Articles written by Barry Marcus

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About me - Barry Marcus

My writing spans a wide range of topics on which I have an interest and knowledge or where knowledge can be supplemented through research.

I author a number of blogs that include articles on a wide range of topics and edit a newsletter for a self-help support

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Business > Leadership Strategies As a manager, is it important for your employees to like you?: 2 of 73
A manager does not have to be liked by his employees. The role of the manager is to achieve results through other people. Whether or not the employees like the manager has no bearing on the manager's ability to achieve these results.Respect is a quality that a manager must be able to command. It is important that employees re... More..
Business > Marketing Marketing your small business during the recession: 2 of 73
As the global recession deepens, many businesses face diminishing sales. As customers cut back, many reduce their marketing budget. Reduced exposure means even fewer sales. The small business owner faces a dilemma - how to maintain its sales in a diminishing market.Amidst the gloom there is a ray of light. While competitors r... More..
Personal Finance > Budgets & Saving How to set up a budget: 2 of 72
Many people live from month to month in the hope that their financial situation will will somehow manage itself. Spend what you need to spend and hope for the best! A state of financial chaos. The company retirement fund will take care of some of the retirement needs. And there is a life insurance plan as well. But there is n... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Advantages of a recession: 3 of 104
The seventies TV series 'The Waltons' shamelessly romanticised the Great Depression. The family as depicted by the narrator John-Boy was poor but happy. It was the family, their warmth and family unity that mattered. Who wouldn't be nostalgic for these wonderful times? But the schmaltzy portrayal of hard times contained an el... More..
Business > Business Strategy Why businesses fail: 1 of 34
In the current recessionary climate, many businesses are failing. Committed to high costs they face falling revenues. Cutting back only makes matters worse. With fewer staff service levels drop and customers vote with their feet. The business moves from profit to loss and is forced to close.New businesses fail in large number... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing Process (Other) Do great writers rely more on effort or insight?: 2 of 61
Good writing requires effort. The process of producing great writing may differ dramatically from one writer to the next. One will write in spurts and grind to a halt. Another will just carry on until the work is completed. Some may battle from sentence to sentence. The process of writing itself - particularly great writing -... More..
Personal Finance > Managing Debt Get out of debt: 2 of 58
Becoming debt free will change your life! The long term pay-off provides a huge incentive to commit to the short-term sacrifice that is required to get out of debt. Debt can be a major source of stress. As debt builds, it becomes more and more difficult to manage. An increased income seems to have no effect and each month be... More..
Computers & Technology > Phone Technologies & Issues Should hands-free devices be mandatory for drivers?: 1 of 28
A driver speaking on a cell phone poses a serious danger to him or herself as well as to other road users. Using a hands-free device may reduce the danger posed. Hands-free devices reduce the risks significantly and should be compulsory for drivers that use cell phones while driving.Many drivers are aware of the danger of spe... More..
Computers & Technology > Internet Trends Blogging for fun: 1 of 26
Blogging is fun.Even the professional that is trying to turn a blog into his primary source of income does it for fun. But there is a subtle difference between a blog that has a specific purpose and a blog that is created and maintained just for the fun of it. Blogging for fun is putting together content that you like, the th... More..
Computers & Technology > Internet Issues The negative side of the Internet: 1 of 23
The Internet has helped to transform the world into a global village. Communication with friends and family across the globe has become fast and free. It is easy to keep in touch with programs such as Skype and Face book. Online dating provides unprecedented opportunities for people to meet. The Internet is an excellent sourc... More..