Claiming Christ in BusinessMore and more companies are adding the word ”Christian” to their titles such as; loan companies, debt-counseling, consolidation firms, and even singles websites. I believe in some cases this is a tactic used to lure people into a
false sense of security. People trust the name and become vulnerable to getting ripped off. I looked into two Christian consolidation companies to see what they might offer compared to the “non-Christan” Companies. The first company I looked at, Christian Debt Consolidation by Christan Crossroads, claims to help resolve debts quickly with integrity, I am guessing this means the other companies lack integrity. This company also claims to reduce debt up to 70%(depending on circumstances) as well as lowering interest rates. Late and over limit fees will be eliminated. This is non-profit company allows you to make one payment a moth on the day you choose. With God’s directions on the side of how to reduce your debt by using God’s plans. The other company I looked at Surf-In-The-Spirit Debt Consolidation, claims to only work with Certified Christian Debt Organizations How do you become a certified Christian organization. This company also reduces debt by up to 50%, reducing or eliminating interest , and able to preserve or rebuild credit. When a consumer asked a question about the companies being able to restore credit, they replied that they are not able to do so. The companies will report that you have satisfied the requirements for the program. Okay.
Christian Debt Consolidation Companies – A False Sense of Security?
Business Cards as a Marketing Tool – Beat the Trash Test!
Printing Your Own Business Cards for SuccessRight along with letterhead, business cards are usually the first thing that new business owners get printed out. After all, they’re practically a prerequisite to doing business – it’s expected that if you take your company seriously, you’ll have cards ready to
hand out.If you take your company seriously … now that’s a thought. Will your potential customer take your work seriously once they’ve taken a look at your business card? This is often the first impression a potential customer or client has with your company – is it getting the message you want across, or is it landing in the trash? Take a look at your own business card, if you’ve got one – otherwise, just read through and take notes so you can avoid ending in the bin in the first place.Size MattersTraditionally, business cards are created on a 2” x 3.5” rectangle. Anything that is larger than this traditional size won’t fit in someone’s wallet, or in most business card holders. By and large, the most common reason that people have over-sized business cards is that they were created on a personal computer and laser printed. There’s nothing wrong with taking the do-it-yourself approach, but make sure that you still keep the basics in mind! Do-it-yourself enthusiasts should take a look at Avery products first. They create a line of ink jet, clean edge business cards in a variety of styles that are sized properly (following traditional guidelines) and result in a cleanly sized card. Start at their website, www.store.averylabelsonline.com, to locate the sheets you want.Paper Quality = ImpactThe quality of paper your business card is printed on will have an immediate (usually subconscious) impact on your potential customer. If the paper is thick, heavy and sturdy, it creates an impression of your company as being reliable and strong. Flimsy paper with perforated edges (mark of a print-at-home job on cheap paper) will speak volumes of things you don’t want people associating with your business.
Christian Debt Consolidation: Sinner Beware
What to Watch Out for with Christian Debt ConsolidationChristian debt consolidation shares in the problems endemic in an industry that, as recently as ten years ago provided a real and valuable service. The problems with these businesses has gotten so bad that the Credit Info Center advises against using any debt consolidation service and
especially any so called Christian debt consolidation service. This is not an anti Christian bias but a warning against using a service that uses the word “Christian” to gain people’s trust.The IRS is auditing the top 50 debt consolidation agencies and the Better Business Bureau reported 1480 complaints in 2002 as compared to 261 in 1998. According to the Consumer Federation of America, the questionable practices of Christian and other debt consolidation services include the following 1 Deceptively claim fees are voluntary and do not adequately disclose fees 2 Excessive costs—some agencies charge as much as a full month’s consolidated debts just to set up an account 3 Abuse of non-—profit status. Christian debt consolidation, along with its secular counterparts functions like a for-profit business with aggressive advertising, close ties to for profit firms, getting high revenues and paying high executives much more than that paid to the average non-profit executive. A new tactic used by Christian debt consolidation services is to require the consumer to buy their counseling and educational services, which are supposed to be Bible- based financial counseling. There are a few honest agencies out there and there are still millions of Americans who need debt consolidation services and financial counseling. A basic minimum requirement for using a service should include approval by the Better Business Bureau. There are several red flags to look out for: