewing exercise. Consider food and treats with tartar control. Avoid giving your pet real animal bones as they can splinter and bits of bone can lodge under the gum line and cause injury.

Brush Teeth --Ideally your dog's teeth should be brushed once a day but realistically a minimum of twice a week is acceptable. There are special brushes, pastes and rinses to make this job more enjoyable for your dog. Don't use mint-flavored human toothpaste. It's foaming action and ingredients are hard on your dog's stomach. Opt for special dog friendly pastes like tuna or meat flavored instead. Start with one or two teeth and work up to a whole mouth routine. If your dog won't accept the brush, try a pediatric finger brush. It is a rubber, thimble-like devise that fits over your finger. The rubber bristles are soft and might be more comfortable to your dog.Dave Eckholm is the owner and creator of http://www.olddogpaws.com, a site dedicated to the care and comfort of our old friends. As our dog Tikki began to lose his eyesight and became grey around his muzzle, he started to have special needs. We searched for new resources and products to enhance his life. Old Dog Paws shares this information with all dog lovers so your friend can enjoy wonderful senior years too!

How To Cure Bad Breath

                

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Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Many people suffer from it either temporarily or as a chronic problem. Common causes are odiferous foods, smoking, poor oral hygiene, sinus conditions and medical issues. There are many cures for this ailment that are simple to use. If problems persist, though, it is advisable to seek the authority of a dentist or medical professional to rule out any serious dental or medical issues.

Certain foods such as garlic and onions produce bad breath. This is not a serious condition and will resolve itself in little time. Also, smoking can produce bad breath. Smoking can contribute to more serious dental and gum issues but the odor associated with smoking is unavoidable. It is, of course, recommended that smokers quit but short of that, there is little prevention for smoker?s breath. For a temporary fix, brush your teeth, chew gum or use a mint.

People with sinus conditions produce mucus that can be foul smelling. As a treatment for the sinus condition, a patient may be prescribed antihistamines which can cause dry mouth. If the mouth does not produce enough saliva to remain moist, this will cause bad breath. This is also why people have morning breath after sleeping for several hours allowing the mouth to dry out. Brushing and drinking plenty of water will help alleviate this.

There are several natural remedies found to help counteract the effects of bad breath. Chewing cardamom seeds, sunflower seeds, mint leaves and parsley are known to deodorize. Gargling with a mixture of lemon juice and water also helps. Brushing with baking soda and adding it to water for gargling is a popular choice in home remedies. Drinking teas with spices such as cardamom, anise, cinnamon and fennel are all reported to help sweeten breath.

The best way to treat bad breath is to ensure proper dental care. Brushing and flossing regularly will help deter bacteria from forming on teeth and tongue. As food particles can get trapped between teeth, flossing is essential to ensure plaque does not accumulate. Regular trips to the dentist for professional cleaning are also advised. When brushing, ensure a good toothbrush is used and do not neglect the tongue. Bacteria can get trapped on the tongue as well so thoroughly brush it.

If bad breath is a persistent condition, seek consultation with a dentist. It may be a sign of a more serious dental issue or gum disease. If a dentist rules out dental problems as a cause, a referral to a medical doctor may be in order. Certain conditions such as liver and kidney diseases can contribute to bad breath.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for PoorBreath.com. To learn more about bad breath remedies and how to cure bad breath, visit us.

Children And Halitosis, Bad Breath

                

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Children can have bad breath just as easily as their parents. When the Webmaster of badbreathgone.com asked me to write an article on halitosis (bad breath) and children, my first thought was, ?Great, a no brainer!? As an RN and mother who also works in close contact with children in a daycare, I?ve got plenty of good insight into halitosis in our little ones.

When you smell the breath of a healthy child it smells fresh and clean. If it doesn?t, then use this checklist of the most probable causes of the halitosis/bad breath:

1. Dehydration.(which is more common than most people suspect)
2. Overeating and consequent poor digestion.
3. Eating food that promotes yeast/ candida.
4. Incipient or undiagnosed illness/ infection, low immune system.
5. Too much sugar.
6. Dental problems.
7. Not well-rested, too much activity.

As a parent and RN I often try to smell a child?s breath. I can tell you that the children who come to the ER with bronchitis or asthma all have halitosis/ bad breath. Why? Because they have an infection and/or food allergy, and 9 times out of 10 are dehydrated.

So what can parents and caregivers do to give our children sweet smelling breath?

1. Be sure your child drinks enough water - and I mean water - not juices or soda. Juices, and soda particularly, dehydrate your child and load up the system with sugar. And sugar provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and parasite fungus/ yeast and candida.

2. Monitor your child?s eating. Too much food, or food eaten too often, will not digest properly, and will ferment and create toxicity that smells bad.

3. Sugar ? again. White sugar increases halitosis, and also nourishes infections and yeast infections/ candida. Cut it down, or better, cut it out if you want fresh breath (and many other benefits besides).

4. Halitosis is a sign that the body needs something. It could be as simple as more water, or perhaps the entire immune system needs a boost. See my article on flu to help boost your child?s immune system.

5. Be sure to have regular dental check-ups. I could say much more about this, but let?s keep it simple. Just follow through and make those appointments.

6. Watch how your child is doing?? Too much activity? Not enough quality rest? Some kind of emotional distress? Imbalances both physical and emotional can ?sour? the stomach, turning good food into bad. I?ve found that bad breath can provide great motivation for parents to get closely tuned to their children and really work for their well-being.

Some simple remedies to freshen the mouth are a drop of Oil of Oregano under the tongue or on the toothbrush, and chewing on a clove. While drugstores have whole shelves full of products to sweeten halitosis/ bad breath, many products contain ingredients that I would not myself take. Be careful ? if you routinely ingest a small amount of ?helpful? toxins, that can really add up as the days run to weeks, months and years.

Pieternel has been an R.N for over 25 years. She develops natural products for preventive health and is an expert on natural health issues. This article was written for www.badbreathgone.com.

 www.pieternel.com

Pieternel Van Giersbergen has been an R.N for over 25 years. She develops natural products for preventive health and is an expert on natural health issues. This article was written for http://www.badbreathgone.com.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

                

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Bad breath(Halitosis)is widespread and quite common. You have probably discretely stepped away from friends or colleagues with bad breath. But it can also be a shock to realize that others, for the same reason, may be edging (discretely) away from you!

How can you know if your breath is offensive?

Try this simple bad breath(Halitosis)test:
Lick the inside of your wrist and wait 4 seconds. Now smell your wrist. If you don't like what smell, your breath does not smell good either. Easy, no? An accurate and portable diagnosis!

What causes bad breath?

? Not enough water in your body, dehydration.
? Gum or tooth problems/ disease
? Intestinal/ stomach disorders, yeast infection
? Use of medications
? Stress

Remedies for Bad Breath (Halitosis)

1. Water - yes, water! Many people suffer from chronic dehydration because they don't drink drink the 8-12 glasses of water a day that the body needs. This common form of dehydration causes much common bad breath. You can improve your breath - and give a big lift to your health - simply by drinking enough water.

2. Recently eaten food that hasn't been brushed out can quickly smell bad. The "cure" then is to simply brush or floss. For gum disease and decay you must visit your dentist. And for improved oral hygiene, put a few drops of Oil of Oregano on your toothbrush or to swish it in your mouth as a mouthwash. Did you know that Oil of Oregano is antibacterial/ anti viral/ anti fungus and anti parasite? It seeks out these health impediments everywhere in the body. At the first signs of infection, Oil of Oregano is your great first line of defense.

3. For disturbed digestion you should see your doctor. But for mild problems such as GERD and acid reflux, take probiotics in the form acidophilus or kefir. For worse stomach problems try ? cup of Aloe vera before breakfast. Do this for at least 3 weeks. For my friend Peter this completely healed his stomach ulcer! Most GERD are related to the H pylori, which is a bacteria found in meats that haven't been thoroughly cooked. If you like your meat rare, take Oil of Oregano on a regular basis as a preventive measure.

3. When you are under too much stress your digestive system doesn't circulate enough oxygen (the energy goes into a fight or flight mode). This makes your digestive tract a breeding ground for the wrong bacteria - and for bad breath as well. Be sure to introduce deep, relaxed breathing throughout your busy day.

4. Eat raw parsley, chew on anise seed or cardamom, nutmeg or fennel - they're natural breath fresheners that don't just mask odors, but actually freshen the breath.

5. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains; avoid white flour products like white bread and pastas, as well as sugared juices and sodas.

5. You may have an undetected yeast infection. Find out for yourself by performing a simple self-test for yeast/candida overgrowth.

6. Chew your food well and do not drink fluids with your food. Take no food two hours before bedtime and try to not take food for 12 hours after dinner.

7. Eliminate as often as you can. Try to have three bowel movements a day. If you need some help, try 4 ounces of prune juice with 4 ounces of magnesium citrate. (My R.N. friend Marie calls this "The Bomb".) For more help try 2000 mg. of vitamin C with electrolytes every hour. Do this for 4 hours or more, until you start to have loose stools. (This also works well for headaches and boosts your immune system.

8. Drink at least 2 cups of kefir a day. This helps your intestinal flora regain its natural balance of bacteria.

Remember - fresh, clean breath is a reflection of good health, and health is an ongoing process. Stick with it! Follow my suggestions, and keep a log of what you do and the effects you see. This simple tracking process can help you pinpoint what is truly effective. You will be inspired by your own success!

Warmly, Pieternel van Giersbergen.Pieternel has been an R.N for over 25 years. She develops natural products for preventive health and is an expert on natural health issues. Her site http://www.pieternel.com has over 120 articles about healing yourself and staying healthy.

What Causes Bad Breath Anyway?

                

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 by: Thuvarakan Tharmalingam

We have all suffered from an occasional case of bad breath. It's estimated that 50 to 65 percent of the population suffer from bad breath. A few unfortunate people suffer from chronic bad breath, seeming never to get rid of the foul odor that escapes every time they open their mouth. But what is the main cause of bad breath?

Like all living organisms, we have a variety of other organisms that live in or on us in a constant balance of life. In case of bad breath, the main cause is the bacteria that normally occur within your mouth; or more specifically the waste products these bacteria produce from their normal biological life.

Life of Bacteria in Your Mouth

Your body is a host to billions of bacteria, and the majority of them are beneficial to you; there are bacteria in your stomach which aid food digestion, there are helpful bacteria on your skin which protect you against other harmful bacteria, and there are bacteria that just love the environment of your mouth. The last type is called anaerobic bacteria.

Anaerobic bacteria live best in conditions where there is no oxygen. There are plenty of places for anaerobic bacteria to live in your mouth; under the gum line, on the back of your tongue, between the teeth, and just about any place in your mouth that may be covered by a thin film. It is the waste products of the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath.

Again, a person's mouth is home to hundreds of different species of bacteria. There is a constant battle going on in your mouth at all times. A battle for living space between that cause bad breath and those that don't. The precise balance between these types of bacteria, determines the freshness of your breath.

How Do They Cause Bad Breath?

Through normal living process, these bacteria produce waste products in your mouth. The most common of these are volatile sulfur compounds with very unpleasant odor. These compounds are referred to as "volatile" because they readily evaporate when exposed to air under normal temperatures. This volatility of these compounds can offend those around you very quickly.

While these volatile sulfur compounds are principal factor of bad breath cause, the anaerobic bacteria produce numerous other compounds that also have such offensive odors. They include:

• Cadaverine - creates the smell associated with corpses

• Putrescine - causes the odor of decaying meat

• Skatole - has the characteristic smell of human feces

• Isovaleric Acid - produces the smell of sweaty feet

What Do Anaerobic Bacteria Eat?

The waste products mentioned above are produced as anaerobic bacteria digest proteins. Therefore, anytime you eat a source of protein, the bacteria in your mouth get a meal too.

Even without an obvious source of protein, the anaerobic bacteria in your mouth can find a protein source anytime. There are many natural protein sources in your mouth, from dead skin cells to proteins found in saliva.

Conclusion

While you can't do anything about the fact that bacteria live in your mouth, it is important to realize that the disturbed balance between anaerobic bacteria and other types is a key factor in the cause of bad breath. You should do everything you can to make the conditions of your mouth as unattractive to anaerobic bacteria as possible.

Thuvarakan Tharmalingam had been a long-term sufferer of bad breath or halitosis. He has created http://www.bad-breath-guide.com to share his knowledge of bad breath--acquired through a lot of research. The above article is written to inform people. It should not be treated as professional medical/dental advice.

Your Baby's Ugly...and You've Got Bad Breath

                

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Ever wondered what to give the "Person Who Has Everything"? A Gift Basket could be just the thing. Have you been from shop to shop and thought "Yes This is It" and then discounted the gift because it wasn't really what you wanted.

My best friend has everything and when I say everything, "I Mean Everything". She has either been given or purchased every conceivable gadget available in the last 5 years. She loves to shop. One of her motto's is "Shop Til you Drop, Spend Til the End". And she lives by that rule!

When it comes to gifts for my friend -- she is "The Hardest Person to Buy For". Oh did I tell you, she even has a kitchen sink on her car key tag !

It was while looking for a present for my friend that I thought "What About A Gift Basket". I was in a specialized shop and the sign said "For the Person Who Has Everything" and the light turned on.

I'm not sure if you are aware but these days gift baskets have changed. No longer are they the old style cane baskets (although there are some very attractive cane baskets available on today's market). Today Gift Baskets came in all shapes and sizes. In fact, it is basically up to your imagination as to what a "Gift Basket" should be. You can use old shoes, buckets, calico bags, pot plant holders in fact anything that holds what items you purchase to fill the basket with.

Gift Baskets are lots of fun to create and very easy to make. Gone are the days of saying... oh I'm not creative enough to make a professional looking basket. Anyone can make a professional looking basket -- as long as you have some imagination and a willingness to give it a try.

If you are stuck for a present for that "Person Who Has Everything" then a Gift Basket is for you!

Firstly decide on a theme or if you aren't sure then write down the interests of the recipient ie. golf or tennis, shopping etc. You could even base it around a coming event. Once you have made the list, work your way through it until you find something that stands out that would fit into your Gift Basket "theme".

For today's basket lets say your friend loves to entertain and one of her favorite meals is "Italian" food.

You could choose a selection of baskets for this theme; today we will use a large pasta bowl as our "basket" or a large cooking pot. Our basket needs to be large enough to hold the goodies that we are going to purchase so that we can then turn this into a Professional Looking "Gift Basket". If neither of these ideas appeals to you, let your imagination take over and choose something that fits into your theme selection.

Next take yourself down to the local supermarket or deli who specialize in gourmet foods. Set yourself a budget as to what you want to spend and then go about buying non-perishable items to fill the basket. Speak to the shop attendant to ensure that the items you are purchasing fit into your theme. Buy different colors and types of pasta to give variety of color and shape to your basket.

Next take yourself to a department store or kitchenware shop and purchase some really great utensils to go with the other items that you have purchased.

You could also add an "Easy Step by Step Guide" if they need cooking help, or send them to a "Cooking Lesson" for something extra.

Once you have gathered these items, it is time to begin to assemble your gift basket.

Depending upon the type of basket you have chosen you may need to fill the bottom of the basket with some shredded paper, as this will give the basket height. Place the items in the basket to give a layered effect. Layering items at different heights in the basket makes the overall design more pleasing to the eye.

Use small pieces of tape to hold items in place. Next wrap clear cellophane around the outside of the basket and tie the top with wired ribbon or curling ribbon to match the color scheme of your gift.

To finish off our basket make a gift tag and tuck a small item into the ribbon around the basket to give a professional look.

Congratulations, you've done it... "A Present For the Person Who Has Everything" -- A Gift Basket!Donna Hamer is the author and publisher of 101 Gift Basket Ideas. For a Free 5 part Mini Course on how to create your own "Personalized Gift Baskets", visit http://www.101giftbasketideas.com

We've all felt stress in our lives. And we're left wondering what's the best way to try and deal with it.

Some exercise, others veg out in front of the TV, I however have discovered the amazing zen of charm bracelets.

Charm bracelets are both a way to collect memories without large obtrusive knick knacks everywhere and is also a fun hobby for people that like collecting things.

It's almost like a treasure hunt looking for new charms to add to your collection and display like a trophy to everyone you come in contact with for them to admire your work and your chance to tell them all about the history of each charm.

See, it's not just about collecting the charms simply to collect them, it's about what they mean to you.

Much like someone that gets many tattoos, there's a story that goes behind them and a memory of when they got it.

It's the same with charms, there is a certain story, a certain reason for having the charms you have and everytime you look at them, they remind you about the things that are special to you.

You can collect charms that remind you of a trip you went on, of a certain belief you have, or a special time in your life. And best of all, these can all be worn on your wrist.

You can even make multiple bracelets for different periods in your life or for different moods.

It's a relzxing, almost theraputic hobby that will help you relieve stress and live your life with great joy and happiness. And all those memories are a short glance away.

I would reccomend this hobby to anyone, and once you've got you're very first charm, you'll know what I mean.

The charms are endless just like your memories. Carry them with you always.Juliette is the nation's leading expert on the creation of charm bracelets and rare charms. Her site is http://www.coolcharmbracelets.com

One of the biggest and hottest growing trends in the art of tattoo design is Hawaiian arm or leg band tattoos. As this trend goes a lot of people think to themselves, well of course." At least that is what I said to myself at first. You can hardly drive more then 10 minutes on the freeway in southern California where I am from and not see a big SUV like a Lincoln Navigator or a Cadillac Escalade and not see a Hawaiian sticker. Things with flowers designs, or turtles, dolphins. Ya see it started off with the sticker and then the car seat covers with hibiscus flowers everywhere and it just grew from there.

This trend of Hawaiian design has then met it's match with the whole tribal tattoo movement. Tribal tattoos have been the hottest thing in the tattoo world since sliced bread or the old school WWII era Hula dancer. You see these influences have been all around us for a long time my grandpa even has one of those Hula Girls tattoos still. Granted it is a little saggy and faded now but he still has one on his forearm nonetheless.

So the whole tribal tattoo and the growth in interest for Hawaiian designs have combined to make a hot and growing market for Hawaiian tattoos. This is really an up and coming thing and it not huge yet. However many tattoo artists are spotting the trend and jumping on it already.

Of course there is a lot of controversy on this subject also like anything. If you look on the internet there is a controversy about getting Kanji and Japanese Tattoos also. Anytime you try and take the designs of a culture and do not depict them accurately it creates a sense of bastardization or what I call the "Disney Effect" towards the culture. I mean how would you feel if you were in China and someone said, oh you should try this hot new restaurant out it serves this great food that is really American. They have fried chicken and apple pie that is the best." Well, at first you would be excited right? Sure it would be nice for a good home cooked meal if you have been out of the US for a long time. However once you get there you see the place has really tacky and awful reproductions of 50's art and the all the food tastes kind of strange. It would probably bee kind of close or resemble what you were thinking of but it would be missing something or a few key ingredients. I bet this would leave you feeling a little sad and like your culture was not totally understood.

Well, I can not speak for you and maybe you will feel different but I was pretty sad when after staying in Japan for 3 months I was invited to a 1950's classic hamburger joint. When we got there it was Elvis with a funny accent playing on the jukebox and when my hamburger came it had a fried egg on top of it with teriyaki sauce. WOW what a surprise that was for me. I kind of felt weird about being in the place that had tried to recreate something from my own culture.

So, the same controversy rolls on in the world of tattoos. Anytime you get a tattoo design from another culture just make sure you go with a professional. Do not have your friend trace out some Kanji in a book for a tattoo and don't go and rip some design of the internet because it states that it is Hawaiian. Go to a real custom tattoo designer and have them do the research and come up with some designs. After all this is going to be on your body for the rest of your life and since Hawaiian arm band tattoos and leg tattoos are typically big it will be a significant investment in pain, time and money to get the thing done. So you should consult with a professional and get top notch work done.

 Chris is the owner and webmaster of http://www.designmyattoos.com where you can find custom tattoo artists waiting to design a tattoo for you. Either a Hawaiian Arm Tattoo or some other tattoo design.

This success mistake has cost me so much money that I'm almost embarrassed to tell you.

"So Mike, why are you telling me?"

Because I know that if you can steer away from this success mistake, it can help you improve your income and change your life. That's my goal.

Here's how this came about:

Yesterday, I was reading a book about investing from the very successful money manager Peter Lynch.

Even though he was talking about 'investing', he zeroed in on a success principle that so many people miss.

I did.for 7+ years and it cost me a fortune.

And it caused me a bunch of stress.

What's so interesting is that Warren Buffett used this same success insight to become the 2nd richest person in the world.

Here's the deal:

I used to be so 'short-sighted' and wanted immediate gratification.

If my new 'business idea' didn't work out in 30-60 days, I quit.

Then I'd try something else and, after a week, I went onto something else.

This downward spiral happened for a while because I was 'ruled' by a short-term vision and the desire for immediate gratification.

This is how 98% of the world operates.

THIS is why only 2% of the world live their dreams.

Here's what Peter Lynch was saying and what Warren Buffet knows.

Also, Michael Dell knows this, Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Oprah and others all know this.

***One of the biggest 'secrets' to success is taking the LONG-TERM VIEW.

(Let me say that again)

***One of the biggest 'secrets' to success is taking the LONG-TERM VIEW.

When Warren Buffett makes an investment, he's looking 5-15 years out, sometimes more.

All great entrepreneurs understand that in order to WIN BIG they must take the long-term view.

3-years, 5-years, 15-years, 20-years+.

You need to give yourself time for your idea or business to grow.

Most people never do this - it's unfortunate. AND it's also never too late to start.

You need to EXPAND your horizon.

Change your perspective.

You need to take the NEXT STEP today and keep in mind your long-term view. Not necessarily a specific long term goal, but a longer term VIEW.

There's a season for everything.

Take the time to plant the seeds, water them, and be patient for your harvest.

Stay disciplined.

I know you can do it.Resource box: If you're scattered, if you procrastinate too much, and if you want to 'rev up' your income, see Mike Litman's site at: http://www.powerofconcentration.net

Only about 20% of your copy is going to get read. The rest will simply be scanned. I'm sure you've heard the statistic before. It's nothing new. While it might sound frightening or frustrating, it's a fact of copywriting life. So what do you do next? Give up? What difference does it make if only about 20% will be read anyway?

It makes a world of difference. Especially if you understand that there are some sections of your copy that are practically guaranteed to get read. If you know what these are and work to reinforce them, you'll see your conversions increase dramatically whether your copy is geared toward online or offline promotions.

HEADLINES

Headlines have always been and will always be the most important section in any copy. They are the first thing to get read and have the greatest impact on whether any of the other copy gets read. Those stories you've seen floating around the Internet about marketers who have made minute changes to a headline and tripled their conversion rates are true. It happens all the time. In fact, it's happened to me.

Headlines and sub-headlines can guide your visitors to read deeper into your copy. If you set up a structure of progressive headlines (http://www.marketingwords.com/articles/articles_progressheadlines.html), you'll have a better shot getting your point across. Pay a lot of attention to your headline. It's the powerhouse of your copy.

CAPTIONS

Captions started with newspaper journalists. When they would run a picture with a story, they would add a few words underneath to explain what or who the picture was of. People got into the habit of looking for the captions in order to relate the importance of the image with the information they were receiving. This still holds true. Captions in advertising pieces are highly read. Don't waste the space!

FIRST SENTENCES

When you scan something -- an article, a book, a newspaper, a magazine, a website -- what do you read? Almost everyone reads the first sentence of each paragraph. These sentences are vitally important in order to get your potential customers interested enough to keep reading. If you create exceptional first sentences, one of two things will happen. One: The prospect will be more likely to continue reading the copy. Two: The first sentences in each paragraph will be enough to convince him/her to buy.

FIRST IN BULLETED LIST

Just as with the first sentence in each paragraph, people also almost always read the first entry in a bulleted list. If it hits home, they might keep reading. But, knowing that you have their attention for at least one second, always make sure your first bullet point is extremely powerful and enticing.

PS's

Writing a direct mail or Web sales letter? The PS is another hot spot. Take advantage of this real estate. Repeat offers, remind readers of bonuses, reinforce guarantees or recap limited-time offers. This section is the final pitch before your reader either acts or trashes your copy so make it count.

Have you noticed something about these five sections? Why do you think they are virtually guaranteed to get read in any piece of copy? They are unusual. They are limited. They stand out. They are eye-catching.

You only have a limited number of headlines and sub-heads in copy. They are almost always offset by bolding or underlining so they easily catch the eye of the reader. Captions only appear when there are images. They do not appear all throughout the copy. First sentences are also rare. Only one sentence in each paragraph can be the first one. This tells the reader to keep going or jump to another section that might be of more interest. First entries in bulleted lists are unusually formatted and catch the eye of the reader. PS's? There's only one, and since it's the last thing on the page, most often, it stands out too.

These rare elements give you five guaranteed shots at building curiosity, promoting benefits, generating interest and closing sales. If you haven't done it before, now is the time to review your copy to be sure you're making the most out of these opportunities.Karon Thackston is a veteran copywriting pro who specializes in SEO copy. Learn how to write SEO copy that impresses the engines and your visitors at http://www.copywritingcourse.com. Get more tips on incorporating keyphrases into your copy with Karon's latest e-report "How To Increase Keyword Saturation (Without Destroying the Flow of Your Copy)" at http://www.copywritingcourse.com/keyword.

I began the journey of owning a home based business several months ago. Like many others, I found the task of marketing my business overwhelming and frustrating. Without marketing, you don't make sales, and without sales, you can't profitably run your business.

After spending countless hours on the computer and throwing many dollars down the drain, I learned one very important thing: You must combine mass marketing with a personal touch.

There are many great marketing tools you can use to achieve mass marketing including pay per click engines, placing ads, buying leads, banner advertising, and exchanging links just to name a few. While these methods can produce positive results, they lack the personal connection many new business owners need to build a true customer base.

On the other hand, personal touch methods such as emailing your family and friends about your new business can be a great way to start spreading the word, but this approach may not help you reach enough people to give your business the jump start it really needs.

So where did this lead this flailing entrepreneur? Message boards.

I initially visited message boards to get help with my marketing dilemma. In the process, I realized this was not only a place to exchange valuable information with other home business owners, but this was also a great place to market my own online business.

Not only did I find plenty of message board group members willing to give information, I found many interested parties for my own business. Soon, I realized that not only was I becoming a more educated marketing guru, I was introducing my new business to many new friends (and customers).

By joining message board groups, not only will you find a new outlet to advertise your business, but you will also build credibility among your peers.

Follow these simple steps to begin utilizing message boards to market your home business today:

1. Visit a search engine and do a search on message boards.
2. Click through to the message boards and search for forums related to work from home and/or your specific type of business.
3. Join a few message board groups. (Note: Some message board groups will allow you to post without being a member, but membership increases your credibility).
4. Post information about your business. Remember to give specific instructions about how to reach you including email address, Web URL, etc.

Message boards are an efficient and effective way to reach a targeted market with direct contact, and, best of all, they are free. As you will soon see, these message boards are quite powerful as there are thousands of subscribers who receive posts from message board groups in their email boxes each day.

Start joining message board groups now and take your home business to new heights!

Leslie McGuirk is a CPA and holds a Masters of Business Administration. For additional information on home business and marketing ideas, subscribe to mailto:buckyshome@getresponse.com or http://visit www.buckyshome.com. If you are interested in getting a free website to market your own home business, visit http://www.buckyshome.com/pips.html.

Too often, when we say we are "taking care of business", we think about the paperwork, the accounting, the inventory, etc... the trivial things that are important to get done in order for our business to run smoothly and efficiently. While necessary, they are not the most important.

We need to change our thinking about what "taking care of business" means. We need to make sales in order to have a profitable business, and we know without our customers or consultants, we don't have a business. They are our lifeblood, they are what keeps us moving forward, and meeting their needs should be our primary mission.

Without consultants or customers, there are no sales. Without sales, there is no revenue... without revenue, there is no business and we might as well go back and get a j.o.b. It is crucial that we take care of our customers and consultants. CRM (customer-relationship management) is a buzz-word in "big business". Many large corporations have implemented systems and technology to supposedly create customer care. Some have been successful, many have not.

Most of these systems simply give the illusion of customer care, but have failed miserably in actually providing it.

How many times have you been through the "round robin" of "press 1 for this" and "press 2 for that", only to spend an hour or more and never actually speak to a live person or get your problem solved? You hang up in the phone in frustration and vow never to spend money with XYZ Company again. This approach to customer care continues to baffle me as to why large companies believe this is effective. How can they possibly think that customer relationships can be created and nurtured by a recording?

Are those who make these decisions that far removed up the "corporate ladder" they can't see this isn't customer care at all and having the opposite effect?

Each and every one of our customers and consultants should be made to feel like they are our most important one. If we don't take care of them, someone or some other company will. Small and home businesses have an incredible opportunity to take back customer care and relationships the way it is supposed to be. We are in an incredible position to "take care of business".

Technology is wonderful. Without technology, there would be no internet and many of us would not be in business. However, there is no technology on this earth that can replace human connections. Technology will never replace our customers knowing that there is someone who truly cares about their needs.

So, how about you? Are you taking care of business?

 Patty Gale is a successful entrepreneur who specializes in personalization and customer care for all her clients. She exchanged her suits, hose and heels for working at home in her "jammies" and is on a mission to empower other women to do the same. She can be reached at: http://www.CommuteInYourJammies.com or http://www.PattysPrettyPaper.com

10 Classic E-zine Advertising TipsKen Hill

1. Target your advertising.

The more targeted the e-zine is for your offer, the greater your response will be for your proven ad.

2. Track your ads.

Don't leave your ad campaigns to guesswork. Use ad tracking to show you exactly which e-zines and ads are most profitable.

3. Run your ad for multiple issues.

You'll get a better response, and possibly save money as many publishers offer special deals on bulk advertising.

4. Spend lots of time writing your headline.

An effective headline will successfully grab your reader's attention and target your audience.

Your winning headline will also get people to read the rest of your ad, leading to more traffic and sales.

If you're new to writing headlines, and need some help check out my "9 Power Packed Headline Formulas" at: http://www.scstats.com/r.cfm?i=5652

5. Don't try to sell your product from your ad.

Write your ads to create interest and get people to visit your site.

From here, your powerful sales page will do the selling for you, and you'll be able to get people to join your e-zine or mailing list for successful follow up.

6. Don't use all caps in your headline.

You'll appear like your yelling at your reader, and your ad will come off as amateurish.

7. Include a "call to action."

At the end of your e-zine ads, include a call to action that tells your reader what you want them to do next (i.e., visit your site or subscribe to your e-zine).

8. Don't be cute or funny with your ad.

You might put your reader in a good mood, but don't count on that translating into more visits to your site or more sales.

9. Offer something for free.

Provide an incentive for visiting your site such as a free ebook, sample chapter, or trial.

10. Subscribe to or view the archives of the
e-zines you would like to advertise in.

You'll be able to see the quality of the content provided, how many ads are published in each issue, and you'll get a good idea of the products those readers are interested in by the ads being run.

: Ken's articles have been published in numerous e-zines and web sites all over the net. Keep up to date on his latest articles, and get more new valuable tips by visiting him at: http://kenhill.blogspot.com

11 Creative Ways You Can Use AutorespondersShery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

1. Pick 4 or more articles you've written that have a common theme and put them in an autoresponder series. Announce it on your site as an e-mail course on the go.

2. If you have a page for related links, create a related links file and put it on autoresponder. This can be a one-page e-mail containing 15-50 links that are of interest to your visitors. Put your own promotional texts or blurbs at the top, middle and bottom of the e-mail.

3. Create a fun or trivia quiz, put it up on your site and put the answers in an autoresponder that your visitors can request. This way, you'll know the people who took your quiz.

4. Write reviews of books, music, e-books, sites, software or anything you can think of and put each review (or related reviews) in an autoresponder. If what you are reviewing have affiliate programs, use your affiliate links in the autoresponder.

5. Run a contest on your site or e-zine, then have your visitors or subscribers send their responses to your autoresponder. This way, you won't have to worry about manually sending them a confirmation receipt.

6. Create a frequently updated autoresponder and let your visitors and/or subscribers know about it. You can put in weekly tips or links to useful resources in the autoresponder and a reminder to the people who request it that you update it every week or on a regular basis (e.g. tell them to request for the same autoresponder again a week from now). You can use this method instead of using autoresponders with limited follow up messages.

7. If you've written 20 or more articles and you have them on separate autoresponder accounts, create a master list for your articles. In this master list, list the titles of your articles, their autoresponder addresses and their short descriptions. You can then just promote this master list.

8. Put excerpts or free chapters of your e-book, book or paid e-mail courses in an autoresponder series, then include your follow up sales letters at the end.

9. If you're selling your own products, put your testimonials on autoresponder, along with the description of your products, an excerpt or a free chapter. This will increase your credibility.

10. Keep track of people who download your free e-book, e-report, or free software by putting their download links in an autoresponder. When you promote your free product, you can just promote the autoresponder address.

11. Put links to your hidden pages on autoresponder. A hidden page could be the affiliate page where you have all the graphics, text links, promotional articles that interested affiliates can use. Let people know they can have free access to your affiliate page by requesting the autoresponder. This way, you can have a list of people who are interested in becoming your affiliates.

Shery is the developer of creative, motivating and fun e-mail courses for writers at http://WritingBliss.com. She also authored the e-book that lets you create your own original and profitable E-mail Workshops, eCourses and Tutorials in only 3 days. Visit http://EmailWorkshopsHowTo.com for more info.

Running a contest for your e-zine subscribers or web site visitors is one way you can generate interest and give more exposure for products or services you want to promote.

A contest could be as simple as spotting a word or a set of words within an e-zine's issue or searching for a graphic on a site. A contest can run for one issue, or it can last for a month or more.

If you plan to run a contest, make sure you have a "contest management response system" in place.

This could be as simple as an automated e-mail receipt to let your participants know their entry has been received.

Run a contest that asks your participants to send their responses to specific e-mail addresses. Then create an automated receipt confirmation for each account. Include a link to your products, affiliate links, or services in your confirmation receipt. Every time someone enters your contest and sends her entry, she receives a confirmation message. Thus, you've just exposed your products to your contestant.

Encourage multiple entries and your contest participants get exposed to your promotional texts multiple times.

Ok, what about contest prizes?

If you publish an e-zine and you sell advertising space, you can give away free ad space to the winners.

If you have your own product, or a product you have resell rights to, you can give away free copies of it to your winners.

If you have a service, why not put that up as a prize?

In any case, though, let your prospective contestants be interested in the prizes. Yes -- put the complete prize descriptions, along with the contest mechanics, on autoresponder too.

And then include links where they can purchase the prizes. Hey, some people might not want to wait to win your contest! So it's good to cover all bases.

Run a contest that lets autoresponders handle entries and confirmation receipts and you'll have a promotional tool that can bring in profits for you!

 

 Shery is the developer of creative, motivating and fun e-mail courses for writers at http://WritingBliss.com. She also authored the e-book that lets you create your own original and profitable E-mail Workshops, eCourses and Tutorials in only 3 days. Visit http://EmailWorkshopsHowTo.com for more info.

For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any more than going on a blind date is. You are asked a bunch of questions about your work. You answer them. They ask a bunch more; you answer them. Youre graded on your performance (you receive a job offer or not). Yet interviews are predictable processes and as such can be planned for

What does an employer want to know about you?

• Do you have the skills to do the job that needs to be filled?
• How will you fit in with my company?
• If I hire you, are you someone I will need to worry about?

How does this get determined in an interview?

• By asking questions about what you have done and how you did it or decided it should be done.
• By asking behavioral questions that will give an employer a sense of the scope of your experiences
• By asking concrete questions to ascertain your knowledge
• By observing your body language or physical response to questioning to observe whether it is consistent with a successful person.

The fourth way (observing body language or physical response to questions) is particularly interesting because it is not skill or experience based and is completely subjective and emotional. AND it is part of the decision process.

And want are firms trying to find out about you? Leadership. Honesty. Trustworthiness.

You can practice with a friend or family member but they may not be much better than you. So how do you practice you presentation and get immediate feedback in order to improve your presentation and demonstrate these attributes?

Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org) offers people an opportunity to practice how to speak throughout their program. Whether you answer extemporaneous questions off the cuff for 1-2 minutes in Table Topics ("Its warm! Its summer! People start to go to the beach and spending time outdoors. Tell us about a time you had fun at the beach, Jeff." Notice that you only find out when you will speak at the end when you hear your name) or by doing actual 4-6 minute speeches, Toastmasters offers concrete opportunities to get used to being "on the spot" as happens in an interview. It also gives you an opportunity to observe others and learn from them and from the evaluations that are given.

There are Toastmasters clubs throughout the world. To find one, you can go to http://www.toastmasters.org/find/.Jeff Altman has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is also co-founder of Your Next Job, a networking group focused on assisting technology professionals with their job search, a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist. For additional job hunting or hiring tips, go to http://www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com

If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If youre looking for a new position, include your resume).

I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that 98% of businesses are small businesses. That bodes well for the entrepreneurial spirit that has made our nation great. The bad news is that 80%, that's right, four out of five new businesses will fail in their first five years.

After years of building my own companies and consulting growing businesses, I've come to the realization that too many business owners can't see their business through an objective eye, which often leads to their demise. It takes an incredible amount of intense drive, determination and a strong ego to breathe life into a business and create products from scratch, but it's also that same ego that won't let a business owner be objective about what their business needs to succeed. The business is up and running at light-speed and management doesn't have the time or willingness to stand back and take a real look at what they have created. They are too close to the problems to see them. Just like a proud parent, they have spent sweat and time creating this "baby," and they refuse to believe that it might be less than perfect.

I call this the "business parent trap." It is in this trap that business owners often create and introduce products that would not test out in the marketplace. There's an attitude of "Hey, it's gotta be great because I thought of it."

I've found that there are usually two basic things wrong with a business: the product (the Baby) and the management (the Breath).

So how do you assess your business? Are your employees going to tell you that you're headed in the wrong direction? Not likely. Occasionally a consultant will be brought in to review the company's performance in a given area. Unfortunately, when management does bring in a consultant, they often are really looking for affirmation not straight-forward constructive criticism. Sadly, some consultants are more than willing to "affirm for a fee."

If you're going to succeed, then someone needs to tell you if your baby's ugly or you've got bad (corporate) breath. So here are some blunt yet truthful thoughts for your business, and perhaps you:

GET OVER YOURSELF: Know yourself, trust yourself, believe in yourself...then Get Over Yourself. You're really not the smartest person in the world. You built the business and know it better than anyone else, but no one else really cares how much you know.

SPECTATOR SPORT: Conversation with you should not be a spectator sport for others. Remember that there's a huge difference between listening and merely waiting for your turn to talk. You hired your employees and perhaps a consultant because you assumed they had brains, so let them use them. Ask questions and listen to answers.

JUST ANOTHER PRODUCT Realize that even though you think that your new product or service is the greatest thing since the flip-top beer can, the world just sees one more product and must be convinced. You created this product and you know every function of it, but customers do not buy functions, they buy only benefits. Whether your product is a high tech internet service or office furniture, you must show how it is uniquely beneficial to your customer. Functionality makes your products work, Benefits make them sell.

PAPER WEIGHT: If you have the high tech inventive skills to create a product, chances are that you don't have the skills to market and sell it. Many small business owners think that marketing and sales are the simplest part of their business, so it is almost an afterthought. There is only one reason that inferior products outsell better ones; and that is successful marketing. Think of your marketing plan as the complete story book that sells your product. If your story book is a best seller, then your product will be a best seller. Without the right story that will build sales and distribution, your wonderful product is just another paper weight head for a land fill.

STAND BACK: Your competitors are not all stupid. Guess what? They think their babies are cute too, and they may tell better stories that make them look even better than yours. So stand back and look at yourself and your baby and try to look through the eyes of a disinterested party, because believe it or not, the world is a disinterested party.

Remember, there's an 80% chance that you will not be in business in 5 years. As busy as you are, and successful as you think you are, you must set your ego aside and realize that there are things beyond your control. Successful companies know that the secret to success doesn't lie in knowing everything; it lies in knowing what you don't know, and finding those who do.

I wish you good luck and great success. Steve Baker is a business advisor who has founded successful start-up companies and specializes in market development. He founded a company that did $500 million the first year and he was sued for $1.4 Billion. He speak on How to be a Successful Failure, and he is the author of the award winning book, PUSHING WATER UPHILL With A Rake; Memoirs of a Successful Failure. He lives in Colorado where he is an avid poor golfer. He can be reached through his website www.PushingWaterUphill.com