I believe that in order to judge the true efficiency and performance of a trading system, one need to trade every set up that it offers, not just the ones that occur when you happen to be at your trading desk. If you apply an automated trading system to your trading you will be able to accurately assess your system to determine its effectiveness. Trading programs are a very effective means of eliminating errors and emotions from your Forex trading. For this reason alone, many discretionary traders moved over to automated trading programs.

Automated trading strategies are becoming increasingly popular amongst private individual Forex traders. In a recent study conducted (by IBFX) 94% of traders said that they would use the same or increase the amount of automated trading they will perform in the next twelve months. Only 6% stated that they would decrease their use of automated trading strategies. On top of that the study also showed that as of September 2010,Guest Posting 56% of all trading activity on the New York Stock Exchange was high frequency, or computer automated trading.

In 2004 Algorithmic trading made up a mere 4% of total Forex trading. By 2007 this figure had risen to 28% and estimates are that currently around 50% of all Forex trades are automated and these figures are expected to continue to climb rapidly. There is no doubt that automated Forex trading systems are gaining in popularity.

The main reason for this growth in automated trading is technology. As technology is a driving force in most other fast moving sectors, so it has had a huge impact on Forex trading systems? The first major step towards the development of auto trading systems was the move away from floor trading to computerised trading. Once this occurred trading firms developed their own trading systems to place orders through the new electronic exchanges.

Retail traders now have access to technology that previously was only available to these large banks and institutional trading desks. With the highly advanced trading platforms now available to individual Forex traders around the globe, they can now compete on an equal footing. As traders began to implement automation in their Forex day trading systems they soon realised the huge opportunities that they presented. Traders began to share ideas and approaches and now automation is the way of the future for individual traders.

Automated strategies will improve your performance as your auto system is able to follow more markets, more efficiently, more of the time. Manual trading is limited to the number of hours you can stay focussed in a trading day. Realising this, many long time manual traders have moved over to Forex auto trading programs.

Automated trading systems are so much more efficient as they require less human intervention and therefore less cost. Traders may only have a few hours to spend on their trading each. An auto trading system will allow part-time traders to trade full time by trading the market on their behalf. Traders then just need to monitor their systems performance. Day traders are now able to focus more on research, system improvements and keeping up with market trends rather than sitting in front of their trading screen waiting for the next set up. This serves to improve their overall performance by focussing on important issues, not merely the mundane tasks.

I believe that in order to judge the true efficiency and performance of a trading system, one need to trade every set up that it offers, not just the ones that occur when you happen to be at your trading desk. If you apply an automated trading system to your trading you will be able to accurately assess your system to determine its effectiveness. Trading programs are a very effective means of eliminating errors and emotions from your Forex trading. For this reason alone, many discretionary traders moved over to automated trading programs.

Forex auto systems have become easier to build due to the availability of universal scripting languages such as MQL4 or Ninja script. These programming languages are not difficult to grasp and once you understand them, the possibilities are endless in terms of automated trading system development. Spend some time learning how to build your own auto trading program and you will then have the skills to create multiple systems for different markets, with unique objectives and targets. Professional traders have learnt that their time better spent in development than in implementation and for this, automated trading is the answer.

Branding can be a scary topic of discussion for Virtual Assistants. It can conjure up images of a power business suit and a corporate headshot, and getting your face out there in front of people.

I know many VAs who are introverts, who like to remain faceless and work behind the safety of their computer screen. Putting yourself out there can be scary – what if they don’t like me?

But branding your business is more than just talking about your corporate image. It’s about setting up your online stuff so that it’s presenting a consistent visual and message to the people who are connecting with you.

When clients come to us to get support in their business, they will – more times than not – choose a service provider because they know them, like them and trust them. If you want more clients, you should be aware of this – and working towards it every day in your business.

You can have the best prices or the best services, but if people can’t see who you are, they may not want to work with you. Fear of giving money to a complete stranger can take over their own buying process. So don’t be a stranger!

Just keep it simple, and authentic, and YOU.

Here are a few keys to branding your business so you can build those relationships more quickly:

1. Have a professional headshot taken to use in your marketing materials. This doesn’t have to be in a corporate power suit, but it should be a professional, ‘non-candid’ photo of you that represents the polished professional image that you want to put out to the world. Your photo can be indoors or outdoors, but be sure it’s in colour. Colour photos appear warmer to potential clients. And smile! Here are some tips if you aren’t sure how to prepare for a headshot.

2. Have an About page on your website. Put your picture on it and tell people who you are and why you do what you do. Be personal and share what you like to do when you are not working. Nothing builds a relationship faster than people being able to identify with you – and this is a great place to do it. Incorporate your brand onto your other pages too – make sure that the feel from page to page is consistent from fonts to bullet point images, and pictures.

3. On your social media profiles, use your personal photo as opposed to your business logo where possible. The exception would be your Facebook fan page, if you have one. There you could use your logo as a profile picture – that will actually differentiate you from your business if you post from both places, and you are connected to people with both. For others, it’s up to you whether you use the same image on all profiles, but keep in mind that people can ‘recognize’ you if they see the same photo in various places.

4. Use video in your marketing. Eeek, what did she say? Put yourself on camera and start talking about your area of expertise. People identify with you more quickly when they can hear your voice and see you talk. It’s getting more common to see video all over the internet – and one of the cool things about it is that you can not only put yourself in your videos, but if you use something like YouTube to broadcast, you can edit your videos so that you can incorporate your logo and your business brand colours and images into them.

Branding doesn’t have to be something that stops you in your tracks. The advice is simple. Put yourself out there. Be consistent in all of your marketing efforts to present yourself so that people can get to know you more quickly, and can start to build that relationship with you. Be honest and authentic.

Deciding when to hire a professional moving company in NYC can be challenging. This guide navigates the pros and cons of hiring movers versus DIY approaches, the advantages of customizable moving services, and circumstances when professional help is a must. The aim is to help you make an informed decision to ensure a smooth, stress-free move in the bustling Big Apple.

There are few experiences more life-changing than moving homes. As anyone who’s navigated this process knows,Guest Posting the thrill of change is frequently accompanied by the weight of countless boxes. Now, amplify this by the hustle and bustle of New York City, and the experience becomes an adventure unto itself. Here we explore the critical question faced by many – when does it make sense to hire a professional moving company?

Exploring the Advantages of Professional Movers
Engaging the services of movers in NYC can be likened to having an expert guide when embarking on a challenging hike. Their knowledge and experience help navigate the journey more smoothly, reducing the potential pitfalls of a daunting endeavor.

Professional movers are adept at managing the ins and outs of packing, ensuring that every square inch of the box and the moving truck is utilized efficiently. When it comes to handling heavy or fragile items, their expertise shines through, significantly lowering the risk of damage during transportation. Moreover, knowing that your items are insured brings a sense of security that is priceless in the middle of a move.

The aspect that’s most attractive, though, is how much time and energy professional movers can save you. In the city that never sleeps, every second counts, and the time saved can be devoted to exploring your new neighborhood or simply catching your breath amid the whirlwind of change.

Recognizing When to Call in the Professionals
While some might view professional movers as an indulgence, there are several instances where their involvement is not just beneficial but critical.

A long-distance move is an evident scenario. The logistical complexities of such a move are enough to warrant the assistance of seasoned movers. If your home houses items like a vintage armoire, a grand piano, or delicate works of art, you would want these valuable items to be in the hands of professionals.

Timing is another critical factor. If you’re making a move within a tight schedule, the convenience of movers in NYC can’t be overstated. Also, if you find yourself managing a move with limited helping hands, hiring professional movers quickly shifts from an option to a necessity.

Selecting the Right Movers for Your NYC Move
Once you decide to engage professional movers, the next crucial step is to find the right fit for your specific needs.

Reputation and reliability should be at the forefront of your considerations. Scour through customer reviews, check ratings, and seek recommendations.

Cost, while important, shouldn’t be the sole determining factor. What’s more crucial is to understand what you get for the price. Evaluate their insurance coverage and the extent of their services. The right movers would ideally be a perfect blend of affordability, reliability, and comprehensive service.

Customizing Your Moving Services: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Moving services are not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Today, many companies offer customizable moving services that adapt to your requirements. One such option is the ‘moving help only’ service, where the company assists with loading and unloading your moving truck. This option is great for those who prefer to be behind the wheel or have a truck at their disposal but need help with the heavy lifting.

When a DIY Move Might Be the Way to Go
It’s important to note that while professional movers can be of immense help, there are instances where a DIY move could be more practical.

If you’re making a small local move, hiring a moving company might be an unnecessary expense. With fewer items to move, you might be able to manage multiple trips across a short distance. Similarly, if you’re a minimalist or moving out of a dorm room, the volume of items to move is likely manageable without professional assistance.

A DIY move might also be feasible if you have a flexible timeline. The luxury of time allows you to spread out the moving process, making it less overwhelming. You can pack a box or two per day, and gradually transport items to your new place, making the whole process more manageable.

Something to Remember
The decision to hire professional movers is a personal one, influenced by factors unique to each situation. While movers in NYC can be lifesavers during complex or large-scale moves, smaller or more laid-back moves might not warrant their services.

But no matter the size or complexity of your move, it’s essential to remember that moving is a significant life event. Whether you choose to go the DIY route or engage professional help, the ultimate goal is to transition to your new home as smoothly and stress-free as possible.