When developing the competition section of your business plan, companies must define competition correctly, select the appropriate competitors to analyze, and explain its competitive advantages.
To start, companies must align their definition of competition with investors. Investors define competition as any service or product that a customer can use to fulfill the same need(s) as the company fulfills. This includes firms that offer similar products, substitute products and other customer options (such as performing the service or building the product themselves). Under this broad definition, any business plan that claims there are no competitors greatly undermines the credibility of the management team.
In identifying competitors, companies often find themselves in a difficult position. On one hand, they want to show that they are unique (even under the investors’ broad definition) and list no or few competitors. However, this has a negative connotation. If no or few companies are in a market space, it implies that there may not be a large enough customer need to support the company’s products and/or services.
Business plans must detail direct and, when applicable, indirect competitors. Direct competitors are those that serve the same target market with similar products and services. Indirect competitors are those that serve the same target market with different products and services, or a different target market with similar products and services.
After identifying competitors, the business plan must describe them. In doing so, the plan must also objectively analyze each competitor’s strengths and weaknesses and the key drivers of competitive differentiation in the marketplace.
Perhaps most importantly, the competition section must describe the company’s competitive advantages over the other firms, and ideally how the company’s business model creates barriers to entry. “Barriers to entry” are reasons why customers will not leave once acquired.
In summary, too many business plans want to show how unique their venture is and, as such, list no or few competitors. However, this often has a negative connotation. If no or few companies are in a market space, it implies that there may not be a large enough customer need to support the venture's products and/or services. In fact, when positioned properly, including successful and/or public companies in a competitive space can be a positive sign since it implies that the market size is big. It also gives investors the assurance that if management executes well, the venture has substantial profit and liquidity potential.
Home » Archive for December 2015
Improve Your Brainstorming Skills
It’s easier to brainstorm earlier in the day because your energy levels are usually higher. You should also make sure that you are in a comfortable place with lots of natural light. A good place is a ...
It’s easier to brainstorm earlier in the day because your energy levels are usually higher. You should also make sure that you are in a comfortable place with lots of natural light. A good place is a coffee shop with large windows. DONT sit in a room with florescent lights. These will suck the life out of you and you’ll fell less alive than in a room full of sunlight.
There are a number of implements that you can use for brainstorming — a white board, pencil and paper or even an audio recorder — but my favorite tool is a software program called FreeMind, which allows you to create tree charts from your thoughts. It’s also free and open source. You can download it at freemind.sourceforge.net
A good brainstorming session should last around one hour. After that, your mind will probably start to slow down. If you find yourself needing more time, extend the hour, or get some rest. Let your subconscious do some thinking for you and then continue the next day.
During a brainstorming session don’t discount any ideas, either of yours or of a coworker’s. Accept every suggestion, even if it sounds silly. When you acknowledge everyone’s thoughts they’ll be more motivated to think creatively, which in turn, could solve the goal you are trying to achieve.
Everyone thinks that they can brainstorm. But you can always improve your skills and effectiveness. The more you practice, the easier it gets to be creative.
And one last tip — have fun. If you’re less formal and enjoy yourself, you’ll have more success at brainstorming.
It’s easier to brainstorm earlier in the day because your energy levels are usually higher. You should also make sure that you are in a comfortable place with lots of natural light. A good place is a coffee shop with large windows. DONT sit in a room with florescent lights. These will suck the life out of you and you’ll fell less alive than in a room full of sunlight.
There are a number of implements that you can use for brainstorming — a white board, pencil and paper or even an audio recorder — but my favorite tool is a software program called FreeMind, which allows you to create tree charts from your thoughts. It’s also free and open source. You can download it at freemind.sourceforge.net
A good brainstorming session should last around one hour. After that, your mind will probably start to slow down. If you find yourself needing more time, extend the hour, or get some rest. Let your subconscious do some thinking for you and then continue the next day.
During a brainstorming session don’t discount any ideas, either of yours or of a coworker’s. Accept every suggestion, even if it sounds silly. When you acknowledge everyone’s thoughts they’ll be more motivated to think creatively, which in turn, could solve the goal you are trying to achieve.
Everyone thinks that they can brainstorm. But you can always improve your skills and effectiveness. The more you practice, the easier it gets to be creative.
And one last tip — have fun. If you’re less formal and enjoy yourself, you’ll have more success at brainstorming.
If Real Estate Investment Is So Great, Why Doesn't Everyone Do It?
Oh, that's an easy one. I can answer that in one word. FEAR. Real estate investment is a great way to change just about everything in your life, but it's one of those things where doing it for the FI...
Oh, that's an easy one. I can answer that in one word. FEAR.
Real estate investment is a great way to change just about everything in your life, but it's one of those things where doing it for the FIRST time is the toughest. In fact, the second is exponentially easier!
It's fear folks, plain and simple! And why doesn't make much sense to me. Consider that:
- "Everyone knows that the surest path from low income to millionaire is through real estate." This appears to be a well-documented truism. I've seen a similar statement in some of the most prestigious financial resources on the planet.
- I rarely hear of someone losing it all from real estate. I might be living in la-la land, but for the most part I only hear of folks prospering from real estate investing. Sure, occasionally I hear of deal going bad or growing complicated, but not to the point of ruining folks.
- There are a lot of properties available. Folks are still divorcing, dying, or just not paying the bills and getting foreclosed on. Much of the foreclosure activity is not SEEN by the public, but most of it is available to the public.
- There are a lot of properties available at below market prices. That's been my experience anyway. Of course, I have folks right here in my area that tell me they can't find properties. I just smile and nod my head.
- Rental demand is strong and rents never go down!
So with all this common knowledge and raw opportunity out there, why isn't everyone investing in real estate?
Here's my theory.
Real estate transactions are more involved than going to Wal-mart for a pair of undies, so that scares people. You have to learn a little bit. Mind you, this isn't a lot of learning, but it is apparently enough to keep some on the sidelines.
The numbers are big. I've seen folks nearly CEASE UP mentally talking about large amounts of money. Merely talking about a $100,000 mortgage causes some people break out in a sweat.
Horror stories. Everyone's heard about some scam, sink hole, meteor or something else on the fringes of believability that has happened somewhere at sometime. I mean, there is SOME risk involved.
Fear of taking action! It's hard to do something you've never done, and harder to do something you've never done before in a subject matter on which you aren't an expert! People fear something, which makes facing that fear hard. What I'm referring to is what I call, "IT'S EASIER NOT TO."
So what does one do to face fear and make a change in their life,
Ah, that's just as easy as the last question. I can also answer that in one word…KNOWLEDGE.
Once properly armed with the knowledge they need, most folks can overcome their fears to the point of taking action.
So if you are contemplating taking your financial future into your own hands by investing in real estate, FOCUS on one thing for the next 3-6 months. Buy books or courses, got to real estate investing club meetings, visit websites and get on discussion groups. Let those things be your action steps for awhile. I suspect you'll be ready to dive into the market with the knowledge you'll gain.
I have a motto.
"Knowledge Always Precedes the Money."
Oh, that's an easy one. I can answer that in one word. FEAR.
Real estate investment is a great way to change just about everything in your life, but it's one of those things where doing it for the FIRST time is the toughest. In fact, the second is exponentially easier!
It's fear folks, plain and simple! And why doesn't make much sense to me. Consider that:
- "Everyone knows that the surest path from low income to millionaire is through real estate." This appears to be a well-documented truism. I've seen a similar statement in some of the most prestigious financial resources on the planet.
- I rarely hear of someone losing it all from real estate. I might be living in la-la land, but for the most part I only hear of folks prospering from real estate investing. Sure, occasionally I hear of deal going bad or growing complicated, but not to the point of ruining folks.
- There are a lot of properties available. Folks are still divorcing, dying, or just not paying the bills and getting foreclosed on. Much of the foreclosure activity is not SEEN by the public, but most of it is available to the public.
- There are a lot of properties available at below market prices. That's been my experience anyway. Of course, I have folks right here in my area that tell me they can't find properties. I just smile and nod my head.
- Rental demand is strong and rents never go down!
So with all this common knowledge and raw opportunity out there, why isn't everyone investing in real estate?
Here's my theory.
Real estate transactions are more involved than going to Wal-mart for a pair of undies, so that scares people. You have to learn a little bit. Mind you, this isn't a lot of learning, but it is apparently enough to keep some on the sidelines.
The numbers are big. I've seen folks nearly CEASE UP mentally talking about large amounts of money. Merely talking about a $100,000 mortgage causes some people break out in a sweat.
Horror stories. Everyone's heard about some scam, sink hole, meteor or something else on the fringes of believability that has happened somewhere at sometime. I mean, there is SOME risk involved.
Fear of taking action! It's hard to do something you've never done, and harder to do something you've never done before in a subject matter on which you aren't an expert! People fear something, which makes facing that fear hard. What I'm referring to is what I call, "IT'S EASIER NOT TO."
So what does one do to face fear and make a change in their life,
Ah, that's just as easy as the last question. I can also answer that in one word…KNOWLEDGE.
Once properly armed with the knowledge they need, most folks can overcome their fears to the point of taking action.
So if you are contemplating taking your financial future into your own hands by investing in real estate, FOCUS on one thing for the next 3-6 months. Buy books or courses, got to real estate investing club meetings, visit websites and get on discussion groups. Let those things be your action steps for awhile. I suspect you'll be ready to dive into the market with the knowledge you'll gain.
I have a motto.
"Knowledge Always Precedes the Money."
Ideas for your New Work from Home Business
If you are reading this, chances are that you need to find a new way to make money online. There is good news. Every single topic can be turned into money when you know what to do and how to do it; but how to get new ideas? It’s as easy as grabbing a pen and paper.
Whether you want your business to be about cars or baskets; the same concept always applies. Choose your favorite topic. For example, let’s say that you choose ‘cars’. Make a list of everything that you personally relate with cars. Your list may look something like this:
CARS
-Tires
-Windows
-Volkswagen
[Some off topic ideas may pop out. Write them as well.]
-Street
-Stereo
-Music
-Wedding
*Note that this varies greatly from person to person!
The advantage of using this method is that those words you choose are related to you somehow. This means that you have some experience with them; and since you can make money out of mostly everything, this will help you have ideas that you never thought about.
Next, choose one keyword out of the list. For example, let’s suppose you choose ‘Music.’ Make another list:
Music
-Lyrics
-Authors
-Famous people
-Forum
-CDs
-Stereo
-Radio
-New Songs
Out of these new keywords, you might choose to make a website that sells new songs; or make a new site in which you have everything (lyrics, authors, famous people, forums, and new songs). You can focus on selling CDs from that website with an online store. You must be creative by getting your ideas together and joining them to make a new idea altogether.
This method works extremely well to help you make an original idea. Remember, the more keywords you can relate yourself with; the more ideas you will have, and, subsequently; the better your business will be. It is to be remembered that the only two ways to be successful are:
-Making something very original.
-Beating your competition.
If you focus on anything else; you will never stand out.
In this article, I focused on making something very original; since, with practice, you will be able to have so many ideas that your competition will keep wondering “Why didn’t I think of that before?”
Whether you want your business to be about cars or baskets; the same concept always applies. Choose your favorite topic. For example, let’s say that you choose ‘cars’. Make a list of everything that you personally relate with cars. Your list may look something like this:
CARS
-Tires
-Windows
-Volkswagen
[Some off topic ideas may pop out. Write them as well.]
-Street
-Stereo
-Music
-Wedding
*Note that this varies greatly from person to person!
The advantage of using this method is that those words you choose are related to you somehow. This means that you have some experience with them; and since you can make money out of mostly everything, this will help you have ideas that you never thought about.
Next, choose one keyword out of the list. For example, let’s suppose you choose ‘Music.’ Make another list:
Music
-Lyrics
-Authors
-Famous people
-Forum
-CDs
-Stereo
-Radio
-New Songs
Out of these new keywords, you might choose to make a website that sells new songs; or make a new site in which you have everything (lyrics, authors, famous people, forums, and new songs). You can focus on selling CDs from that website with an online store. You must be creative by getting your ideas together and joining them to make a new idea altogether.
This method works extremely well to help you make an original idea. Remember, the more keywords you can relate yourself with; the more ideas you will have, and, subsequently; the better your business will be. It is to be remembered that the only two ways to be successful are:
-Making something very original.
-Beating your competition.
If you focus on anything else; you will never stand out.
In this article, I focused on making something very original; since, with practice, you will be able to have so many ideas that your competition will keep wondering “Why didn’t I think of that before?”
I like to be unreasonable
Very successful people are not a comfortable society person. People do not understand them. But they do not let people change their course of life. They change the situation around themselves and positively for well being of the same society.
“Progress is made by only unreasonable man” Gorge Bernard ShawUnusual is something people dislike to have in their life. It is a change design to after all the circumstances and environment around you. A reasonable person tries to adopt the world around. Once he gets settled, it is very painful to him when things suddenly start to alter. Status quo is broken. Geographical displacement cause personal inconvenience.But every successful leader knows very well that change is imminent. You can’t sit for long on your laurels, GE, charmas; jack was given a sub name- “Neutron Jack”. He was one of the most unusual leaders in business. He pulls the plug when GE was going very well. He sold profitable business. Jump into new Industry which has unseen future. Shown the door to many employees. But very few can argue that GE today is the mirror image of jack. With a market capitalization of $ 152 billion, it is one of rare Commercial Corporation to dominate the 19 & 20th century almost 100 years. It is difficult to hit a moving target. But changing strategy, changing direction cause uncomforted. Something to some people it is a clear indication of failure. And very few people can afford to look failure. They have worked hard to earn position where they are today. They will do everything to save the status quo and their position, come the hell.But a leader know, success is the next step of one and consecutive failure. But if he stands there still with the fear of failure, he will get killed by competitor. Moving target is always hard to hit. And According to Al Ries, the management guru, “Best defensive strategy is to attack yourself.” You have both side working for you, you get nothing to loose.Remember it, Rom was nit built by those who lived in their comfortable palace. And they didn’t live long enough to enjoy that. Those who reinvented themselves are enjoying the numerous fruitful failures.
“Progress is made by only unreasonable man” Gorge Bernard ShawUnusual is something people dislike to have in their life. It is a change design to after all the circumstances and environment around you. A reasonable person tries to adopt the world around. Once he gets settled, it is very painful to him when things suddenly start to alter. Status quo is broken. Geographical displacement cause personal inconvenience.But every successful leader knows very well that change is imminent. You can’t sit for long on your laurels, GE, charmas; jack was given a sub name- “Neutron Jack”. He was one of the most unusual leaders in business. He pulls the plug when GE was going very well. He sold profitable business. Jump into new Industry which has unseen future. Shown the door to many employees. But very few can argue that GE today is the mirror image of jack. With a market capitalization of $ 152 billion, it is one of rare Commercial Corporation to dominate the 19 & 20th century almost 100 years. It is difficult to hit a moving target. But changing strategy, changing direction cause uncomforted. Something to some people it is a clear indication of failure. And very few people can afford to look failure. They have worked hard to earn position where they are today. They will do everything to save the status quo and their position, come the hell.But a leader know, success is the next step of one and consecutive failure. But if he stands there still with the fear of failure, he will get killed by competitor. Moving target is always hard to hit. And According to Al Ries, the management guru, “Best defensive strategy is to attack yourself.” You have both side working for you, you get nothing to loose.Remember it, Rom was nit built by those who lived in their comfortable palace. And they didn’t live long enough to enjoy that. Those who reinvented themselves are enjoying the numerous fruitful failures.
Huge Client Base Represented by ETO ERP Leader Encompix
Encompix (www.encompix.com) has filled the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992. Encompix provides ETO (engineer-to-order) manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom line results.
A sample list of Encompix clients demonstrates the scope of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution:
Kvichak Marine, leader in the design of high quality, hardworking aluminum vessels.
Scherping Systems, leading supplier of process equipment to dairy industries.
Sentinel Building Systems, leading manufacturer of all-steel buildings for agricultural/commercial use.
American Micro Products, Inc., leader of precision-machined components and manufacturer of circular, glass to metal, hermetically sealed electrical connectors.
Automatic Feed Company (AFC), world's premier designers and manufacturers of coil processing
Reko International Group Inc. manufactures plastic injection molds, compression molds, dies, fixtures, automation, special machines.
B&K Corporation designs/builds assembly and test systems for the automotive industry.
GL&V focuses in pulp and paper or process equipment.
Conservatek, geodesic dome technology in the manufacture of lightweight, high-strength aluminum roof systems.
Merritech's business is designing and building special production machines for automotive manufacturers.
Vulcan Engineering, foundry engineering, manufacturing.
Roy Metal Products, the largest manufacturers of custom-made metal store fixtures in North America.
Poblocki & Sons, the leading interior and exterior signage manufacturers.
Globecomm Systems Inc., designs, assembles and installs satellite ground segment systems.
COE, major international machinery provider to the Forest and Building Products, Rubber and Laminates industries.
Delta, premier supplier of plastic injection molds, models, fixtures, tooling for the automotive, aerospace, and heavy truck industries.
Extrude Hone invented the Abrasive Flow Machining process.
Machines-Outils Henri Line Inc. designs and builds custom machines for industries such as aerospace, automotive, railroad and precision machining.
Stillwater, machining company and a manufacturer of resistance welding products.
LNS America, Inc., leading supplier of bar feeding equipment.
The Assembly & Test - Worldwide (ATW), automation systems and solutions fundamental to the assembly and testing of industrial products.
Automatic Systems, Inc., material handling systems.
Electronic equipment from noise, dust, extreme heat, or inclement weather provided by Metal Systems, Inc.
MSI Mold Builders designs and builds various types of steel and aluminum molds for injection, structural foam, rim, blow, gas assist and structural web processes.
Fab-Tech, Inc., the leading global supplier of corrosive-resistant fume exhaust systems.
Weber Manufacturing Limited,a service tool supplier for plastic molders.
Rader, Equipment in virtually every Pulp and Paper mill in North America.
Matrix Service serves the petro/chemical industry.
Cross Bros. custom fabricated equipment; power transmission products; conveyor and industrial machinery service and maintenance.
Minnesota Elevator, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of various types of elevators.
Encompix
www.encompix.com
Roger Meloy
513-733-0066
A sample list of Encompix clients demonstrates the scope of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution:
Kvichak Marine, leader in the design of high quality, hardworking aluminum vessels.
Scherping Systems, leading supplier of process equipment to dairy industries.
Sentinel Building Systems, leading manufacturer of all-steel buildings for agricultural/commercial use.
American Micro Products, Inc., leader of precision-machined components and manufacturer of circular, glass to metal, hermetically sealed electrical connectors.
Automatic Feed Company (AFC), world's premier designers and manufacturers of coil processing
Reko International Group Inc. manufactures plastic injection molds, compression molds, dies, fixtures, automation, special machines.
B&K Corporation designs/builds assembly and test systems for the automotive industry.
GL&V focuses in pulp and paper or process equipment.
Conservatek, geodesic dome technology in the manufacture of lightweight, high-strength aluminum roof systems.
Merritech's business is designing and building special production machines for automotive manufacturers.
Vulcan Engineering, foundry engineering, manufacturing.
Roy Metal Products, the largest manufacturers of custom-made metal store fixtures in North America.
Poblocki & Sons, the leading interior and exterior signage manufacturers.
Globecomm Systems Inc., designs, assembles and installs satellite ground segment systems.
COE, major international machinery provider to the Forest and Building Products, Rubber and Laminates industries.
Delta, premier supplier of plastic injection molds, models, fixtures, tooling for the automotive, aerospace, and heavy truck industries.
Extrude Hone invented the Abrasive Flow Machining process.
Machines-Outils Henri Line Inc. designs and builds custom machines for industries such as aerospace, automotive, railroad and precision machining.
Stillwater, machining company and a manufacturer of resistance welding products.
LNS America, Inc., leading supplier of bar feeding equipment.
The Assembly & Test - Worldwide (ATW), automation systems and solutions fundamental to the assembly and testing of industrial products.
Automatic Systems, Inc., material handling systems.
Electronic equipment from noise, dust, extreme heat, or inclement weather provided by Metal Systems, Inc.
MSI Mold Builders designs and builds various types of steel and aluminum molds for injection, structural foam, rim, blow, gas assist and structural web processes.
Fab-Tech, Inc., the leading global supplier of corrosive-resistant fume exhaust systems.
Weber Manufacturing Limited,a service tool supplier for plastic molders.
Rader, Equipment in virtually every Pulp and Paper mill in North America.
Matrix Service serves the petro/chemical industry.
Cross Bros. custom fabricated equipment; power transmission products; conveyor and industrial machinery service and maintenance.
Minnesota Elevator, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of various types of elevators.
Encompix
www.encompix.com
Roger Meloy
513-733-0066
How Working from home can bring parenthood and work together.
This article is for all those parents that want the best of both worlds, being with your children and bringing in extra money for the household. Does getting the children ready to take to child care...
This article is for all those parents that want the best of both worlds, being with your children and bringing in extra money for the household.
Does getting the children ready to take to child care/school while you go off to work all getting to much for you?
Are you faced with the dilemma with having a family to give up a second income or put your children into child care and missing out on so much of their growing up? Once you pay out the cost of child care, travel, food etc then look at what is left you have to think is it really all worth it????????
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to save on all those expenses, spend time with your children while they are still young and earn that extra cash to help with the everyday bills?
Would you like to help pay the mortgage and household bills, without going OUT to work? Well you can. Ever thought of working from home, to be in business for your self but NOT by yourself. Many stay at home mums and dads are finding that by working from home in this way they can often replace their “JOB” salary in a very short time. They feel very lucky, you can too.
Imagine how your quality of life could change with one parent going out to work and the other staying home with the children AND earning extra cash. Sound to good to be true, well it isn’t, it can really happen. How I hear you ask.
Network marketing will become the most efficient way to distribute products or services and will dominate the world of distribution. Since the business can be started with very little upfront investment, has a very low downside risk, can be operated efficiently from the home, and has unlimited residual income potential, network marketing will become the business opportunity of choice throughout the world. There will be two classes of people, those who have large networks and those who don't!
The advantages of your own Network Marketing business:
It gives parents back to the family life, they have been missing out on.
It allows for flexible working hours, a business that easily fits into your existing schedule.
FREE training and support through out your business. If you will invest the time and effort, so will they.
Everything has been tested and proven for you.
Basic computer skills, no experience needed. All that is needed are strong work ethics and determination to reach your income goals.
Low risk business opportunity with low start up costs that can be tailored to suit individual’s resources.
Network marketing businesses do not discriminate against sex, race, family or background, everyone is equal.
Direct marketing is in increasing demand as marketers seek out one-to-one communications. But shifts are taking place even within the discipline, with spending on internet marketing growing at least three times faster than other direct media. Spending on internet marketing is forecast to reach $21.7 billion in 2009, up from 12.6 billion this year, while commercial email spending is expected to reach $600 million, up from $300 million.
This article is for all those parents that want the best of both worlds, being with your children and bringing in extra money for the household.
Does getting the children ready to take to child care/school while you go off to work all getting to much for you?
Are you faced with the dilemma with having a family to give up a second income or put your children into child care and missing out on so much of their growing up? Once you pay out the cost of child care, travel, food etc then look at what is left you have to think is it really all worth it????????
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to save on all those expenses, spend time with your children while they are still young and earn that extra cash to help with the everyday bills?
Would you like to help pay the mortgage and household bills, without going OUT to work? Well you can. Ever thought of working from home, to be in business for your self but NOT by yourself. Many stay at home mums and dads are finding that by working from home in this way they can often replace their “JOB” salary in a very short time. They feel very lucky, you can too.
Imagine how your quality of life could change with one parent going out to work and the other staying home with the children AND earning extra cash. Sound to good to be true, well it isn’t, it can really happen. How I hear you ask.
Network marketing will become the most efficient way to distribute products or services and will dominate the world of distribution. Since the business can be started with very little upfront investment, has a very low downside risk, can be operated efficiently from the home, and has unlimited residual income potential, network marketing will become the business opportunity of choice throughout the world. There will be two classes of people, those who have large networks and those who don't!
The advantages of your own Network Marketing business:
It gives parents back to the family life, they have been missing out on.
It allows for flexible working hours, a business that easily fits into your existing schedule.
FREE training and support through out your business. If you will invest the time and effort, so will they.
Everything has been tested and proven for you.
Basic computer skills, no experience needed. All that is needed are strong work ethics and determination to reach your income goals.
Low risk business opportunity with low start up costs that can be tailored to suit individual’s resources.
Network marketing businesses do not discriminate against sex, race, family or background, everyone is equal.
Direct marketing is in increasing demand as marketers seek out one-to-one communications. But shifts are taking place even within the discipline, with spending on internet marketing growing at least three times faster than other direct media. Spending on internet marketing is forecast to reach $21.7 billion in 2009, up from 12.6 billion this year, while commercial email spending is expected to reach $600 million, up from $300 million.
How to use Three Step Direct Response Marketing
Three step marketing is a cost effective way for you to sell your products or services. It's also a cost effective way for you to test various offers. And surprisingly, few marketers use this marketing technique.
With three step marketing, you'll be selling to people who contacted you asking for information about your product or service. And you'll be building your own mailing list from people who are interested in your products or services. Because you're building your own mailing list, you'll be able to send several offers to the same prospects. Being able to follow-up with the prospects who first asked for information from you is the key to three step marketing. Your objective with three step marketing is to locate new prospects and then follow-up with an intensive direct mail campaign.
Your sales literature doesn't have to be expensive or full color, it simply has to look professional. Make sure you have written something good, have checked it for proper spelling and punctuation, and have provided a meaning behind your products or services. This gives reason for the customer to order your product.
If you have a computer, build a database of customer inquiries so you can track who actually purchases, and then send follow-up letters to those who don't. Follow-up sales are where you are going to make most of your income. Your ad draws the inquiries, the first order establishes a good customer, and the rest of the orders are the selling points.
Your second sales packet should be mailed a month after the inquiry was received and another a month after that. Testing is the only way to find out which plan works best for you in getting orders. You'll need to find out which sales package works best and how often to make mailings. How elaborate you want to make your response pack depends on how successful your product seems to be selling and how much money you want to invest.
Always start small. A simple one page offer can work as well as a conglomerate pretty letter. After you've built up a few good selling products, you might print up a single page brochure. Even at that, you don't have to go to color unless your product warrants it.
You don't need an advertising agency to put together your sales packet, but you can use one if you want. Be sure to investigate the type of agency and what it can do for you before hiring them.
Your lead generating letters should target the market most likely to be interested in what you're eventually going to offer them. Your letters must state a major benefit that appeals to the readers' interests.
The main purpose of your sales message is to arouse curiosity and to get the reader to move to the second step of the process. Your sales letter must make the reader want to know more. For best results, your letter should offer something at no cost, but realize to keep your ROI at interest.
Studies show that 80% of all people, that's 4 out of 5 people, who inquire about a product buy that product within one year, but not from the company that made the original contact.
The reason they don't buy from the company that made the original contact is because the company did not follow-up. Statistics show that you must make at least three contacts with a prospect who expressed an interest in your product or service before they'll buy from you. Very few marketers realize this.
So the next few steps in the three step marketing process are to send follow-up mailings to your prospects. Repetitive follow-up is the difference between mediocre success and huge success in marketing. If your initial mailing is successful, you can realistically expect an additional 50% in sales with your follow-up mailings. That's an additional 50% of income you would not have if you didn't follow-up.
Now you're ready to mail your direct mail response pack to your prospects by first class mail. Your goal here is to close the sale.
The prospects you send your first direct mail response pack to are broken down into the following three steps:
1. A little bit interested. Gather leads through lead generating direct response advertisements.
2. Very interested and ready to buy. Send follow-up mailing to prospects. State a major benefit.
3. Very interested. but not ready to buy. Send follow-up mailing to prospects. State same message with different headline or call-to-action.
Three step marketing allows you to be in front of your prospects when they move from the "not ready to buy" category to the "ready to buy" category. It allows you to build a relationship with your prospects and when they are ready to buy, they'll buy from you.
The good news about three step marketing is you don't have to create a completely different mailing package for each additional step in the process.
Make minor changes to your initial mailing piece. One technique that works well is to mail a different cover letter along with a copy of your initial mailing piece. Try to keep your cover letter to one page.
Another technique is to change the headline or the opening paragraph of your original letter while reminding the prospect that this is another notice.
How many times you should mail will depend on whether it's no longer profitable. Always remember to include any back end sales and the lifetime value of your customer. Your largest expense was getting the prospect. Now is the time to follow-up and grow your business sales.
Article Tags: Three Step Marketing, Three Step, Direct Response, Step Marketing, Direct Mail, Send Follow-up, Response Pack, Initial Mailing
With three step marketing, you'll be selling to people who contacted you asking for information about your product or service. And you'll be building your own mailing list from people who are interested in your products or services. Because you're building your own mailing list, you'll be able to send several offers to the same prospects. Being able to follow-up with the prospects who first asked for information from you is the key to three step marketing. Your objective with three step marketing is to locate new prospects and then follow-up with an intensive direct mail campaign.
Your sales literature doesn't have to be expensive or full color, it simply has to look professional. Make sure you have written something good, have checked it for proper spelling and punctuation, and have provided a meaning behind your products or services. This gives reason for the customer to order your product.
If you have a computer, build a database of customer inquiries so you can track who actually purchases, and then send follow-up letters to those who don't. Follow-up sales are where you are going to make most of your income. Your ad draws the inquiries, the first order establishes a good customer, and the rest of the orders are the selling points.
Your second sales packet should be mailed a month after the inquiry was received and another a month after that. Testing is the only way to find out which plan works best for you in getting orders. You'll need to find out which sales package works best and how often to make mailings. How elaborate you want to make your response pack depends on how successful your product seems to be selling and how much money you want to invest.
Always start small. A simple one page offer can work as well as a conglomerate pretty letter. After you've built up a few good selling products, you might print up a single page brochure. Even at that, you don't have to go to color unless your product warrants it.
You don't need an advertising agency to put together your sales packet, but you can use one if you want. Be sure to investigate the type of agency and what it can do for you before hiring them.
Your lead generating letters should target the market most likely to be interested in what you're eventually going to offer them. Your letters must state a major benefit that appeals to the readers' interests.
The main purpose of your sales message is to arouse curiosity and to get the reader to move to the second step of the process. Your sales letter must make the reader want to know more. For best results, your letter should offer something at no cost, but realize to keep your ROI at interest.
Studies show that 80% of all people, that's 4 out of 5 people, who inquire about a product buy that product within one year, but not from the company that made the original contact.
The reason they don't buy from the company that made the original contact is because the company did not follow-up. Statistics show that you must make at least three contacts with a prospect who expressed an interest in your product or service before they'll buy from you. Very few marketers realize this.
So the next few steps in the three step marketing process are to send follow-up mailings to your prospects. Repetitive follow-up is the difference between mediocre success and huge success in marketing. If your initial mailing is successful, you can realistically expect an additional 50% in sales with your follow-up mailings. That's an additional 50% of income you would not have if you didn't follow-up.
Now you're ready to mail your direct mail response pack to your prospects by first class mail. Your goal here is to close the sale.
The prospects you send your first direct mail response pack to are broken down into the following three steps:
1. A little bit interested. Gather leads through lead generating direct response advertisements.
2. Very interested and ready to buy. Send follow-up mailing to prospects. State a major benefit.
3. Very interested. but not ready to buy. Send follow-up mailing to prospects. State same message with different headline or call-to-action.
Three step marketing allows you to be in front of your prospects when they move from the "not ready to buy" category to the "ready to buy" category. It allows you to build a relationship with your prospects and when they are ready to buy, they'll buy from you.
The good news about three step marketing is you don't have to create a completely different mailing package for each additional step in the process.
Make minor changes to your initial mailing piece. One technique that works well is to mail a different cover letter along with a copy of your initial mailing piece. Try to keep your cover letter to one page.
Another technique is to change the headline or the opening paragraph of your original letter while reminding the prospect that this is another notice.
How many times you should mail will depend on whether it's no longer profitable. Always remember to include any back end sales and the lifetime value of your customer. Your largest expense was getting the prospect. Now is the time to follow-up and grow your business sales.
Article Tags: Three Step Marketing, Three Step, Direct Response, Step Marketing, Direct Mail, Send Follow-up, Response Pack, Initial Mailing
How to use Testimonials as an additional Marketing Tool
It's been said before that one unsatisfied customer will o out and tell 10-20 of their friends and family about their unsatisfactory experience, but the opposite doesn't seem to occur. Your customers, vendors, suppliers and associates might think you walk on water, but they won't seem to tell everyone else how great you are unless you show them how and give them an actual reason to do it...read more
It's been said before that one unsatisfied customer will go out and tell 10-20 of their friends and family about their unsatisfactory experience, but the opposite doesn't seem to occur. Your customers, vendors, suppliers and associates might think you walk on water, but they won't seem to tell everyone else how great you are unless you show them how and give them an actual reason to do it. There are many ways to get testimonials from your customers. You can actually hold contests for best testimonials. Request letters of endorsements from your customers, vendors, suppliers, and any associates you have. Use those to promote your products and services. When you use testimonials to add credibility to what you do, you're letting your customers do the marketing for your business. Testimonials from your customers are one of the strongest marketing tools available. What is a testimonial? It's a statement, usually written by your customer, saying nice things about some aspect of your business, you, your employees or your products and services. If you want to use the testimonials in marketing efforts, you need to get a written release from your customers who wrote the testimonials giving your business the right to use the testimonial in marketing.
The best time to obtain the release is at the time the customer delivers the testimonial to you.. You might tell them you want to share their insights with your other customers or some other complimentary statement. When you use these testimonials, you want to weave them into your marketing story. Use them to embellish and support your claims and promises. For every benefit or objective you need to overcome in your products or services, it is the best scenario to have testimonials establishing or referencing each of those benefits or objections. You can take the next logical step and establish that your business delivers what it promises. This becomes a very powerful statement. You don't need to use all of what it says in each testimonial letter. Here are some choices or ways you can use testimonials.
You can print the entire letter.
You can print one sentence.
You can print one word.
Print with a picture of the person whose testimonial it is.
Print the person's initials only.
Print the entire name of the person providing the testimonial.
You can actually do video or audio recordings of a person's testimonial.
Ideally, you want to use all of these techniques. The benefit of using testimonials on your web site can help link popularity in search engine results as well. Whether you use this marketing tool for both inbound or outbound reasons, you will have an advantage over your competition. Check them out next time you visit their office or web site and see for what people are saying about their business practices. You'll be amazed!
Article Tags: Marketing Tool
It's been said before that one unsatisfied customer will go out and tell 10-20 of their friends and family about their unsatisfactory experience, but the opposite doesn't seem to occur. Your customers, vendors, suppliers and associates might think you walk on water, but they won't seem to tell everyone else how great you are unless you show them how and give them an actual reason to do it. There are many ways to get testimonials from your customers. You can actually hold contests for best testimonials. Request letters of endorsements from your customers, vendors, suppliers, and any associates you have. Use those to promote your products and services. When you use testimonials to add credibility to what you do, you're letting your customers do the marketing for your business. Testimonials from your customers are one of the strongest marketing tools available. What is a testimonial? It's a statement, usually written by your customer, saying nice things about some aspect of your business, you, your employees or your products and services. If you want to use the testimonials in marketing efforts, you need to get a written release from your customers who wrote the testimonials giving your business the right to use the testimonial in marketing.
The best time to obtain the release is at the time the customer delivers the testimonial to you.. You might tell them you want to share their insights with your other customers or some other complimentary statement. When you use these testimonials, you want to weave them into your marketing story. Use them to embellish and support your claims and promises. For every benefit or objective you need to overcome in your products or services, it is the best scenario to have testimonials establishing or referencing each of those benefits or objections. You can take the next logical step and establish that your business delivers what it promises. This becomes a very powerful statement. You don't need to use all of what it says in each testimonial letter. Here are some choices or ways you can use testimonials.
You can print the entire letter.
You can print one sentence.
You can print one word.
Print with a picture of the person whose testimonial it is.
Print the person's initials only.
Print the entire name of the person providing the testimonial.
You can actually do video or audio recordings of a person's testimonial.
Ideally, you want to use all of these techniques. The benefit of using testimonials on your web site can help link popularity in search engine results as well. Whether you use this marketing tool for both inbound or outbound reasons, you will have an advantage over your competition. Check them out next time you visit their office or web site and see for what people are saying about their business practices. You'll be amazed!
Article Tags: Marketing Tool
How To Use Outsourcing To Beat Your Competition
Outsourcing is when you hire outside professionals orservices to take on part of your business workload.Youmay want to outsource part of your work because youdon't have the room, you need an expert, you have periodicbusy periods, or you need more production to get ordersout on time etc. You could outsource accounting,secretarial tasks , factory help, computer training, webdesign etc. Below are ways to use outsoursing to beatyour competition.
By outsourcing part of your workload you can save timeand spend more time concentrating on beating yourcompetition.
you won't have to take time training new employees
you won't have to do time consuming tasks like addingon new equipment
you won't have to learn a new software program or otherequipment
you won't have to interview employee candidates
you won't have to fill out all the complicated employeepaper work like tax forms, scheduling, retirement plans etc.
By outsourcing part of your workload you can save moneyand spend more money on marketing or advertising to beatyour competition.
you won't have to buy extra office and other equipment
you won't have to buy extra office or work space
you won't have spend money on employee costs like;taxes, medical, vacation time, holidays, workers comp.,unemployment costs etc. (these may vary by whichcountry you do business)
There are many other ways outsourcing can help you beatyour competition. Here are a few more:
the extra help can help you complete and deliver ordersfaster
you could expand your market share by becoming themiddleman and offering your subcontractors services orproducts
you could end up getting orders from your subcontractors
it will allow your business to take on extra or large orders
Article Tags: Won't Have
By outsourcing part of your workload you can save timeand spend more time concentrating on beating yourcompetition.
you won't have to take time training new employees
you won't have to do time consuming tasks like addingon new equipment
you won't have to learn a new software program or otherequipment
you won't have to interview employee candidates
you won't have to fill out all the complicated employeepaper work like tax forms, scheduling, retirement plans etc.
By outsourcing part of your workload you can save moneyand spend more money on marketing or advertising to beatyour competition.
you won't have to buy extra office and other equipment
you won't have to buy extra office or work space
you won't have spend money on employee costs like;taxes, medical, vacation time, holidays, workers comp.,unemployment costs etc. (these may vary by whichcountry you do business)
There are many other ways outsourcing can help you beatyour competition. Here are a few more:
the extra help can help you complete and deliver ordersfaster
you could expand your market share by becoming themiddleman and offering your subcontractors services orproducts
you could end up getting orders from your subcontractors
it will allow your business to take on extra or large orders
Article Tags: Won't Have
How to use an HR consultant
Bringing an HR consultant into your organisation can often be the only way to get a particular objective achieved. It may be a project that needs to be delivered such as a recruitment campaign, a compensation & benefits review or the implementation of an HR information system. Another possibility may be the need to cover a maternity leave post. Whatever the company requirement, whether it be linked to strategic or operational HR there is a consultant to fit the bill, whether they be a generalist or specialist.
The advantages to bringing in an external professional can be buying in specific expertise just as and when it’s needed. Many HR consultants have many years solid practical experience before launching into the world of consultancy. They bring with them a fresh eye on the workings of your company and can often offer new problem-solving solutions to issues such as staff retention or absence. They can also offer tailored solutions, using the basics gained from experience with other companies.
They are used to “hitting the ground running”, which requires building key relationships, establishing credibility very quickly and just getting on with the job in hand whether this be as a change agent or a role caretaker.
Being an “outsider” they tend not to get involved with office politics, which can cloud many judgements of permanent members of staff. Their decisions can, therefore, be based on benefits to the organisation, not whether it will upset the opinions of certain individuals. This is particularly important in any change management and organisational design project.
Using an HR consultant can save an organisation time and money. Time is saved by, for example, outsourcing a project that existing HR professionals in an organisation can’t spare from the usual day to day tasks; this can include coaching or conducting 360 degree appraisal. A consultant can also be brought in on an ad hoc basis when no HR expertise exists at all within the organisation, for example, when an investigation surrounding gross misconduct needs to be conducted.
Other cost savings can include not having a permanent member of staff on the payroll and often by not having to provide daily office space if the work can be completed at home by the consultant, as with a project.
A disadvantage of using an HR consultant can, on the other hand, be the potential expense. Depending on the level of expertise required, consultant fees can vary from £200 to £1,000 per day so companies need to consider what they can afford and negotiate over the daily rate and number of days required. To avoid escalating costs consideration should be given to estimating a set number of days to define a project, such as management training, and build this into the contract drawn up.
To cover a maternity post, many companies use a fixed term contract, which gives the added bonus to the consultant of some employment protection such as paid holidays and sick leave, but which will be another cost to the organisation.
To avoid any confusion a clear agreement or contract needs to be drawn up at the start between the company and consultant establishing clear long and short term goals with regular meetings built in to check progress. Clear responsibilities should be allocated to avoid any confusion.
Fees and expenses need to be included as well as problem resolution such as delivery failures. With a fixed term contract the latter can be solved by using the disciplinary or capability procedure. Ideally a contingency plan should be put into place together with guidance on confidentiality issues such as data protection.
Before recruiting an HR consultant the company needs to have a clear idea of what they are trying to achieve and draw up a project plan and brief for discussion.
There should also be a job description and person specification. With the latter this provides assistance to recruit the right calibre of person. As the need for an HR consultant can often be at short notice, companies need to consider the best place to advertise or find the right candidate and consider a more streamlined recruitment process.
Once recruited the consultant should be provided with a structured induction to enable them to hit the ground running. This should include as much information about the organisation as possible including meetings with key stakeholders so that they can complete the task in hand as effectively and professionally as possible.
Article provided by Sandra Beale of SJ Beale HR Consult. Telephone 07762 771290 or email info@sjbealehrconsult.co.uk. Website: www.sjbealehrconsult.co.uk
The advantages to bringing in an external professional can be buying in specific expertise just as and when it’s needed. Many HR consultants have many years solid practical experience before launching into the world of consultancy. They bring with them a fresh eye on the workings of your company and can often offer new problem-solving solutions to issues such as staff retention or absence. They can also offer tailored solutions, using the basics gained from experience with other companies.
They are used to “hitting the ground running”, which requires building key relationships, establishing credibility very quickly and just getting on with the job in hand whether this be as a change agent or a role caretaker.
Being an “outsider” they tend not to get involved with office politics, which can cloud many judgements of permanent members of staff. Their decisions can, therefore, be based on benefits to the organisation, not whether it will upset the opinions of certain individuals. This is particularly important in any change management and organisational design project.
Using an HR consultant can save an organisation time and money. Time is saved by, for example, outsourcing a project that existing HR professionals in an organisation can’t spare from the usual day to day tasks; this can include coaching or conducting 360 degree appraisal. A consultant can also be brought in on an ad hoc basis when no HR expertise exists at all within the organisation, for example, when an investigation surrounding gross misconduct needs to be conducted.
Other cost savings can include not having a permanent member of staff on the payroll and often by not having to provide daily office space if the work can be completed at home by the consultant, as with a project.
A disadvantage of using an HR consultant can, on the other hand, be the potential expense. Depending on the level of expertise required, consultant fees can vary from £200 to £1,000 per day so companies need to consider what they can afford and negotiate over the daily rate and number of days required. To avoid escalating costs consideration should be given to estimating a set number of days to define a project, such as management training, and build this into the contract drawn up.
To cover a maternity post, many companies use a fixed term contract, which gives the added bonus to the consultant of some employment protection such as paid holidays and sick leave, but which will be another cost to the organisation.
To avoid any confusion a clear agreement or contract needs to be drawn up at the start between the company and consultant establishing clear long and short term goals with regular meetings built in to check progress. Clear responsibilities should be allocated to avoid any confusion.
Fees and expenses need to be included as well as problem resolution such as delivery failures. With a fixed term contract the latter can be solved by using the disciplinary or capability procedure. Ideally a contingency plan should be put into place together with guidance on confidentiality issues such as data protection.
Before recruiting an HR consultant the company needs to have a clear idea of what they are trying to achieve and draw up a project plan and brief for discussion.
There should also be a job description and person specification. With the latter this provides assistance to recruit the right calibre of person. As the need for an HR consultant can often be at short notice, companies need to consider the best place to advertise or find the right candidate and consider a more streamlined recruitment process.
Once recruited the consultant should be provided with a structured induction to enable them to hit the ground running. This should include as much information about the organisation as possible including meetings with key stakeholders so that they can complete the task in hand as effectively and professionally as possible.
Article provided by Sandra Beale of SJ Beale HR Consult. Telephone 07762 771290 or email info@sjbealehrconsult.co.uk. Website: www.sjbealehrconsult.co.uk
How to Survive Telecom BPO
Orlando, FL – June 27-- Auditel Inc. of FL announced today that it’s becoming more common for companies to outsource their phone and telecom bills to bill processing companies for bill payment and aud...
Orlando, FL – June 27-- Auditel Inc. of FL announced today that it’s becoming more common for companies to outsource their phone and telecom bills to bill processing companies for bill payment and audit services. While it can be efficient and convenient you have just become once removed from what’s really happening with your telecom expenses. Now you must rely on reports and your BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) Provider. All the CFO receives is a list of reports and the BPO is in control of all your phone bills. They know that you will not be making any quick decisions which could effect your services, to take their BPO service back in-house so there is a confidence here which should be earned, not given. Having your Telecom BPO independently reviewed is to your advantage. Without an unbiased telecom professional verifying and auditing their services (and your expenses) you may be one of the casualties of BPO.
Now’s the time to take a step back and decide what you really wanted versus what you are getting from outsourcing your telecom.
Here’s how:
Set goals:
Do you want a BPO to handle all or just a portion of your telecom expense?
Do you want your phone bills audited, or do you just want the telecom invoices paid by the BPO?
How in depth of an audit do you want or need based on your total telecom expense?
Budget considerations – How much do you want to spend annually for these services?
These are the types of questions that should be decided before engaging a BPO.
Devise a plan that will benefit your company from a cost perspective and will increase productivity.
There’s more to selecting a Business Process Outsourcing Provider than eliminating non productive positions.
A good BPO can:
Eliminate the need for Accounts Payable department to pay your telecom bills
Consolidate your bills and move them to EDF (electronic data format)
Dramatically reduce your telecom expense with no loss of service
Obtain refunds and credits for miss-billings, overcharges, etc.
Provide you with software detailing all your lines and circuits, giving you reports based on published lines, non published numbers, detailing each feature associated with the lines and circuits.
Traffic studies conducted to determine actual services required with reports given on line counts and GOS (grade of service) calls measured and details given to client: including data on PRI, T1s, DS3s, circuits, long distance T1s, etc. with further testing conducted on all data including reports on frame relay packet usage plus any data backup services.
Monitor contracts and evaluate best costs practices. They will keep you apprised of your current telecom contracts and details.
Develop and maintain a telecom voice disaster plan (not just a data disaster plan) for emergency situations
Place all orders for telecom adds, moves, and changes including ordering telecom equipment, phone systems, internet services, frame relay services, etc.
Provide training to your telecom service department for accurate recordkeeping and order processing, if you decide to keep this in-house.
Provide detailed monthly telecom cost benefit analysis summaries for monthly budget review – not just fluff without showing you backup.
Provide proof of monthly savings and refunds/credits recovered for your company in the form of before and after, actual telecom bill copies.
Provide you with a timeline for service implementation.
Be alert if this occurs:
Service outages
BPO plan is based on changing Long Distance, Internet, Frame, or Local Service Providers. You don’t need a commissioned “reseller” claiming to provide telecom services that they themselves outsource.
After the first quarter your bills don’t reflect any noticeable cost reductions.
With tight budgets, companies need to maximize their outsourcing dollar. With an independent telecom BPO review you can be certain you are getting what you contracted for: competent work at reasonable rates. Contact FW Clements of Auditel Inc. at 1-800-473-5655 or auditel@auditelinc.com.
Orlando, FL – June 27-- Auditel Inc. of FL announced today that it’s becoming more common for companies to outsource their phone and telecom bills to bill processing companies for bill payment and audit services. While it can be efficient and convenient you have just become once removed from what’s really happening with your telecom expenses. Now you must rely on reports and your BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) Provider. All the CFO receives is a list of reports and the BPO is in control of all your phone bills. They know that you will not be making any quick decisions which could effect your services, to take their BPO service back in-house so there is a confidence here which should be earned, not given. Having your Telecom BPO independently reviewed is to your advantage. Without an unbiased telecom professional verifying and auditing their services (and your expenses) you may be one of the casualties of BPO.
Now’s the time to take a step back and decide what you really wanted versus what you are getting from outsourcing your telecom.
Here’s how:
Set goals:
Do you want a BPO to handle all or just a portion of your telecom expense?
Do you want your phone bills audited, or do you just want the telecom invoices paid by the BPO?
How in depth of an audit do you want or need based on your total telecom expense?
Budget considerations – How much do you want to spend annually for these services?
These are the types of questions that should be decided before engaging a BPO.
Devise a plan that will benefit your company from a cost perspective and will increase productivity.
There’s more to selecting a Business Process Outsourcing Provider than eliminating non productive positions.
A good BPO can:
Eliminate the need for Accounts Payable department to pay your telecom bills
Consolidate your bills and move them to EDF (electronic data format)
Dramatically reduce your telecom expense with no loss of service
Obtain refunds and credits for miss-billings, overcharges, etc.
Provide you with software detailing all your lines and circuits, giving you reports based on published lines, non published numbers, detailing each feature associated with the lines and circuits.
Traffic studies conducted to determine actual services required with reports given on line counts and GOS (grade of service) calls measured and details given to client: including data on PRI, T1s, DS3s, circuits, long distance T1s, etc. with further testing conducted on all data including reports on frame relay packet usage plus any data backup services.
Monitor contracts and evaluate best costs practices. They will keep you apprised of your current telecom contracts and details.
Develop and maintain a telecom voice disaster plan (not just a data disaster plan) for emergency situations
Place all orders for telecom adds, moves, and changes including ordering telecom equipment, phone systems, internet services, frame relay services, etc.
Provide training to your telecom service department for accurate recordkeeping and order processing, if you decide to keep this in-house.
Provide detailed monthly telecom cost benefit analysis summaries for monthly budget review – not just fluff without showing you backup.
Provide proof of monthly savings and refunds/credits recovered for your company in the form of before and after, actual telecom bill copies.
Provide you with a timeline for service implementation.
Be alert if this occurs:
Service outages
BPO plan is based on changing Long Distance, Internet, Frame, or Local Service Providers. You don’t need a commissioned “reseller” claiming to provide telecom services that they themselves outsource.
After the first quarter your bills don’t reflect any noticeable cost reductions.
With tight budgets, companies need to maximize their outsourcing dollar. With an independent telecom BPO review you can be certain you are getting what you contracted for: competent work at reasonable rates. Contact FW Clements of Auditel Inc. at 1-800-473-5655 or auditel@auditelinc.com.
How to Reduce Temporary Employee Turnover
The use of temporary services to stock a farm of employees is beneficial in a number of ways for an employer, and detrimental in others; but the one that will always be heard is that good labor is hard to find when using these services.
This is a very real and expensive reality for some, and the blame always falls on the employee. However, denial is a great way to be unsuccessful, and the word can be added to the overhead of any business that chooses to be less attentive.
Big businesses cultivate the employer/employee relationship. It costs money and takes time, which costs more money ... but the bottom line still beats those who choose the other way, which is to treat their employees like cattle.
The biggest asset an employer can have when dealing with their employees is experience at the bottom rung, or at least have the intuition to imagine what it would be like to be there at the moment they interact with the employee.
There is no substitute for respect, and it has to be given to all temporary employees from the moment they walk in the door. Too many times an employer will see a temp walk in and immediately dump the temp off to someone else, who then dumps the temp at a spot where there is someone else to train them - then the temp finds themselves alone doing a job they're not going to care about by lunchtime. Does anyone remember the employee name? Did anyone even smile or shake the hand of this one?
Is this the soft approach? Who has time for an employee who won't be here tomorrow? After all, the job is only for two weeks, the pay is lousy, the employee looks like they don't have what it takes to climb the ladder here, and we have no time for this.
But, there'll have to be time tomorrow. Temporary services will have to be called. A new employee will have be in to take the place of the one that's about to leave.
This is a very real and expensive reality for some, and the blame always falls on the employee. However, denial is a great way to be unsuccessful, and the word can be added to the overhead of any business that chooses to be less attentive.
Big businesses cultivate the employer/employee relationship. It costs money and takes time, which costs more money ... but the bottom line still beats those who choose the other way, which is to treat their employees like cattle.
The biggest asset an employer can have when dealing with their employees is experience at the bottom rung, or at least have the intuition to imagine what it would be like to be there at the moment they interact with the employee.
There is no substitute for respect, and it has to be given to all temporary employees from the moment they walk in the door. Too many times an employer will see a temp walk in and immediately dump the temp off to someone else, who then dumps the temp at a spot where there is someone else to train them - then the temp finds themselves alone doing a job they're not going to care about by lunchtime. Does anyone remember the employee name? Did anyone even smile or shake the hand of this one?
Is this the soft approach? Who has time for an employee who won't be here tomorrow? After all, the job is only for two weeks, the pay is lousy, the employee looks like they don't have what it takes to climb the ladder here, and we have no time for this.
But, there'll have to be time tomorrow. Temporary services will have to be called. A new employee will have be in to take the place of the one that's about to leave.
How To Offer a Powerful 100% No Risk Guarantee
Have you ever noticed with most businesses that you are taking the risk? Here's an example. The other day in a small clothing store, I saw the owner had a sign posted that says, "Absolutely No Refunds After 7 Days." This is a really bad way to destroy goodwill. You don't have to state things negatively.
Have you ever noticed with most businesses that you are taking the risk? Here's an example. The other day in a small clothing store, I saw the owner had a sign posted that says, "Absolutely No Refunds After 7 Days." This is a really bad way to destroy goodwill. You don't have to state things negatively.
They're thinking to themselves, "People are going to come try to return something next week or the week after and we're just not going to do it. We're not going to give them their money back." They put a sign up with that same negative attitude and expect customers to feel at ease when making a purchase.
They could easily have said, "We'll gladly give you a refund of your full purchase price within 7 days - No Questions Asked." This says it better and makes a huge difference.
The first one tells the customer that "Hey, it's your responsibility, the risk is on you." The second one says, "Hey, we'll take the risk and we'll do everything we can for you if you're not satisfied."
See the difference? It's minor and probably won't hurt a lot of sales, but why be so negative when you can turn them around and state them with a big, bold, powerful guarantee? "Our prices are the lowest in town. We'll fund the lowest price anywhere or we will refund the difference." You know those with large appliance chains? You can make big, bold powerful statements like this simply by stating the tone in your message.
Another example; If you sell magazine subscriptions, you can guarantee their money back all the way up to the last minute of the last day of the last month of their subscription and they can get a full refund. These are 100% no risk guarantees that will not hurt your business.
There are a lot of guarantees that can be stated and put the risk on your shoulders where it belongs. If you have a quality product or service, then you're not asking them to go out on a limb.
If you perform, then you should do everything you can to say that you do even if you get more returns or maybe people asking for their money back. Maybe it's because you made a mistake. Maybe it's because something is wrong on their end and they try to take advantage of your every move.
It will be inconsequential compared to all of the new business you'll generate because of your big bold solid guarantee. Making such a statement in your everyday business plan, helps make your customer feel more comfortable doing business with you.
Article Tags: Money Back
Have you ever noticed with most businesses that you are taking the risk? Here's an example. The other day in a small clothing store, I saw the owner had a sign posted that says, "Absolutely No Refunds After 7 Days." This is a really bad way to destroy goodwill. You don't have to state things negatively.
They're thinking to themselves, "People are going to come try to return something next week or the week after and we're just not going to do it. We're not going to give them their money back." They put a sign up with that same negative attitude and expect customers to feel at ease when making a purchase.
They could easily have said, "We'll gladly give you a refund of your full purchase price within 7 days - No Questions Asked." This says it better and makes a huge difference.
The first one tells the customer that "Hey, it's your responsibility, the risk is on you." The second one says, "Hey, we'll take the risk and we'll do everything we can for you if you're not satisfied."
See the difference? It's minor and probably won't hurt a lot of sales, but why be so negative when you can turn them around and state them with a big, bold, powerful guarantee? "Our prices are the lowest in town. We'll fund the lowest price anywhere or we will refund the difference." You know those with large appliance chains? You can make big, bold powerful statements like this simply by stating the tone in your message.
Another example; If you sell magazine subscriptions, you can guarantee their money back all the way up to the last minute of the last day of the last month of their subscription and they can get a full refund. These are 100% no risk guarantees that will not hurt your business.
There are a lot of guarantees that can be stated and put the risk on your shoulders where it belongs. If you have a quality product or service, then you're not asking them to go out on a limb.
If you perform, then you should do everything you can to say that you do even if you get more returns or maybe people asking for their money back. Maybe it's because you made a mistake. Maybe it's because something is wrong on their end and they try to take advantage of your every move.
It will be inconsequential compared to all of the new business you'll generate because of your big bold solid guarantee. Making such a statement in your everyday business plan, helps make your customer feel more comfortable doing business with you.
Article Tags: Money Back
How to manage your most valuable assets - people?
People management and leadership has become a major topic of conversation in today’s market place and have assumed mythical qualities. Managing you people is not that difficult if you are willing to invest one thing in their development; YOU.
The emotional cost and some simple training and mentoring can see you be a successful leader and manager.
As a previous CEO of companies (before starting Biz Momentum) I proved this time and time again and often baffled and confounded those that wanted to make the whole leadership thing complicated!
What’s it all about!!
1. Managing your people is largely COMMON SENSE
2. Leaders don't wait for others to show the way.
3. Leaders participate in the workplace and are seen doing the hard yards, leading by example we used to call it.
4. Leaders inspire other people through authenticity (Random Acts of Kindness, Mentors not Tormentors)
5. Leaders know their people - Mother Teresa took the time to know her 700 sisters? It’s all about choice. As for your people, do you now their partners and children’s names? do you know what is important to them?
A Metaphor - Motor Vehicle - How do you treat your car?
Most people put more positive effort into servicing their motor vehicles than taking the time to fine-tune their employees.
Get to know your car
Get used to driving it
Servicing it
Recognising the different noises – timing chain
Know when its time to replace, upgrade or keep it
A. What has this to do with employees?
Sign the Contract Ensure you employees have a valid Employment Contract
Fuel the Car - Empower your people A comprehensive ‘job description’ and let them do the job
Take out Insurance Induct your employees – let them know their responsibilities and rights
Insurance – might have ‘an excess’ – MULTI-SKILL
Maintenance Show genuine interest, Develop Listening Skills
Regular Service Conduct regular performance management appraisals that are highly interactive and positive? Take the time or do the crime. Neglecting to performance manage you employees takes the agenda largely out of your hands and into theirs in times of strife.
Regular Inspection Being a peacemaker not a peacekeeper. A peacemaker makes peace! A peace keeper constantly keeps warring side apart - there is no peace just the appearance of peace.
Go for a Joy Ride Celebrate successes and Learn to have fun in your business.
THE LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
(Phil’s law of unintended consequences) You don’t intend to fail; however, the choices you make today will determine where you are placed tomorrow. Each choice builds on another and all of a sudden you have a foundation – good or bad – your decision my decision.
You cannot escape your responsibility to manage your people or they will manage your time and you.
People who feel and are genuinely valued are priceless and add great value to your business.
The ball is in your court!
For more helpful information visit www.biz-momentum.com you can sign up for our free monthly newsletter.
Philip Lye is Director of Biz Momentum. Philip has considerable international and cross cultural experience. He works with small to medium businesses to help them cut through the maze of people matters. Clients get specific actionable strategies to protect their business interests. For more information on Philip, visit http://www.biz-momentum.com and subscribe to his free monthly newsletter.
The emotional cost and some simple training and mentoring can see you be a successful leader and manager.
As a previous CEO of companies (before starting Biz Momentum) I proved this time and time again and often baffled and confounded those that wanted to make the whole leadership thing complicated!
What’s it all about!!
1. Managing your people is largely COMMON SENSE
2. Leaders don't wait for others to show the way.
3. Leaders participate in the workplace and are seen doing the hard yards, leading by example we used to call it.
4. Leaders inspire other people through authenticity (Random Acts of Kindness, Mentors not Tormentors)
5. Leaders know their people - Mother Teresa took the time to know her 700 sisters? It’s all about choice. As for your people, do you now their partners and children’s names? do you know what is important to them?
A Metaphor - Motor Vehicle - How do you treat your car?
Most people put more positive effort into servicing their motor vehicles than taking the time to fine-tune their employees.
Get to know your car
Get used to driving it
Servicing it
Recognising the different noises – timing chain
Know when its time to replace, upgrade or keep it
A. What has this to do with employees?
Sign the Contract Ensure you employees have a valid Employment Contract
Fuel the Car - Empower your people A comprehensive ‘job description’ and let them do the job
Take out Insurance Induct your employees – let them know their responsibilities and rights
Insurance – might have ‘an excess’ – MULTI-SKILL
Maintenance Show genuine interest, Develop Listening Skills
Regular Service Conduct regular performance management appraisals that are highly interactive and positive? Take the time or do the crime. Neglecting to performance manage you employees takes the agenda largely out of your hands and into theirs in times of strife.
Regular Inspection Being a peacemaker not a peacekeeper. A peacemaker makes peace! A peace keeper constantly keeps warring side apart - there is no peace just the appearance of peace.
Go for a Joy Ride Celebrate successes and Learn to have fun in your business.
THE LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
(Phil’s law of unintended consequences) You don’t intend to fail; however, the choices you make today will determine where you are placed tomorrow. Each choice builds on another and all of a sudden you have a foundation – good or bad – your decision my decision.
You cannot escape your responsibility to manage your people or they will manage your time and you.
People who feel and are genuinely valued are priceless and add great value to your business.
The ball is in your court!
For more helpful information visit www.biz-momentum.com you can sign up for our free monthly newsletter.
Philip Lye is Director of Biz Momentum. Philip has considerable international and cross cultural experience. He works with small to medium businesses to help them cut through the maze of people matters. Clients get specific actionable strategies to protect their business interests. For more information on Philip, visit http://www.biz-momentum.com and subscribe to his free monthly newsletter.
How to Make a Home for Sale Flyer Using Internet Marketing Psychology
The purpose of your sales flyer, to motivate home buyers to look at your home and to remember it, requires that you spend some time thinking about what's in it for your buyers. Why would they like living in your home? What makes your home better than the other houses for sale in your area?
If you're selling your home and want to sell right away, for the highest profit to you, use Internet marketing psychology to create a sizzling sales flyer. Discover how to improve on the Realtor’s number two sales tool--right after the yard sign--your sales flyer.
Most listing agents use a sales flyer format using out-of-date marketing methods. For some reason, agents don't follow successful Internet marketing sales-copy techniques. They put a pretty house picture in the middle, list the home's features, and finish with a big picture of themselves. But, buyers don't care what your agent looks like! They want to know why your house outshines every other house in the neighborhood. Like Internet readers, home buyers want to know what your house can do for them!
Internet marketers learned how to grab your attention and motivate you to buy, NOW. How do they do that? They emphasize benefits to the reader. Not features of the product. Internet readers want to know, right away, "What's in it for me?"
The purpose of your sales flyer, to motivate home buyers to look at your home and to remember it, requires that you spend some time thinking about what's in it for your buyers. Why would they like living in your home? What makes your home better than the other houses for sale in your area?
Marketing Psychology turns features into benefits.
Great neighborhood? Why? Easy walk to top-rated elementary school and city park.
Why is your patio unique? Does it have a built-in barbeque? Then list the feature as a benefit: Entertain in your private park with built-in barbeque.
Why does a buyer care about paint? No painting needed, fresh paint throughout.
Why does a buyer care about new kitchen appliances? No worries, all new kitchen appliances.
Think about why your large back yard benefits the buyer. Instead of saying "large back yard," give a reason to care, such as: Room to play in your large back yard.
What's so extraordinary about your house? What is the benefit to the home buyer? Make your list of benefits and sell your home!
Copyright (c) 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
If you're selling your home and want to sell right away, for the highest profit to you, use Internet marketing psychology to create a sizzling sales flyer. Discover how to improve on the Realtor’s number two sales tool--right after the yard sign--your sales flyer.
Most listing agents use a sales flyer format using out-of-date marketing methods. For some reason, agents don't follow successful Internet marketing sales-copy techniques. They put a pretty house picture in the middle, list the home's features, and finish with a big picture of themselves. But, buyers don't care what your agent looks like! They want to know why your house outshines every other house in the neighborhood. Like Internet readers, home buyers want to know what your house can do for them!
Internet marketers learned how to grab your attention and motivate you to buy, NOW. How do they do that? They emphasize benefits to the reader. Not features of the product. Internet readers want to know, right away, "What's in it for me?"
The purpose of your sales flyer, to motivate home buyers to look at your home and to remember it, requires that you spend some time thinking about what's in it for your buyers. Why would they like living in your home? What makes your home better than the other houses for sale in your area?
Marketing Psychology turns features into benefits.
Great neighborhood? Why? Easy walk to top-rated elementary school and city park.
Why is your patio unique? Does it have a built-in barbeque? Then list the feature as a benefit: Entertain in your private park with built-in barbeque.
Why does a buyer care about paint? No painting needed, fresh paint throughout.
Why does a buyer care about new kitchen appliances? No worries, all new kitchen appliances.
Think about why your large back yard benefits the buyer. Instead of saying "large back yard," give a reason to care, such as: Room to play in your large back yard.
What's so extraordinary about your house? What is the benefit to the home buyer? Make your list of benefits and sell your home!
Copyright (c) 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
How to Keep Customers
How to Keep ... was it that said - "The customer is always right"? Wellfor those of you who can't get through the day ... it was H Gordon ... the founder ... dep
How to Keep Customers
Who was it that said - "The customer is always right"? Well
for those of you who can't get through the day without
knowing, it was H Gordon Selfridge, the founder of
Selfridges's department store in London.
The question I want answered is; did he ever work with
customers on day-to-day basis and if so, was he some kind of
saint?
Let's face it; customers can be a real pain in the neck. You
move heaven and earth for them, you respond to their every
whim, you give them time to pay and they still try to screw
your prices down.
Just when you've done all that, they leave you and start
buying from one of your competitors.
Wouldn't running a business be a whole lot better if we
didn't have customers? Well, as we know only too well, we do
need customers and lots of them. We want them to stay with
us and we want them to say nice things about us to other
people.
We also want them to pay us on time and accept the fact that
we might be a bit more expensive than others.
So how do we perform this miracle? It's dead easy really;
you only have to consider two factors: be reliable and be
likeable. First off, let's consider what we mean by being
reliable.
Reliability is about your product or service doing what you
say it will do. It comes in two parts, the first part being:
doing it right first time and doing it on time.
If you can't get this bit right then you're going to have
big problems. Customers will accept the occasional mistake,
but too many and you've had it, so let's look a bit closer
at reliability.
We've come a long way in recent years in terms of product
and core service reliability. Nowadays when people buy a
product or service they expect it to work. You don't buy a
computer, a washing machine or an automobile and worry that
it might not work. You know that it will. You also know that
if it didn't, it would be replaced without quibble.
The only thing is, that if you deliver this type of
reliability in your business then don't expect any brownie
points from your customers, they merely take it for granted.
Where you are more likely to slip up in the reliability
stakes (and this is the second part) is in what some people
still regard as minor issues:
*Failing to phone back when we said we would;
*Failing to deliver when we said we would;
*Failing to send information when we said we would;
*Failing to include something extra when we said we would.
The ironic thing is that some customers often regard these
failures as quite normal. However, these people won't stay
with you, they don't say nice things about you to other
people and they'll complain about your prices.
If you say you'll phone a customer back by 5pm then phone
before 4pm not the following day. If you say someone will
call between 9am and 12noon, then do everything you can to
ensure that someone calls closer to nine than 12. Don't
think for a minute that calling at 11.55 impresses the
customer because it doesn't.
So let's just repeat it so there's no misunderstanding later
on: firstly your product or service has got to be reliable,
secondly, everything you say to the customer has to be
reliable.
However, I believe that more than anything you, your product
or service and your people have to be likeable.
Too many organisations forget that their customers are
humans and the thing about humans is that they don't always
make decisions logically. You may have a reliable product or
service, reliable delivery time and competitive prices. But
it's not enough.
Customers are driven by their emotions and it helps a heck
of a lot if they like you and feel good about your business
and your people.
"Our customers do like us," I hear you say, "except maybe
the difficult ones, the awkward people, the ones who are
never happy, the miserable devils - need I go on?
Have you ever heard the saying "you only get the customers
you deserve"?
Run your eye down the following list and see how many you
can tick off.
*We always have a genuine smile for every customer.
*We are warm and friendly to all customers.
*We listen carefully and make it obvious that we are
listening.
*We use the customers name and our name appropriately.
*We give the impression that we care.
*We empathise with problems or complaints and respond
quickly.
*We occasionally do something to pleasantly surprise the
customer.
*We always keep our promises.
*We give the impression that we are fun to deal with.
*We treat the customer the way they want to be treated, not
the way we want to be treated.
How well did you do? If you've got a lot of ticks then you
probably have lots of customers who like you.
Just a word to the managers and employers amongst you. Run
your eyes down that list again and replace the word
"customer" with the words "employee" or "staff colleague."
How many ticks did you get this time? Lots of ticks mean
your staff like you and it probably follows that your
customers do as well.
Have you noticed how being likeable costs so little? A lot
less than advertising or other promotional activity required
to replace lost customers.
Maybe the customer isn't always right, but if you want to
keep them, make sure they like you.
===========================================================
Discover how you can generate more business without having
to cold call!
Alan Fairweather is the author of "How to get More Sales
without Selling" This book is packed with practical things
that you can do to – get customers to come to you .
Click here now
http://www.howtogetmoresales.com/Without%20Selling.htm
==========================================================
**Attn Ezine editors/Site owners**
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your
ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in
place, do not modify the content and include our resource
box as listed above. If you need additional articles, check
out my article archive for fresh, new content you can use
on your website or in your ezine - FREE
http://www.howtogetmoresales.com/Free%20stuff.htm
============================================================
How to Keep Customers
Who was it that said - "The customer is always right"? Well
for those of you who can't get through the day without
knowing, it was H Gordon Selfridge, the founder of
Selfridges's department store in London.
The question I want answered is; did he ever work with
customers on day-to-day basis and if so, was he some kind of
saint?
Let's face it; customers can be a real pain in the neck. You
move heaven and earth for them, you respond to their every
whim, you give them time to pay and they still try to screw
your prices down.
Just when you've done all that, they leave you and start
buying from one of your competitors.
Wouldn't running a business be a whole lot better if we
didn't have customers? Well, as we know only too well, we do
need customers and lots of them. We want them to stay with
us and we want them to say nice things about us to other
people.
We also want them to pay us on time and accept the fact that
we might be a bit more expensive than others.
So how do we perform this miracle? It's dead easy really;
you only have to consider two factors: be reliable and be
likeable. First off, let's consider what we mean by being
reliable.
Reliability is about your product or service doing what you
say it will do. It comes in two parts, the first part being:
doing it right first time and doing it on time.
If you can't get this bit right then you're going to have
big problems. Customers will accept the occasional mistake,
but too many and you've had it, so let's look a bit closer
at reliability.
We've come a long way in recent years in terms of product
and core service reliability. Nowadays when people buy a
product or service they expect it to work. You don't buy a
computer, a washing machine or an automobile and worry that
it might not work. You know that it will. You also know that
if it didn't, it would be replaced without quibble.
The only thing is, that if you deliver this type of
reliability in your business then don't expect any brownie
points from your customers, they merely take it for granted.
Where you are more likely to slip up in the reliability
stakes (and this is the second part) is in what some people
still regard as minor issues:
*Failing to phone back when we said we would;
*Failing to deliver when we said we would;
*Failing to send information when we said we would;
*Failing to include something extra when we said we would.
The ironic thing is that some customers often regard these
failures as quite normal. However, these people won't stay
with you, they don't say nice things about you to other
people and they'll complain about your prices.
If you say you'll phone a customer back by 5pm then phone
before 4pm not the following day. If you say someone will
call between 9am and 12noon, then do everything you can to
ensure that someone calls closer to nine than 12. Don't
think for a minute that calling at 11.55 impresses the
customer because it doesn't.
So let's just repeat it so there's no misunderstanding later
on: firstly your product or service has got to be reliable,
secondly, everything you say to the customer has to be
reliable.
However, I believe that more than anything you, your product
or service and your people have to be likeable.
Too many organisations forget that their customers are
humans and the thing about humans is that they don't always
make decisions logically. You may have a reliable product or
service, reliable delivery time and competitive prices. But
it's not enough.
Customers are driven by their emotions and it helps a heck
of a lot if they like you and feel good about your business
and your people.
"Our customers do like us," I hear you say, "except maybe
the difficult ones, the awkward people, the ones who are
never happy, the miserable devils - need I go on?
Have you ever heard the saying "you only get the customers
you deserve"?
Run your eye down the following list and see how many you
can tick off.
*We always have a genuine smile for every customer.
*We are warm and friendly to all customers.
*We listen carefully and make it obvious that we are
listening.
*We use the customers name and our name appropriately.
*We give the impression that we care.
*We empathise with problems or complaints and respond
quickly.
*We occasionally do something to pleasantly surprise the
customer.
*We always keep our promises.
*We give the impression that we are fun to deal with.
*We treat the customer the way they want to be treated, not
the way we want to be treated.
How well did you do? If you've got a lot of ticks then you
probably have lots of customers who like you.
Just a word to the managers and employers amongst you. Run
your eyes down that list again and replace the word
"customer" with the words "employee" or "staff colleague."
How many ticks did you get this time? Lots of ticks mean
your staff like you and it probably follows that your
customers do as well.
Have you noticed how being likeable costs so little? A lot
less than advertising or other promotional activity required
to replace lost customers.
Maybe the customer isn't always right, but if you want to
keep them, make sure they like you.
===========================================================
Discover how you can generate more business without having
to cold call!
Alan Fairweather is the author of "How to get More Sales
without Selling" This book is packed with practical things
that you can do to – get customers to come to you .
Click here now
http://www.howtogetmoresales.com/Without%20Selling.htm
==========================================================
**Attn Ezine editors/Site owners**
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your
ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in
place, do not modify the content and include our resource
box as listed above. If you need additional articles, check
out my article archive for fresh, new content you can use
on your website or in your ezine - FREE
http://www.howtogetmoresales.com/Free%20stuff.htm
============================================================
How To Hire Like The Fortune 500's: A Guide For Small Businesses
A guide to hiring online for small businesses: How to compete with the Fortune 500's, since 94% of them are using online tools to hire their employees.
A recent iLogos Research study revealed 94% of Fortune 500 companies now hire employees online, a stark contrast from 1998, when only 29% of them were doing the same. If you own or manage a small business, that means the vast majority of your fiercest competitors are now spending less time and less effort on recruitment. And that leaves them with more time to, simply put, get a leg up on you.
Sure, it sounds like a threat. But isn’t lack of technology an inevitable drawback for most small businesses? Absolutely not. Maybe 10, even 5 years ago. But not today.
Every time we do market research with small businesses, we hear three top reasons why the business has not yet implemented an online hiring solution, in which job candidates apply online:
1. The cost is too high
2. They lack the technological know-how
3. They believe setting up a recruitment software would take longer than just doing it the old-fashioned way
Those are all valid concerns, considering most small businesses operate on a tight budget and without an in-house IT department.
The good news is small businesses are fundamental to the North-American economy. In fact, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses drive the U.S. economy, representing 99.7 percent of all employer firms. In Canada, according to Statistics Canada, businesses with less that 100 employees account for 98% of all employer businesses.
Business software developers are now recognizing the importance of SMBs and designing employee recruitment software that caters to the specific budgetary and technological needs of small business.
It’s important to do your research and find the technology that’s the best fit for your company. When shopping around for a recruitment manager program, make sure to ask yourself the following questions:
1. Cost: Is the advertised price of this product the actual price my company is going to pay?
Beware of offers that are full of limitations. For example, will you have to pay more if a lot of people apply for your job? Is there a hosting charge for filing all the applicants’ resumes? Is there a time-limit for your job posting, after which you have to pay extra charges?
2. Ease of technology: Is the technology really easy-to-use, even if I’m a computer novice?
The best way to find this out is by trying the product yourself. Most companies offer free trials of their products, which are a great idea, as long they are risk free. Keeping in mind question 1, make sure the trial has no hidden charges. Also try out the front-end application process to make sure it's really going to be easy when your job candidates apply online.
3. Setup: How long will it take to get up and running?
You don’t want to get stuck with a product that takes so long to setup, that by the time you’re done, you could have done everything the old-fashioned way. It’s a good idea to talk to a sales representative and ask him/her to explain to you the exact steps you’ll need to take to setup for a job.
4. The product: What’s included?
What does this product do? What doesn’t it do? Some programs offer only the online job posting functionality. Others focus on the back-end, like collecting resumes, organizing, filtering and searching employees, scheduling interviews, etc. When looking for a program that takes care of the back-end, make sure the company will also be able to help you with the posting functionality, whether you’re putting up a poster on your store window, running an ad in the local paper or posting on job websites.
5. Service: Will I get a helping hand?
Since most small businesses do not have an IT department, one of the most important questions to ask here is what kind of service will you get. Will you get email support? Phone support? Online Live Help? Will you be speaking to a real business person who knows about the specific challenges you’re facing, or to someone who only knows the tech aspects of the program?
Remember it’s your company’s efficiency that’s at stake here, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or request a free trial. Hiring online may sound like something only fit for the big guys, but remember this is the 21st century, which means technology and small business are the most important aspects of our economy.
A recent iLogos Research study revealed 94% of Fortune 500 companies now hire employees online, a stark contrast from 1998, when only 29% of them were doing the same. If you own or manage a small business, that means the vast majority of your fiercest competitors are now spending less time and less effort on recruitment. And that leaves them with more time to, simply put, get a leg up on you.
Sure, it sounds like a threat. But isn’t lack of technology an inevitable drawback for most small businesses? Absolutely not. Maybe 10, even 5 years ago. But not today.
Every time we do market research with small businesses, we hear three top reasons why the business has not yet implemented an online hiring solution, in which job candidates apply online:
1. The cost is too high
2. They lack the technological know-how
3. They believe setting up a recruitment software would take longer than just doing it the old-fashioned way
Those are all valid concerns, considering most small businesses operate on a tight budget and without an in-house IT department.
The good news is small businesses are fundamental to the North-American economy. In fact, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses drive the U.S. economy, representing 99.7 percent of all employer firms. In Canada, according to Statistics Canada, businesses with less that 100 employees account for 98% of all employer businesses.
Business software developers are now recognizing the importance of SMBs and designing employee recruitment software that caters to the specific budgetary and technological needs of small business.
It’s important to do your research and find the technology that’s the best fit for your company. When shopping around for a recruitment manager program, make sure to ask yourself the following questions:
1. Cost: Is the advertised price of this product the actual price my company is going to pay?
Beware of offers that are full of limitations. For example, will you have to pay more if a lot of people apply for your job? Is there a hosting charge for filing all the applicants’ resumes? Is there a time-limit for your job posting, after which you have to pay extra charges?
2. Ease of technology: Is the technology really easy-to-use, even if I’m a computer novice?
The best way to find this out is by trying the product yourself. Most companies offer free trials of their products, which are a great idea, as long they are risk free. Keeping in mind question 1, make sure the trial has no hidden charges. Also try out the front-end application process to make sure it's really going to be easy when your job candidates apply online.
3. Setup: How long will it take to get up and running?
You don’t want to get stuck with a product that takes so long to setup, that by the time you’re done, you could have done everything the old-fashioned way. It’s a good idea to talk to a sales representative and ask him/her to explain to you the exact steps you’ll need to take to setup for a job.
4. The product: What’s included?
What does this product do? What doesn’t it do? Some programs offer only the online job posting functionality. Others focus on the back-end, like collecting resumes, organizing, filtering and searching employees, scheduling interviews, etc. When looking for a program that takes care of the back-end, make sure the company will also be able to help you with the posting functionality, whether you’re putting up a poster on your store window, running an ad in the local paper or posting on job websites.
5. Service: Will I get a helping hand?
Since most small businesses do not have an IT department, one of the most important questions to ask here is what kind of service will you get. Will you get email support? Phone support? Online Live Help? Will you be speaking to a real business person who knows about the specific challenges you’re facing, or to someone who only knows the tech aspects of the program?
Remember it’s your company’s efficiency that’s at stake here, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or request a free trial. Hiring online may sound like something only fit for the big guys, but remember this is the 21st century, which means technology and small business are the most important aspects of our economy.
How to Hire a Freelancer Using Elance
If you have a project that you need to outsource but don’t know where to turn, Elance might be your solution. Elance connects businesses with a pool of professional providers from around the globe. When you post a project on Elance, providers compete against each other to give you the best price and service. You can choose either an open bid where all qualified Elance professionals can bid or an invitation only bid where you can peruse portfolios and choose which providers you’d like to invite to bid on your project. Signing up with Elance is easy and it’s free. Here’s a step-by-step guide to start you on your way to finding the professional that’s right for you.
Go to Elance.com and click on the “Buy Services” tab located at the top of the page. This will take you to the next screen.
On this screen you’ll be presented with three choices: “Post Your Project”, “Search For Providers” or “Get Project Review”. For this guide we are going to focus only on posting a project for open bid. So, click on the first button, “Post Your Project.” (You can always come back later to investigate the other options.)
Here, you’ll need to enter your contact information. If you do not already have a username and password, click on the “click here” underline next to the password box to get to the next screen. If you have a username and password, enter it now and skip to step 5.
You’ll see a screen with eight empty boxes. You’ll need to create a “username” and choose a password. Enter each within the assigned boxes. Re-enter your password in the “Re-enter password” box. Remember to choose both a username and a password that you’ll remember. Next, enter your e-mail address, first name, last name and phone number. You’ll also need to re-enter your email address for verification purposes. Then, click “continue”.
Choose the category which best suits your project needs. There are 11 categories to choose from. These include: Administrative Support, Architecture & Engineering, Audio, Visual & Multimedia, Graphic Design & Art, Legal, Management & Finance, Sales & Marketing, Software & Technology, Training & Development, Website Development and Writing & Translation. Once you choose your main category, you’ll be asked to choose a subcategory. This allows you to receive bids that better match your project. After choosing your subcategory, you’ll be taken to the next screen.
On this screen there are three main boxes of information to provide. In the first box, you’ll need to Choose a Title for your project (e.g., 12 Business Articles), describe your project in detail (how many words, project deadlines, etc.), choose how many days you will allow providers to bid on your project, choose an estimated start date, a projected budget and attach any files that may be relevant to your project. The more detailed you are in describing your project, the easier it will be for qualified providers to give you detailed proposals regarding your project.
In the next box, you’ll be asked if you want providers to able to seek clarification on your project via the private message board. If so, check the box. If not, skip to the next box.
Finally, you’ll be asked to choose how you receive your bids. The Select Level will provide you with higher quality providers. Providers will give you more competitive bids as Elance charges providers a higher rate to list as a Select Provider. You’ll also be seen as more serious about your project if you choose this level. The lowest amount you can receive for your project is $250 and you also must pay a refundable $25 deposit to post your project. If you choose not to go this route, you can pick the Basic level which allows you to post your project without a deposit but you’ll still need to be credit card verified (so that Elance knows you can pay for projects you award.) After filling in the required information in each of the boxes, click “Continue” to move to the next screen.
Here, you’ll need to provide your credit card information. Unless you chose Select providers you won’t be charged. If you want to pay your provider with a credit card through Elance, you’ll need to verify your credit card. Elance will make two small posts against your card and then refund them once you’ve posted your project. Once you supply the required information, click on “Continue”.
On the next screen, you’ll confirm the information you supplied regarding your project. If you need to make any changes, this is the place. You can either click on “Post Project Now” to make your project active or on “Save & Post Later” to post the project at a later date.
Now that your project is live, bidders can bid on your project. When you receive a number of bids, pick the provider best suited to your needs and your project is on it way to being completed.
Go to Elance.com and click on the “Buy Services” tab located at the top of the page. This will take you to the next screen.
On this screen you’ll be presented with three choices: “Post Your Project”, “Search For Providers” or “Get Project Review”. For this guide we are going to focus only on posting a project for open bid. So, click on the first button, “Post Your Project.” (You can always come back later to investigate the other options.)
Here, you’ll need to enter your contact information. If you do not already have a username and password, click on the “click here” underline next to the password box to get to the next screen. If you have a username and password, enter it now and skip to step 5.
You’ll see a screen with eight empty boxes. You’ll need to create a “username” and choose a password. Enter each within the assigned boxes. Re-enter your password in the “Re-enter password” box. Remember to choose both a username and a password that you’ll remember. Next, enter your e-mail address, first name, last name and phone number. You’ll also need to re-enter your email address for verification purposes. Then, click “continue”.
Choose the category which best suits your project needs. There are 11 categories to choose from. These include: Administrative Support, Architecture & Engineering, Audio, Visual & Multimedia, Graphic Design & Art, Legal, Management & Finance, Sales & Marketing, Software & Technology, Training & Development, Website Development and Writing & Translation. Once you choose your main category, you’ll be asked to choose a subcategory. This allows you to receive bids that better match your project. After choosing your subcategory, you’ll be taken to the next screen.
On this screen there are three main boxes of information to provide. In the first box, you’ll need to Choose a Title for your project (e.g., 12 Business Articles), describe your project in detail (how many words, project deadlines, etc.), choose how many days you will allow providers to bid on your project, choose an estimated start date, a projected budget and attach any files that may be relevant to your project. The more detailed you are in describing your project, the easier it will be for qualified providers to give you detailed proposals regarding your project.
In the next box, you’ll be asked if you want providers to able to seek clarification on your project via the private message board. If so, check the box. If not, skip to the next box.
Finally, you’ll be asked to choose how you receive your bids. The Select Level will provide you with higher quality providers. Providers will give you more competitive bids as Elance charges providers a higher rate to list as a Select Provider. You’ll also be seen as more serious about your project if you choose this level. The lowest amount you can receive for your project is $250 and you also must pay a refundable $25 deposit to post your project. If you choose not to go this route, you can pick the Basic level which allows you to post your project without a deposit but you’ll still need to be credit card verified (so that Elance knows you can pay for projects you award.) After filling in the required information in each of the boxes, click “Continue” to move to the next screen.
Here, you’ll need to provide your credit card information. Unless you chose Select providers you won’t be charged. If you want to pay your provider with a credit card through Elance, you’ll need to verify your credit card. Elance will make two small posts against your card and then refund them once you’ve posted your project. Once you supply the required information, click on “Continue”.
On the next screen, you’ll confirm the information you supplied regarding your project. If you need to make any changes, this is the place. You can either click on “Post Project Now” to make your project active or on “Save & Post Later” to post the project at a later date.
Now that your project is live, bidders can bid on your project. When you receive a number of bids, pick the provider best suited to your needs and your project is on it way to being completed.
How to Get to the Top of the Search Engines
When you do a search on any search engine there are so many pages of links. Most people only look at the first three pages and many not beyond the first three choices. You must first find out how each search engine ranks the websites and of course it changes often.
If you have surfed the web then you have most likely used a search engine. Search engines are a great way to find what you are looking for in an easy manner. 85 to 90% of people online use search engines to find information for which they are looking. When you do a search on a search engine you get many pages of links, but most people only look at the first three pages. This is why it is very important to get your website at the top of the search engines list.
The first step in getting your website at the top of a search engines list is to understand how they rank websites. The criteria for ranking websites vary between search engines and has changed in many ways over the years. There are two basics rules, though, that most search engines follow.
1. Content. They want good content, meaning something a person would want to look at or read. It should be well written and put together. This also includes links to other sites.
2. Optimization. Making good use of META tags is important. Using the title and description META tags is a must. Be sure to use keywords, but keep it readable and content driven. An example of this is linking all your pages together, like in an index on each.
The best way to see what a search engine wants is to look at some their top ranked websites. See how they have used content and optimization to get to the top of the list. Use these websites as a loose guideline on how to set up your website.
On the other hand of things there are some things that search engines do not like. These things should be avoided because not only will it hurt your ranking, but could get you banned from the search engine.
1. Do not use keywords unnaturally. This means loading pages down with keywords or throwing them into content in hard to read ways.
2. Do not use hidden messages. Hidden means that the text is written in the same color as the background. This makes it unreadable to the naked eye, but can still be picked up by the search engines.
3. Do not submit multiple address for the same site. Simply submit your main page and leave it at that.
4. Do not use gateway pages. Search engines are starting to look down on these. Some people use them as a hidden-type of optimization where they submit a gateway page to the search engine that has been filled with keywords, but when the user clicks on the link to the site they are redirected to the "real" home page. This practice is called cloaking.
It is best to avoid anything devious when designing your web page.
So what can you do to get your website to the top of a search engine ranking? Monitor your site often and make sure it doesn’t slip down. This may require doing occasional maintenance to make sure your site stays in its rank. Links are now becoming the best and easiest way to get your site to the top rankings. Use links that are to sites that are related to your site. Try to get links to top rated sites. Avoid links to sites that contain questionable material or rank very low. Take advantage of the META tags. Work on good content and make your site something someone would want to visit. It will take some work and maintenance, but driving traffic to your site is highly based upon where you rank on the search engines.
If you have surfed the web then you have most likely used a search engine. Search engines are a great way to find what you are looking for in an easy manner. 85 to 90% of people online use search engines to find information for which they are looking. When you do a search on a search engine you get many pages of links, but most people only look at the first three pages. This is why it is very important to get your website at the top of the search engines list.
The first step in getting your website at the top of a search engines list is to understand how they rank websites. The criteria for ranking websites vary between search engines and has changed in many ways over the years. There are two basics rules, though, that most search engines follow.
1. Content. They want good content, meaning something a person would want to look at or read. It should be well written and put together. This also includes links to other sites.
2. Optimization. Making good use of META tags is important. Using the title and description META tags is a must. Be sure to use keywords, but keep it readable and content driven. An example of this is linking all your pages together, like in an index on each.
The best way to see what a search engine wants is to look at some their top ranked websites. See how they have used content and optimization to get to the top of the list. Use these websites as a loose guideline on how to set up your website.
On the other hand of things there are some things that search engines do not like. These things should be avoided because not only will it hurt your ranking, but could get you banned from the search engine.
1. Do not use keywords unnaturally. This means loading pages down with keywords or throwing them into content in hard to read ways.
2. Do not use hidden messages. Hidden means that the text is written in the same color as the background. This makes it unreadable to the naked eye, but can still be picked up by the search engines.
3. Do not submit multiple address for the same site. Simply submit your main page and leave it at that.
4. Do not use gateway pages. Search engines are starting to look down on these. Some people use them as a hidden-type of optimization where they submit a gateway page to the search engine that has been filled with keywords, but when the user clicks on the link to the site they are redirected to the "real" home page. This practice is called cloaking.
It is best to avoid anything devious when designing your web page.
So what can you do to get your website to the top of a search engine ranking? Monitor your site often and make sure it doesn’t slip down. This may require doing occasional maintenance to make sure your site stays in its rank. Links are now becoming the best and easiest way to get your site to the top rankings. Use links that are to sites that are related to your site. Try to get links to top rated sites. Avoid links to sites that contain questionable material or rank very low. Take advantage of the META tags. Work on good content and make your site something someone would want to visit. It will take some work and maintenance, but driving traffic to your site is highly based upon where you rank on the search engines.
How to Get a FREE Computer, Scale & Printer from DHL
UPS, FedEx and DHL all have programs in place to provide higher volume shippers with computers, printers and scales to process their shipments. The problem for most small businesses is that they can not meet the volume requirements to qualify for the program. The rate discounts offered often fluctuate based on the weekly or monthly volume. This causes problems because the business doesn’t know exactly what their shipping expense is going to be. If their volume drops too low they are penalized by being placed on book rates. If you know the right people you can get a free computer system with fixed in rates that are not tied to volume requirements.
If your business ships 90 shipments per month and/or is invoiced $4,500 per month for shipping then you will likely qualify for a FREE computer, thermal printer and scale. No monthly or weekly rental fee is required. Free onsite installation and system training will be provided. This offer is only available via a limited number of authorized DHL resellers. These resellers focus on managing smaller business accounts for DHL. FedEx and UPS do not have authorized resellers. UPS offers smaller customers the option of going into the UPS store or to pay book rates and process shipments on-line. Likewise, FedEx has Kinko’s stores to provide their services.
How do you find an authorized DHL reseller? The top three DHL resellers are Express 1, Unishippers and WorldWide Express. In addition to having access to the free computer system they can also offer smaller customers discounted rates. Express 1 and Unishippers also offer discounted heavy freight services. Express 1 has a few other advantages that are not offered by other resellers.
If you are a current DHL customer then a reseller may not be able to manage your account. Account turnover authorizations are at the digression of DHL. Call 985-727-2992 if you need advice on taking advantage of this offer.
If your business ships 90 shipments per month and/or is invoiced $4,500 per month for shipping then you will likely qualify for a FREE computer, thermal printer and scale. No monthly or weekly rental fee is required. Free onsite installation and system training will be provided. This offer is only available via a limited number of authorized DHL resellers. These resellers focus on managing smaller business accounts for DHL. FedEx and UPS do not have authorized resellers. UPS offers smaller customers the option of going into the UPS store or to pay book rates and process shipments on-line. Likewise, FedEx has Kinko’s stores to provide their services.
How do you find an authorized DHL reseller? The top three DHL resellers are Express 1, Unishippers and WorldWide Express. In addition to having access to the free computer system they can also offer smaller customers discounted rates. Express 1 and Unishippers also offer discounted heavy freight services. Express 1 has a few other advantages that are not offered by other resellers.
If you are a current DHL customer then a reseller may not be able to manage your account. Account turnover authorizations are at the digression of DHL. Call 985-727-2992 if you need advice on taking advantage of this offer.
How to get a better web site ROI
Better Web Site ROI How to increase your business profitability by hundreds of percent. Websites are ubiquitous these days and everybody is trying to get a better web site ROI. With millions ...
Better Web Site ROI
How to increase your business profitability by hundreds of percent.
Websites are ubiquitous these days and everybody is trying to get a better web site ROI. With millions upon millions of sites all trying to appeal to the same traffic, what can you do to improve your web site ROI?
What's In A Name
You can use Google Adwords to very quickly and cost effectively improve your business profitability by a significant amount - hundreds possibly thousands of percent. It all depends on where your site is starting from.
How?
Great question, you get a mere 4 lines of text to play with in Adwords so every single line counts. Even more than that every single letter counts (even the Capitalisation of letters will make a difference to your click through rates believe it or not).
But what's in a name? Your name in your ad is of course your URL. When crafting an ad, most people spend a lot of time concentrating on the headline (well worth doing as it is the most important part arguably) and on the ad text (also a good thing but not as important as you'd think). After the headline, the next thing that prospects eyes are drawn to is...
Yes you've guessed it - your name - your URL! But what can I do with my URL I hear you say? Just because you have 1 domain name doesn't mean you need to use it. There is nothing in Google's T&C's that prohibits you from using a different displayURL to that of your destination URL (although you will have to own the display URL and it must resolve to a pertinent page - i.e. If you're advertising pet food, it must be about pet food and not resolve to www.pdqprospects.com for example. Hundreds of percent more profitable There is nothing stopping you using as many domain names as it takes to give you a better web site ROI.
We have conducted tests outlined above with some of our clients. Results have ranged from 46% through to 76% more profitable domain names.
These results are applicable to your bottom line profitability - remember 76% more traffic will result in a like for like increase in bottom line profits and your results are equally applicable on and offline, whatever grabs attention online giving you a better web site ROI will do likewise in offline advertising media. We have also seen a 113% improvement on one of our tests (with a small sample) but we stopped the test early because our results were statistically significant and waiting for a larger sample was a moot point - we knew we had a winner.
Pop Quiz
One of my clients Jonathan Stanley has graciously allowed me to show you the results of our tests with him. Consider the following adverts and their display URL's:
www.talkingleadership.com
www.thisisleadership.com
www.leadsuccessfully.com
www.myleadershipcenter.com
www.leadingeffectively.com
Which of the above domain names was the winner and which do you think was the loser?
Well, the results are as follows from worst to last:
MyLeadershipCenter.com 9 clicks
LeadingEffectively.com 17 clicks
LeadSuccessfully.com 18 clicks
ThisIsLeadership.com 21 clicks
TalkingLeadership.com 37 clicks
Who would have thought it? I certainly wouldn't but then that's the point you will never know until you test. My thanks to Jonathan Stanley once again at www.TalkingLeadership.com for allowing me the use of this example.
And what else can you do with your text? And even if you want to use your existing domain there's plenty you can still do - remember CAPITALISATION? And then there is subdomains or even appended directory names. All it takes is a little creativity and you'll find a much better web site ROI!
Article Tags: Domain Names
Better Web Site ROI
How to increase your business profitability by hundreds of percent.
Websites are ubiquitous these days and everybody is trying to get a better web site ROI. With millions upon millions of sites all trying to appeal to the same traffic, what can you do to improve your web site ROI?
What's In A Name
You can use Google Adwords to very quickly and cost effectively improve your business profitability by a significant amount - hundreds possibly thousands of percent. It all depends on where your site is starting from.
How?
Great question, you get a mere 4 lines of text to play with in Adwords so every single line counts. Even more than that every single letter counts (even the Capitalisation of letters will make a difference to your click through rates believe it or not).
But what's in a name? Your name in your ad is of course your URL. When crafting an ad, most people spend a lot of time concentrating on the headline (well worth doing as it is the most important part arguably) and on the ad text (also a good thing but not as important as you'd think). After the headline, the next thing that prospects eyes are drawn to is...
Yes you've guessed it - your name - your URL! But what can I do with my URL I hear you say? Just because you have 1 domain name doesn't mean you need to use it. There is nothing in Google's T&C's that prohibits you from using a different displayURL to that of your destination URL (although you will have to own the display URL and it must resolve to a pertinent page - i.e. If you're advertising pet food, it must be about pet food and not resolve to www.pdqprospects.com for example. Hundreds of percent more profitable There is nothing stopping you using as many domain names as it takes to give you a better web site ROI.
We have conducted tests outlined above with some of our clients. Results have ranged from 46% through to 76% more profitable domain names.
These results are applicable to your bottom line profitability - remember 76% more traffic will result in a like for like increase in bottom line profits and your results are equally applicable on and offline, whatever grabs attention online giving you a better web site ROI will do likewise in offline advertising media. We have also seen a 113% improvement on one of our tests (with a small sample) but we stopped the test early because our results were statistically significant and waiting for a larger sample was a moot point - we knew we had a winner.
Pop Quiz
One of my clients Jonathan Stanley has graciously allowed me to show you the results of our tests with him. Consider the following adverts and their display URL's:
www.talkingleadership.com
www.thisisleadership.com
www.leadsuccessfully.com
www.myleadershipcenter.com
www.leadingeffectively.com
Which of the above domain names was the winner and which do you think was the loser?
Well, the results are as follows from worst to last:
MyLeadershipCenter.com 9 clicks
LeadingEffectively.com 17 clicks
LeadSuccessfully.com 18 clicks
ThisIsLeadership.com 21 clicks
TalkingLeadership.com 37 clicks
Who would have thought it? I certainly wouldn't but then that's the point you will never know until you test. My thanks to Jonathan Stanley once again at www.TalkingLeadership.com for allowing me the use of this example.
And what else can you do with your text? And even if you want to use your existing domain there's plenty you can still do - remember CAPITALISATION? And then there is subdomains or even appended directory names. All it takes is a little creativity and you'll find a much better web site ROI!
Article Tags: Domain Names
Index investing - Going by the numbers
The Dow, the NASDAQ, the S&P 500 – these are stock indexes, company structures that keep track of the values of listed stocks and enable brokers and others to trade in them.
Index investing involves holding a portfolio of stocks or a mutual fund spread across an index, so that the value of the stocks is relatively equivalent to the value of the index at any given time.
The three big funds aren’t the only indexes available for investing; there are thousands of others, including not only American-based indexes but indexes specific to other countries and international indexes. When looking at index investing, you should keep in mind the wide variety of possibilities for your invested cash.
The most significant advantage to index investing is that it’s easy to diversify your investments, reducing your risk for losing money. Index funds also have a lower expense ratio than other types of mutual funds, which ensures that you’ll be able to keep more of your money.
Although index investing seems to be hard to target to your areas of interest, it’s actually easier than you think. For instance, if your interest is in tech stocks, your index investing choice is a NASDAQ fund. If you believe that a market in another country, say India or South Korea, is getting ready to take off, then you invest in a fund from an index based in that country. You have more choice than you might think.
Choosing Your Index Investing Fund
You should educate yourself about the different indexes available before you choose a specific fund. If you’re interested in blue chip stocks, you should invest in a fund based on the Dow Jones Industrial Average; this index tracks thirty crucial companies heavy in blue chips. If you want a more diversified portfolio that is based on a realistic picture of the American stock market, you should look for a fund based on the S&P 500.
If you’ve been looking overseas at the advances made there, you should look for an index investing fund based in a promising foreign economy. South Korea is emerging as a world leader in health technology, for instance, as well as a prime area for outsourcing by American companies.
As in any mutual fund, you should look to the long term rather than the short. Index investing funds may be volatile in the short term, but historically they’ve always gone up. Some analysts are predicting a tripling of stock value by 2020, in fact; this may be overly optimistic, but long term gains will be offset if you overcompensate for losses and sell your holdings early. Experts generally recommend that you leave your mutual funds and index investing funds alone most of the time, making adjustments on an annual or semiannual basis.
Index investing involves holding a portfolio of stocks or a mutual fund spread across an index, so that the value of the stocks is relatively equivalent to the value of the index at any given time.
The three big funds aren’t the only indexes available for investing; there are thousands of others, including not only American-based indexes but indexes specific to other countries and international indexes. When looking at index investing, you should keep in mind the wide variety of possibilities for your invested cash.
The most significant advantage to index investing is that it’s easy to diversify your investments, reducing your risk for losing money. Index funds also have a lower expense ratio than other types of mutual funds, which ensures that you’ll be able to keep more of your money.
Although index investing seems to be hard to target to your areas of interest, it’s actually easier than you think. For instance, if your interest is in tech stocks, your index investing choice is a NASDAQ fund. If you believe that a market in another country, say India or South Korea, is getting ready to take off, then you invest in a fund from an index based in that country. You have more choice than you might think.
Choosing Your Index Investing Fund
You should educate yourself about the different indexes available before you choose a specific fund. If you’re interested in blue chip stocks, you should invest in a fund based on the Dow Jones Industrial Average; this index tracks thirty crucial companies heavy in blue chips. If you want a more diversified portfolio that is based on a realistic picture of the American stock market, you should look for a fund based on the S&P 500.
If you’ve been looking overseas at the advances made there, you should look for an index investing fund based in a promising foreign economy. South Korea is emerging as a world leader in health technology, for instance, as well as a prime area for outsourcing by American companies.
As in any mutual fund, you should look to the long term rather than the short. Index investing funds may be volatile in the short term, but historically they’ve always gone up. Some analysts are predicting a tripling of stock value by 2020, in fact; this may be overly optimistic, but long term gains will be offset if you overcompensate for losses and sell your holdings early. Experts generally recommend that you leave your mutual funds and index investing funds alone most of the time, making adjustments on an annual or semiannual basis.
Increase Your Influence, Increase Your Sales
Selling is everyone’s lifeblood whether they realize it or not. We all sell in the sense that we attempt to convince others to go our way. That is the way that we want something to go whether we are convincing our children, our coworkers, bosses, spouses, clients or customers. Here's how you can be more influential.
There is a style of convincing others, influencing or “selling” for everyone. Understand we are using the term “selling” here very loosely. I bet many of you are saying, “I don’t sell people. I hate that!” Although this may sound like it’s about sales, it really isn’t. You’ll understand shortly but indulge me for a minute. There are several types of popular styles of selling: relationship selling, non-manipulative selling, pressure selling, what’s-important-about-that-to-you selling. Whatever approach and philosophy that works for you is fine. Actually, we’re not trying to change your personal style of selling. But if we can give you additional insight to influencing others regardless of who they are, would that be helpful? “Yes.”
Let me ask you, when you really connect with someone, isn’t that a wonderful experience? When this happens, you connect with them and feel closer in a shorter period of time then with someone else you may have known for years. What happens here? You click, connect, have great rapport, and there may even be chemistry between you. You know you are being heard and listened too. Wow, isn’t that wonderful when it happens! Wouldn’t it be great if we could increase our opportunities to connect with each other in general? It can be done.
There is a universal unspoken language based on observable behavior. What that means is, we can see the behavior just by watching others. We look for tone of voice, pace, body language and words used. These are the clues that help us to identify how to communicate better with that person. Research has shown that behavioral characteristics can be grouped together into four quadrants or styles. People with similar styles tend to exhibit specific types of behavior common to that style. A person’s behavior is a reflection of who they are naturally. According to William A. Marston, “All people exhibit all four behavioral factors in varying degrees of intensity.”
This model categorizes how we act. Nothing more. It is simply used as a tool for more effective communications between people. Sound good? You bet.
In all the cultures studied, the model has been found to be valid. All cultures have people who are outgoing, expressive and animated. All cultures have people who are more cool, aloof, introverted and analytical. Ask yourself, is this person people-oriented or task-oriented? Are they an introvert or an extrovert? Because you can learn to see the answers, it is observable. It is a universal language because it has no cultural boundaries. Are you intrigued?
You’re probably saying, that’s all great but how does this apply to me getting my way? Oh, we are so self-centered at times. When you are getting your way, I trust it is for the benefit of all who are affected by the decision. Because what we are talking about is not for self-centeredness, manipulation or control.
Any time we have greater understanding of ourselves, it provides us opportunities to make the best of an interpersonal communication process. That insight provides a solid foundation from which to move forward. If we know we have a particular habit that may interfere with the communication process; we can work on improving how we communicate. For example, if we know we are not the best listeners in the world, we can work to improve our listening skills. If we tend to come on too strong for some people, we may choose to tame it down in those situations. When you know yourself, you have the choice to modify your own behavior so the other person can be ready to hear what you are saying. Let me repeat that, this is a very important point, “When you know yourself, you have the choice to modify your own behavior so the other person can be ready to hear what you are saying.” Again this is not about manipulation or controlling others; it is taking control of ourselves! It is about you having a true desire to be the best communicator you can possibly be. The goal is to communicate on a level so the family member, coworker or customer can relate to what you say. When we communicate in a manner that is appealing and open, the person is more likely to feel connected to us and understand and be open to what is being said by you. The results are better communications for everyone’s benefit. Not only will it improve sales; the benefits will spill over into all areas of communications in our personal and professional lives. Many of us need improved relationships with our family, friends, and customers, do you? Just simply having greater understanding of the communication styles is a big step. We know we really can’t change others, only ourselves.
Some of the benefits of learning this universal language are gaining commitment and cooperation, building more effective sales teams, resolving and preventing conflicts, gaining endorsement, increasing sales, better time management and having better family interaction. W.W. Tornow & M. London says, “Self assessment can motivate change. Fear of self-knowledge can prevent it. However, feedback results that are verifiable, predictable, and controllable are difficult to deny. It is important that the recipient be ready for feedback—that is, be able and willing to accept it and to do something with it that will result in change.”
Now that you understand what we’re talking about, let’s look at the four styles we have been referring to: DISC, D = Dominate, I = Influencer, S = Steadiness, C = Compliance. In simpler terms, it addresses how we handle problem solving, how we influence people, the pace in which we do things and our willingness or possibly unwillingness to follow rules and procedures. A person whose strongest style is a “D” is ambitious, forceful, decisive, direct, independent and challenging. A strong “I” style is expressive, enthusiastic, friendly, demonstrative, talkative and stimulating. A strong “S” tends to be methodical, systematic, reliable, steady, relaxed and modest. The strong “C” is analytical, contemplative, conservative, exacting, careful and deliberative. We all exhibit some of each of these four styles. Most of us have one or two of these styles that are more prominent then the others. When a person is identified as a Dominate, one who likes to solve problems, you can direct the sale in a way to help the customer solve their problem of making a decision or a purchase. Ask questions to provide insights and answers as to what they want to accomplish with this purchase. The high D is a greater risk taker. Show them something new and different. When communicating with them be clear, concise and direct. When someone is an Influencer, a people person, you’ll want to allow time to build rapport with him or her. Don’t be afraid to chitchat. Talk about things other then business to break the ice. Too much detail and technical information will overwhelm this person. Give details when they ask for it. Show them unique, unusual and designer options. Be creative. Help them to visualize and image how their friends will react when they see it. A Steadiness person is not one to make quick-on-the-spot decisions. That is unless they have done considerable research and shopping already and know exactly what they want. They hate to be pressured and will not be pressured. They love stability and harmony. They tend to be very loyal. They appreciate strong relationships and relatively low risk situations. Assure them of your guarantees and that it’s risk free. Inform them of your return policies. When you have provided them with the knowledge they want; they will want to go home and think it over. They will come back. Know that 40% of the population falls into this category.The Compliance person is one who likes rules and regulations and likes lots of information. They like details and more technical types of presentations. Show them supportive materials that provide back up and validation to what you’re saying. Pull out the professional industry association brochures to show them supporting statistics. Give them a brochure or a business card with your name and phone number for them to refer to later.These are just a few of the ideas that can be used when you understand the four basic behavior styles. It is worth an investment of time and resources to learn this easy universal language. When you use it, it will increase your bottom line! A simple questionnaire, and subsequent report will provide the necessary insights to your behavior styles. With a little training and practice you can learn to observe these styles in others with 85% or more accuracy! The beauty is that it is simple, easy and observable. And best of all, it is fun, will increase your personal effectiveness and your “sales.” “Seeing is believing” is true here.
Copyright 2005 Eln Albert
There is a style of convincing others, influencing or “selling” for everyone. Understand we are using the term “selling” here very loosely. I bet many of you are saying, “I don’t sell people. I hate that!” Although this may sound like it’s about sales, it really isn’t. You’ll understand shortly but indulge me for a minute. There are several types of popular styles of selling: relationship selling, non-manipulative selling, pressure selling, what’s-important-about-that-to-you selling. Whatever approach and philosophy that works for you is fine. Actually, we’re not trying to change your personal style of selling. But if we can give you additional insight to influencing others regardless of who they are, would that be helpful? “Yes.”
Let me ask you, when you really connect with someone, isn’t that a wonderful experience? When this happens, you connect with them and feel closer in a shorter period of time then with someone else you may have known for years. What happens here? You click, connect, have great rapport, and there may even be chemistry between you. You know you are being heard and listened too. Wow, isn’t that wonderful when it happens! Wouldn’t it be great if we could increase our opportunities to connect with each other in general? It can be done.
There is a universal unspoken language based on observable behavior. What that means is, we can see the behavior just by watching others. We look for tone of voice, pace, body language and words used. These are the clues that help us to identify how to communicate better with that person. Research has shown that behavioral characteristics can be grouped together into four quadrants or styles. People with similar styles tend to exhibit specific types of behavior common to that style. A person’s behavior is a reflection of who they are naturally. According to William A. Marston, “All people exhibit all four behavioral factors in varying degrees of intensity.”
This model categorizes how we act. Nothing more. It is simply used as a tool for more effective communications between people. Sound good? You bet.
In all the cultures studied, the model has been found to be valid. All cultures have people who are outgoing, expressive and animated. All cultures have people who are more cool, aloof, introverted and analytical. Ask yourself, is this person people-oriented or task-oriented? Are they an introvert or an extrovert? Because you can learn to see the answers, it is observable. It is a universal language because it has no cultural boundaries. Are you intrigued?
You’re probably saying, that’s all great but how does this apply to me getting my way? Oh, we are so self-centered at times. When you are getting your way, I trust it is for the benefit of all who are affected by the decision. Because what we are talking about is not for self-centeredness, manipulation or control.
Any time we have greater understanding of ourselves, it provides us opportunities to make the best of an interpersonal communication process. That insight provides a solid foundation from which to move forward. If we know we have a particular habit that may interfere with the communication process; we can work on improving how we communicate. For example, if we know we are not the best listeners in the world, we can work to improve our listening skills. If we tend to come on too strong for some people, we may choose to tame it down in those situations. When you know yourself, you have the choice to modify your own behavior so the other person can be ready to hear what you are saying. Let me repeat that, this is a very important point, “When you know yourself, you have the choice to modify your own behavior so the other person can be ready to hear what you are saying.” Again this is not about manipulation or controlling others; it is taking control of ourselves! It is about you having a true desire to be the best communicator you can possibly be. The goal is to communicate on a level so the family member, coworker or customer can relate to what you say. When we communicate in a manner that is appealing and open, the person is more likely to feel connected to us and understand and be open to what is being said by you. The results are better communications for everyone’s benefit. Not only will it improve sales; the benefits will spill over into all areas of communications in our personal and professional lives. Many of us need improved relationships with our family, friends, and customers, do you? Just simply having greater understanding of the communication styles is a big step. We know we really can’t change others, only ourselves.
Some of the benefits of learning this universal language are gaining commitment and cooperation, building more effective sales teams, resolving and preventing conflicts, gaining endorsement, increasing sales, better time management and having better family interaction. W.W. Tornow & M. London says, “Self assessment can motivate change. Fear of self-knowledge can prevent it. However, feedback results that are verifiable, predictable, and controllable are difficult to deny. It is important that the recipient be ready for feedback—that is, be able and willing to accept it and to do something with it that will result in change.”
Now that you understand what we’re talking about, let’s look at the four styles we have been referring to: DISC, D = Dominate, I = Influencer, S = Steadiness, C = Compliance. In simpler terms, it addresses how we handle problem solving, how we influence people, the pace in which we do things and our willingness or possibly unwillingness to follow rules and procedures. A person whose strongest style is a “D” is ambitious, forceful, decisive, direct, independent and challenging. A strong “I” style is expressive, enthusiastic, friendly, demonstrative, talkative and stimulating. A strong “S” tends to be methodical, systematic, reliable, steady, relaxed and modest. The strong “C” is analytical, contemplative, conservative, exacting, careful and deliberative. We all exhibit some of each of these four styles. Most of us have one or two of these styles that are more prominent then the others. When a person is identified as a Dominate, one who likes to solve problems, you can direct the sale in a way to help the customer solve their problem of making a decision or a purchase. Ask questions to provide insights and answers as to what they want to accomplish with this purchase. The high D is a greater risk taker. Show them something new and different. When communicating with them be clear, concise and direct. When someone is an Influencer, a people person, you’ll want to allow time to build rapport with him or her. Don’t be afraid to chitchat. Talk about things other then business to break the ice. Too much detail and technical information will overwhelm this person. Give details when they ask for it. Show them unique, unusual and designer options. Be creative. Help them to visualize and image how their friends will react when they see it. A Steadiness person is not one to make quick-on-the-spot decisions. That is unless they have done considerable research and shopping already and know exactly what they want. They hate to be pressured and will not be pressured. They love stability and harmony. They tend to be very loyal. They appreciate strong relationships and relatively low risk situations. Assure them of your guarantees and that it’s risk free. Inform them of your return policies. When you have provided them with the knowledge they want; they will want to go home and think it over. They will come back. Know that 40% of the population falls into this category.The Compliance person is one who likes rules and regulations and likes lots of information. They like details and more technical types of presentations. Show them supportive materials that provide back up and validation to what you’re saying. Pull out the professional industry association brochures to show them supporting statistics. Give them a brochure or a business card with your name and phone number for them to refer to later.These are just a few of the ideas that can be used when you understand the four basic behavior styles. It is worth an investment of time and resources to learn this easy universal language. When you use it, it will increase your bottom line! A simple questionnaire, and subsequent report will provide the necessary insights to your behavior styles. With a little training and practice you can learn to observe these styles in others with 85% or more accuracy! The beauty is that it is simple, easy and observable. And best of all, it is fun, will increase your personal effectiveness and your “sales.” “Seeing is believing” is true here.
Copyright 2005 Eln Albert
Increase Productivity: Five Powerful Actions
How can you make the best use of your energy to increase productivity each day? Here are five actions that can increase productivity and leave energy to spare. They will also help you to achieve more balance between your work and personal life.
The key to increased productivity is to focus on managing actions and energy rather than time. I am going to refer to time as energy because using time always involves energy expenditure. Investing your energy wisely will provide you with additional energy in return.
1. Manage actions and priorities.
Time management is action-management. Think of time as physical and mental energy that you expend through actions. The feeling of "no time" can arise from too many priorities or unclear priorities. Neglected self-care can also leave one feeling unable to complete necessary tasks. Begin your day knowing exactly what you intend to do. Outlining the day on paper each morning is a great action-management technique.
What must you do before you can use your time-energy more efficiently?
2. Keep skills sharpened.
Keeping your skills sharpened will result in more productivity. A client complained that he did not have time to complete his college reading assignments. I soon learned that it took this student 10 minutes to read something that his 15-year old sister could read in 3 minutes! His problem was not time; it was the need to improve reading skills.
"I don't have time," is a common phrase that we've all used without giving it much thought. But what does it really mean? Time excuses signal (1) other priorities, (2) the need for action management, (3) the need for organization, (4) the need for physical or mental energy, or (5) the need to sharpen a skill.
Sharp skills allow completion of more actions with less effort. Sharpen fundamental skills frequently. Take courses that will keep you up to date with the latest information in your career. Routine skill sharpening in all aspects of life is a wise energy-management choice. Personal skills and career skills will often overlap, affecting productivity in both these areas.
What skills could you sharpen that would create more time-energy and productivity?
3. Focus purposefully.
Feelings of time scarcity crop up when thoughts or actions do not pertain to the purpose at hand. Actions that are off purpose do not support one's values or goals. Up goes stress; down goes productivity. Purposeful focus allows a sense of urgency without creating negative stress.
Create daily reminders to check your focus and action-priorities. Many reminder services are available without cost. Establish firm boundaries to prevent energy-consuming distractions. Be assertive to maintain those boundaries.
What distractions could you remove that would help to maintain a purposeful focus?
4. Stay flexible and ask for help.
Urgency is not inflexibility. Flexible plans allow for interruptions, schedule changes, and unforeseen events that you cannot control.
Flexibility also allows you to accept help from others. Attempting to do everything alone can create an energy imbalance in both your personal life and career. Act on your strengths and ask for qualified help with those things you cannot handle alone.
What thoughts or attitudes can you change to become more flexible, balanced, and productive?
5. Act decisively.
Act decisively on the commitments you make to your goals. All the pieces are rarely in place when starting something new. There will always be more to learn. Over-analysis and waiting for the perfect moment can obstruct a successful launch. Fears of either success or failure can hold you back.
Acknowledge fears and look past them to see the rewards of your actions. Move through fear by the power of faith in your purpose. Build momentum and keep learning as you move forward.
What could you accomplish if you made the commitment to begin today?
An Exercise to Increase Productivity
Begin by writing each productivity tip on a sheet of paper. Under each one, write down ways you have used this or a similar idea in the past. What were the results, and what would you do differently this time?
Keep these questions in mind also: "What shows up when I manage my actions appropriately? Where do I waste the most time-energy, and why? What is the payoff when I waste energy and perceive a lack of time? What has robbed me of productive energy in the past?"
Increase Productivity
Next, you will be thinking of five ways you can become more productive. Write your best answer to the question at the end of each productivity tip. Then write down a way you could apply each of the five actions to your current situation.
Keep these questions in mind also: "When I become as productive as I would like to be, what will be my reward? How could I increase my level of self-care to increase my productivity? What things need less attention and more attention in my life at this time?"
The five actions in this article will require ongoing effort. The way you answer these questions will change over time. However, you will find the results worthwhile. Begin taking action now, and you will increase productivity with extra time-energy to spare.
Article Tags: Increase Productivity, These Questions
The key to increased productivity is to focus on managing actions and energy rather than time. I am going to refer to time as energy because using time always involves energy expenditure. Investing your energy wisely will provide you with additional energy in return.
1. Manage actions and priorities.
Time management is action-management. Think of time as physical and mental energy that you expend through actions. The feeling of "no time" can arise from too many priorities or unclear priorities. Neglected self-care can also leave one feeling unable to complete necessary tasks. Begin your day knowing exactly what you intend to do. Outlining the day on paper each morning is a great action-management technique.
What must you do before you can use your time-energy more efficiently?
2. Keep skills sharpened.
Keeping your skills sharpened will result in more productivity. A client complained that he did not have time to complete his college reading assignments. I soon learned that it took this student 10 minutes to read something that his 15-year old sister could read in 3 minutes! His problem was not time; it was the need to improve reading skills.
"I don't have time," is a common phrase that we've all used without giving it much thought. But what does it really mean? Time excuses signal (1) other priorities, (2) the need for action management, (3) the need for organization, (4) the need for physical or mental energy, or (5) the need to sharpen a skill.
Sharp skills allow completion of more actions with less effort. Sharpen fundamental skills frequently. Take courses that will keep you up to date with the latest information in your career. Routine skill sharpening in all aspects of life is a wise energy-management choice. Personal skills and career skills will often overlap, affecting productivity in both these areas.
What skills could you sharpen that would create more time-energy and productivity?
3. Focus purposefully.
Feelings of time scarcity crop up when thoughts or actions do not pertain to the purpose at hand. Actions that are off purpose do not support one's values or goals. Up goes stress; down goes productivity. Purposeful focus allows a sense of urgency without creating negative stress.
Create daily reminders to check your focus and action-priorities. Many reminder services are available without cost. Establish firm boundaries to prevent energy-consuming distractions. Be assertive to maintain those boundaries.
What distractions could you remove that would help to maintain a purposeful focus?
4. Stay flexible and ask for help.
Urgency is not inflexibility. Flexible plans allow for interruptions, schedule changes, and unforeseen events that you cannot control.
Flexibility also allows you to accept help from others. Attempting to do everything alone can create an energy imbalance in both your personal life and career. Act on your strengths and ask for qualified help with those things you cannot handle alone.
What thoughts or attitudes can you change to become more flexible, balanced, and productive?
5. Act decisively.
Act decisively on the commitments you make to your goals. All the pieces are rarely in place when starting something new. There will always be more to learn. Over-analysis and waiting for the perfect moment can obstruct a successful launch. Fears of either success or failure can hold you back.
Acknowledge fears and look past them to see the rewards of your actions. Move through fear by the power of faith in your purpose. Build momentum and keep learning as you move forward.
What could you accomplish if you made the commitment to begin today?
An Exercise to Increase Productivity
Begin by writing each productivity tip on a sheet of paper. Under each one, write down ways you have used this or a similar idea in the past. What were the results, and what would you do differently this time?
Keep these questions in mind also: "What shows up when I manage my actions appropriately? Where do I waste the most time-energy, and why? What is the payoff when I waste energy and perceive a lack of time? What has robbed me of productive energy in the past?"
Increase Productivity
Next, you will be thinking of five ways you can become more productive. Write your best answer to the question at the end of each productivity tip. Then write down a way you could apply each of the five actions to your current situation.
Keep these questions in mind also: "When I become as productive as I would like to be, what will be my reward? How could I increase my level of self-care to increase my productivity? What things need less attention and more attention in my life at this time?"
The five actions in this article will require ongoing effort. The way you answer these questions will change over time. However, you will find the results worthwhile. Begin taking action now, and you will increase productivity with extra time-energy to spare.
Article Tags: Increase Productivity, These Questions
Income Opportunities for Adventurers
Income ... for ... CateIf you want to spend your life seeing the world and not forty years ... to an office cubicle, how can you do it? In the past, the solution was t
Income Opportunities for Adventurers
By
William Cate
If you want to spend your life seeing the world and not forty years condemned to an office cubicle, how can you do it? In the past, the solution was to write books, articles and give travel lectures. The demand for adventure literature has been in decline since the 1960s. Today, you can't expect to use your communication skills to fund your wanderlust.
If you are an adventurer, the secret to a sustainable income is to export a quality item that has little value in the country where you are acquiring it. The same item must have great value elsewhere the world. Whatever the item, it can't have broad enough appeal to interest major import/export firms. And, it must be legal to trade in the item.
Examples of Exports that Haven't Work for Adventurers
You can find high quality, handmade textiles in the Andes. In the 1970s, a few South American explorers saw the potential U.S. Market for these woolens. They bought wholesale and exported to friends and small shops in the States. The Andean Indians sold their wares in quantity. For the weavers to meet export quotas, the quality of the handmade items quickly declined. Meanwhile, major American retailers saw the demand for the woolens and sent their buyers to South America. It wasn't long before the American Market was flooded with poor quality, handmade woolens from South America. The lesson is to avoid dependence upon volume buying of handmade anything.
Too many adventurers realize the fact that a tropical bird fetches a few dollars in Asia, Africa and South America and hundreds or thousands of dollars in the States. They buy the birds or hire locals to collect baby birds in the nearby rainforests. About this time, they learn that it's illegal to ship the birds to the States or the European Union and often it's illegal to export them from whatever country was the source of the tropical birds. The adventurer loses money. The local environment loses part of its tropical bird breeding population, since few of the birds will survive, if returned to the jungle. The lesson is find out what is legal, before you do anything else. Avoid hassles, loss of limited resources and wasted time and effort.
A Few Examples of Exports that Have Worked for Me
Few niche exports have consistent consumer demand over time. Often the local people see that you are making money and either go into competition with you or make the export illegal. Also, you face the risk that the retail price for the item becomes known to your local suppliers. That usually means that the cost of the item to you will jump, often beyond where you can export it at a profit.
Capital preservation was a popular investment defense in the 1970s. The gold price was moving up and inflation was on the horizon. Two West Germans approached me in South America with a proposal that I supply them with preserved and mounted jungle insects. The proposal was simple and profitable. I returned to the Amazon, hired a few local Indians and proceeded to collect, preserve, package and ship assorted insects. The business went well for about nine months. The prices I was being paid steadily rose to dizzying heights. Then, the local military commandant declared the exports illegal. He argued that the business was having a serious impact upon the local jungle environment. I replied that the DDT, still being sprayed in the local towns, was doing far more environmental damage. I lost the argument and went out of the insect business.
I flew to Bonn to collect my last check. For nine months, I'd been wondering what the West Germans were doing with all those insects. When we met over dinner, I asked them about their insect business. They were selling the insects as "investment grade" insects to hard currency German investors. Apparently, insect prices had held strong against Deutsch Mark inflation. I wonder how many Germans still hold insects along with their gold for the next period of high inflation.
Next to precious metals, gemstones were a favorite investment of the hard currency crowd in the 1970s. I'd buy small amounts of good quality gem rough in Columbia, Venezuela and occasionally in West Africa. I'd sell it in New York and Amsterdam. As the miners came to realize that gem prices were radically moving upward, their prices to me adjusted accordingly. Within about three years, I couldn't make a profit in the gem trade.
The one item that has consistently been profitable has been buying junk overseas and selling antiques wholesale in California. Many countries outlaw the export of anything made before 1958. My advice is confirm what antique exports are legal and avoid countries that make antique exports illegal. The buy junk sell antiques can be a consistently profitable business for any adventure traveler.
Anyone can see the world and make a good living doing so. If you need help finding buyers for your high value exports, contact me at: beowulftrading@earthlink.net or visit the Beowulf Trading website:
http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/beowulftrading/ From experience, I have a variety of tactics that can keep you on your Royal Road to Adventure.
Article Tags: Income Opportunities, South America
Income Opportunities for Adventurers
By
William Cate
If you want to spend your life seeing the world and not forty years condemned to an office cubicle, how can you do it? In the past, the solution was to write books, articles and give travel lectures. The demand for adventure literature has been in decline since the 1960s. Today, you can't expect to use your communication skills to fund your wanderlust.
If you are an adventurer, the secret to a sustainable income is to export a quality item that has little value in the country where you are acquiring it. The same item must have great value elsewhere the world. Whatever the item, it can't have broad enough appeal to interest major import/export firms. And, it must be legal to trade in the item.
Examples of Exports that Haven't Work for Adventurers
You can find high quality, handmade textiles in the Andes. In the 1970s, a few South American explorers saw the potential U.S. Market for these woolens. They bought wholesale and exported to friends and small shops in the States. The Andean Indians sold their wares in quantity. For the weavers to meet export quotas, the quality of the handmade items quickly declined. Meanwhile, major American retailers saw the demand for the woolens and sent their buyers to South America. It wasn't long before the American Market was flooded with poor quality, handmade woolens from South America. The lesson is to avoid dependence upon volume buying of handmade anything.
Too many adventurers realize the fact that a tropical bird fetches a few dollars in Asia, Africa and South America and hundreds or thousands of dollars in the States. They buy the birds or hire locals to collect baby birds in the nearby rainforests. About this time, they learn that it's illegal to ship the birds to the States or the European Union and often it's illegal to export them from whatever country was the source of the tropical birds. The adventurer loses money. The local environment loses part of its tropical bird breeding population, since few of the birds will survive, if returned to the jungle. The lesson is find out what is legal, before you do anything else. Avoid hassles, loss of limited resources and wasted time and effort.
A Few Examples of Exports that Have Worked for Me
Few niche exports have consistent consumer demand over time. Often the local people see that you are making money and either go into competition with you or make the export illegal. Also, you face the risk that the retail price for the item becomes known to your local suppliers. That usually means that the cost of the item to you will jump, often beyond where you can export it at a profit.
Capital preservation was a popular investment defense in the 1970s. The gold price was moving up and inflation was on the horizon. Two West Germans approached me in South America with a proposal that I supply them with preserved and mounted jungle insects. The proposal was simple and profitable. I returned to the Amazon, hired a few local Indians and proceeded to collect, preserve, package and ship assorted insects. The business went well for about nine months. The prices I was being paid steadily rose to dizzying heights. Then, the local military commandant declared the exports illegal. He argued that the business was having a serious impact upon the local jungle environment. I replied that the DDT, still being sprayed in the local towns, was doing far more environmental damage. I lost the argument and went out of the insect business.
I flew to Bonn to collect my last check. For nine months, I'd been wondering what the West Germans were doing with all those insects. When we met over dinner, I asked them about their insect business. They were selling the insects as "investment grade" insects to hard currency German investors. Apparently, insect prices had held strong against Deutsch Mark inflation. I wonder how many Germans still hold insects along with their gold for the next period of high inflation.
Next to precious metals, gemstones were a favorite investment of the hard currency crowd in the 1970s. I'd buy small amounts of good quality gem rough in Columbia, Venezuela and occasionally in West Africa. I'd sell it in New York and Amsterdam. As the miners came to realize that gem prices were radically moving upward, their prices to me adjusted accordingly. Within about three years, I couldn't make a profit in the gem trade.
The one item that has consistently been profitable has been buying junk overseas and selling antiques wholesale in California. Many countries outlaw the export of anything made before 1958. My advice is confirm what antique exports are legal and avoid countries that make antique exports illegal. The buy junk sell antiques can be a consistently profitable business for any adventure traveler.
Anyone can see the world and make a good living doing so. If you need help finding buyers for your high value exports, contact me at: beowulftrading@earthlink.net or visit the Beowulf Trading website:
http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/beowulftrading/ From experience, I have a variety of tactics that can keep you on your Royal Road to Adventure.
Article Tags: Income Opportunities, South America
