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Author Spotlight: Christopher Matthew Spencer

anasti — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 20:54:07 +0000

Let us introduce you to Christopher Matthew Spencer, author of Business Payment Processing and eBay: Selling Your Stuff QuickStudy guides. He is an eBay expert, businessperson, author, educator, and mentor.

1. What is your profession and what drew you to this career?
A: I am a businessperson, author, educator, and mentor to others in business. I lead The Spencer Company, which is a firm that I founded in 1988, with services in technology, marketing, intellectual property development, and brand protection. I’d like to mirror the sentiments of fellow author Dan Brown by saying that I’m happily confused and a work in progress. I recall Steven Spielberg saying that he didn’t have a master plan in life and that he liked to go with the flow. That’s me. I react to what comes. I treasure every moment in my life. It’s a wonderful journey and helping people really touches my heart. I am a serial optimist and if I want to accomplish something, I do it. As a result, I have adapted to the dramatic changes in technology and how people interact online to stay competitive in business. I do not resist change, I embrace it when it comes. I also love to give back. In 1993, I co-founded Dreams to Reality Foundation. We’re helping people in need with a substantial focus on youth education. It’s important work and when technology made it possible, we began fundraising for this great cause online. Where we used to have bake sales, we now run online auctions. eBay and PayPal make this important fundraising easy.

2. What makes you the authority on the QuickStudy guides you have written?
A: I’m a student first and expert second. I am absorbing information every day. I crave that greater understanding of things. I’m always asking questions and reading about things, that includes the topics I write about. Business Payment Processing and eBay: Selling Your Stuff are really memoirs of what I’ve learned over the years. I love the abbreviated format. They are truly free of fluff and are very concise. The format demands the focus. I worked for eBay from 2001 to 2008 and during that time, I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and then-CEO Meg Whitman. Both very wonderful leaders educated me in ways I cannot describe. They inspired me. I shared two meals with Mrs. Whitman and she bought items from me on eBay. It was surreal. I’ve had the benefit of opening my doors in 1988, and selling on eBay since 1999. I feel that I am uniquely positioned to educate people on payments and online retail because I am in this every day. I live it. I’ve seen almost every imaginable outcome of such a vast array of business events and moments. I learned this all the hard way, by doing it. I celebrate higher education. I never trivialize that. I got my hands in business at an early age. I dove in and never looked back. I have practical experience.

3. Finish this sentence:
After using the QuickStudy guide Business Payment Processing the reader will sidestep many pitfalls, including the potential for losing money to scams and fraud; while discovering the many ways to get paid (and to pay others) in business. Expand horizons through a greater understanding of the payments landscape, increase sales, and profits, by using as many practical payment methods that are out there. Cut costs by knowing how fees work, and improve the customer experience.

After using the QuickStudy guide eBay: Selling Your Stuff the reader will learn my inspiration and passion for online selling. It’s about eBay, and it’s also about managing an online business with professionalism and grace…while seeking a profit. I always put the customer experience out front. Succeeding in a sea of competition requires amazing customer service. I do not drive my prices to the floor, I raise my service to the sky.

5. Is there any advice you’d like to give our readers who have their own small/online business?
A: I am always afraid of failure. It completely scares me. All the time. Anyone in business who isn’t afraid, I’d be worried for them. It requires hard work, patience, and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. I do that every day. Experience has mellowed me out. Kathy Ireland tells us if we aren’t failing, we aren’t trying. I really believe in the power of positive thinking. I used to doubt a lot. I was horribly skeptical in the past. Today, I’m not foolish, I do make careful decisions…I’m not likely to doubt people the way I did in the early days of my business career. Warren Buffett says to take a job that you love. That applies to being an entrepreneur too. Every business idea has the potential to make money. If you’re chasing fads, you’re bound to fail. If you’re chasing a passion, you can’t fail because you’ll love every minute of it. You’ll jump out of bed in the morning.

About the author:
Christopher Matthew Spencer is a business person, author, educator, and mentor. Christopher Matthew worked from 2001 to 2008 as an eBay University instructor and eBay evangelist.
He is the president of The Spencer Company, sits on the board of Dreams to Reality Foundation, is an international business consultant for kathy ireland® Worldwide, and is a LinkedIn Learning author.
He was early to embrace the Internet culture. Like many, he saw it as an information highway that could be applied innovatively. Christopher Matthew’s focus on entrepreneurs and everyday Internet users derive from his “roll up your sleeves, hardworking mindset” that has led him to his own achievements.
Christopher Matthew mentors and educates on a wide variety of essential topics, including nonprofits, sales, retail, payments, as well as real estate and rental properties.
Christopher Matthew’s philosophy encompasses life-long learning and he loves sharing his expertise with those who desire it, just as he did many years ago. He has consulted to many notable Fortune 1000 companies.
His mission is education through demonstration. Christopher Matthew attributes his success to happiness and the pursuit of all things he finds fun in life.
Christopher Matthew Spencer has written three QuickStudy guides for BarCharts; Ebay: Selling Your Stuff, Business Payment Processing, and SalesForce.

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3 Tips for Better Grades

anasti — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 15:37:21 +0000

QuickStudy Study Guides + Notebooks + Folders = Better Grades
We have the equation for student success! Combine our student-tested, parent-approved laminated study guides with our newest products, QuickStudy Notebooks and Folders, and you have the powerhouse of study essentials. Whether you have a Kindergarten student or you’re studying for your postgraduate degree, BarCharts wants to help every student succeed academically.

1. QuickStudy Laminated Study Guides
QuickStudy laminated study guides feature an easy-to-use format. They incorporates color-coded sections for easy reference along with full-color illustrations, charts, and graphs. With over 550 titles of QuickStudy guides currently available, there’s something for everyone and every subject.
Better yet, they also come with a better grade guarantee. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your QuickStudy guide you can return it for a full refund. Find out more at www.quickstudypromise.com.

2. QuickStudy Notebooks
The college-ruled, spiral-bound notebooks are the perfect study companion and in-class resource. Take notes for class and find answers in a snap. QuickStudy content is featured on the front cover, back cover, and dividing insert page. Using space usually wasted in other notebooks, QuickStudy notebooks cover the most important information in your algebra, English, chemistry, and Spanish classes.

3. QuickStudy Folders
A two-pocket folder that includes a built-in study guide makes these folders the most valuable product of its kind. Featuring clear, concise QuickStudy content on the front and back covers and inside pockets, these folders are useful for studying, homework, and in-class answers. Available for algebra, English, chemistry, and Spanish.

BarCharts has been in the business of helping people learn more efficiently and study more effectively for over 20 years. In addition to study guides, notebooks, and folders, we also offer flash cards, books, posters, and free-standing easels. Find the product that’s right for you and learn quick and learn smart. Learn more at www.quickstudy.com

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Discover the 6 Keys to College Success

anasti — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 13:37:46 +0000

College can be a very exciting and nerve-wracking time – new friends, new experiences, and the unknown. Don’t fret, whether you’re a Freshman or a Senior, these six tips will help guide you through roommates, studying, exams, and more!

1. In the Classroom
• Read the syllabus – it will include your professor’s office hours, the best way to contact them, the testing schedule, and other pertinent information you need for class. Always pay attention to how your professor structures the class because each professor is different than the next.
• Take Notes!
It may seem like a no-brainer, but taking notes is one of the best ways to get good grades. Clear, concise notes are more effective than long, complicated notes. Even better, get the QuickStudy Notebook that combines a notebook and study guide in one – your ultimate study essentials.
• Be a good listener
During lectures sit near the front of the class to avoid distractions, and if there is something you don’t understand, ASK! There are probably other students in the class with the same question who are too shy to raise their hand. Be fearless – raise your hand and clear up any confusion you may have.
• Make sure your professor knows your name.
Putting a face with a name will be a big help, especially if your grade is borderline.

2. Study Strategies
STUDY! This may be a case of stating the obvious, but you would be surprised how many students don’t bother.
• Do not study for more than 2 hours at a time
• Use the 30-3-2 Schedule
– Study for 30 minutes
– Take a three-minute break; let the break be a time to think about other things.
– Upon returning, take an extra two minutes to mentally review what you have just read and do a quick preview of what is coming up next.

3. Plan
Get a calendar or planner and write down the due dates of papers, exams, midterms, and any other important dates.
• Review the planner every week, it will help to ensure you stay on top of your course load.

4. Taking Exams
• Learn the exam format: e.g. objective (true/false or multiple choice) or subjective (essay) – these can be found on the syllabus or at the exam review.
• Review course outline, notes, and study materials, like QuickStudy study guides.
• Review previous tests; you may receive these during the exam review or check at with your professor for past examples.

5. Dorm Room Do’s and Don’ts
• Resident Assistants are a valuable resource; be sure to maintain open communication with your RA.
• Clean up after yourself: Avoid roommate problems and bug infestation.
• Lock your doors – even when you are in your room! You’re better safe than sorry.
• Get involved in residence life. Many activities are held on campus for student residents like BBQs, trivia nights, coffee discussions, charity drives, and fun parties. No matter what your interests are there is sure to be something to get involved in.
• If your school allows cooking in the dorm: Check to see which appliances are permitted for dorm use.

6. Registration & Advisement
• Avoid long lines and high frustration levels; use telephone or computer registration whenever possible.
• Select classes based on your own academic capabilities; for example, if science is not your forte, don’t take biology and chemistry in the same semester.
• Visit your advisor on a regular basis to make sure you are on track with your academic program, courses, etc.
• Pay attention to Deadlines! If you miss one, it could cost you – not just money but grades as well.

This is your time to figure out who you are, what’s important to you as an individual, and develop your interpersonal skills. The more you pay attention and get involved the better your college years will be. If you want even more tips on college success, download our free Keys to College Success guide.

The post Discover the 6 Keys to College Success appeared first on QuickStudy.

Earth Day

admin — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:00:11 +0000

Earth Day – The Largest Secular Holiday in the World

A Little History

Earth Day is not just about celebrating our home planet for one day and planting trees. It’s a day to learn how to bring about environmental awareness to change human behavior and provoke policy changes. Started by a group of Columbia University students in late 1969, it was first celebrated on March 21 in 1970 to coincide with the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. Earth Day is now observed on April 22 in more than 193 countries, coordinated by the Earth Day Network.

Earth Day is important because it reminds people to think about human action and sustaining the environment we live in. There is clear scientific evidence that humanity is living unsustainably, and that collective efforts are needed to return human use of natural resources to sustainable limits. When it comes to our planet, one person really can make a difference. There are many things you can do to impact environmental change.

What Can You Do?

Living by the 3Rs is a great start. The 3Rs stand for reduce, reuse, and recycle. These three actions mean people should buy less, reuse more, and recycle products that are no longer useful. It’s a very easy practice to follow and can even reduce your household budget, leaving you with a little more green in your pocket.

Another option is reduce your carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is defined as the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide, and calculated for the time period of a year. One way to reduce your carbon footprint is to carpool to work or take mass transit, if that is an option for you. However, there are other ways to reduce greenhouse gases, including purchasing locally sourced foods and using solar power in place of oil, gas, or coal.

Free Downloads

If you want to learn more about what you can do to impact environmental change, check out our free download Give Back to the Planet. We also just added Going Green at Home. These should provide lots of tips and tricks on all the things one person can do to really make a difference. Download them today and you might even find a surprise inside!

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10 Life Lessons You Won’t Learn in College

anasti — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 14:44:22 +0000

Teachers and textbooks can help you prepare for your career, but what about the life lessons they don't prepare you for? We've compiled a list of ten things every college student should know.

10 Life Lessons You Won’t Learn in College

1. Credit 101
Eight out of ten college students have and use credit cards. The key is to not overextend your credit. Credit cards aren’t magic wands that make money spontaneously appear. Banks will lend you money but can charge high interest rates, so be smart and only use your credit cards if it’s absolutely necessary. If you have your eye on the latest smartphone you may want to rethink your decision to purchase it. Your credit score stays with you throughout your life and can affect buying a car or house some day in the future.

The best place to start learning about your credit is to check your credit score. You can find your credit report for free on web sites like freecreditreport.com or Credit Karma.

To maintain good credit try to pay more than your minimum monthly payment each month, keep the number of credit cards to a minimum, and pay your bills on time.

2. Filling Out W-4 Forms
Yay, you got a killer job making burritos at Chipotle! But before your first shift begins you’re going to have to fill out a A W-4 form. A W-4 form is the amount of federal income tax to have withheld from your paycheck. The withholding allowance is related to, but not the same as, the number of dependents you can claim on your tax return.
Make sure to review your tax return each year and adjust accordingly.
To find out more information, visit the IRS website.

3. Interviews
Interviews can be stressful, but don’t fret, take a deep breath and follow these tips to land that job!

Researching the company should be your first step. Employers like to see that you are knowledgable about your position and the company’s history. During the interview you should be able to ask questions that show your interest and enthusiasm about the company’s work and culture.

Do some prep work the night before. Decide which clothes you are going to wear, iron them, and lay them out or hang them to keep them wrinkle free. Also, make sure to get a good night’s sleep, wake up with plenty of time to get ready, and leave the house early—you never know when there will be a traffic jam.
Once you arrive to the interview shake the interviewer’s hand, smile, and look them in the eye. Nothing says confidence like a person with good eye contact and a firm handshake.

After the interview make sure to follow up! Two days after the interview you should place a follow-up phone call and send a thank you card or email to make sure you stay fresh in their mind.

4. Learning To Cook
You don’t have to order takeout food or resort to eating Ramen noodles every night. Every college student (and adult) should have at least one or two dishes in their repertoire that are nutritious and easy to make.

Purchasing the right cooking equipment is key. Your kitchen should be stocked with silverware, measuring cups, pots, and pans before you start trying to experiment with cooking. Another investment you can make is a crockpot, it’s an easy way to make delicious home-cooked meals without spending loads of time in the kitchen.

If you don’t have any go-to recipes you can easily find them online. Pinterest has a plethora of recipes with step-by-step instructions, or if you’re feeling more adventurous there are many fun cooking blogs like Smitten Kitchen, Morganic Kitchen, and Half Baked Harvest that show you how to create delicious meals.

If you’re really at a loss for inspiration you may need a food-delivery service. They will deliver all the ingredients needed for a scrumptious dinner, with instructions on how to make them, right to your door. HelloFresh and Plated are two of the many services offered out there. They make cooking easy!

5. Budgeting

A budget lets you control your money, helps you focus on your financial goals, and helps you prepare for emergencies or large or unanticipated expenses that might otherwise knock you for a loop financially.

The best way to start budgeting yourself is to evaluate your current expenses. Start by tracking your spending for three months. Write down everything you spend and place them into categories. You have necessities like your rent, car payment or food; entertainment expenses like a Netflix account or dinner out with friends; and impulse buys like a new shirt or video game.

Once you have a larger picture of what you’re spending you can make cuts accordingly. You should spend no more than 90 percent of your income.

6. Getting Your First Apartment/House
Congratulations, you’re finally moving out of your parents house! Life is about to get real.

Take a realistic look at your budget and what you can afford in terms of rent or a mortgage. Keep in mind that most apartments/houses for rent require both first month’s rent and last month’s rent when you sign the lease. Some places may require anything from $500 to an additional month’s rent in terms of a damage deposit; make sure you’re clear on what is considered damage versus day-to-day wear and tear. You should also ask the same question regarding pet deposits, which are in place to pay for any damage or loss of revenue to the building owner due to animals on the property.

Make sure you think about the potential cost of utilities, since most utility companies will require a deposit if you’ve never had an account with them before; also, if you’re setting up utilities for the first time in a new place, there’s usually a “hook up” fee or administration fee.
It may be best to shop around for places that include utility costs in the monthly rent.

7. Buying or Leasing a Car
Before you buy or lease a car decide what works best for your budget.

Leases are attractive to many car buyers because you can get more out of a car for a lower monthly payment. Lessees only pay for the depreciation on the car, not the entire vehicle. You are basically renting the car for the length of the lease.

When you buy a car, you pay for the entire cost of a vehicle, regardless of how many miles you drive it. However, a purchased car is yours and you can customize it however you like, unlike when you lease a car. The best part of owning a car is when you make that last car payment. Although there may be more repairs with an older car, it is nice to be debt free at the end of your loan.

Just remember, a car’s value depreciates the same amount whether it is leased or purchased.

8. Maintaining Your Vehicle
Keeping your car in top running condition can save you money.

Make sure to keep your tires properly inflated—it can increase gas mileage. A lot of today’s car models tell you when the tire pressure is low, but if your car doesn’t, drop by the gas station to test the tire pressure and fill your tires up when necessary. The tire pressure (PSI) is written directly on the tire, so only inflate to the recommended amount.

To keep the paint looking shiny new remember to wash your car at least once a month. You need to remove dirt, bugs, and droppings so they don’t cause stains or rust spots. A wax will help protect your paint and avoid any permanent damage.
Did your car light just come on? Don’t ignore it. Take it to a mechanic right away. Small problems can become bigger if not tended to immediately.

9. Purchasing Car Insurance

Having car insurance is mandatory, knowing insurance terms is not. Let’s break down the major terms to help you get on the road.

Collision insurance pays for damage to your own vehicle resulting from a collision, while comprehensive coverage pays for property damage to your vehicle resulting from anything other than a collision—such as theft, a break-in or malicious mischief.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries if you are struck by a hit-and-run driver or by someone who doesn’t have adequate insurance—either because they have no coverage or because they don’t have enough coverage to pay for your injuries. This type of coverage is limited to bodily injury and does not cover property damage to your vehicle.

Under no-fault coverage insurance, each person’s own insurance company pays for his or her medical bills and lost wages—up to a certain dollar amount—regardless of who was at fault. The advantage of no-fault insurance is prompt payment of medical bills and lost wages; however, it doesn’t cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience or lost opportunities.

10. Opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

We already talked about a budget, but what about budgeting for your future? It may seem like a long way off, but in most cases the earlier you start saving for retirement the earlier you can retire.

First, decide which type of IRA is best for you—a Roth (which helps you save on taxes in retirement) or traditional IRA (which helps you save on taxes currently).

Then, start a discount brokerage account to house your long-term retirement savings. Ask your broker to place the bulk of your contribution toward retirement, not to trading commissions.

Officially open the account by downloading the application forms, signing them, and mailing them to the broker along with a check to fund your account. Contribution limits to IRAs are $4,000.00, but the catch-up contribution limit for those ages 50 or older is $1,000.

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Study All Year with Our New Calendars

Wordpress Admin — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 18:27:59 +0000

Your walls just got more exciting!

We’ve expanded our line of products so that you can learn all the year round. Now you can stare for some time in our Space – Far, Far Away calendar and learn more about the wonders beyond our world. Learn new facts and tips about your favorite pet with our Dogs Unleashed and Cats calendars. You will also be able to travel across our great country without leaving your chair via our America – Unusual Journeys calendar.

Combined with beautiful photographic images along with fun facts on each subject, our calendars come packed with interesting details and stories, trivia, quotes, tips, and more. Each month in the calendar, features sufficient space for notes, holidays, and moon phases. If that’s not enough, you also get the correlating 6-page laminated guide included with purchase, which is worth $5.95 – $6.95 value free!

WHAT’S INSIDE

Space – Far, Far Away contains awe-inspiring photos of space and helps you venture in the nebulae and you also get to know other interesting details about the space missions and the astronauts who flew them. This calendar features: high resolution photography from NASA; NASA mission, shuttle, and astronaut highlights, history and information on nebulae, stars, and planets, quotes from astronauts, science fiction writers, etc.

Dogs Unleashed is a perfect tribute to man’s best friend that comes with our laminated Dog Care guide on caring for your loyal pet. Each month displays great photos along with history, traits of breeds, famous dogs, heroic dogs and even more. Did you know a Yorkie served in WW2 and was honored? Or that a certain dog breed’s fur is made into yarn for clothing that feels even warmer than wool? Each month brings new and exciting facts you never knew about dogs.

Cats pays homage to our ancient companions and comes with our Cat Care laminated guide on caring for your feline friend. Each month displays great photos along with the history, characteristics and traits of breeds, famous cats, feline nature and physical abilities, senses, myths and superstitions, record breaking cats and more for each month.

America – Unusual Journeys contains beautiful landscapes and lesser known gems of our country. It includes a laminated World and the US Map guide with purchase. Each month displays beautiful photos of interesting landscapes and historical landmarks with the location, trivia or history of what could be your next travel destination. From the caves of ice and ghost towns, to castles made out of coral, venture off the beaten path to take the road less traveled on this interesting journey through America.

Shop All Calendars

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NEW Anatomy 2 Flash Cards by Popular Demand

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 18:25:15 +0000

We decided to develop flash cards based on how a human brain works. Researching anatomy flash cards for sale before 2008, it was striking how many cards did not follow a system that promoted retention.

“Focus – Visualize – Retain” is printed on most of our Anatomy flash card boxes. This mantra of a study method is important for moving short-term memory items to long-term memory. The brain can hold between 5 to 9 items for a short-term and the first key to retaining those items is focus. Using findings from memory research, we simplified our cards to just the illustration and labeled the parts with no paragraphs or distracting information, as that would distract the eye’s focus away from the goal. The names of parts on one side, blank lines on the other. In a risky move that seems opposite to the idea that more is better, we reduced the number of parts named per card and kept it to 9 and 17. After all, they are FLASH cards and we are QuickStudy. This will allow the brain to have a number of items within limits of retention after using the cards only a few times. Plus it will not clutter a card with so many labels that you might as well be studying from a book. Be it either skeletal flashcards, brain, digestive, respiratory, muscular or any other body part, we have flashcards for the complete human anatomy.

The lines to the labeled body parts are in the exact spot when you flip the card over to make use of the visual-spatial aspect of memory. This further anchor’s the body part illustration and its name you need to know in long-term memory. Saying the words out loud for auditory memory, will also help in the studying process and will enhance retention even more.

Being the lowest priced set of anatomy flash cards available helps in making it easier to own a set of two, which would equal just one set from another publisher. The success of the cards over many years tells us our customers are happy and need more help. Our new set of Anatomy 2 Flash Cards allows us to cover more anatomical parts using a proven system that will help anyone achieve their career and life-goal dreams.

Joe Hauer – Product Developer

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