5. Entech USA Vending

Forget coffee, today’s consumer is proving that there’s more than one way to catch a caffeinated buzz and they’ve turned the once humble energy drink market into a whopping $100 billion/year industry with more growth every month. Vending machines make great low cost franchise opportunities because they require very little startup money and they make great business opportunities for moonlighters because after you setup the machine, the only work left to do is to stock your machines every week or two and collect your cash. Energy drinks represent a high profit industry because a 20oz energy drink will sell for between $2-$3 where the average soda will sell for half the price, sometimes less. If you’ve every considered a vending franchise, choose an energy drink franchise that’s all but guaranteed to outperform a comparable snack or soda machine.

4. DVDNow Kiosk

DVDNow video rental kiosks provide an automated DVD rental service that can be deployed in grocery, convenience stores, gas stations, office building or any other high traffic area. By focusing on the highest demand titles (mainly new releases) DVDNow kiosks allow you to provide consumers with instant, automated movie rentals of the titles that people actually want to see. Imagine coming home to your condo or apartment complex after work and picking up the latest New Release in the lobby of your building. The perfect second job, all that’s required of you is to setup the machines, keep them in working order and collect your money.

3. The Drug Test Consultant

Anyone who’s worked a few jobs knows the value of a drug test. These tests not only help the employer to hire mature and responsible candidates but also serve to protect coworkers from drug abusers who can be very dangerous to work around in a variety of jobs. The Drug Test Consultant is among a handful of cheap franchises that can be bought and up and running for less than $10,000. As a Drug Test Consultant franchisee, you’ll help employers screen candidates for drug use, perform background checks and even hair follicle testing. This is a great job for the moonlighter as the testing can be done on your own schedule and can pay very well with little time needed each week.

2. Caddy Card

When you’re working two jobs, you may find it hard to find time to get onto the golf course, luckily with a Caddy Card franchise, you can hang out at the course all day, not playing hooky, but working. Caddy Card’s product is an attractive golf course guide book complete with scorecard, training aids, course information and advertisements. Your job as a Caddy Card franchisee is simply to sell the advertising space on the caddy card and then literally give them away to local golf courses. Golfers love Caddy Cards because it provides all the detailed information they need about the course and lets them track all of their important information throughout the day. Golf courses love Caddy Card because it’s free for them and it attracts new players by providing more information about the course and making the golf course look more professional and attractive. You’ll love Caddy Card because of its low initial investment ($11,800) and its fast return and high income potential.

1. HomeTask.com Handyman Services

Many moonlighters need to be jacks of all trades, being able to do whatever work is needed for the job at hand. HomeTask.com shares your handyman’s spirit by deploying handymen to jobs all over your area and building lasting customer relationships, which are sure to earn you valuable referral business. As a franchisee, you’ll be supported by a world-class team designed to assist you with training, initial startup and ongoing support with your business to make sure that you never feel like you have to figure it all out on your own. If you’re ready to capitalize on this exciting small business opportunity, don’t delay and make the crossover from moonlighter to full-fledged handyman.

Working multiple jobs is tough, but business opportunities available at such low startup costs and with such high potential for profit, getting to financial freedom by working less for more money is closer than you think. These franchise opportunities are all designed to benefit not only the seasoned entrepreneur but also the first time investor/business professional by guiding you each step of the way and helping you to build on the triumphs and successes of the franchisor. Take advantage of what’s available and with a small business franchise, start working smarter, not just working harder.

Find more franchises, home based businesses,franchise opportunities and information for moonlighters at Franchise Gator.

Even before we’ve left the house for some summer goodness, there are great things that people like to do right in their own homes. Model trains, remote controlled cars, ships in bottles: you name it, someone likes to do it, and on a summer afternoon, there are those people who would love nothing more than to sit in the shade with a bottle of glue and a spectrum of little paints, perfecting a project. In service to these people, Hobbytown USA is the perfect retail franchise. Starting a small business by this name is the perfect way to kick of a summer of relaxation and childlike joy.

If your idea of summer fun looks less like crafts and more like a tasty treat, however, don’t pass up the chance to start up your own Smoothie Factory. Still on its way up the smoothie-shop ladder, this budding franchise is the perfect way to escape the heat and make a bundle doing it. Joining good health with sweet, fruity goodness, Smoothie Factory provides a combination of low-cost, high-quality health products and tasty smoothies that are sure to draw people in and keep them coming back.

If you’re craving some of that summer sun, step out of the cool shade of retail and try on a franchise business called Wheel Fun Rentals. One of the top ten hottest franchises and the perfect business for a tourist town—or anywhere that people visit to enjoy the sun and the warm summer air—this rental franchise provides virtually every kind of wheeled toy you can think of. From bikes and surreys to California chariots and electric scooters, if you can think of it, they can rent it. When the sun is out, there is nowhere people want to be more than outside, going as fast as they can.

Granted, though, not everyone wants to be out in the sun, or at least not until they’ve gotten rid of that pasty, white glow their skin has taken on over the winter. So what business addresses this group of people? You guessed it: the tanning industry. And there is no name in tanning that’s as hot as Hollywood Tans. Built on a business model of complete simplicity for owner, employee, and client alike, Hollywood Tans is one of the widest known and most trusted tanning salons in existence, making people feel like they’re right there in the California sun, regardless of where they really are.

Summer is the perfect time to do at least a little traveling, and with it also being one of the most popular times of year for people to get married, some summer travels (i.e. honeymoons) have an added emotional investment that require absolute perfection. This is right where the work-at-home franchise work from home and love travel and romance with equal intensity, this home business opportunity, specializing in finding and securing spots in the most beautiful and exotic places in the world for honeymoons and destination weddings, was made for you.

When families go on vacation however, not everyone always gets to go. Generally, Fido has to stay home all by himself, and with society’s treatment of our pets constantly getting better, home is often an unsatisfactory choice. As the owner of your own franchise is for the unapologetic dog-lover who doesn’t mind some rough-and-tumble play under the summer sun.

The beauty of summer is that there’s something for everyone, so everyone’s happy. And as long as people are out and about and happy, good business follows for the smart business owner. Try one of these great franchise opportunities, and you just might be that lucky, smart business owner yourself this summer.

Find more franchises, home based businesses,franchise opportunities and information for entrepreneurs at Franchise Gator.

For quite some time, it has always been a standard practice for businesses to allot budget and expenses in specifically and specially hiring certified public accountants to handle and manage filing of tax responsibilities. As always, taxation is a difficult, challenging, and tedious task because there are so many factors to consider, numerous numerical figures to account for and so much risk at stake.

It is a common knowledge that the United States’ biggest companies are spending so much to handle, manage and work out their respective taxation jobs. And because companies know the efforts are costing them too much, software developer and marketer Intuit Inc has come up with computer programs that would replace actual public accountants in the tax filing process. Thus, by merely installing an Intuit software program, companies are able to ascertain, assess, and compute their own taxation filings and dues.

Proof of the rising demand for Intuit software is the continuously and robustly growth of such computer programs. Looking at the revenues will easily prompt inference of the market need and clamor for such branded products. Currently, sales of different useful Intuit software is accounting for about $2 billion of the company’s overall annual sales. Since its humble beginning in the 1990s, Intuit has risen to become a $10.8 billion giant software company, which is among the most admired and respected not just in the US but also in several other countries.

Target users

For whom is an Intuit software program? The program is simple and easily adoptable. That is because from the start, Intuit software has been rolled out and known specifically for small companies and businesses. The different Intuit software programs out in the market are also marketed to meet and target the requirements for tax preparation functions of accountants and even tax-paying individuals.

Thus, if you are an owner and operator of a small and minor enterprise, there is no reason why you should not invest into an Intuit software program. For quite some time, small businesses, individuals and accountants have been acknowledging the fact that indeed, Intuit software is a must and a necessity for handling, maintaining and managing tax filings and preparations. Now is the time you effectively prevent unintended tax frauds and evasion charges.

For Canadian users

Tax preparation and filing in some other countries are also as tough and stringent as those in the United States. Specifically, taxes on the neighboring country of Canada are also hard and challenging to file. That is why there is also a particular and specific Intuit software program for Canadian tax users and filers.

Introducing the company’s QuickTax package. To begin with, this Intuit software is especially and specifically developed and designed in accordance with the Canadian tax laws. It is known that Canadian taxation legislations are also as stringent and tough as US tax laws. Thus, to assist accountants and small businesses in the nation, the QuickTax has been launched.

The Intuit software provides users with step-by-step and guided procedures on how to file and manage companies’ and individuals’ tax returns. QuickTax is made available on the accessible formats of online and CD-ROM. For French language users in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec, a French version of the Intuit software is also widely available.

Bei M. is the top author in industry provides you best information on where to buy Intuit Software. He is with buybusinesssoftware that is your reliable source for Business Software solutions.

People who aim to buy graphics software are always striving to find the best and the most practical in the market. That is just natural and highly logical. Consumers, as always, want to make sure they would be able to pick and buy the best and most reliable products available in the market. If you want to buy graphics software, you should take into consideration the following recommendations and suggestions regarding the activity. You would realize that you would be able to easily find and buy graphics software according to your needs and according to reliability if you would only know how.

• Before you buy graphics software, be sure to look at the following considerations: How much will the program cost? What skills are usually required by the users of the software, so that the usability and functionality of the program would be ensured? What types of images and projects are to be used with the program? If you would ponder on such questions, for sure you would be naturally and instinctively guided on your effort to buy graphics software.

• Is the computer hardware and memory capacity fast and spacious enough to accommodate the installation of the computer program? Before you buy graphics software, be sure to check if your computer system would be able to accommodate any more installation of software. Your systems may also be outdated to facilitate the installation and running of any graphics software.

• The operating system installed in your computer must be compatible with the graphics program you would buy. Find time to identify the different types of graphics that you may need. There are of course, numerous types of graphics and programs available in the market. Such products are developed and marketed by different graphics software companies. If you want to buy graphics software that would be functional and useful to you, check if the operating system of your computer is compatible with the specifications of the program.

• Before you finally buy graphics software of your choice, be sure to make ample research about the product. You can easily visit and check out the features and offerings of your choice of graphics software long before you finally make the transaction. Doing so is considered ideal and is truly helpful in making sure your purchase would be reliable and practical. You might want certain features and specifications present in other software other than your initial target and choice.

• Make a shortlist of the possible software you could buy. Before you buy graphics software, it is also ideal if you would list all the potential products and brands you can choose from. After looking at the features and specifications, narrow your list. Before you buy graphics software, be sure your narrowed checklist would have at least three choices. This time, you would have better view of the pros and cons of each of the programs.

The next time you buy graphics software for your PC, be sure to wisely choose and purchase the best product there is in the market. It would be easy if you know how.

Bei M. is the top author in the industry provides you best information on where to buy Graphic Software. He is with buybusinesssoftware that is your reliable source for Business Software solutions.

Whatever your needs and requirements, name it and for sure there is an appropriate Microsoft business software program for you. The software maker has made sure its portfolio and line up of Microsoft business software would be comprehensible and effective enough to cater to different types of consumers and computer users. The company’s Business Division is constantly coming up with different computer programs to suit users’ needs. What’s more, every Microsoft business software program has been made to be user friendly and easier to access and navigate.

To be able to demonstrate the usefulness and reliability of Microsoft business software, it would help if you would have a refresher of the most popular of such computer programs. Looking at the lineup of popular Microsoft business software, you would surely realize that they are indeed the most useful software programs available in the market.

The Microsoft Office

This Microsoft business software program is actually a package containing interrelated and equally useful desktop applications. The computer program is often referred to as the office suite, because everything you may need and use in your office setting can be found in the program.

The Microsoft Office is undoubtedly the banner and flagship of all Microsoft business software programs. Among the specific and sought-after applications included in this Microsoft business software package are the MS Word (the most popular word processing application in the globe), Outlook (also referred as a groupware), Publisher (an effective and easy-to-use desktop publishing application and PowerPoint (made for business presentations). Not mentioned is Excel, which can be considered the best tool for simple accounting in the office environment today.

The Microsoft Groove

Because office settings are now made geographically distant from each other, there is a need for a computer program to link users no mater where they are. The Microsoft Groove is an effective Microsoft business software program that facilitates the working together of people and employees in a single network connection. Microsoft Groove is a Microsoft business software program made to bond the team regardless of time zones and geographic indifferences.

A unit of this Microsoft business software program comes with a complete package of Office Ultimate. The software is also fairly priced in most markets.

The Microsoft Accounting

Obviously, this Microsoft business software is designed to help assume the actual roles of accountants. Now, you and your business would not have to hire and pay for salaries of certified public accountants. By investing in the Microsoft Accounting, you would be able to save on costs for finance management and other business functions.

This Microsoft business software comes in small business accounting versions for home-based and minor operations. If you are enterprising enough to startup your own small business, it would not hurt to invest in the Microsoft Accounting.

The Microsoft Data Analyzer

If financial analysis is a cause of stress for you, perhaps, you need to buy the Microsoft Data Analyzer. This Microsoft business software program is designed and developed to help you identify trends, possible issues, and opportunities. Take note that such areas of concerns are very much significant and pertinent to cause any impact on your business.

The Microsoft Data Analyzer is surely one of the best and most effective Microsoft business software programs. If you find it is disruptive to analyze, understand and much more interpret financial data, it is time you buy a tool to help you do so.

Bei M. is the top author in the industry provides you best information on Microsoft Business Software. He is with buybusinesssoftware that is your reliable source for Business Software solutions.

New research has identified the success factors critical to the success of a lean six sigma deployment, and the ones that make a difference etween partial and complete success.

The research also examined tool use in projects, and evaluated which tools were best understood, and which ones had most impact in projects. In finding that there is a link between understanding and impact, and that tool understanding is mixed, the analysis highlights the fact that

the greater understanding of the tool, the greater the impact.

This affects the success of a programme in many ways, not least because if there is a lack of understanding about a tool,then it is unlikely to be used, despite the fact that it may well be the most appropriate and effective. Furthermore, the level of management commitment is adversely affected by a lack of tool and technique understanding, and therefore for

greater executive buy-in, management must have a knowledge of the tools and techniques available.

SigmaPro, a global provider of lean six sigma training,software, consultancy services, and deployment support, teamed up with the Aston Business School, one of the top business teaching & research institutions in the UK, to carry out research into the success factors involved in business improvement programmes, and also looked at which tools work, and why in real projects. In doing so, the research identified the tools that work best in practice. “Most Six Sigma and Lean training is based around thinking from 20 years ago based on successes in Motorola and GE. We wanted to take an up to the minute look at what makes a successful programme today” says Chris Rees, Director of UK Operations for SigmaPro.

Commissioned as part of Sigmapro’s continual improvement process for their lean six sigma training material and deployment support, the esearch looked to find out what makes a successful improvement programme. It compared the responses of improvement practitioners, including Black Belts and Master Black Belts with general management and Green Belts in order to gauge the impact that increased technical knowledge has on project success, and the tools that are most effective in gaining that success.

Success Factors Important for a Successful Deployment

1. The root causes of the problems should be addressed, not the symptoms of them.

2. It is the responsibility of everyone in the organisation to ensure that quality is built in at the source.

3. An environment must be developed that encourages the constant improvement of products and services

4. Defective products and services must be considered as unacceptable.

5. The customer requirements must be fully understood to be able to provide good quality.

6. All people in the organisation are responsible for quality improvement

7. Leadership and resource needs to be given by top management

8. Data must be used to support and verify the success of the improvement initiative

9. Customer satisfaction is a critical measure for business improvement

10. Resistance to change must be actively managed “As the use of the lean six sigma methodology and tools are growing quickly, researching its success factors is important to make sure that lean six sigma is not misused and so continues to have a high positive impact.” says Mike Titchen, Master Black Belt at Sigmapro and part of the research team who

collated the data and analysed it using lean six sigma tools and techniques.

Dr Ben Clegg of Aston Business School thinks that, “lean six sigma practice has enormous potential to improve business performance.

How the training of professionals in tools and success factors takes place, and the implementation of these in practice, is currently an under researched area. It should be a concern of all leading researchers and training organisations in this area to ensure that it is performed correctly in order to maximise its impact”.

The first part of the research asked respondents to rank a list of 30 success factor statements sourced from various respected ‘gurus’, such as Deming, Ishikawa, Crosby and Feigenbaum. Respondents were asked to rate each statement for its importance to a programme generally, and from there whether they believed it had been implemented successfully in their organisation.

Of those surveyed 25.6% of respondents reported complete success with their change programme, whilst 73.1% said it was a partial success. Interestingly, it transpired that general management – the sponsors of the programmes - are much more likely to describe the deployments as a complete success than those working within the programmes. This comes as no surprise to Mike Titchen. “I think practitioners are more critical, and focus not only on how well the deployment is accepted, but also on how well their internal processes are working (eg project selection, review sessions, BB development etc)” he says. “Sponsors, on the other hand, are happy to see positive results, and focus less on the process side.”

The successful implementation of the factors would also appear to be directly related to the programme participant’s belief in its importance, with eight of the top ten factors deemed critical to success also appearing in the top ten of those most successfully implemented. This is evidence that buy-in from all the participants in the programme is heavily influential on its success, regardless of the technical tools and techniques available.

To Mike, this shows the importance of Change Management. “When the General Electric heuristic for making initiatives work - E = Q x A (Effectiveness of the programme is a function of its Technical Quality times its Cultural Acceptance) - is considered, it can be seen that there is a fairly even split between cultural and technical factors. This implies that the people aspects of any improvement programme are as important as the technical tools and techniques used. This is why we at SigmaPro spend a lot of time in our Training on Change Management.”

Best Understood Tools

BBs / MBBs

1. 5 Whys

2. Fishbone

3. Pareto

4. 5S

5. Measles Chart

Best Understood Tools

Non-Experts

1. Brainstorming

2. KPI

3. Process Mapping

4. Basic Statistics

5. Gantt Chart

Tools considered most effective – BBs / MBBs

1. Process Layout

2. Visual Management

3. What, Where, When, etc.

4. CTQ Trees

5. Process Mapping

Tools considered most effective – Mgmt / GBs

1. Process Mapping

2. KPI

3. Poka Yoke

4. Best Practise

5. Brain Storming

The second part of the research dealt with specific tools and their impact on deployment success. Respondents were asked to rate 77 lean six sigma tools in terms of their own understanding of them, and then in terms of the impact the tools had on a successful programme. In finding a strong correlation between the understanding of the tool and its perceived success, the research shows that as the advanced tools are considered more effective, it is vital that management should have at least basic awareness training in them in order to appreciate their impact.

Unfortunately, it seems that this rarely happens. “In my experience, they are often reluctant to do this,” says Mike. “And this has a significant negative impact on initiative success.” One worrying result of the research is the apparent fact that more often than not, the urgency of a project determines the selection of tools: the more urgent a project, the more likely a simple tool tends be used, even if it is not the most appropriate or effective.

SigmaPro have already begun to incorporate the results of the research into their training material.

If you have any questions regarding the article, please do not hesitate to contact SigmaPro at:

Regus Business Centre

Central Boulevard

Blythe Valley Business Park

Solihull

B90 8AG

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1676 532 470

Fax: +44 (0)1676 534 544

http://www.sigmapro.co.uk

SigmaPro UK- Six Sigma Training. Your online resource for Lean Six Sigma Training and Consulting. Lean Six Sigma Training courses from August 2008. Get free tips, resources, special offers and trends HERE

A lightweight handheld GPS device usually has several built-in maps which are not customized to meet your specific needs. In order to fully enjoy a trip, having detailed information about your trip beforehand is a huge boon as it can avoid you getting lost and have a very unpleasant experience. For instance, you may wish to travel to a new place destination that is not covered in default built-in maps.

GPS maps for portable GPS devices are available at many repositories. You first stop should be the Internet where you can download a lot of free GPS maps ready to be installed in your handheld GPS device. Just looking at search engines like Google will return a lot of maps ready to be downloaded for free with a variety of destinations.

Traditional mounted GPS and handheld GPS equipments make use of the same maps although their size is different because of the actual size of their respective monitors. These maps are very well detailed for traditional browsing systems and also provide specific information in order to guide you through your trip. Hikers can find this information very handy as they may get lost in a forest.

Finally, having many GPS maps in your handheld can be a huge boon as we saw in previous sections. The first reason of this is the detailed information and news about your routes for your trips so that there is less possibility to get lost. GPS maps mobile units are used for several purposes especially in aviation. This technology has opened up a world of accurate navigation to every pilot. Modern handheld GPS units have full databases with easy updating using a plug-in chip or PC. A few of these models not only show you the way to the closest airport, a handy feature in times of an emergency, but even compute an approximate approach path from the extended centerline of the runway.

Other handheld devices provide outstanding features such as the location awareness, electronic mapping, address lookup, automatic route generation, turn-by-turn directions with voice guidance, trip computer, tracklog, route avoidance, and Contact Locator

The major concern and rising issue with search engines is that anybody with good amount of money, skills and knowledge can put their company number one if they want to. Situation is that the best distributors that many of us power sellers know are not listed in the top 10 results on free search queries on Google, Yahoo and MSN and neither advertising themselves.

Reason why is quite simple, the best wholesale suppliers don’t need to list themselves openly available to the mass market. By general rules, distributors, wholesalers and suppliers have so much business that they don’t even have to advertise themselves often or consistently once they are established. Many of the reasons being, once they are established the possibilities being, 20% of their business will come from top corporations that are in the top of their business and industry.

So why many people in auctions, directories among many of the other places to look for sources end up acquiring consistently more so-called wholesale list? These people, including myself need to know sources as long as there is more demand from customers for more product expansion and more money to be made in different markets if the owner of the small business or company desires to do so.

Some of the good places to find specifically, wholesale list suppliers – is in Global Sources. This is where many power sellers look for wholesale opportunities nationally and internationally. Many of us personally use this directory, however, be very cautious in anything that correlates to the word directory.

Note that a worldwide directory purpose in many of the cases is to inform the public of the submission of allege suppliers, distributors and wholesalers at their disposal. Many directories, not all of them have the same objective of protection with the same significant equation as like all of them, the owner’s goal most often is not protection.

Many directories are in the business of making money, therefore, the more alleged sources many directories have, the more money they usually make. By now the understanding should be as simple as 1,2,3.

More importantly as a new business owner you should remind yourself loud and clear that your objective is not to spend time on task that can be easily researched by your team, partners and 3rd party companies. Your objective should be to make sure your operation runs smoothly and to look for more money making opportunities inside your same industry – most often it relies in your marketing ability. With enough experiences already in hand, make sure your selection of wholesale list suppliers is the correct one and not one business relationship that may get you broke.

Finding Wholesale List Suppliers online are one of the business components Joaquin serves as reference source, e-commerce coach and certified author. His focus today is assisting people receive extra income through the acquirement of a Wholesale List

Managers need employees to work and avoid wasting time on needless tasks. Paper timesheets can get lost and clutter desks. Timesheet software is a more reliable way to keep track of employee time and attendance. The timesheet software keeps a log of sick time, vacation time and other time spent away from work. The software automatically tallies timesheets each month giving employers and employees more time to accomplish business objectives and it can be configured to send email reminders to managers who need to approve the timesheets. The timesheets are submitted and approved electronically.

Timesheet software aids employers in managing and analysing employee productivity. The software not only automates timesheets but also manages centralized data securely. It can be a means of providing reports so that possible problems can be foreseen ahead of time. When possible problems are planned for, the business can work to solve the problems before they happen.

Some managers use the timesheet software to track employee task progress. A timesheet software manages shifts, and schedules activities in real time. Through the software it is possible to create a to do list, keep a time log and enter project information. This helps businesses to plan and execute business goals. It is a convenient way to manage time and resources to accomplish business objectives. It also serves as a timekeeping device and improves employee performance by keeping desks free from needless papers to file.

The software is a vital accounting tool. It can be configured to bill by the hour or any other time unit. The various programs can also calculate payroll and bill clients. The software is used for printing accounting reports as well as the creation and monitoring budgets.

A timesheet program reduces administrative cost by allowing employees to enter their own time. It also reduces the risk of clerical mistakes and provides timely accurate information for managers. It also provides a way to communicate with clients and other colleagues.

Data entered in the software can be changed whenever there is a need to do so. Cost, time and other data is easily adjustable anywhere there is a computer with internet access.

Because there are a variety of timesheet software programs available in the market, it is vital to do your research when choosing a timesheet software. Find a program that is fast, secure and simple. Excellent timesheet software is cost effective and can be customized according to the business and employee needs of your company. For a business which strives to increase productivity, a timesheet software is an essential tool in project and time management.

If you are looking for time management solutions for your company, consider looking at timesheet software. It can streamline your business, increase productivity and reduce time spent on repetitive business tasks that can be automated. This type of program should be a must have in every comany’s software arsenal.

- Everything you discuss turns into an argument: Regardless of the topic or who started the conversation, it inevitably turns into either a heated argument or an all out fight. It’s almost as if they’re looking for a reason to fight. Refuse to “take the bait” and try your best not to argue back.

- Everything you do seems to agitate them: Much like all conversations end with arguments, it seems as if everything you do, or don’t do, agitates them to no end. The best way to deal with this particular sign is to tackle it head on, simply ask what it is you’re doing that’s so troubling.

- They’re suddenly behaving secretively: Even if both of your lives weren’t exactly open books before, but now, most everything they do is shrouded in secrecy, this is definitely a warning sign that something isn’t right.

- Friends and family appear to be strangely uncomfortable around you: Most times, the friends, or her family, are the first to know what’s going on. If you feel somewhat close to any of them, don’t hesitate to politely ask, once, if they know what’s been upsetting your partner so much lately.

- There’s absolutely no interest in sex or a serious decline in your intimate moments: Although a lack of sex drive can mean several completely different things are going on, none of which have anything sinister to do with your relationship, it can also mean that your spouse has found another to satisfy their needs.

- They never seem to have the time for you anymore: No matter the day or time of week, lately, they’re always so busy there’s never time to go out or see each other, or do the things you used to do. When you call, they aren’t there, when you visit, they aren’t home, when you suggest going out for the evening, they have other plans or don’t feel well. All of these may indicate the marriage has just about run its course and is headed for divorce court.

- They only speak in terms of the present: They have stopped talking about the future, short or long term, and only speak in matters of the present, indicating that they may have written off making any future plans with you. When you try to mention something that’s happening six months from now, their response is vague and noncommittal.

While one or even two of these signs all on their own is probably nothing to be concerned about and there may even be a valid explanation, a few or more of them together just may be a warning that your marriage is in serious trouble.

Whether you