Archive for March, 2007

Effective Use of Computer Training Videos

Wednesday, March 21st, 2007

The use of videos in training has opened up new possibilities in almost every area that uses training in any way. The use of visual images and the ability to display charts and illustrations is extremely effective. This is true in computer training. Computer training videos come as close as possible to recreating an actual classroom environment. In some ways, the use of videos can surpass a classroom. It is only the direct response to a confused student that can be provided by a live instructor that surpasses the video presentation.Computer based training, or CBT, is another use of the video. A video presentation can be used on a computer. This enables an employee that works with a computer at his job station to actually use his computer as the monitor for the training video. All evidence that has been collected supports the value of computer based training. It has been shown that as little as three hours of CBT has led to as much as a 19% increase in productivity. There has been a demonstrated increase in employee skills and efficiency after exposure to even the most minimal video based training.

When you use Computer training videos for the IT training, it is important to make a proper selection of your video material. There are thousands of Computer training videos available on the market. They cover every area that could be imagined. This makes it possible to match the videos used in an organization’s training program to the type of work done within the organization. Videos that spend excessive amounts of time covering material that is not necessary will alienate the students and waste precious training time. The person responsible for coordinating the training should review the videos to insure they are appropriate to the training needs.

Once the proper videos have been selected and the training schedule has been established, it is important to treat training with a sense of priority and purpose. If the employees or students perceive that training is not considered that important within the organization, they will not give it the attention necessary to achieve first rate results. On the other hand, when training is treated as a valuable and necessary part of the overall mission statement of the organization, this attitude will be reflected in the attitude of the students. Computer training videos that are of high quality and appropriate to the organization’s goals can help show that training is being taken seriously.

Requirements for an Online Credit Card Merchant Account

Thursday, March 15th, 2007

When you choose to expand your e-commerce business, you will surely be investing in online merchant accounts services.  The ability to accept credit cards online can greatly affect your business’ profitability and stability.  Online merchant accounts can provide these benefits and more.  Choosing and applying for the best merchant account, whether it be a domestic service or an offshore merchant account, is as important as the money you will make from this investment.
 

Initially you must decide whether you will be choosing a domestic merchant account service or an offshore merchant account.  While many domestic businesses have a good track record and accountable individuals, it can often be difficult to be accepted.  Many require that your business has been operating for over two years, a major pitfall for a company starting out needing to accept credit cards.  It can also be difficult to be approved for or even considered for a credit card merchant service in the US because of the initial down payments some require.  Some banks ask for as much as a $5,000 just to glance at your application.  If these requirements do not seem feasible for your situation, you may choose to look into an offshore merchant account.
 

In addition to the aforementioned requirements for an online credit card merchant account, you may be asked by your provider to pay a fee of up to $5,000 per month (depending on your credit card sales volume) for their services.  You must start your business with and maintain an exceptional credit rating.  Many banks and merchant account services hold the ability to cancel your account at any time due to a fluctuation such as a credit rating drop.  Furthermore, if you are operating a high risk business online, it may be difficult to find a service that will sponsor your earnings.  High risk businesses include timeshare organizations, collection agencies and gambling agencies.  If you are running other questionable services such as chat rooms or online video entertainment, it may still be possible to obtain an account, but you will likely have to pay high service charges.
 

For your e-commerce business, you must have your website run from an IP address within the United States to be eligible for a US Bank merchant account.  All transactions must be conducted in US dollars and you must have a US address and bank account already withstanding to even be eligible for your online merchant account.  While eligibility depends on various factors, maintaining a good business image, credit rating and relation with your investors and banks will all aid you in receiving merchant account support and services.