Monday, May 25, 2009
American Small Business News
Would you like to know more about what’s involved in working with a small business coach? Find out more about how business coaches assist their clients in exclusive expert interview with Sylvia Browder, Project Director, Business Coach, and Consultant with the Women’s Business Center, Inc., based in southern Alabama.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Are You Planning for Business Success? 5 Tips to Succeed!
One of the most gratifying steps that you can take is starting your own business. This can be an exciting and rewarding venture. The key to business ownership is preparation. Proper planning is one of the most important aspects of starting a business. It defines your capabilities not only as an entrepreneur, but in your personal affairs.
Are you planning for business success?
By failing to plan, you are planning to fail – If you cant take the time needed to plan for the success of your business, then don’t waist your time starting one. What is a business plan? A business plan is your blue print or what I tell many of my clients, it’s your bible! A business plan defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your company’s resume. It will help you arrange strategic alliances, obtain financing and attract key personnel. By planning for success, you will be able to overcome many hurdles that may arise.
Work on your business, not in your business – the worst thing that you can do is become a slave to your business. I know this first hand; as a former owner of a Building Maintenance Company; I was president, HR, payroll specialist, trainer, janitor, saleswoman and more. It took me a while to realize that not only could I not effectively wear every hat, but in order to grow and regain my sanity, I had to trust others. It is important that you delegate non-core business to your staff or through outsourcing. Play on the strengths of others. The lack of delegation will stifle your growth, or worse, cause you to run your business and yourself into a pit fall.
In order to blossom, you must network. Networking is a reciprocal process based on the exchange of ideas, contacts, advice and referrals. By networking, you are building professional relationships and generating new business. It is important to get out and meet with others that can provide a business support structure for you. Don't think you can do it all by yourself; by talking to others in business you will find out great ideas which is very motivating.
Great customer service is paramount! I can’t begin to emphasize how important it is to provide your customers with exceptional customer service. How is this done? This can be achieved by building lasting relationships with people. The success of a business depends upon the quality of care in the relationship. By understanding and focusing on the needs of your customers, you create a loyalty between yourselves. Don’t sit on your morals! You should never get too comfortable, instead, regularly assess the strengths and weaknesses of the quality of your services, your processes and your customer approach. As a business owner, I make it a practice to over deliver and under promise.
Form an advisory committee. – An advisory committee is a group of individuals, who offer advice, inform or notify. No business is too small to benefit from having an advisory board which is an extremely powerful management tool. Do you ever share an open discussion with other business people in an informal setting? Well, an advisory committee is a professional version.
Planning is the key to success in any business. Stay focused on your business goals and you will achieve the success that you imagined, and more!
Are you planning for business success?
By failing to plan, you are planning to fail – If you cant take the time needed to plan for the success of your business, then don’t waist your time starting one. What is a business plan? A business plan is your blue print or what I tell many of my clients, it’s your bible! A business plan defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your company’s resume. It will help you arrange strategic alliances, obtain financing and attract key personnel. By planning for success, you will be able to overcome many hurdles that may arise.
Work on your business, not in your business – the worst thing that you can do is become a slave to your business. I know this first hand; as a former owner of a Building Maintenance Company; I was president, HR, payroll specialist, trainer, janitor, saleswoman and more. It took me a while to realize that not only could I not effectively wear every hat, but in order to grow and regain my sanity, I had to trust others. It is important that you delegate non-core business to your staff or through outsourcing. Play on the strengths of others. The lack of delegation will stifle your growth, or worse, cause you to run your business and yourself into a pit fall.
In order to blossom, you must network. Networking is a reciprocal process based on the exchange of ideas, contacts, advice and referrals. By networking, you are building professional relationships and generating new business. It is important to get out and meet with others that can provide a business support structure for you. Don't think you can do it all by yourself; by talking to others in business you will find out great ideas which is very motivating.
Great customer service is paramount! I can’t begin to emphasize how important it is to provide your customers with exceptional customer service. How is this done? This can be achieved by building lasting relationships with people. The success of a business depends upon the quality of care in the relationship. By understanding and focusing on the needs of your customers, you create a loyalty between yourselves. Don’t sit on your morals! You should never get too comfortable, instead, regularly assess the strengths and weaknesses of the quality of your services, your processes and your customer approach. As a business owner, I make it a practice to over deliver and under promise.
Form an advisory committee. – An advisory committee is a group of individuals, who offer advice, inform or notify. No business is too small to benefit from having an advisory board which is an extremely powerful management tool. Do you ever share an open discussion with other business people in an informal setting? Well, an advisory committee is a professional version.
Planning is the key to success in any business. Stay focused on your business goals and you will achieve the success that you imagined, and more!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
SIX SUREFIRE WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH
As we move into the summer months, most small businesses tend to see a decline in profits. This can put a dent in your bottom line! How do you attract more clients and maximize your profits in a slow economy? If you have more business than you can handle, then this article is not for you? If you are like most entrepreneurs, then you want to read, “6 Surefire Ways To Increase Your Business Growth.”
SUREFIRE #1 - BECOME INVOLVED IN PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
Seminars, workshops, trade shows, speeches and presentations are excellent ways to build your business, gain credibility, and demonstrate your professionalism. These forums are an easy and inexpensive way to get your business out in the public’s eye. Not to mention a great way to conquer your stage fright. For instance, if you are an accountant who gives a monthly seminar on various subjects, then people who are in business are bound to attend to get your valuable and free advice. By doing this, you have a steady flow of prospects; gaining local publicity; and building your level of expertise.
SUREFIRE #2 - CREATE A REFERRAL NETWORK
Do you know other companies to whom you share mutual customers with? You should be running, not walking to find who they are and how you can team up and benefit from each other. For instance, if you are a Business Writer, you should form a team with a Web designer, PR firm and / or an Ad agency, to name a few. If you are a Realtor, you should form a team with a mortgage lender, title service and home builders. The key to this is to learn as much as you can about each team members business so that you can promote it as you would your own. This new team will enable each other to grow more rapidly as you have several sales people working on your behalf to grow your business. It makes so much sense to work smarter and not harder!
SUREFIRE #3 - DEVELOP AN E-NEWSLETTER
When you expand your traditional marketing to include a regularly scheduled e-newsletter, you are creating an easy, no-cost and profitable way to market your business. By developing an ongoing relationship with prospective clients, you are establishing yourself as an expert. This also provides you with email information of potential clients. For an example of a business related e-newsletter, Google search industry related businesses websites, opt-in to their e-newsletter. To learn more about email marketing, go to Constant Contact or IContact.
SUREFIRE #4 - NETWORKING IS KING
One of the most successful ways to promote your business is through networking. Networking is to Business Owners as Gas is to Cars. Ok, so the analogy sounds silly, but you get the picture. Networking is a lifestyle in which you need to incorporate onto your “To Do” list. By networking, you are developing your social skills by engaging or interacting in an informal gathering to communicate with others for mutual assistance or support. By acquainting yourself with other business owners or executives, you are building meaningful relationships. There are many organizations that you can become involved in such as the Chamber of Commerce, BNI or professional organization related to your industry. Networking works!
SUREFIRE #5 - DEVELOP PROFESSIONAL MARKETING TOOLS
I repeat, develop professional marketing tools. Image is everything! If you lack a professional image, you lose credibility! You can create professional looking brochures, fliers and business cards with affordable software such as Microsoft Publisher or Vista Print. Shop around for an affordable website designer, barter with other business owners, or go to your local university and recruit a student familiar with computer programming. Many students are looking for extra work. You don’t have to compromise your budget to create a professional image.
SUREFIRE #6 – GET ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA BANDWAGON
As entrepreneurs, it is essential that you continually generate new ideas in order to maximize the profit-making potential of your venture. Social media is a great way to leverage your products or services. I highly suggest engaging in social networking because it is an easy and inexpensive way to connect to people around the world and an opportunity to make friends with people who have similar interests, find solutions to problems they might have by collaborating with others, as well as attract clients that might need your products or services.
According to a recent survey on online social networking by the Institute for Corporate Productivity:
SUREFIRE #1 - BECOME INVOLVED IN PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
Seminars, workshops, trade shows, speeches and presentations are excellent ways to build your business, gain credibility, and demonstrate your professionalism. These forums are an easy and inexpensive way to get your business out in the public’s eye. Not to mention a great way to conquer your stage fright. For instance, if you are an accountant who gives a monthly seminar on various subjects, then people who are in business are bound to attend to get your valuable and free advice. By doing this, you have a steady flow of prospects; gaining local publicity; and building your level of expertise.
SUREFIRE #2 - CREATE A REFERRAL NETWORK
Do you know other companies to whom you share mutual customers with? You should be running, not walking to find who they are and how you can team up and benefit from each other. For instance, if you are a Business Writer, you should form a team with a Web designer, PR firm and / or an Ad agency, to name a few. If you are a Realtor, you should form a team with a mortgage lender, title service and home builders. The key to this is to learn as much as you can about each team members business so that you can promote it as you would your own. This new team will enable each other to grow more rapidly as you have several sales people working on your behalf to grow your business. It makes so much sense to work smarter and not harder!
SUREFIRE #3 - DEVELOP AN E-NEWSLETTER
When you expand your traditional marketing to include a regularly scheduled e-newsletter, you are creating an easy, no-cost and profitable way to market your business. By developing an ongoing relationship with prospective clients, you are establishing yourself as an expert. This also provides you with email information of potential clients. For an example of a business related e-newsletter, Google search industry related businesses websites, opt-in to their e-newsletter. To learn more about email marketing, go to Constant Contact or IContact.
SUREFIRE #4 - NETWORKING IS KING
One of the most successful ways to promote your business is through networking. Networking is to Business Owners as Gas is to Cars. Ok, so the analogy sounds silly, but you get the picture. Networking is a lifestyle in which you need to incorporate onto your “To Do” list. By networking, you are developing your social skills by engaging or interacting in an informal gathering to communicate with others for mutual assistance or support. By acquainting yourself with other business owners or executives, you are building meaningful relationships. There are many organizations that you can become involved in such as the Chamber of Commerce, BNI or professional organization related to your industry. Networking works!
SUREFIRE #5 - DEVELOP PROFESSIONAL MARKETING TOOLS
I repeat, develop professional marketing tools. Image is everything! If you lack a professional image, you lose credibility! You can create professional looking brochures, fliers and business cards with affordable software such as Microsoft Publisher or Vista Print. Shop around for an affordable website designer, barter with other business owners, or go to your local university and recruit a student familiar with computer programming. Many students are looking for extra work. You don’t have to compromise your budget to create a professional image.
SUREFIRE #6 – GET ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA BANDWAGON
As entrepreneurs, it is essential that you continually generate new ideas in order to maximize the profit-making potential of your venture. Social media is a great way to leverage your products or services. I highly suggest engaging in social networking because it is an easy and inexpensive way to connect to people around the world and an opportunity to make friends with people who have similar interests, find solutions to problems they might have by collaborating with others, as well as attract clients that might need your products or services.
According to a recent survey on online social networking by the Institute for Corporate Productivity:
- 65% of business professionals use some form of personal or professional social network
- 47% use social networks to connect with potential clients and market their skills
- 55% use social networks to share best practices with colleagues
Some popular social networking services, such as, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Linkedin and Bebo allow users to create a profile of themselves.
As entrepreneurs, it is essential that you continually generate new ideas in order to maximize the profit-making potential of your venture. Always set action plans to guide your marketing strategies as it will save you time and money.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
American Small Business News
Wondering how in the world you can afford to invest in marketing for your small business? Learn why marketing is important for every small business and find out how to do so without breaking the bank in this exclusive expert interview with me...
Ask Entrepreneur
Ask an expert. Find answers. Discover how to. Have a burning business question? A panel of small business experts will answer your questions.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Do You Have a Succession Plan In Place?
You're open for business, dressed for success and business is good. You've planned your company's day-to-day operations with budgets, flowcharts, key staff and contact lists. You have all the right people in place. But are you really prepared? Have you prepared for crisis management and is there a recovery plan in place?
You're open for business, dressed for success and business is good. You've planned your company's day-to-day operations with budgets, flowcharts, key staff and contact lists. You have all the right people in place. But are you really prepared? Have you prepared for crisis management and is there a recovery plan in place?
Although natural disasters are the most obvious and dramatic, such as Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Gustav or the burning fires in Southern California or the deadly floods of the Midwest, companies should be prepared to resume business after a natural disaster, theft or the loss of a key manager.
Do you have a succession plan? A succession plan policy is a tool to help an organization prepare for planned or unplanned absences of the director, clarifying authority and decision-making and thereby maintaining accountability and ensuring stability. What steps would you take to transfer the business to a key employee or the next generation? It is a process of determining critical roles within a company. Failure to have a succession plan in place can cause monetary loss or worse, the loss of your business.
Succession planning includes:
Choosing your successor – this can be a key employee or a family member
Create a formal training plan – consider the critical functions of your business and train your successor in each of those functions to ensure he / she is ready to take on the new responsibility
Set a timeline – decide when you want to retire and set goals leading to your retirement. If you are in a natural disaster, make sure your plan includes steps to cover this.
After Hurricane Katrina catastrophe, I talked to several small business owners who lost their entire business; customer records, equipment, inventory and property. To make matters worse, some of them didn’t have their computer files backed up or a plan to relocate to a temporary facility so that their business would resume to some degrees. This was devastating! A local business owner died suddenly and neither his wife nor employees had a clue of how to run the business. Don’t be caught without a succession plan!
To learn more about creating a succession plan, read, ‘Succession Planning 101.’
Sunday, April 19, 2009
How Do YOU Handle Change
How well do you handle change as an entrepreneur? Change can be sometime difficult, especially if you weren’t expecting it. The most successful entrepreneurs not only embrace change, they actively seek it out knowing that greater fulfillment, success and growth is obtained when you can adapt to an ever changing market.
So, what do you do if you experience change in your business or personal life?
As a former business owner, I remember having to deal with a few situations where I needed to make quick and fast decisions. Though frustrating, I was able to evaluate the situations and make sound business decisions based on my evaluations. By doing this, I made a positive change in my operations which benefited my company and employees.
Some business owners find it difficult to adjust to change. Older business owners are reluctant to adapt to new technology or even new internal changes that could help increase sales and growth. As a project director and business consultant, I have witnessed many small business owners who were reluctant to change. For example, one client writes his invoices by hand instead of investing in software such as QuickBooks to manage his business.
Do you think he could benefit from making a few changes in the way he handles invoicing?
Perhaps you've grown from a one-person office to managing a staff of five or maybe one of your largest clients just announced that they no longer need your services. Whether large or small, sudden or planned, change is change!
To your business success,
Sylvia
So, what do you do if you experience change in your business or personal life?
As a former business owner, I remember having to deal with a few situations where I needed to make quick and fast decisions. Though frustrating, I was able to evaluate the situations and make sound business decisions based on my evaluations. By doing this, I made a positive change in my operations which benefited my company and employees.
Some business owners find it difficult to adjust to change. Older business owners are reluctant to adapt to new technology or even new internal changes that could help increase sales and growth. As a project director and business consultant, I have witnessed many small business owners who were reluctant to change. For example, one client writes his invoices by hand instead of investing in software such as QuickBooks to manage his business.
Do you think he could benefit from making a few changes in the way he handles invoicing?
Perhaps you've grown from a one-person office to managing a staff of five or maybe one of your largest clients just announced that they no longer need your services. Whether large or small, sudden or planned, change is change!
To your business success,
Sylvia
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Start or Grow Your Business Even in a Bad Economy
A fragile economy doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad time to launch a new business or expand an existing company. Prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners should take some extra precaution and soul-searching before making any big decision.A recent segment of the Today Show talked about entrepreneurship, specifically, how many individuals are beginning to start businesses in response to a fragile economy and job market. It also featured a small business owner who after being layed-off from her corporate job, turned her hobby into a thriving business. To view the video, click here.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, in March 2009, the number of unemployed persons increased by 694,000 to 13.2 million, and the unemployment rate rose to 8.5 percent. With the rise in unemployment, many driven individuals find themselves without jobs and are forced to find creative solutions to their economic pressures.
If you have a business idea, by all means, research and find out if it has the potential to be a viable and profitable business venture. Take the time to find resources available to assist you in this process. The following sites will give you invaluable information on business planning:
A huge online directory with over 200 directories in PDF. www.sba.gov
This is a link to SCORE's toolkit. http://www.score.org/business_toolbox.html or
http://www.score.org/template_gallery.html
The IRS provides a checklist for business start up. www.irs.gov/businesses
This site has articles and links. www.inc.com
This is an online workshop. www.myownbusiness.org/course.html
As an entrepreneur, you are constantly looking for ways to get your business name in front of potential clients. Here are four quick tips to help you market and grow your business:
Know your target market
It is important to know who your customers are. I have talked to entrepreneurs who wanted to sell their products or services to everybody. No business can be all things to all people. Not only is this inefficient, but it’s ineffective!
Create a Marketing Plan – Revisit it Often!
Every small business should have a marketing plan. It is an essential tool to any successful business. A marketing plan helps you to map out how you plan to attract and attain customers. By having an effective marketing plan, you are able to boost your sales and increase your profits.
Use the Internet - Low to No Cost Marketing
Many businesses, small and large, use the internet to market and grow their businesses.
This is a link to SCORE's toolkit. http://www.score.org/business_toolbox.html or
http://www.score.org/template_gallery.html
The IRS provides a checklist for business start up. www.irs.gov/businesses
This site has articles and links. www.inc.com
This is an online workshop. www.myownbusiness.org/course.html
As an entrepreneur, you are constantly looking for ways to get your business name in front of potential clients. Here are four quick tips to help you market and grow your business:
Know your target market
It is important to know who your customers are. I have talked to entrepreneurs who wanted to sell their products or services to everybody. No business can be all things to all people. Not only is this inefficient, but it’s ineffective!
Create a Marketing Plan – Revisit it Often!
Every small business should have a marketing plan. It is an essential tool to any successful business. A marketing plan helps you to map out how you plan to attract and attain customers. By having an effective marketing plan, you are able to boost your sales and increase your profits.
Use the Internet - Low to No Cost Marketing
Many businesses, small and large, use the internet to market and grow their businesses.
- Start writing a blog regularly. This can help you to establish credibility as an expert in your industry. Two free blog services that I am familiar with are www.blogger.com and www.wordpress.com.
- Create a monthly e-newsletter. This allows you to market to your client on a regular basis. You can send clients updates on upcoming sales or give them relevant tips to help them. I am familiar with and use Constant Contact, www.constantcontact.com. Always research and compare price and services of similar companies.
Network, Network, Network!
I can’t stress how important networking is for your business! If you want people to know about your business, then you must get out and talk to them. There are many opportunities to network your business. Chamber meetings, professional associations, conferences or trade shows are types of venues that business professionals gather.
Yes, these are trying times, and though it is easy to buy into the doom and gloom, aspiring entrepreneurs should continue to pursue their business ideas and small business owners should take aggressive steps to successfully grow their businesses.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Work-Life Balance: Reduce Stress & Create Harmony!
If your work life and personal life are out of balance, your stress may be running high.
As an entrepreneur or career woman, wife, mother and friend, you understand, all too well, the challenge of leading a balanced lifestyle. It isn't easy to juggle the demands of work and personal life.
For most people, it's an ongoing challenge to reduce stress and maintain harmony in key areas of their life. Balance doesn't mean doing everything. Examine your priorities and set boundaries. Be firm in what you can and cannot do. Only you can restore harmony to your lifestyle.
Fortunately, you don't have to give up one to attain the other. You can have both! Before you start bringing your laptop on vacation, break your unbalanced cycle by reading and following this article, Work-life Balance: Ways to restore harmony and reduce stress.
As an entrepreneur or career woman, wife, mother and friend, you understand, all too well, the challenge of leading a balanced lifestyle. It isn't easy to juggle the demands of work and personal life.
For most people, it's an ongoing challenge to reduce stress and maintain harmony in key areas of their life. Balance doesn't mean doing everything. Examine your priorities and set boundaries. Be firm in what you can and cannot do. Only you can restore harmony to your lifestyle.
Fortunately, you don't have to give up one to attain the other. You can have both! Before you start bringing your laptop on vacation, break your unbalanced cycle by reading and following this article, Work-life Balance: Ways to restore harmony and reduce stress.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Are You Living It?
Are you living it?
People often approach me with an all so familiar statement. "I want to start my own business, but I don't know what I want to do?" My first response is, "What is your passion? What is the one thing that you will do for free with much fulfillment?"
Are you living your passion?
Close your eyes and think about what gets you the most excited about life. Baking yummy sweet treats for family and friends? Helping family and friends with bookkeeping? Sewing clothes for oversized dogs? The answer is different for each of us.
Start to imagine!
Now, imagine what your life would be like if you spent the majority of your day actually doing what you love; how awesome is that! Before you become doubtful that it will work, click here and take the passion quiz.
People often approach me with an all so familiar statement. "I want to start my own business, but I don't know what I want to do?" My first response is, "What is your passion? What is the one thing that you will do for free with much fulfillment?"
Are you living your passion?
Close your eyes and think about what gets you the most excited about life. Baking yummy sweet treats for family and friends? Helping family and friends with bookkeeping? Sewing clothes for oversized dogs? The answer is different for each of us.
Start to imagine!
Now, imagine what your life would be like if you spent the majority of your day actually doing what you love; how awesome is that! Before you become doubtful that it will work, click here and take the passion quiz.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Small Business Question? Ask Jim!
Small Business Information - Small Business Answers - Small Business Help - AskJim.biz
This website is awesome! If you have a pressing 'business related' question, Ask Jim.biz can help! Please let me know what you think about this site.
Sylvia
This website is awesome! If you have a pressing 'business related' question, Ask Jim.biz can help! Please let me know what you think about this site.
Sylvia
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Are You Promoting Your Business For Growth...
What are you doing to promote your business? Are you taking every opportunity to remind people about your products or services? Do they know that you are the expert in your field and ready to help them? Do you regularly send your clients and prospective clients e-newsletters?
Are you using social networking sites, such as Facebook, Myspace, Linkedin or Twitter, to promote your business? Are you at least blogging to create a buzz about your business and setting yourself up as the ‘go to’ person in your prospective profession?
By promoting your business on a regular and consistent basis, you are reminding people about your products and services. If you include useful and relevant information, then you'll enhance your reputation and be deemed 'the expert.' Using the internet as suggested above, are a simpler and more inexpensive way to stay in touch with your clients and build your subscriber base.
Sounds overwhelming? Check out my guest appearance at American Small Business News, where we discuss 'Social Networking for Small Businesses.' Please feel free to email with any additional questions.
To your business success!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Planning is the key to business success!
A question that I am frequently asked is, "How do I get started with my business idea?" Of course, there are lots of hurdles and potential stumbling blocks people face as they work to start their business, and there is no way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a small business.
On the other hand, you can improve your chances of success with good planning and preparation. A few things to ponder:
On the other hand, you can improve your chances of success with good planning and preparation. A few things to ponder:
Are you a self-starter? It will be up to you, to develop projects, organize your time and follow through on details. You will need to be able to take the initiative and be a great manager of your time. Remember, you still have to find balance between work and life.
How well do you get along with different personalities? Business owners need to develop working relationships with a multitude of people including customers, vendors, employees, bankers and professionals such as lawyers, accountants or consultants. Can you deal with a demanding client, an unreliable vendor or cranky staff person in the best interest of your business? You will be put to the test many times and must be able to handle different situations.
How good are you at making decisions? Think back to decisions that you've made in the past. What was the outcome? Small business owners are required to make decisions constantly, often quickly, under pressure and independently. Can you handle that? This can mean the difference between running a successful business or one that is one step away from ‘going out of business.’
How well do you plan and organize? According to various researches that I’ve read, experts say many business failures could have been avoided through better planning. Having a handle on your financials (both personal and business), inventory, schedules, production – can help avoid many pitfalls.
How will the business affect your family? The first few years of business start-up can be hard on family life. The strain of a non-supportive spouse may be hard to balance against the demands of starting a business. There also may be financial difficulties until the business becomes profitable, which could take months or years. You may have to adjust to a lower standard of living or put family assets at risk.
Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.
To your business success,
Sylvia
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