Mountains and Cliffs

The customer acquisition process is straightforward; get found, capture a lead, nurture that lead into a legitimate prospect, convert the prospect into a client.   Unfortunately, straightforward as the process might be, it is anything but simple.  Success in the practice development area is dependent upon a solid pipeline of qualified investor leads.  Client referrals are certainly a good source for leads, but they aren’t likely to satisfy your firm’s lead capture needs.  In fact, according to the 2010 FA Insights Study of Advisory Firms; “Growth by Design” client referrals accounted for 48% of an advisor firm’s new client acquisitions.  While significant, that means that more than half of a firm’s new clients resulted from another aspect of their practice marketing mix.  Cold calling?  While a potential source of leads, between advisor discomfort with this approach, difficulties in acquiring solid prospect lists and the need to scrub those lists against the “National Do Not Call Registry” cold callings appeal to many firms is limited at best.  So what options are left to fuel a firm’s prospect pipeline?

Two words, Inbound Marketing.  Inbound marketing is the process of “getting found” by prospective clients.  Contrasted with outbound marketing tools which build brand awareness and consideration through traditional media, inbound marketing has many advantages. Importantly, it costs less than traditional marketing, provides better targeting, is more efficient on a cost-per-lead basis (sixty-percent lower according to HubSpot’s 2010 study; “The State of Inbound Marketing”) and it can be implemented in short order.  Key elements of an inbound marketing program include:

Search engine optimization or organic search (SEO)
Investor content (i.e. blogs, articles, video, podcasts)
Social media (i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube)

]]>

Each of these elements work in tandem to increase the likelihood that prospective clients will find your firm when they are seeking information or investigating the potential for an advisor relationship.  Given that most consumers begin their search process on the web, utilizing a search engine such as Google, Yahaoo or Bing, the use of SEO can boost visibility for your firm’s website resulting in higher search engine rankings and therefore more traffic to the firm’s website.  The process begins with analysis of keyword usage to help determine consumer search patterns, competitive performance and the firm’s search performance.  This is followed by an audit of your website to evaluate the readiness of the site and to form the basis for adjustments to URL tags, page descriptions, H1 tags, anchor text and key word density. 

Relevant, quality content additions to the website and the firm’s blog, which can be also be leveraged as part of the firm’s social media marketing efforts, is a critical component to search and lead generation success.  This boosts a website’s indexable pages, enhances its relevancy in the eyes of the search engines and improves the overall user experience with the website.  The creation of advanced content offerings is required for use in the creation of landing pages and on-site lead capture forms as a means of enticing consumers to provide their name and contact information.  Offers such as free white papers, complimentary portfolio reviews and invitations to attend events or webinars are examples of advanced content that can be utilized by the firm.  Of note, studies have shown that firms that blog generate more leads and have a better conversion rate than firms that do not blog.

Social networking provides support in extending the message reach of the firm while building the firm’s perceived subject matter expertise by sharing access to the firm’s content.  In addition, it is an excellent mechanism to increase the number of inbound links to the firm’s website.  Search engines attribute a higher relevancy score to sites that have a large number of quality inbound links which results in better search engine rankings.

Given the rapidly changing nature of the search engines’ algorithms, changes in consumer search patterns and the need to constantly monitor results and tweak SEO tactics, it is best to consider outsourcing your inbound marketing efforts.  The cost is reasonable and the value yield in the form of a steady stream of quality leads will more than offset the investment.  If you would like to learn more about how inbound marketing can boost your lead generation efforts, contact Cliff Campeau, Partner at Evolutionize at cliffc@evolutionizemypractice.com to schedule your complimentary website “Search Engine Friendliness audit.

Wellness Blend is essentially tea but a very unique blend, one of its kind. It consists of a mixture of the Oolong, Sencha and Puerh species; these possess great healing properties and are proven to be a very effective aid to slimming. China has used these special varieties of teas for many thousands of years to maintain a healthy body. and cannot be acquired anywhere else which makes this blend a very sought after one.

Tava Tea uses the very best organically grown whole Sencha, Wuyi Cliff Oolong and Puerh tea leaves of the best possible grade. So you can be sure you are getting high quality tea. Oolong, of the Cliff variant is one of the most cherished teas of the Wuyi variety.

Wu-Long tea has been highly acclaimed as the most powerful weight loss tea on the market, with top such as .

China have always revered this historical tea for its natural healing and weight loss properties and now it is teamed up with the Sencha and Puerh variety, its effects have been magnified and it is even more powerful than ever before. You will not find this combination in any other tea, anywhere else.

]]>

An experiment carried out by test subjects who drank Wu Long discovered that they had a much stronger immune system and a reduced risk of infections than those who do not drink the tea. Additionally, researchers from the Shiga University of Medical Science in Japan discovered that patients that suffer from Eczema reported an improvement in their symptoms after drinking a daily litre of Wu Long tea.

Britain is notoriously a tea drinking nation, but there are still a lot we are yet to learn about tea. Drinking the right blend of tea at the right time can provide ample health benefits for everyone.

Organic Green tea is prepared from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, without the help from any artificial fertilizer or pesticide. It has a very abundant supply of powerful antioxidants, containing Flavonoids, Polyphenols, Catechins and the compound EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate). (Catechins and EGCG being the two most important ingredients of Green Tea.) It also boasts many vitamins and minerals such as A, B, C, D, E, K and manganese to name just a few.

It was also discovered that white tea has an even stronger antibacterial effect on human pathogenic viruses than even Green tea. White tea even helps prevent DNA damage caused by the suns rays. With its large amount of antioxidants it is even suggested it can help prevent premature ageing. There are many different varieties of White tea depending on the amount of leaves or buds included in the mixture but you can gain many health benefits from White tea.

There are many different teas that we can choose from, one of the , it offers users a unique blend of the very best Chinese teas that will enhance weight loss, along with offering many other health inducing benefits.

We can help you to decide what, when and how much you need to lose your weight quick and safe.

Enjoying the Attractions of Acapulco

Sunny Acapulco lures in vacationers with a long stretch of white sand beaches and its popular exciting nightlife. Those seeking some breathtaking adventure can try jumping off 130 feet into the surf at the La Quebrada Cliff Divers that is Acapulcos most popular attraction since the 1930s. Children and adults will surely love the abundance of aquatic life exhibits at the Magico Mundo Marino, a waterpark with swimming pools and aquariums, plus a boat trip and snorkeling to Isla La Roqueta aboard a glass bottom boat. The 52-acre city park Parque Papagayo named after a luxury hotel has been packed with various attractions and activities for all ages such as a roller skating rink, go carts, bumper boats, a space shuttle Columbia replica and the famous life-sized Spanish galleon model. The town center of Acapulco that is popularly called the Zocalo is just right across the fishing harbor and has a lot of giant rubber and mango trees that you can laze under. Acapulco, Mexico vacations offers a wide selection of enriching sights and adventure-filled activities that everyone will surely enjoy.

What to see in Ixtapa

If you want to go for elegance and luxury on your Mexico vacations, the best place to go would be the resort paradise of Ixtapa. Club Med Ixtapa is one of the most popular resorts in Ixtapa which has fully furnished rooms and a host of activities for the whole family. Another popular resort that is suitable for families is the all-inclusive Barcelo Ixtapa. Most of the resorts, if not all are on the beachfront where the white sands and crystal waters are just a few steps away. You have the option to go snorkeling, body boarding and swimming which is guaranteed fun for all beach lovers. You can also take a day trip to the Playa las Gatas by taking an inexpensive water taxi ride at Zihuatanejo that will drop you off at the beach that is lined with quaint local shops and restaurants featuring delectable local cuisine. If you want to take the luxurious and elegant vacation, go to Ixtapa.

The Wonders of Mazatlan

Experience the real Mexico vacation with a trip to Mazatlan located on the Mexican Gold Coast that boasts of long beach stretches lined with palm trees. This place combines history and culture with adventure. In old Mazatlan, you can take a stroll in the citys second oldest plaza, Plazuela Machado and light a candle at the citys famed cathedral with its twin towers. Take a walk down Mexicos most beautiful walkway, the malecon (promenade) with its palm-lined oceanfront connecting Old Mazatlan with zona dorada or resort area. There are countryside tours that include a visit to the villages of Concordia, Copala and Cosala on the Sierra Madre Mountains which has the finest hand-crafted furniture and ceramic and clay handicrafts. The known islands of Mazatlan, Isla de Chivos or Goat Island, Isla de Pajaros or Bird Island and Isla de Venados or Deer Island has fine sand beaches and should be included in your tour of Mazatlan. There are so much more to see in Mazatlan that thrives with the passion which Mexico is known for.

The Sights and Sounds of Cozumel

One of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world can be found at Cozumel which is just south of Cancun and across Riviera Maya. Dubbed as one of the best diving destinations in the world, it has amazingly crystal clear waters and the worlds second largest barrier reef, the Palancar. Be sure to include this city in your Mexico vacation itinerary and get the chance to see the Chichen Itza which is the capital of ancient Maya empire and is included in the list of the Seven Wonders of the World. There are several archaeological sites near Cozumel like Tulum that was the main Mayan port and is a unique walled fortress, Coba is located in the lush jungle forest with an authentic Mayan community that allows you a view of what life was during the Mayan civilization, Castillo Real which used to be the Mayan astronomical observatory and San Gervasio which was most visited by the Mayan women as it was a site dedicated to Ixchel, deity of midwifery, fertility, medicine and weaving. You will definitely need a lot of time at Cozumel with all these and more at Cozumel. The list of attractions in Cozumel is quite long.

More Cliffs Articles

Camping is more than just a cheap holiday: it’s about revelling in the glorious great outdoors and getting back to basics. Just how basic depends on your taste, which is why this list of best campsites in the UK has been split up into different kinds of camping holidays: best campsites by the beach, best campsites for kids and families, best campsites for scenery, best campsites for peace and quiet and best campsites for adventurers.

Best Campsites by the beach:

Near Swansea, the Three Cliffs Bay Caravan and Camping Site is a blue bay enclosed with grassy wildflower dotted limbs that makes you wake up in the morning feeling glad of the world we live in. It’s so close to the beach that you can slide down the hill to it, just like the Ayr Holiday Park, another of the best campsites on the coast, which has views over the cliffs and beach of Porthmeor Bay.

Shell Island Campsite, on an island you can only reach at low tide, is one of the UK’s largest and best campsites and once you get there and pitch your tent in the sand dunes you’re a captive audience for the views and the beach, the entertainment of going crabbing on the causeway or, and strolling the paths that wind all over the island.

Best Campsites for Kids and Families:

Fisherground Campsite is a child’s dream: it has an adventure course, a tree house, zip wire and a pond with rafts; and just down the road is a miniature steam railway, but best of all you’re allowed to have an open fire, and they do a big communal barbecue.

For adults the draw is the close proximity to the scenic strolls of the Lake District. If your kids like to make a lot of noise, each of the 20 pitches in of the Blackberry Wood Campsite, just off the South Downs Way, has its own little wooded clearing marked out by logs around a fireplace, and you can bring your dog.

Best Campsites for Adventure:

Gwern Gof Isaf Farm is popular with Duke of Edinburgh Award challengers, rock climbers, abseilers and people who prefer sweeping scenes of rocky peaks and outcrops rising up to Tyfan Peak, over creature comforts.

Sligachan Campsite benefits from the epic Black Cuillins in the same way, so all walking, cycling, or recreating is on a grander scale and the facilities are basic.

Best Campsites for Scenery:

Lovely views of the North Devon coast are the Little Meadow Camp Site’s main attraction; the cliff it perches on has been shaped into terraces so that every pitch gets a scenic view of the Atlantic over Watermouth Bay. Batcombe Vale Camp in deepest, rural Somerset is set among hills that roll around greenly, waiting for walkers to explore them. Four lovely lakes, ringed by pathways and lanes and well stocked with fish and free boats make up the idyllic picture near Longleat Zoo.

Most Peaceful Campsites:

Tranquil Side Farm is surrounded by breathtaking views overlooking Ullswater, and is a mile from the nearest road so the only sounds you’ll hear are the quiet murmurs of fellow campers and the rural ambient bleating of sheep. Skye Farm Camping Ground by Buttermere is one of the prettiest places in the pretty Lakes District and has a no bar, no car rule, mean this is camping for people who like camping. All you hear is the babbling of the brook, and the air, sans exhaust, is clean and crisp.

Find More Cliffs Articles

Uluwatu beach is considered one of the best surfing in Bali that attract surfers from around the world. NOT … is for surfers. Lack of support facilities is not an obstacle for tourist with adventure spirit to conquer the waves. Uluwatu has, in recent years has also been recognized as the site of the famous surf break, which offers real challenges (experienced surfers only) in water and spectacular views from warungs (restaurants) on the cliff.

Even if you’re not a surfer, Uluwatu should be on your itinerary to visit as there are spectacular views of the warungs (restaurants) perched on the cliff.

Former Luhur Pura Uluwatu temple dedicated to the spirits of the sea, is perched on the cliffs that have formed where the land ends the southeast coast of the island. Built in the eleventh century, the temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Bali. Uluwatu Temple is a classic expression of ancient Bali in a spectacular setting above the waves. This is one of the oldest temples in Bali and most important, one of six ‘Sad Kahyangan (territorial) temples on the island.

The temple was built in an era of Empu Kuturan. Empu is a title given to a person who obtains a high distinction in literature, philosophy and craft.

Several hundred years later, a charismatic priest called Danghyang Nirartha was cremated here with his spirit ascends to heaven to become everything to God Almighty.

Access is difficult (even if the holders are available), wear appropriate shoes and dress with respect for the temple. Now, a number of infrastructure projects have been launched to settle in these areas. This means, as an effort to provide good accessibility for everyone who comes.

Officially called Pura Uluwatu Luhur (yes, it’s the right name: “Luhur” means something of divine origin “while Uluwatu” can be divided into “ulu” which means “Land’s End” and “Watu” means “rock” is a language old). However, just to name Uluwatu you here in no time.

For me, the most spectacular temple on the island of Bali. The sanctuary of Pura sat on the edge of a cliff overlooking the legendary surf south of Bali.
 

Although I’m not sure what the view is like from inside the inner temple itself, the views are to be enjoyed at two different angles in both northern and southern parts of the region.

I’m trying not to mention a lot of monkeys here. Attention to the signs is estimated at some places to remind them of danger. I do not notice bad incidents with them, but I took off my sunglasses and hid a camera in your pocket, just in case. At sunset, Kecak dance performance is held here every day. It goes without saying that watching the sunset Uluwatu is a need to do in Bali.

Luhur Pura Uluwatu is considered one of the six most important temples in Bali (in collaboration with Pura Besakih, of course). Its location on the waterfront south-west in this magical island of Bali, which houses the evil spirit of the sea.

There is a minimum entry fee to enter. I’m not sure if it is necessary to have a “local guide” to explore Pura like what I experienced in the Pura Besakih. Sarongs are available for rental at the entrance. It really was a seamless experience for me. And the view is out of this world.

Are you looking for the best high end mountain bike or a beginner mountain bike model to try out something new? Buying a new bike will take research to find the best model for you and your needs. The guide below will help you research for the best mountain bike to fit your needs.

REVIEW WEB SITES: Consumer Search Mountain Bike Reviews is a great place to start your search. They provide detailed reviews of many different products. In their review of mountain bikes they have chosen the Specialized Rockhopper series as the best Hardtail mountain bike, the GT Avalanche 0.5 as best Hardtail bike, the Schwinn Mesa as the best Budget hardtail mountain bike, the Ibex Apogee Sport as the best Full-suspension mountain bike, the Ibex Ignition 2 as the best Budget full-suspension bike, and the Iron Horse MKIII Comp as the best Full-suspension trail bike. Additional reviews can also be found at Epinions.com Mountain Bike Reviews.

USER REVIEWS: Amazon.com Mountain Bikes is a great source to do further research on the models you are interested in. Users of the products provide their personal experiences with the bike models.

CHOOSING YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE MODEL: Now that you have researched the review sites and user reviews, choose the top 3 – 5 you are interest in. This will be helpful as you now look for the best price.

LOOKING FOR THE BEST PRICED MOUNTAIN BIKE: You now have the top 3 – 5 bike models that will fit your needs. Next we will find the best price for the models you liked. Amazon.com often has the best price on many items, since they also offer products through other companies. ConsumerSearch.com is another good resource for best prices when you click on their “Where to Buy” section.

Related Mountains Articles

Mountain bike is a very wide umbrella term that applies to a wide variety of bikes.  By far one of the most popular styles of bikes, mountain bikes are built to be durable and take the abuse of off road riding without leaving the rider battered and bruised.  These bikes have to be able to handle large obstacles like logs, rocks and debris, while also being fast and easy to control while going down fast mountain trails.

References to mountain biking go all the way back to 1966 but new styles of bicycles didn’t gain any noticeable popularity until the 1970′s.  In Northern California’s Marin county, riders started taking advantage of the mountainous surroundings by taking classic cruiser style bikes and modifying their heavy and sturdy frames with better brakes, home made suspension systems and other innovations.  The sport caught on, especially on the west coast of North America and large groups of riders started popping up from California’s Sierra Mountains to Canada’s now famous North Shore Mountains.  It wasn’t until the late 70′s and early 80′s that new and previously established companies started seriously making mountain bikes.  They used technology, design techniques and materials from their road bikes and adapted them to mountain biking uses and developed new innovations to meet the needs of this growing set of riders.  In 1982, Specialized brought out the first mass produced mountain bike, the Stempjumper.

Mountain bikes cover a wide spectrum of bikes, but on the most basic level, they usually share similar features.  These include:

Frames:  Mountain bikes are built with strong and stiff frames for durability and stability while dealing with unpredictable and rough terrain.  Depending on the specific style and needs of the bike the frame can be made from a variety of materials.  The most common are variations of steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber composites.

Tyres:  Mountain bike tyres need to be wider, stronger and more knobby than road bikes.  Rims usually are 559mm but are commonly called 26″ inch tyres, even though that isn’t quite accurate given the variations of the bike.  These tyres give the bikes the traction they need in rough and ever changing terrain.

Gearing:  Mountain bike gearing can range from single geared bikes all the way up to 30 speeds.  The amount and kind of gearing you need will depend on the style of riding you’re up to.

Brakes:  Higher end mountain bikes come with disk brakes, while lower end versions are outfitted with V-brakes.  Disk brakes work a lot better when you’re traveling at high speeds but are substantially heavier and more expensive than V-brakes.

Suspension:  Mountain bike suspensions are usually judged by the amount of travel they allow.  The more travel, the more the bike absorbs impacts instead of your body.  The different suspension variations can be broken down into three main categories:  hard tail, front suspension and dual suspension.

Hard Tail:  Hard tail versions feature stiff frames but no suspension.  If you’re doing any sort of serious off road riding, you’re going to feel every bump.  These bikes are designed for the average rider who enjoys off road riding but also plans on doing some city or path riding too.

Front Suspension:  Since mountain bikes land on the front wheel first, generally, these suspensions are great.  The suspension system is loaded in the front and provides good but not great protection from serious off road impacts.

Dual Suspension:  The newest innovation in mountain bike technology is dual suspension.  Often referred to as full suspension or full-susser bikes, this system is in both front and back wheels.  While heavier and more expensive, if you’re doing big jumps and tackling the roughest courses, this is the suspension you want.

What was once a niche market made up of tinkerers making their own mountain bikes in garages out of spare cruiser frames and their own custom components, mountain biking has blow up into a full scale industry.  Today mountain biking is just an umbrella term that encompasses a large variety of bikes and riding styles.

As the sport exploded in popularity many riders found their own personal styles and bikes started getting made to meet the needs of those unique markets.  Many bikes fit several categories and can be used effectively across a variety of styles, while others are specifically designed for just one.

Here is a sample of the most popular mountain biking styles today:

Cross Country:  Abbreviated XC, cross country bikes place a high degree of importance on speed and endurance.  The bikes are lightweight and not meant for the roughest off road environments.

Trail Bikes:  These evolved from XC bikes and are commonly used for recreational trial riding and can handle rougher terrain than the bikes that spawned them.

All Mountain:  This style of mountain bike is designed to climb and descend well and are perfect for all day rides up and down mountains.

Free-ride:  Bikes in this discipline are built to be heavier and more durable.  They can be ridden uphill but handle much better going downhill.

Downhill:  DH bikes have large gears, plush travel and are specifically designed to handle the stresses of downhill racing.  Their frames need to be strong but light, which leads to the use of high quality but expensive materials

Dirt Jumping:  DJ bikes are a mix between BMX bikes and free-ride mountain bikes.  They are made to be sturdy and strong enough to withstand the high impacts they are frequently subjected to.  They usually only have front suspension systems.

Related Mountains Articles

Climbing up a mountain is the ultimate performance for many and there are a lot of us who never even thought about accomplishing this feat of strength, but nevertheless are interested in the best climbs around the world.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Flat topped Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain. Located on Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya, the mountain is composed of three extinct volcanoes, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The highest peak, Uhuru, is 5,899 meters highest. Reaching the top of Kilimanjaro is exhilarating. Take the Machame Route up so you can see the region’s wonderful animals and birds. Then you will begin the trek across the Shira Plateau through the Grand Barranco Canyon and on to the top. IF all goes as planned, you will reach Stella Point with a chance to continue around Kibo’s rim to Uhuru.

The Andes, Peru

The Inca Trail is an in depth journey through a variety of ecosystem, from plains to desert to tropical could forests. You will pass views of snowcapped mountains and rushing rivers. The highlight is Machu Picchu, the famed lost city of the Incas that was discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Then continue your trek to what was the heart and soul of the Inca Empire, Cuzco.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Rising 8,856 meters above sea level, Everest is the highest mountain on Earth. For decades, reaching the top of this giant has been considered one of the greatest mountaineering achievements. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay accomplished this feat in 1953 when they approached the peak along the South Col route. Since then, more than 2,000 others have made ascents through South Col. It is, by far, the most successfully climbed route on the mountain.

The Matterhorn, Switzerland

Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Matterhorn is the most recognized mountain on the European continent. In the shape of a roughly chiseled rock pyramid, this peak serves a defining geographical landmark. For many climbers, ascending the Matterhorn, the birthplace of the sport of mountaineering, represents a return to the purist traditions of climbing.

Mount Elbrus, Russia

Dynamic in both region and terrain, Mount Elbrus stands as a watchtower in the Caucasus Mountains between Europe and Asia. Elbrus is a large, double coned volcano, whose summits vary by about 20 meters. For the climber with moderate skills, the highest mountain in Europe has great appeal because it presents a strenuous, yet rewarding climb. The mountain’s location affords visitor excellent opportunities to see the region’s large melting pot of ethnic groups, such as Turkish, Georgian, Azeri, and Russian.

Denali, Alaska

Mount McKinley, also called Denali in Athabasca, in Denali National Park, Alaska, at 6,194 meters is the highest mountain in North America. This massif needs no explanation as to why it should be climbed. From its base to its apex, it rises nearly 5,490 meters, an elevation gain unsurpassed anywhere in the world. No other mountain offers such breathtaking and diverse views each day of an ascent.

Annapurna, Nepal

In terms of sheer geological and cultural diversity, a trek to Nepal’s Annapurna region is unbeatable. By circumnavigating the giant Himalaya, you will see everything from lush bamboo forests to arid high mountain landscapes. Most visitors here climb over the famous Thorung La. The hike into this glorious mountain pass rewards one with spectacular blazes of orange as the sun rises, casting the white Himalayan peaks in a fiery glow.

Damavand, Iran

The Elburz Mountains stand huge and stunning as they lean against the Caspian Sea northeast of Tehran. Damavand’s peaks range in altitude from 5,612 meters to more than 5,795 meters. Steam rises from the hot springs and fumaroles that pockmark this dormant volcano, and two small glaciers provide dazzling views. Although Damavand is not particularly challenging as a technical climb, mountaineers appreciate its beauty and its position in Persian mythology as possibly the resting place of Noah’s ark.

Find More Swiss Alps Articles