MAY 29, 2015
HOW-TO GUIDE ’15
Techniques and tips for choosing local businesses
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
HOW-TO GUIDE 2015
How to shed fat................A4 How to choose How to choose How to choose an outdoor sports store... A7 a great salon...................A9 a storage building...........A11
How to choose How to choose How to choose How to choose the right bank................ A12 a chiropractor............... A14 an HVAC company..........A17 a real estate agency...... A19 The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-980) is published daily for $178 per year at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. The Southern Illinoisan is owned by Lee Enterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa.
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HOW TO CHOOSE AN OUTDOOR SPORTS STORE
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an you ever have all of the right outdoor sporting equipment? For some people, the answer is a resounding ‘no.’ Finding the right outdoor sports store can seem like a challenge. After all, there are so many choices! From local retailers to online shops, you can find outdoor gear in every style imaginable. The options can seem overwhelming. Deciding where to find great equipment doesn’t have to be difficult. You can narrow your selections down very quickly with these tips on how to pick out a great outdoor sports store:
1. Know What Outdoor Equipment You Need Believe it or not, there are some people who don’t know what type of equipment they need. Discovering the proper equipment should be your first step. According to Rick Reeve, the owner of Shawnee Trails, “If you don’t have the right equipment, your fun weekend could turn into a disaster.” But once you know the equipment you need, you must also figure out what is appropriate. Some people may get cold easily and would need a heavier sleeping bag, even in warmer weather. Other people don’t have a lot of room to pack a lot of gear in their vehicle for their weekend. Still others just don’t know what they need. Reeve also says, “When going on a recreational outing, make sure you prepare for the worst case scenario.” It is necessary to know the type of outing you are going on so you can locate a retailer that has the type of outdoor sporting equipment you need. You can make a list of potential equipment you may want at home.
Also, you can go to a local outdoor sports store to get the list professionally made based on your wants and needs.
2. Choose Your Outdoor Equipment Find a retailer that matches your personal preference. Some people prefer brand name while others feel more comfortable with buying by price point. If you are athletic and casual, you will want a store that sells an assortment of outdoor goods. Anyone who is looking for hiking boots should look for them at an outdoor sports store. Once you determine your needs, the rest will be easier.
3. Calculate Your Budget
Figuring out your budget is essential. Money will play a huge part in your decision-making process. Outdoor stores vary from high-end to budget and everything in between. Some stores offer top quality equipment, while others have inexpensive replicas. Remember that you don’t always have to pay an enormous amount of money to find quality outdoor sports equipment.
4. Stop by Local Stores
Visiting your local outdoor sports stores will help you determine if they are worthy of your business. Don’t purchase something the first time you stop in. Look around the store to see if they are fully stocked, clean, and presentable to the public. Does the store have the outdoor gear you are looking for? Review the prices to see if they are in your range. Most importantly, talk to the staff. Customer service is the most important factor with any business. All staff members must be prompt, friendly and helpful.
SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN Friday, May 29, 2015 Page 7
HOW TO CHOOSE A GREAT SALON
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ne bad hair day is one thing – a string of them probably means you need to visit a salon. The right hairstylist can prevent frequent bad hair days, transforming your hair into something stunning. But not all salons have good stylists. If you find yourself wandering from salon to salon, it is time to rethink your choices. While experts might tell you that expensive haircuts are necessary, that is not true. Discovering a talented hairstylist does not have to be a matter of luck. It takes patience and research to find the right salon.
Get Advice
Asking friends and family for referrals is a great way to find a salon. Look for people with hair that is similar to yours. Different hair types might have a different experience. Be sure the salon and stylist can work with your type of hair. Get the name of the stylist at the salon. Many times, it is the stylist who will make the salon experience worthwhile.
Look Online
Researching your options on the Internet will help you refine your list. Salon websites can give you tremendous insight into the business and their values. If you are searching for a budget cut, don’t worry if the site has too many features. Salons that don’t have websites might be well-kept secrets. They might be keeping costs down, which will help you receive services at a lower price. But if you need a high-end makeover, an impressive website could be the sign of a fabulous experience. It might show their attention to style and detail, as well as modern trends.
Match Your Lifestyle
Look for salons that match your lifestyle. If convenience is important in your life, make sure the salon is close to your home or office. If you work long hours, your ideal salon will be open during hours you can make appointments. People who are hip and young should find a salon that
is energetic. The staff’s appearance will also tell you a lot. Stylists like to experiment with their own hair. They might even think of themselves as walking billboards. If your hair is easy to cut but difficult to color, opt for a salon that has a solid reputation for its colorists. Remember, everyone’s needs are different. You can find a salon for your individual requirements.
Other Options
Haircuts and styles are a salon’s basic services, but they might offer other treatments. Manicures, pedicures and deep conditioning are just some of the extra services you might find at a salon. If you need to have a pedicure while your hair dye is setting, choose a salon that can multi-task. Don’t assume a high-end salon will offer massages and
other spa-like features. Verify that the beauty shop has the services you need before making an appointment.
Price
Cost is one of the most important factors in choosing a salon. When you receive a price quote for a cut, be sure to find out what is included. Even high-end salons might charge a separate fee for washing or blow drying. Be sure the prices are applicable to your hair type and length. Many places offer cheaper prices for short hair, while others with long locks pay a premium. Your appearance speaks volumes about you. Choosing a right salon is the first step toward making a good impression. It might take some time, but finding the right salon will save you time and aggravation in the morning.
SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN Friday, May 29, 2015 Page 9
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HOW TO CHOOSE A STORAGE BUILDING
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etting all the features you need in a storage building should be your top consideration. Outdoor storage buildings are the perfect option when you need to keep lawnmower or other heavy equipment away from the elements. There are plenty of options available on the market, and the choices can seem overwhelming. Keeping these three qualities in mind will help you find the best outdoor storage buildings.
Construction
Quality material and construction is a must. The building might be more expensive, but it will be worth it. There are no standardized building codes for outdoor storage buildings. While many companies use solid materials, others are out to make fast money. Their reputation means little since they don’t plan to be in business for long. High-quality storage buildings are similar to a wellbuilt home. The walls are sturdy; the decking and roof trusses are solid. A well-made roof will keep out the elements. These buildings will not leak, so your possessions will be safe. Don’t overlook the flooring. It should consist of solid joists and decking thick enough to prevent sagging. The flooring should meet or exceed your expectations. Pay more to get better flooring.
Design
Another important factor is functional design. Purchase the best-designed building that you can afford. If you cannot assemble the unit easily, then the quality of your materials won’t matter. Your unit should have plenty of room for shelving and adequate floor space. Think of everything you will need to put inside the building. People use these units for a variety of reasons. Some people need room for a tractor while others might keep small gardening equipment on the shelves. You might need more windows, skylight or electrical lighting. Maybe you need a wide door or one that opens in a particular direction. If you hang things, then look for building with space for hooks. Units with an attractive exterior will complement your home. You can choose from a wide array of siding, trim,
and roof shingles without overshooting your budget. payment plan. It will likely be cheaper than the monthly While you might not think much about the appearance rental expense of a commercial storage facility. of the building, it is worth it when you consider that it Buying a unit that features quality construction and could add to the appeal of your house and property. design from a top-notch retailer makes good sense. It is a great way to gain a durable and functional storage space. The Retailer Let a professional handle this job while you admire A superior retailer will help you find a unit that offers the view from your kitchen window. you the best value for your money. Payment plans can be an invaluable option when you Some retailers will assemble the building for you. It are short on cash. By keeping the building yourself, you is often the best option. Misinterpreted blueprints and save the monthly rental expense of a commercial storage gouges from a screwdriver can have an impact on the facility. That’s money that stays in your pocket. overall appearance of the unit. It might even make it Weighing the variables of construction, design and a impossible to put together. Let a professional handle quality retailer against all the other factors in choosing this job. If you are on a tight budget, you might inquire about a an outdoor storage building makes good sense.
SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN Friday, May 29, 2015 Page 11
HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT BANK Y
our money is important, and how your finances are handled will either make your life much easier, or cause untold amounts of frustration and aggravation. Choose the right bank and give your finances a much needed boost. Not all banks are the same, and not all of them offer the same kind of returns and programs for your financial need. Choosing a bank just because of its location could mean you are missing out on some important benefits.
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While convenience is important, it shouldn’t be your only factor. Consider these aspects when selecting a bank.
Overdraft Safeguards
Everyone makes mistakes. Accidental overdrafts happen occasionally. Each financial institution has a different policy about these matters. Some banks might offer overdraft coverInterest Rates and Fees Charged age in the form of a high-interest credit line. Like many other businesses, banks want Other banks charge fees each time an overto be competitive. Interest rates are one way draft occurs. they entice new customers. It is not uncomSometimes, banks provide no coverage. mon for the savings account interest rates to Be sure to research overdraft policies before vary widely, but the majority of institutions make adjustments according to changes in the making a final decision. federal funds rate. You might think interest rates are inconInstitutional Stability sequential. But when substantial deposit These days, it is important to consider amounts are involved the difference can be a bank’s stability. Before you entrust your significant. money to an institution, check its history and Banks are also famous for charging fees for financial condition. particular transactions. For example, a checkTypically, banks invest deposited funds ing account may only allow a certain number under a fractional reserve banking system. of checks to be written each month before a Any bank with a strong balance sheet should fee is assessed. Sometimes, a minimum balbe able to weather any turbulence caused by ance is required to keep the account active. market corrections. There are also banks that offer free checkThe majority of banks are insured by the ing and other options. Make sure, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for however, that the free checking is up to $250,000 per depositor. This value can really free. There may be stipulavary depending on the type and number of tions such as being required to accounts held by a customer. keep a minimum balance in the Provided you understand and act within account at all times. these safeguards, your money will likely be Look at a fee schedule to determine if it safe in a bank. That is not to say that failures is acceptable to you. are impossible. A solid bank will limit exposure to toxic assets that put its balance sheet at risk. Personal Convenience Banks with multiple locations in convenient areas are important. Services You Need If you travel frequently, check if your Most banks offer a variety of services. local or regional institution is a member of a Whether you need to get a loan or open a national network. checking account, choose a bank that fulfills Also, ask about their online banking poli- your needs with the fewest fees. It should cies. Is their website easy to navigate and offer the maximum conveniences possible. secure? Online banking can be a great Careful and vigilant shoppers will have way to pay bills and transfer money positive experiences by making an effort to between accounts. choose a trustworthy commercial bank.
HOW TO CHOOSE A CHIROPRACTOR
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has a current license to practice, and has experience in the area you are looking for. Dr. Thalman also says “It is advisable, if you have seen a chiropractor before, to provide the types of treatments that were helpful and effective and any diagnosis that was given.”
hether you are experiencing pain or simply want to enhance your overall wellbeing, you may benefit from seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractors are a great resource for people with back, head or neck pain. These professionals specialize in realigning your spine to help relieve pain and discomfort in the body. People often find relief by seeking help from a chiropractor. They report having improvements in their muscles, joints, bones and ligaments. It will often improve your general health as well. Headaches and sinus pain can also be healed with treatments. Dr. Richard Thalman, of Thalman Chiropractic, says “It is advisable at the time of your appointment to be well prepared to give the doctor any pertinent medical history including the name of your primary physician, prior surgeries, if any, medications you are taking or any medical tests performed such as x-rays or MRI’s.” Thinking about the following factors can help you find the right chiropractor for your needs.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance carriers include chiropractic care as part of their regular coverage. Verify that your care will be covered. You might be offered a discount for choosing an “in-network” professional. But if you don’t have insurance, many chiropractors offer affordable plans to help patients. Even without health insurance, you can still find a chiropractor offering quality, cost-effective care.
Get Referrals
Quality
Chiropractors have some of the most stringent educational requirements in the health care industry. According to the American Chiropractic Association, accredited chiropractors go through at least 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical training time combined. Students must spend four years in a pre-medical program, in addition to four or five years of professional training. Not only do chiropractors study the
body, they usually also study the muscular skeleton, pressure points, bone and joints, and nerves. Finding a chiropractor with these studies under their belt can
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give you a better experience and results. Prior to selecting a chiropractor, inquire about training and credentials. Make sure he or she is properly qualified,
Someone in your social or professional network has likely received excellent care from a chiropractor. Ask family, friends and co-workers for referrals. Inquire specifically about his or her demeanor and schedule. Is it easy to make an appointment? You should also find out about the chiropractor’s philosophy about health and other wellness issues. Some practitioners will suggest complementary forms of care, including massage. Given the results it can provide, chiropractic care is still affordable and well worth the money. With time and effort, you are likely to find a quality chiropractor in your area. Researching the chiropractors in your area will help ensure you get the type of care you want and need.
Offering: Chiropractic, Custom Orthotics, DOT Physicals, Sports Medicine, Massage, Therapeutic Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Spinal Analysis 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday Closed daily from noon – 1:00 p.m.
606A Eastgate, Carbondale, IL 62901 Dr. richarD Thalman
thalmanchiropractic.com
(618) 549-8228
SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN Friday, May 29, 2015 Page 15
How to Choose a Real Estate Agency
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reputable Realtor and real estate agency can make a big difference when it comes time to buy or sell a home. There are thousands of dollars at stake. You may get your asking price or maybe have to settle for the best offer on the table. And, that’s where the value of using a real estate agency comes into play. A real estate agency has a responsibility to act in your best interests. It’s essential to find a high-quality real estate agency with a proven track record to represent your most valuable possession, and in many ways, the largest purchase of your life, says Richard Davis, Managing Broker with CENTURY 21 House of Realty, Inc. with five offices in southern Illinois. Reputation says a lot about a company. What do people say about their services? Ask your family, friends and neighbors for recommendations. Their experiences will guide you toward the reputable agency to represent your needs. Once you have a list of possible companies to consider, do your research. Find out how long the agency has been in business. Ideally, you want people who know and support your community. If the real estate agency is merely a side business, it might not give you the best results. Buying and selling homes is a full time job and requires the tools and systems to get your job done. Look on the Internet and read customer service reviews. They should also have an impact on your overall impression of an agency. Choose an agency that has connections with the community, a sharp understanding of neighborhoods that interest you, and solid contacts with other realty companies. This assumes major importance when you’re selling your current house, because the agency usually handles the sale while the Realtor® helps you find your new one. The marketing strategy and advertising is what makes each agency unique. It will
greatly influence the sale of your home. Although most companies might look the same, try to find a brokerage with a focus that concentrates on selling homes similar to yours and has the service strategy to back it up, Davis said. “Some brokerages have different business models that could affect the outcome in different ways so know the facts and possible outcomes before you sign any contract.” Look at an agency’s listings to see if your home would fit in nicely with their existing clients. If you were purchasing a home, would you find their listings easy to read, informative and accurate?
The size of the agency will have an impact on your experience. You may think a small, independent agency may provide more personalized service, but they may not have the networking advantages and the multitude of systems and tools of a larger agency. Big agencies have more opportunities to network and sell your home through their brand affiliations which could provide more leads for you. Be prepared to ask an agency the following questions if you are selling your home: zz How will you advertise my home? zz How many pictures of my house will
appear online? zz On which sites will my home be featured? zz Do I have to pay money up front to list my home? zz Do you have other homes that have recently been sold in this price range? zz How long has the agency been selling homes in Southern Illinois? The two biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime are buying and selling a home. Protect your investment and peace of mind by choosing the best and most trustworthy real estate agency you can find.
SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN Friday, May 29, 2015 Page 19
Reach the Audience
with so many diffeRent choices, how can you be ceRtain youR adveRtisinG messaGe is seen and acted upon?
You need to
GRow Your Business
one media stands out
the southern illinoisAn delivers A huGe Audience. eAch week we reAch
But that’s not all... our audience is
enGaGed
our readers also have a
hiGheR median household income
and are more likely to be
colleGe GRaduates
78%
of adults in the market.
what Do ouR ReaDeRs saY?...
72%
notice adveRtisinG
76%
tRust the southeRn illinoisan
For more information, please contact your Southern Illinoisan consultant Retail: 618.529.5454 • Classified: 618.351.5002
710 N. Illinois Avenue • Carbondale, IL
source: lee enterprises audience report, thoroughbred research, January 2014–June 2014.
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