Free website traffic

4 Essential Tricks For Free Website Traffic – If You Know How

Have you been or are currently at the stage where you have your website ready, the product is hot, but no traffic? Why does no-one visit? You may have worked on Search Engine Optimisation but certainly don’t want to go down the route of pay per click as it might just burn a huge hole in you pocket.

So what do you now do to achieve free website traffic?

First things first. You need to accept that some work is involved. Nothing is “free” in this world. Yes you can create a lot of free traffic to your website but it does involve some work on you part. You must have the drive and perseverance to do this work to generate this free traffic for your website. Read more »

New business models

Evaluate Your Company’s Potential to Innovate with a New Business Model

Concepts are all well and fine, but what do these business model innovation concepts potentially do for you? I want to share some questions designed to help you apply what you have been reading to your existing business.

What is your current business model?

If you offer many products and services, you may have more than one. Understanding how you operate now will make it easier to think about how you can improve upon the present.

In thinking about this question, you will find it helpful to focus first on what benefits customers get from what you provide. Also, consider what benefits the customers’ customers get through to the end user of the product or service. In thinking about benefits, remember that customers always want more and at a lower price. How does your business model accomplish that for them?

As an example, let’s consider the Folger’s coffee business at Procter & Gamble. That business is an industry leader in providing coffee-based products to allow consumers to have a tasty, comforting beverage at home that may or may not stimulate them with caffeine. The products are sold primarily through supermarkets, discounters, and warehouse clubs.

Compare that with the Starbucks coffee business. Starbucks primarily provides high-quality coffee and tea products through a service in complex prepared forms in coffee bars to also provide an enjoyable experience. The company further offers roasted coffee beans as a product for tasty experiences at other coffee bars and eat-away-from home locales as well as for consumers to brew at home, so that customers can always have the good-tasting products they prefer.

The companies have two different business models that provide different products, differing amounts of experience, in different ways, and mostly in different locations. Notice that Folger’s could have innovated with the Starbucks business model before Starbucks even existed as a company. The model already existed in Europe, which is what helped stimulate the Starbucks model.

Had Folger’s done so, there would probably be only one business model now in the industry. Interestingly, the two businesses have started to compete directly with each other’s business models by offering prepackaged coffee-based beverages that are manufactured and distributed by others into normal beverage outlets.

What were the last five business models before the current one?

Understanding how you got to where you are today often provides valuable insights into what new business models would be most attractive in the future. The forces that made those innovations work may still be around today, or may have only been slightly changed.

Has your company had a process aimed at developing improved business models?

New business processes almost always emerge from a deliberate process of innovation. If your company has yet to establish this a process, chances are higher that you have a substantial backlog of opportunities for desirable new business models.

If you have such a process, does it look at business model innovation separately from product and technological innovation?

Many companies see new products and technologies as the only potential ways to provide increased benefits to customers and end users. As the coffee discussion suggested, it can be easier to add more value by turning a product into a service than it is to focus only on improving the product itself.

For example, General Food’s Maxwell House division had introduced flavored coffees conceptually like what you get in a coffee bar in the early 1970s. Few would argue that the taste and experience of these canned items are a match for what is offered at a Starbucks or a coffee bar using Starbucks products. Without a separate focus on new business models (that may include new products and technologies), you are probably missing most of your opportunities.

When was the last time your company changed its business model?

If the answer is more than two years ago, the odds favor there being a current opportunity to implement an improved business model.

How many times has the business model changed in your industry in the last ten years?

If the answer is less than three times, there is probably untapped potential for a new business model now.

How expensive is it for you to develop and test a new business model?

The answer differs a lot from industry to industry. If the costs are low, then you have very high potential to develop an improved business model. Maybe the costs will be limited to inspiration accompanied by a new samsung projector. You will face few internal hurdles to doing the necessary early experimentation. Conversely, if the costs are high, you will probably need to create an improved way to develop business models that is less expensive.

How risky is it for you to develop a test a new business model?

For some companies, reputation is so important, for example, that it is difficult to even test new things until they are almost perfect. In other industries, working with crude prototypes is the expectation.

What would you lose if your business model experiment fails in all of the predictable ways that it could? If not very much, what are you waiting for?

If much is at stake, consider ways to reduce the amount at risk or the visibility of your flops. Early experiments should be expected to create “learning” rather than solutions, so you need to have a way to get your learning on the cheap.

Copyright 2008 Donald W. Mitchell, All Rights Reserved

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Donald Mitchell is CEO of Mitchell and Company, a strategy and financial consulting firm in Weston, MA. He is coauthor of seven books including Adventures of an Optimist, The Irresistible Growth Enterprise, and The Ultimate Competitive Advantage. You can find free tips for accomplishing 20 times more by registering at:

====> http://www.2000percentsolution.com .

Invitations

Do your materials scream “This has nothing to do with you!”?

Just today, I received an invitation in my email announcing an open house, from a lady that helps you find your life destiny.

Moving to a new location is always exciting for you the owner… but what does it mean to your customers?

What is in it for them? Why should they care?

When you have an announcement like this to share make sure you tell them how it impacts them.

Look at the wording on their invite:

Please join us… in celebrating our new training facility Clients, family, and friends please drop by to enjoy our open house

Date: Time: Location:

Logo

Please RSVP by

WOW! I can barely contain my excitement. Where in there does it say the magic word? From the customer’s perspective, they open this invite and all it says (to them) is “SO WHAT?”

So they have a new facility offering a colon cleanse that works – good for them.

NOT ONCE in this invite is the magic word, YOU, mentioned.

So this invite is not about the customer it is all about the company.

Surprise, surprise… ok, maybe not that much of a surprise as this is the most common mistake small, medium and large businesses make assuming the customers “get it”. They assume the customer should be excited about their announcement… even though it really means very little to them.

My suggestion: anytime you have a new event or announcement to make create a theme party to it! Make it exciting and make it ALL about the customer. Give them compelling reasons to perk up and listen. Give them real reasons why they should care and attend or take action.

Show them you actually care about them (the paying customer) not about your new building or new website or new brochure.

I would have done something like this (this is quick off the top investing a couple hours and you can make this shine):

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

With your generous support, encouragement and feedback we have listened and acted. Starting on ____ you finally get access to the tools you asked for.

Announcing the Pirate Pete’s Customer Appreciate Party (or whatever theme party you create).

Because we love you, our devoted customer, we have a present waiting for you.

Join us at the Pirate Pete’s Customer Appreciation party:

Date: Time: Location:

FREE Door prizes, FREE treasure maps to some big surprises, FREE Spiced Parrot Juice

And FREE Early bird RSVP prizes for those who act the fastest.

Don’t be a scurrrvy dog… be there on time… or walk the plank (bring this invite with you and the secret code will be revealed that may make you a winner)

NOTE: The pirate idea could be used for any business pirates are HOT right now.

You can find darned near anything you want on the net! There was an entire site dedicated to “Pirate Talk how to talk like a pirate”

Make any event or announcement about the customer and you will see a huge difference in response you get. In this case they got so caught up in the excitement about their new move they forgot who actually paid for the move THE CUSTOMERS!

Without them, there is no doors to open… never forget.

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Troy White, The Marketing Results Mentor and Expert Copywriter helps clients achieve HUGE growth surges in their business in very short periods of time. If you’re an entrepreneur in need of quick cash flow surges ‘ here is the quick-hit solution to put money in your bank…. The Wild West Wealth Summit! Make sure you visit http://www.WildWestWealth.com or sign up for the Free Cash Flow Surge Newsletter at http://www.CashFlowSurges.com

Network Marketing futures

What Is The Future Of Your Network Marketing Business

The way business is being conducted in a global economy is changing at a rapid pace. This is being fueled because of the creativity provided by the Internet. One industry that is moving quickly is the network marketing business.

In this article let’s take a look into our crystal ball to determine what is the future of your network marketing business.

1. First of all you are going to have to provide a product that is unique and is in demand. Peddling vitamins and hocus-pocus potions isn’t going to be good enough anymore. If you areselling something that a person can go down to Wal-Mart and buy you are not providing a unique product.

2. Secondly you need to market your business almost exclusively on the Internet. The days of one-on-one contact in building a large network marketing business are over. In reality that really never did work except for a handful of people and attributed to the high attrition rate that most MLM businesses experienced

3. If you can master Internet marketing techniques, your future looks very bright. The fastest way to build a network marketing business selling the best diet pills today is to learn how to market online, because of the competition.

You are still in the people business, but you need to develop lead capture skills. The best way to do that is to combine a landing page, an auto responder containing a free report, and a series of follow-up messages that explain about your network marketing business.

4. You will spend the majority of your time promoting your lead capture page and following up with your leads. You have a leg up if you are able to contact your prospects via a phone, instant messaging, or an online phone service such as Skype. In network marketing the fortune is still in the follow-up.

5. One other thing that is becoming apparent is social networking is here to stay in a big way. The number of people joining social networks such as My Space, Stumbleupon, and others is simply astounding. The Smart network marketer has an exciting future ahead of them if they enjoy meeting people via the Internet in various social networking ways.

These five things will play a role in the future of your network marketing business. If you hope to survive and thrive in the future you will have to develop online skills. The exciting thing is that anyone can do this by working Smart on the Internet and providing a little bit of effort.

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Jeff Schuman invites to visit his make money online website where he offers you a way to work directly with him. Would you like to learn more about starting your own network marketing business or making money taking paid surveys? See how he uses JV With Jeff, Hands Off Article Marketing, and instant cash programs to help you make money by clicking here now: ===> http://www.Team-Schuman.com

Scrubs

have I told you the story about my alcoholic friend who contracted a rare blood disease, unrelated to his lifestyle habits and landed up in one of the best London teaching hospitals? He really had a fantastic time – transfusions apart – when we wnet to visit him we discovered hi wearing his standard issue scrubs , enjoying a drink in the pub in the street below. He so enjoyed this new persona that he decided uniforms and scrubs were his next fashion look, and would not discard them on his return home. So he soon started shopping for scrub sets to keep the cool image when he was discharged.

New product launches

New Product Launch Process For Success

One of the most nerve racking activities for most business owners will be when they are about to embark upon the new product launch process. The inevitable task of prioritizing all of the minute details that go into a product launch and all of them have to go just right. You’re not the only one whose felt those little knots in your stomach. If this happens to be your first one, you will stress out about numerous aspects of the launch and spend infinite hours uncovering the top notch way to accomplish tasks.

Rest assured that these countless hours are not an afterthought. Taking the time to form a solid plan is the best thing that you can do to ensure the success of your new product launching. Having a plan will furnish you with the needed direction and can also function as a to do list as you advance upon the big day.

Basically, you want to formulate this plan to intentionally cover all of the bases that are essential. This will facilitate your preparedness for what ever circumstances might appear on launch day.

There are some things that you should be sure to include in your plan. These are just a few of the essential things that you must do to ensure that your product launch is the most effective. First of all, talk it up for a couple of months before the release. Make sure that people in your industry are buzzing about your new product long before it is available to them.

This is synonymous to how television stations promote new shows. People would have no knowledge that there was going to be a new reality series coming to the station if they didn’t see commercials about it before hand. You should follow this same idea when you are getting ready for your new product launching.

Your plan should also include plenty of testing before the product is set to launch. By all means, your product must be as close to perfect as possible before it becomes available to the general public. You definitely don’t want any hiccups after a receipt printer launches.

It should not be hard to find good people that will be willing to test your product for free and give you extensive feedback in return. These people might be willing to fill out testimonials that you could use in your website. Make sure that you do all this testing well in advance of the launching, that way you will have ample time to fix any problems that may arise.

No matter how well you plan out your launch date, you can still expect to be exceedingly stressed. On the day of the launch focus just on your new product and keep an eye on everything to make sure it is running smoothly.

Keep in mind that it will all be over soon and if you have configured everything properly there should be no surprises. Plan well and it will go over like a breeze.

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Don Downes is an industry leading internet marketer who works with successful business coaches who specialize in helping individuals create 6-figure incomes working from home. To learn more about creating an innovative new product launch, check out Don’s website => http://www.Xocai7FigureTeam.com

Gift ideas

How many days are left until Christmas? If you are not aware, then let me tell you – fewer than forty days to find the gift that will fit the bill for the most special person in your life. As we get older, this task becomes more difficult to carry out successfully and you might need some inspiration. You might find that the site selling Red Envelope gifts for mom christmas red envelope gets you out of your difficulties, helping you track down the perfect gift.

Solar energy startup

How to Start a Solar Energy Business (cost effectively)

Building a business with purpose is possible. New opportunities exist to help promote the use of clean, renewable solar power as simply and as rapidly as possible. An average person can be a leader in the solar revolution. Starting a business upgrading U.S. homeowners to renewable solar energy is good business. The following article outlines the step by step requirements needed to start your own solar energy business.

Step 1: Understanding the Solar Energy Business

Environmental entrepreneurs are charged with connecting with homeowners, educating them related to their alternative energy options, and providing them with the option to rent a solar electric system. Investing in residential solar power is now simple, cost-effective, and easy to adopt, for the U.S. homeowner. A person can become an environmental entrepreneur or solar energy consultant by starting their own solar energy business. Not many renewable energy service are so simple.

This type of renewable energy business entails no up-front fees to get involved but there are time investments related to educating yourself and in turn educating the American homeowner about residential solar electric systems. The solar system rental model is just taking off with huge demand expected in the new several years. Residential solar power is close to parity with many electricity providers. U.S. homeowners no longer only have one option to solar electricity, i.e. purchasing a system. They can simply rent a system and perhaps build a solar energy business on the side.

To start a solar energy business, a person does not need to be a college graduate or a seasoned sales executive. All that is needed is the desire to make a difference and share the belief with others that solar power will make that difference.

Step 2: Structuring of Your Solar Business

As a solar energy consultant, you are trained and supported by an experienced sales manager. The sales manager will support you in your initial days of solar energy industry education, sales cycle management, and how to effectively use the free sales tools. As you progress and begin to desire more responsibility, you can become a sales manager yourself by beginning to build your own marketing team.

Step 3: Registering and Completing the Solar Energy Training

Registering by entering your information and signing up online is just the first step to working towards managing your own solar energy business. Training is the second required step in the process. This small business opportunity demands detailed knowledge of the solar energy industry.

You are not required to be experienced or obtain solar system installation certification. You do need to understand how solar energy systems work and have working knowledge of hydroponic systems and the climate issues facing the World. You must be properly trained in solar energy topics and related technology so that you have the confidence to pass on this knowledge.

Online training and other solar industry assets are provided to help you with the new associate testing. Training tools, testing, and ongoing support is all free. It is also important to continually build your knowledge of the renewable energy industry. This solar energy business requires no investment on your part but it does stress training and the use of training tools because accurate knowledge breaks down barriers.

Step 4: Receiving Solar Energy Business Support

This solar energy business is centered upon ongoing support and growth. It is necessary for solar energy consultants to process solar system sales or referrals. There are free sales cycle management (CRM) tools included with this business opportunity. The sales aids make it very simple to complete the processing and help homeowners to rental a solar energy system.

Many resources are given to create a support system for your solar energy business: One-on-one training from your sales manager, training resources, books, brochures, internal and external corporate websites, help desk and knowledge base (both support and training), and much more.

The small business opportunity outlined here has real meaning. Its grassroots goal is to spread the use of clean, renewable solar electric power as simply and as rapidly as possible. This opportunity has eliminated as many obstacles as possible to both the rental of solar electric systems for home owners as well as to entrepreneurs wishing to start a solar energy business.

The overall job of a solar energy consultant is to become ambassadors for positive change in the World of renewable solar energy. Solar energy is vital to the U.S. economy, energy security, and the environment. There is a simple choice to do the right thing. By helping America to rethink solar electric power, you can start your own solar energy business in a very cost effective way.

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At Solargies, our goals are not to just promote the adoption of alternative energy sources and the help change the general mind set towards improved energy conservation but it is also my personal quest is to create a powerful, grassroots movement for social, economic and environmental change. Learn more at http://www.Solargies.com .

Computer registry problems

Signs Your Computer Registry and You Are In Trouble

The last thing you want to do is be connected to the Internet or for that matter, networked into another computer that is Internet accessible without any form of computer security in place. You need to safeguard your computer at all costs to avoid spyware, adware, malware, spamming, viruses, worms trojans and 100′s of other things and terminology that deliver havoc to your computer’s operating system. The purpose, intent, directive, mission, modes’ operandi (whatever you want to call it) of operating system disruption is multifarious in nature. Similarly there is a growing demand for rfid blocking wallets for use in public places to avoid identity threats. It could be criminal intent, malicious, prank, spying, diversionary, bridging, dominating, altering and (once again) a thousand other tactics. The bottom line is if you don’t value your computer’s operability you’ll be a victim of actionable intent that could result in the loss of a perfectly good computer, your identity, financial data, privacy or all the above and more.

You took the time to learn how to use your computer and hopefully along the way you also learned not only how to keep it optimized but you and it safe as well. If you think problems only happen to everyone else, you are living in a vacuum! Your computer is an IP address that has nothing to do with your face, character or honest disposition. Your computer is electronic in nature and it depends upon you to keep you both functional and secure. Yes, the computer is brilliant but the one thing that sets you aside from the high speed logic of your computer is that at this point in time; you have the additional intelligence it has not and that is – common sense. With this in mind, that makes you the doctor and the computer a patient needing care, concern and nurturing.

So doctor, here are some sure signs the patient (your computer) is suffering and needs a good quality course of care. Another words it’s infected with a virus, worm, malware, etc. etc.

1. You computer is running significantly slower, taking much longer to display webpage, takes forever to open a program, application or save a file.

2. You type in a specific URL address and end up somewhere else or, you do nothing and a webpage not requested suddenly appears as if perhaps a hacker has preselected your browsers’ destination.

3. Random error messages (iexplorer has to be closed, DLL error, System 32, svchost, Kewrnel 32, etc.) begin to appear. Strange Windows warnings such as such as Info, Error or Question Boxes appear asking yes/no questions or solicit you to hit an OK Button.

4. Your browser homepage suddenly changes (different wallpaper, displays another picture from your computer data files or a picture you’ve never seen before), inverts, flips upside down, blinks, changes colors, lettering appears in reverse, or the monitor turns itself on and off etc.

5. You notice new icons appearing at the bottom of your screen, perhaps new items you know you didn’t add suddenly appear on your favorites menu, there have been additional toolbars added to your browser or, your taskbar disappears completely.

6. A mass of popup advertising begins to appear even though the browser is not open or you get popups on pages your are familiar with and know do not normally display a pop over, pop under or exit pop up.

7. Your computer keyboard functions incorrectly – keys don’t work, clicking on a link does nothing, tab key is dysfunctional, you can’t use the Ctrl+Alt+Del function to end some task or any given program or process.

8. Your computer mouse seems to go haywire ‘ it begins leaving trails, the pointer disappears from the computer screen, the right and left mouse buttons reverser their functions, the mouse moves across the screen by itself.

9. The sound volume on your computer changes levels indiscriminately; your speakers start or stop working by themselves as if intentionally being turned on and off.

10. The computer powers down/ shuts itself off or restarts itself frequently. It crashes often for no foreseeable reason. The computer reboots itself.

11. The time and date of the computer changes by itself at times other then the automatic semi-annual time changes. (Spring forward/Fall back).

12. Your Windows™ Start Button disappears and remains hidden from your ability to find it or you see unclear dialog boxes and/or menus.

13. Your account passwords are changed or someone else seems have access to areas once privy only to you or – you are suddenly denied access to an account or multiple accounts. Indication of a Keylogger Spyware (that record everything you type on a keyboard) resulting in purchases you may have never made, privacy invasions, identity theft, financial turmoil, unauthorized bank and credit card use or activations.

14. You notice indicator lights on the computer tower flashing or blinking when you are not on or using the computer. Indicates a hacker is using program files or accessing the Internet via your computer when it is felt you are sleeping or away from the computer or home.

15. The computer plays recordings of the sounds picked up in your computer room overheard by your computer’s microphone. Your Webcam can be hijacked and used to spy on activity within the room it’s located in.

16. When you reboot your computer a message reflects that there are other people connected or programs in operation you were not using.

17. Other people can read your private ICQ, IRC, AIM or Yahoo pager messages and other Chat Room instruments.

18. Your computer starts carrying on a conversation with you via text messaging, the computer begins reading the contents off your computer clipboard or, a chat box appears forcing you to carry on a conversation with some stranger.

19. Your CD-Rom Drawer(s) open and close by themselves. Disk drives and disks fail to open or operate properly. Disks are not accessible. Programs load or unload themselves or, the programs/applications do not operate properly.

20. Documents or messages print on you printer without your request, the printer stops functioning for no mechanical reason.

21. Not receiving automatic Anti-Virus or Firewall updates indicate your software is turned off, expired or has been modified.

This list in not an all inclusive listing of warning signs of a computer security problem and it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t also acknowledge that some of the problems could also be a result of computer mechanical problems. A computer shutting itself off involuntarily could also be the direct result of a tower fan or a video cooler being inoperative or tower vents dust clogged per some examples. It is however a fairly realistic indication that computer security is a necessity.

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As you learn, grow and discover the capabilities of your computer take time as well, to learn how to keep your computer operating system working efficiently (optimized) and your personal and financial information safeguarded. For available articles, tools and user friendly software and their comparisons among one another visit http://www.registryfixing.com

Gold tinted future

As an alternative to real estate or stocks and bonds, deeciding to buy gold bars can give the canny investor many advantages. Gold is easily liquidated and of course it is portable. That is why it has been an investment vehicle and international currency for thousands of years. In modern times, other ventures get plenty of publicity but anyone who watches the fluctuations of stock market and forex trading may decide to opt for this less volatile currency which has served mankind since time immemorial. It is quite simple to buy gold, and the friendly helpful staff at the US Gold Bureau will steer you through the process. They will store you coins or ingots for you, or you can keep them at home to admire if you prefer.US Gold is widely regarded as the top dealer in precious metals, with a convenient market and competitive precious metals prices.

Rare idea

As the financial markets continue to experience turmoil and uncertainty, entrepreneurs and investors are looking for alternative and reliable homes for their capital. One appealing option is to put money into precious coins, whether they are made of silver or gold. The method for investing in this way could not be more simple: all you need to do is get professional advice from the experienced investing professionals who have advised thousands of investors worldwide on how gold coins can help increase your capital in the short term and long term. Whether you have $1000 or $1 million to invest, they can offer the right home for your investments.

Safe place

Here is an interesting idea for investment in these uncertain times, and it is one that is often overlooked in favour of more volatile investment routes. What is this reliable investment form? Well,the answer lies in the bible actually. Think back to the story of the Three Kings, and you will have it: gold. This has been the preferred method to keep your wealth safe and easily liquidated. You can buy silver, maybe a gold coin or other precious metals and coins easily from the established United States Gold Bureau. You can choose to take delivery of your coins or store them in the company vaults until you need them.

Gold Investments

The focus of my blog is to find sound methods of making and investing money. One of the most durable and easily liquidated investment forms for ongoing prosperity is gold. It is an international form of currency exchange, unaffected by government whims. It cannot be devalued or destroyed by politicians, and it retains its purchasing power wherever you travel to. Buying gold, silver and platinum bullion and bullion coin is becoming an increasingly popular modern investment vehicle and the coins can be used as gifts for memorable occasions. Make sure you use a reputable vendor like buy gold coins, they employ acknowledged and highly experts in the field who can guide you through this novel investment field.

website image marketing

Attract coaching clients by using images on your website

When it comes to the topic of using images on coaching websites, there are two questions that I find myself fielding on a regular basis. The first is: are images really necessary at all? And the second: I don’t actually have to post a picture of myself on my website do I?

*** Why use pictures at all? ***

In the early incarnations of my life coaching website, I had no idea where to look for or how to buy image files on the internet. I jumped straight to the assumption that it would cost a small fortune to buy good quality, web-ready images, so I gave up almost instantly and plumped for a text-based website. As it turned out, I was wrong, rather lazy and denying myself a huge opportunity to create a favourable impression with potential future clients. Read more »

Network Marketing scam reviews

What a Scam or Review Looks Like in Network Marketing

You’ve found the perfect network marketing program to bring more money your way, or at least you hope you have. But how can you know whether the information you have found is reliable? You need to discern if it is a scam or review. Read between the lines and ask questions to find out whether what you are being told is covering up a suspicious scheme or giving you a real first-hand review.

1. What exactly are we selling here? If there’s not a clear answer here, look elsewhere. You need to be selling the real product that you and others can believe in. Do you really want to make your money just from taking the money of people who sign up under you? Make sure there is a demand for your product so that the program has a customer base that will draw real income. Read more »

working online

How to make the Internet your workplace?

My adventure with the Internet started in 1994. I was the owner of PC XT. As XT 640kB RAM was already a relic, fax machine/modem was quite a modern device, besides it was the most expensive in the computer set. It cost as much as 60 dollars. My good friend encouraged me to buy it. Unfortunately, its biggest advantage was faxing, while faxing it reached the speed of 9400 bps, but when it came to computer data transmission it was only 2 400 bps. (modern modems reach 56 000 bps).

Real beginning

My passive fascination by the Internet started from the scandal in 1997 evoked by the “inappropriate relations between Bill and Monica”, when the server of USA Congress was visited by four million Internet users within one day. I created first web pages in the middle of 1998. I started from a virtual business card, which I made for a befriended foundation. Satisfaction was the prize. Information, textbooks, programmes e.g. to send files, everything I downloaded myself or I got for free from the Internet. I really liked the fact that people made so many things available selflessly. Today, I try to give a lot for free, because in the past I was given a lot. I don’t want to be mawkish, but I think it is the best side of the Global Network. Do remember this!

Every next page which I did was better. For my second web site which was promoting a book, as payment I received a picture, maybe it was kitschy, but it was important that I got it. I remember, that first photographs placed on the web I scanned with……… a telefax. It was my first adventure with the so called e-business.

Travels in the net

I like to travel and with pleasure I created tourist pages about Malta, then about Crimea. And where Crimea is, there has to be Rome, too. There were trip reports, guidebooks, practical information and a dozen or so photographs of high definition. Those web pages are still very popular, they met the demand. Not too long ago, there were no such web pages which would treat the tourist seriously and honestly. Do remember that the best solution is to start from a niche subject matter. Malta and Crimea were not as popular as they are now and even a modest web page could gain big popularity.

Internet users started to write to me, add their own comments and pictures, almost a discussion forum was created. As some of those who visited the page demanded more precise information, I agreed with the publishers, who had suitable guidebooks and in effect a form was placed on the site allowing to order the book. There were more and more people who ordered books, so publishers decided to sign a fee-for-task agreement and to pay me a commission on each item sold. My modest work (rather a hobby) of creating a website, started to bring in money.

Real money

Then, it was time for other books and equipment like: photographic equipment, scanners, digital supports, batteries and chargers. I started also to be a mediator when it came to selling services, e.g. web hosting and English lessons on Malta and the like ‘ contrary to popular opinion that only pornography can bring profits on the Internet.

For some time I thought that those who create the Internet earn the most: starting from CISCO, through telecommunications companies and end with Internet providers. It’s true, at first only they reaped the profit. Nowadays, with the moderate budget and high quality of the product (service), and most of all with a good strategy of reviewing best diet pills for women, you can earn decent money.

Money is everywhere

I recently heard a view that it’s difficult to earn on the Internet. I don’t share this opinion as sometimes I have the impression that money is everywhere, especially on the net. It’s obvious that there are certain sectors or economy branches which could be difficult to adjust in the net (but I can’t give any example). For someone who is not a fisherman, fishing is very difficult. But miracles happen so sometimes it is worth casting a net.

How to start.

Bigger companies often exist on the net, but only as a card with an address, telephone number, fax number, photo of the seat of company or photo of a chairman. At the bottom there is an e-mail address written in small font, and only to a webmaster who passes on each question to the management.

This form of virtual existence may be quite useful, but no more than information found in a phone book. The Internet is an interactivity, an automation, cheap and fast mean of communication with the whole world. Serious enterprise cannot squander possibilities like these.

What is important, is an appropriate design, design of the page, which correspond with its activity, but don’t exaggerate! Very often I see beautiful, overdone design, pages without any value. Unfortunately, a lot of webmasters are interested only in the design of a page, and they don’t care of the real aim and strategy of existence in a virtual world.

Thanks to the web, traditional companies can increase the sale for even about several dozen per cent, others can even exist only virtually and still earn money. I have sold a lot of books that I haven’t even held in my hands. There was no need of having a bookshop, shelves or sellers. There is no need to invest in something that raises the cost. Client mentality is the only problem. But even a client, if he counts how much money and time she/he can save, can change his/her mind for sure. I knew a couple of companies very resistant to the Internet, especially the Internet which meant something more than a card, something which is called full interactivity. Some of those who became convinced to the new approach, exist thanks to the new Internet strategy till this day.

Earn money sitting at home

Small entrepreneurs, pupils, students or a part-time employee earning extra money to their family budgets, should start from creating their pages and from experiments on free servers. Those who think seriously about earning on the web should rather focus on a good server without advertising, so the server should be payable.

What should the subject be?

The subject should give you pleasure, should be connected with your hobby or knowledge that you have. Money is not everything and you should remember this. From my youth I was told that work is only an obligation and earning money is a necessity and we should not expect any pleasure from it. But it is not true, it does not have to be like that. The best way is to start by cooperating with an older brother as a part of partnership programme or affiliating programme.

It is also worth setting up a monitoring program to see who visited you, why and from where he/she has clicked, where he went to ask about an opinion, etc.

Money is out there on the Internet – all you have to do is cast a net.

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This article was translated by mLingua Worldwide Translations, Ltd. mLingua provides professional language translations in all major Western and Asian languages, software localization and web site translation services. Please visit http://mlingua.pl

Marketing strategy

Marketing Follow Up Strategy

As small business owners, we worry about contacting people too much – but no one tells us how much is too much! Many of us think that a follow-up strategy is to email or call someone a week or two after the initial contact and then maybe touch base occasionally over the next few months.

If this is your follow-up strategy – whether with a new prospect or a long-time customer – then you’ve got to formalize it more and put it on auto-pilot. I’ve seen the statistic that around 80% of sales are lost because no one followed up. Is this you?

Marketing is all about fostering a relationship with people and one of the key ways to do this is by having consistent and relevant follow-up as part of your marketing strategy. Remember, you’re not following up to pester someone to purchase – you are keeping the lines of communication open and providing important information that can help the prospect or customer.

Below are 13 ways for you to make sure that ongoing follow-up is a part of your marketing strategy:

1) When someone requests information – for example on lipofuze reviews – give it to them immediately.

2) When someone asks a question respond within 24 -48 hours.

3) When someone makes the first contact (i.e. downloads your free give-away), follow up with emails every few days providing helpful information, highlighting specific ideas, or providing some tips.

4) When you have a time-limited special on a service or product, make sure to remind your prospects frequently. People always buy on the last day, so send a friendly reminder email that today’s the last day to get the discount.

5) Call or send an email to a customer who has just purchased something from your website. Say “thank you” and ask them if they need any questions answered or anything clarified.

6) If you’re offering a tele-seminar, give enough advance notice and send reminder emails providing the pertinent details.

7) If someone has made an appointment, do a reminder phone call or email a day before the scheduled time.

8) If someone sends in a contact via your website form, make sure you get back to them within 48 hours.

9) If you’ve made a good contact at a seminar or networking event, send them an email or better yet, a handwritten note, expressing your desire to keep in touch. Then mark a date in your calendar in one month to follow up with a phone call or email.

10) Send “thank you’s” promptly to people – i.e. they’ve given you a referral, a great piece of information, someone’s name as a possible Joint Venture partner, etc.

11) Have a system in place that captures people’s names and contact information so that you can keep in touch.

12) Keep track of clients’ birthdays, business anniversary dates, when you started working together, and send cards (via mail or email) to mark these milestones.

13) Send out a weekly or bi-weekly ezine or newsletter to all your prospects and customers.

If you incorporate a consistent follow-up strategy into your marketing activities, it will allow people to know, like and trust you; give them information that they can use; exhibit the value and results you can provide, and of course, see your sales climb!

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Jody Gabourie, The Small Business Marketing Coach, delivers simple, innovative and powerful marketing strategies to help business owners find and keep their most profitable clients. To learn more about how she can help you take your business to the next level, and to sign up for her FREE special report, ezine and articles, visit her site at http://www.JodyGabourieMarketingCoach.com

Repeat customers

Happy Customers Spend More Money

Customer satisfaction is essential for long term business success for two very important reasons. Firstly happy customers spend more money. Secondly happy customers are ten times more likely to recommend your business to other people. I discovered the second benefit by accident when I ran a test to try and reduce my refund rate. I began sending all my new water filter supplier customers a gift basket two days after they made their first purchase with a note saying thank you for purchasing from Tyvar Marketing, we hope you enjoy our service. My initial plan was to see if sending an unexpected gift would reduce my refund rate. Happily it did, my refunds dropped from 10% to virtually zero. But the most surprising result was the number of referrals that came flooding in from those customers. My referrals increased by more than ten times what they were normally.

At the time I was selling a high priced product so I could afford to spend $80 on a gift basket but there are a lot of businesses out there with lower margins, so I’ve written this article to show you how you can give your customers valuable gifts that bring a smile to their face and ultimately sees them buying, more and referring your business to more people for virtually zero outlay.

For this to make sense you must understand that there are a lot of businesses out there looking for new customers. These businesses know they have a good product and will get a lot of repeat business if they can encourage people to try their product or service, so they would be quite willing to give you some FREE or heavily discounted products for you to gift to your clients. This is a win-win deal for both your business and their business. You increase customer satisfaction and they gain exposure for their business.

The simplest way to find businesses like these is to take advantage of a free business listing on a Joint Venture Directory such as www.1000Legs.com saying that you are looking for FREE or discounted products to send your clients as gifts. This will allow businesses which are looking to promote their products to customers such as yours, the chance to contact you with valuable gifting offers.

You don’t need to limit your gift sending to just new customers, you can send gifts to ALL your customers. Send them Christmas gifts, send them birthday gifts, Valentines Day gifts, gifts to celebrate the years you’ve been in business or just a random out of the blue gifts, to say thank you for being a valued customer.

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For more low cost marketing ideas try a FREE online marketing analysis at http://www.the3WayWin.com

Coin it

Did you realise how simple and fast it can be to get started investing in precious metals to profit from the phenomenal rise in their value on the world currency markets. The experts at US Gold Bureau can guide you through the formalities and find the right investment vehicle for you. The coins or ingots are there for immediate delivery to you, or you can make used of the secure convenient storage facilities at an independent bank or depository. Gold is available in gold bullion or in coin form and ingots are formed of pure bullion cast in a convenient size and shape. The United States Gold Bureau has a large and dedicated staff of professionals ready to help you today.

MLM opportunity

Multilevel Marketing Business Opportunity : Acheive Success Online

Multilevel marketing or mlm is a business model that emphasizes the sale of products or services through a network of distributors. Thus recruitment plays a major role in the success of such a business.

Typically the success in this kind of company is achieved when you can successfully pitch your warm market and recruit them into your opportunity. With the advent of the internet, alot of old school networkers are finding that they can make a living working only through the internet. Read more »

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