Quixtar IBO Randy Haugen does a phenomenal job of explaining the current Internet usage trends among Americans. He offers some great statistics to show just how much Internet use has increased over the years, and how it's expanding in the future.

Web-Based Business and Internet Activity Trending Up, by Randy Haugen

As Americans spend more time and spend more money online, business models that leverage this trend will continue to expand and prosper. Would-be entrepreneurs say the advancing Internet tools and platforms are making their ...   more »

In today's financial news brought to you by Quixtar's John Merris, to topic is kids who are eager to learn how to handle their finances responsibly. Writer Janet Bodnar points out that it takes time to teach them the basics before they move out on their own, but that is the responsibility of being a parent.

She writes, "First, don't sell your kids short. Give them responsibility, and they'll rise to the occasion.

Second, keep things simple. You don't have to track every penny, ...   more »

Jim Janz: "We find that it is a more productive life view to remember that each moment and each person matters. The average human heart beats 100,000 times a day. Each one only happens once. You'll appreciate this comment from dancer, Margot Fonteyn."

Jim Janz – Leaders Maximize Moments

"If I have learned anything, it is that life forms no logical patterns. It is haphazard and full of beauties which I try to catch as they fly by, for who knows whether any of ...   more »

In today's edition of Top Business News brought to you by Quixtar's Brad Duncan I'm putting the spotlight on the U.S. trade deficit that declined to a four-month low, even though imports from China hit an all-time high. Demands for Chinese goods has remained strong despite recalls of unsafe products this year.

"The trade deficit dropped to $58.1 billion in June, a 1.7 percent decline from May level, the Commerce Department reported."

"It was a bigger improvement than had been expected and left the deficit ...   more »

Quixtar Diamond Billy Florence delivers this great review of the current trends with color cosmetics and skin care, and how that puts Quixtar business owners in a great position with the incredible ARTISTRY brand.

Billy Florence of IBO Trade Association (IBOAI) states, "Trends and innovation will continue to fuel the color cosmetics market. With estimated global sales of $24 billion last year, Kline & Company says that global sales of color cosmetics will continue to grow at a rate of 4.7 percent to ...   more »

In today's Finance News from Quixtar Randy Haugen I'm putting the spotlight on a popular topic this time of year: Freshman Finances. In this column by Erin Burt you'll learn some great advice she has to give for college students who should know about making smart financial choices.

She writes, "Welcome to college. No one is here to make sure you study, do your homework or, heck, that you even get out of bed in the morning. This new-found independence also means you're responsible for ...   more »

Today in Randy Haugen Headlines I found a reassuring quote chosen by Quixtar Diamonds Randy & Valorie Haugen about the need to enjoy and appreciate the moment. Anne Frank says it like no other!

Randy Haugen: "One of our favorite secrets of happiness is the ability to enjoy where you are and what you have right now. Anne Frank's perspective is an inspiration."

Randy and Valorie Haugen – Leaders Happiness Hints

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to ...   more »

As part of Quixtar Randy Haugen's Top Business News today I'm bringing you news from Reuters about how U.S. mortgage "roadkill" is "fresh and ripe for the picking."

The article cites Countrywide Financial Corp demonstrating this when it announced plans to buy five retail mortgage braches from HomeBanc Corp, which is exiting the business after its stock was delisted last week for trading around 30 cents a share.

"Countrywide, the largest U.S. mortgage lender, said it was not paying a cash premium for the ...   more »

In today's Randy Haugen Headlines blog I'm sharing some great insight from Quixtar Diamond Billy Florence about the importance of having a good sense of humor, particularly as a leader. He describes why it is so important.

Billy Florence: "A sense of humor is tremendously helpful in dealing with people. A person does not have to have the skill of joke-telling to have a sense of humor. Instead it is the choice to encounter setbacks and understand that the world hasn't come to an ...   more »