It was literally unheard of a decade ago, yet today it is fast on it’s way to becoming America’s NUMBER ONE cold remedy! How has this simple, non-prescription product become such an overnight sensation? By using the sixth rule of attraction… "Don’t be a better option, become the only solution." Airborne didn’t create a BETTER option to other cold remedies. They literally formulated what was perceived as the ONLY solution to stopping the spread of airborne illness! First, the product was initially marketed specifically to those who travel or often find themselves in public places. No herb, vitamin or drug ever made such a claim. Second the product is aptly named so that it exclusively addresses this particular market segment… Airborne (as in "airborne" bacteria). Finally the formulation of the product itself is not only unique but quite exclusive. Airborne is the world’s first effervescent cold tablet. The marketing is built right into the product!

Think about this simple product and how they managed to win in such a fierce competitive arena. What can you do to make your product or service EXCLUSIVE? How can you aim your solution at a not a larger audience but rather a SMALLER market? How can you re-engineer you product or service to be "effervescent" – that is have a twist that makes it completely different than any of your competitors? Finally what can you do to build your marketing right into your product so that you are seen as the ONLY option in a sea of copycats?

For more information on how you can leverage the Rules of Attraction to gain greater market advantage go to http://www.attractmorebusiness.com/.

Still working on those New Years resolutions? Well maybe you can get the IRS to help out. The catch is that you can only take advantage of these tax breaks if you itemize your return. Less than 33 percent of taxpayers itemize but consider these deductible resolutions:

Improve your skills. If you are planning to return to school to help you advance within your current profession you can deduct your tuition, as well as the cost of books and periodicals. However, you must itemize your return, and miscellaneous expenses must reach at least 2 percent of your adjusted gross income.

Learn for the fun of it. You could qualify for the same tax breaks that young college students routinely receive, such as the Hope and Lifetime Learning credits.

Declutter. If you crave more storage space, as well as an extra tax break, grab a box of trash bags and spend an afternoon in your garage or head to your worst closet. If you liberate your junk and dispatch it to a charity, you might be amazed at how much you can deduct from your taxes.
Lose weight. Nearly one out of every three American adults is obese, and as such, the IRS will consider the cost of a weight-loss program as a medical expense.

Quit smoking. A smoking cessation program, it's also considered a deductible medical expense.

Thanks goes to Lynn O'Shaughnessy is the author of "The Retirement Bible" and "The Investing Bible" and," Bob D. Scharin, editor of Warren, Gorham & Lamont/RIA's Practical Tax Strategies.