Another critical skill in managing money well, in becoming wealthy rather than chasing money, is the skill of influencing others. This is, to get others to respond favourably to your actions, wishes, words, and deeds.In matters of personal finance budget management, understanding the ‘picture’ of personal finance in advance of shopping trips, dates, and conversations with a partner or spouse, means that a vital part of preparation has been taken care of. It removes the guesswork in misunderstanding. It reduces mistaken communication.Influencing: Get Results with IntegrityA person with strong influencing skills are easy to spot – people want to be around them. These people communicate with integrity because they are not pressurising other to do their bidding. They set about taking action, they are adaptable to the circumstances they are in. People are influenced positively because they are acknowledged, appreciated and feel understood.When influencing with integrity, it is important to remember that the perception you generate is the reality created, and therefore understanding yourself is am important step in having any positive impact on others.Influencing: The Hidden Signs of LyingOne of the most important skills in influencing skills is being able to spot when you are being sold to, or lied to or both. Sales professionals, ethically or otherwise ultimately want to influence you to buy what they are selling, so when considering decisions of personal finance spending, it is very useful to know when you are being deceived or lied to. This will enable a better decision and judgment of the proposed purchase.When people lie, they behave differently than normal. Often their limbs and arms will be stiff, jerky and gestures will be towards themselves rather than away from their bodies. People, when lying avoid eye contact or might touch their face, throat, mouth or behind their ears in a self grooming gesture which reassures themselves while they tell an untruth. Expressions are mismatched from the words they use, like a delayed smile, or even a forced smile. They might speak faster, be defensive, or unconsciously place an object between themselves and you, like fiddling with a pen, cup or crossing their legs.Understanding these hidden signs allows for a more informed processing of the information being listened to, and an appropriate response to be formulated.Influencing: Understand before being UnderstoodThe famous author Steven R Covey, talks about the power of influencing and one of the principles he advocates is to understand the other person properly before trying to make them understand you. It involves setting aside all the confusion that comes with first impressions; their mannerisms, looks, dress, and voice. By looking beyond these things, it is possible to understand a person at a deeper level.Many people don’t listen properly when in a conversation, and assume they know what the other person is saying. To understand before being understood is to properly diagnose the problem before offering a solution. This has the benefit through insight, of communicating more effectively because of that deeper understanding – and it removes one of the most common barriers to communication.Influencing: How to Make Friends with Social MediaRead their profile and interests
Comment on their status updates
Send helpful private messages or links
Talk about them not you
Add links and useful comments to your wall
Respond when they comment on your postingsBy foregoing the ‘get rich quick’ schemes and ‘make push-button money’ products, influencing with integrity creates a behaviour and way of thinking that drives deep relationships. It is the best form of longevity in business, and the most profitable. Therefore, when thinking about money management, think about “The Right Thing” for you and your family. Set parameters, budgets and measurements and use online budget software to help you.

Taking great photographs often depends on practice and experimentation. If you are not satisfied with the results of your recent photographs there are some beginning photography tips that can you can use to quickly improve your photographs.Beginning Photography Tips #1 – Fill the frameOne of the reasons that many people are not satisfied with their pictures is the fact that the subject is so distant within the frame of the photograph that is difficult to see them. In such cases, the subject is typically lost within the scene.The following beginning photography tips will help you to fill the frame with your subject and create far more interest:1. Use your optical zoom lens. This is a great way to achieve close-up shots.2. Move closely in order to make sure you are positioned as effectively as possible to achieve a close-up shot.Beginning Photography Tips #2 – The rule of thirdsThe rule of thirds is one of the most important beginning photography tips you should be aware of in order to achieve good results. Some digital cameras today have the ability to place a 3×3 grid over the scene which can help this process. Even if your camera does not have the ability; however, you can image the grid, divided by width and length.Your subject should ideally be placed on the intersection of two lines but this is in no way mandatory. There is nothing magic with the intersections and the most important thing with the rule of thirds is that it helps you avoid centering the subject in all your photographs. If you place the subject out of the center of the photograph, you will find that you can achieve more visual interest in your photographs.Beginning Photography Tips #3 – Unclutter the sceneAnother reason why some photographs do not tend to turn out well is that they are too cluttered. It can be difficult for the main subject to stand out in the photograph is the background and surroundings are too cluttered.Try to choose settings where the background is simple and uncluttered. This will help your subject to stand out and prevent it from blending in with everything else in the background.Beginning Photography Tips #4 – Fill flashIn some cases you may notice that there simply is not enough light from the existing light source. In this case you may need to supplement the light source. A solution to this problem is the fill flash. This is not a true flash as a flash would generally be used at night.A fill flash works to provide supplementing lighting, or to fill in light in the part of the photograph where the shadows are too strong. This can make a dramatic and immediate difference in your photos.A typical example is if you take a close-up photograph of a flower in very strong daylight and contrast. In this case you are likely to get fairly strong shadows in some parts of the flower. A fill flash can give these shadows a “kiss” of light to brighten them slightly.Most cameras on the market today have a fill flash feature. You do not even need to use full manual mode in order to take advantage of the fill flash feature. The exact way in which you use the fill flash feature will depend on your camera model, so you should check your owner’s manual.Many cameras have a lightening bolt near the main button. By pressing this button you should be able to go through the different flash options.Beginning Photography Tips #5 – PracticeMany people make the assumption that buying a lot of expensive equipment right away will automatically produce great photographs. While more advanced equipment can provide you with more options, it cannot take the place of practice and experience.Even a point and shoot camera can be used to take great photos when you spend some time experimenting and practicing. The more time you spend taking pictures the more you will learn and the better photos you will be able to produce.