I read a great article in the December issue of Adweek written by Mike Shields. It talked about a new popular trend of advertising and marketing called, Advanced Advertising. Because of that article I wanted to share with you, what this is and hopefully spark some creativity in your own mind on how you can use it for your business.
Advance advertising selling has become an emerging trend in online advertising. According to the article several forces appear to be propelling the trend, including the Internet becoming a more crucial advertising vehicles for traditional brands. As many categories grow more competitive, brands risk being shut out of the most desired inventory if they don't act quickly.
Advanced advertising is the ability to lock up ad spots in retail stores and other areas, radio, TV etc., well in advance of what you are using it. This is predominantly done over a holiday season, most notably Christmas season.
Shields mentions in his article that, "Two years ago, MSN's sales team started talking with retailers in the spring about locking up key ad avails for the holiday shopping season. Last year, those conversations were pushed up to February. Now, according to Mike Hard, MSN's vp, U.S. online ad sales, his team is spending the current holiday season talking about the next one, and in some cases is selling inventory a year or more in advance."
There is obviously something to this since the big boys are buying ad space two years and more in advance.
Shields claims ,"The Web is becoming a more crucial ad vehicle for traditional brands, and thus the dollars are getting more serious: eMarketer predicts growth of 29 percent in 2008. And, as many categories grow more competitive, brands risk being shut out of the most desired inventory if they don't move quickly."
Experts in the online advertising medium have suggested to their own clients to secure up various ad spaces to insure they won't get shut out. Shields says that, "Greg Smith, COO of Neo@Ogilvy North America, said that several years ago he was encouraging pharma clients to sign deals with top health publishers like WebMD.com for as long as three years 'to grab every single cholesterol impression out there.'"
Is future or advance advertising right for you or your business? It may be if you have plenty of competition. Imagine you are already locked up advertising for the holiday season, and your competition is scrambling for ad space.
Advanced advertising may be something you need to look into now for Christmas season 2008.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs around the world. To learn more about Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at Indocquent.com
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
The Power Of The Press Release
In business everyone, and when I say everyone, I mean owners and managers, are looking for great ways to get the word across about their products and services. Not only get the word out, but do it for as little cost as possible.
These days a first class stamp costs less than a half dollar. Imagine reaching thousands of potential customers for as little as a couple of quarters. Throw in the fact that now email is free and it won't even cost you that much, just some of your time.
That is the power, that is a press release. A press release is an informational story that you write on your company, your products, services etc., that your local newspaper, or even major media outlets give to their readers and viewers as a reputable source of information.
They work in this fashion. You write a press release about your company's new offering of widgets. In there you talk about how great they are, how much they can help the general public and so on. You then mail or email it to the editor of your local newspaper and behold it gets published right? Wrong!
First things first. Lets talk about the proper design of a press release, then we'll talk about how to get it published.
A good press release, and one that is most likely to get published is about 500 words, 1.5 to double spaced to make reading easier, and of course in a news format. What is news format? Read any article in today's paper, that is news format. Editors, especially newspaper editors are craving news on a daily basis. If your press release is written in a news format, where it sounds like news and your are educating their readers, then chances are they will use it. They, the editors, are looking for news, and here you are, being a nice person, and giving it to them for free, well basically free.
Once you have your press release written, the next step is to find out where to send it. It makes no sense to even write the release if you send it to the wrong people. For instance, if you sell steak or some type of meat product, would it make any sense to send it to the editor of a vegetarian magazine? Of course not.
If you are writing a press release that is geared towards sports, then send the press release to the sports editor. Also don't try and fool any editors with a slick way of saying, "well if you run my release, maybe I will buy ad space later." Editors are very intelligent people, and by doing that, you are insulting them. They will read right through it and toss your press release in the trash.
Just send them the press release, and if it is well written and something that would be informational to their readers, they will print it.
A friend of mine was the president of a local youth baseball league. While other local leagues were spending lots of money on ad space, he was sending them press releases about the league, accomplishments of the kids and so on. I don't think a week went by where they weren't in the local newspaper at least once. The league he ran grew from 4 teams to 8 teams in just a couple of seasons, and was able to do it with a lot of free press.
Once you find out who it should go to, then send it to them in the format they desire. Not all editors enjoy getting press releases via email. Many like getting it in a written format. You will need to contact where it is you are sending it and find out what they prefer.
I suggest you start locally with your hometown newspapers. See what kind of response you get. You may have to tweak it a bit to make it exactly what they are looking for. Do not get discouraged if you send it out on Monday and it is not in Tuesday's papers. Sometimes it takes a few days for the editor to print it.
Also do not call the editor everyday to find out what happened. If you want to do a follow up call to make sure they received it, that is fine, but remember the editors are busy trying to print news and really do not have the time to talk to you on the phone 8 times a week.
That is the power of good press releases. Written in the correct format, sent to the right person, you can reach thousands of people on a weekly and monthly basis for virtually nothing.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
These days a first class stamp costs less than a half dollar. Imagine reaching thousands of potential customers for as little as a couple of quarters. Throw in the fact that now email is free and it won't even cost you that much, just some of your time.
That is the power, that is a press release. A press release is an informational story that you write on your company, your products, services etc., that your local newspaper, or even major media outlets give to their readers and viewers as a reputable source of information.
They work in this fashion. You write a press release about your company's new offering of widgets. In there you talk about how great they are, how much they can help the general public and so on. You then mail or email it to the editor of your local newspaper and behold it gets published right? Wrong!
First things first. Lets talk about the proper design of a press release, then we'll talk about how to get it published.
A good press release, and one that is most likely to get published is about 500 words, 1.5 to double spaced to make reading easier, and of course in a news format. What is news format? Read any article in today's paper, that is news format. Editors, especially newspaper editors are craving news on a daily basis. If your press release is written in a news format, where it sounds like news and your are educating their readers, then chances are they will use it. They, the editors, are looking for news, and here you are, being a nice person, and giving it to them for free, well basically free.
Once you have your press release written, the next step is to find out where to send it. It makes no sense to even write the release if you send it to the wrong people. For instance, if you sell steak or some type of meat product, would it make any sense to send it to the editor of a vegetarian magazine? Of course not.
If you are writing a press release that is geared towards sports, then send the press release to the sports editor. Also don't try and fool any editors with a slick way of saying, "well if you run my release, maybe I will buy ad space later." Editors are very intelligent people, and by doing that, you are insulting them. They will read right through it and toss your press release in the trash.
Just send them the press release, and if it is well written and something that would be informational to their readers, they will print it.
A friend of mine was the president of a local youth baseball league. While other local leagues were spending lots of money on ad space, he was sending them press releases about the league, accomplishments of the kids and so on. I don't think a week went by where they weren't in the local newspaper at least once. The league he ran grew from 4 teams to 8 teams in just a couple of seasons, and was able to do it with a lot of free press.
Once you find out who it should go to, then send it to them in the format they desire. Not all editors enjoy getting press releases via email. Many like getting it in a written format. You will need to contact where it is you are sending it and find out what they prefer.
I suggest you start locally with your hometown newspapers. See what kind of response you get. You may have to tweak it a bit to make it exactly what they are looking for. Do not get discouraged if you send it out on Monday and it is not in Tuesday's papers. Sometimes it takes a few days for the editor to print it.
Also do not call the editor everyday to find out what happened. If you want to do a follow up call to make sure they received it, that is fine, but remember the editors are busy trying to print news and really do not have the time to talk to you on the phone 8 times a week.
That is the power of good press releases. Written in the correct format, sent to the right person, you can reach thousands of people on a weekly and monthly basis for virtually nothing.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs around the world.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Blogging Pros and Cons
Because blogging is a popular Internet practice, it is fully open to public exposure unless the one creating the blog places specific limits on who can read it. There are at least several types of blogs a person can make, including the use of audio, video, and discussion boards. This is an ideal way for people of various ages to read, report, and/or make an analysis of news found in broadcasting media, share valuable information, write journal entries, or keep in touch with friends and loved ones located any distance away. At the same time, it cannot be assumed that the entire world population is computer literate, let alone knows how to use any Internet services, or that everyone is interested in communicating this way. But bloggers are likely to keep a list of contacts who can communicate in real time, whether they use chat services that may be available on blogging sites or just prefer old-fashioned methods.
Blogging is not meant primarily as a substitute for face-to-face interaction, but can certainly keep interesting conversations going without any apparent interruptions so the topic can be done justice. This way, there is unlimited flexibility for the participants to continue with their everyday lives and, in this process, think of possible contributions of their own to make to the forum while the topic is fresh in their minds. This is crucial to developing a sense of community beyond what each participant may be familiar with already. All users, by participating in the forum, can in time break down barriers easily caused by varying personality traits.
The blogger, by being too general in a discussion, may have problems reaching the desired audience to produce a desired response. For this reason, bloggers should use specific categories to make friends who have various interests, hopefully bringing them together by revealing what they might share in common. The blogs can be especially useful to anyone working on research projects, for which references need only be sought out and examined for credibility.
If there is any abuse taking place on the blogging site, taking the appropriate action is usually simple. It is the responsibility of all users to make sure that this abuse is prevented, especially in light of possible termination of employment. Blogging sites themselves may offer work-from-home employment opportunities. To make sure that the offers being made are legitimate, one should first be able to recognize scams immediately. Some of the most promising jobs may need bloggers to be proficient in skills used in the average workplace environment, such as navigating office programs and developing websites.
It is essential for bloggers to understand what safety procedures to follow in their use of blogs and how not to take undue advantage of anyone. From this point, they can turn the Internet into a productive resource wherever they may be. Knowing how to operate with more than one brand of computer software is also certain to work to their advantage. By staying up-to-date on the latest technology, they can continually improve their skills in serving the public cause.
By: Jesse Parsons
Edited By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Jesse Parsons is a Free Lance Writer seeking writing opportunities and wrote this article for http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs.Jesse Parsons can be contacted at jd_parsons83@yahoo.com .
Blogging is not meant primarily as a substitute for face-to-face interaction, but can certainly keep interesting conversations going without any apparent interruptions so the topic can be done justice. This way, there is unlimited flexibility for the participants to continue with their everyday lives and, in this process, think of possible contributions of their own to make to the forum while the topic is fresh in their minds. This is crucial to developing a sense of community beyond what each participant may be familiar with already. All users, by participating in the forum, can in time break down barriers easily caused by varying personality traits.
The blogger, by being too general in a discussion, may have problems reaching the desired audience to produce a desired response. For this reason, bloggers should use specific categories to make friends who have various interests, hopefully bringing them together by revealing what they might share in common. The blogs can be especially useful to anyone working on research projects, for which references need only be sought out and examined for credibility.
If there is any abuse taking place on the blogging site, taking the appropriate action is usually simple. It is the responsibility of all users to make sure that this abuse is prevented, especially in light of possible termination of employment. Blogging sites themselves may offer work-from-home employment opportunities. To make sure that the offers being made are legitimate, one should first be able to recognize scams immediately. Some of the most promising jobs may need bloggers to be proficient in skills used in the average workplace environment, such as navigating office programs and developing websites.
It is essential for bloggers to understand what safety procedures to follow in their use of blogs and how not to take undue advantage of anyone. From this point, they can turn the Internet into a productive resource wherever they may be. Knowing how to operate with more than one brand of computer software is also certain to work to their advantage. By staying up-to-date on the latest technology, they can continually improve their skills in serving the public cause.
By: Jesse Parsons
Edited By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Jesse Parsons is a Free Lance Writer seeking writing opportunities and wrote this article for http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs.Jesse Parsons can be contacted at jd_parsons83@yahoo.com .
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Maximizing Your Advertising Budget - Part One
You are selling a great product or set of products. Maybe you offer a great service online that if people knew about it, you know they would like it.
Ok so step one for you is complete, and that is finding your niche as to what your business is all about. Step 2 is getting the word out there, and to do so in a cost effective manner.
Welcome to the Internet. The place where anything is possible and the medium that levels the playing field, or so you would think, to the point where the super stars such as Walmart look no bigger online then you.
Obviously being a startup business and on a tight budget you want to be able to reach as many people in your target market as possible, and at the least amount of cost.
So how about getting your advetising in front of 112 million people and more? How about exposing what it is you sell and offer to nearly a billion people world wide and do so for just pennies?
Sounds crazy and unrealistic right? Well it is not. With the formation of Web 2.0, which is really just a fancy tech term describing the way the Internet has evolved into a medium where people connect, the estimated, according to Technorati, 112 million bloggers may be the best way to go these days.
There are literally thousands of blog hosting companies out there. These companies have customers who do nothing more than post their reviews and opinions on a subject, in what they call their Blogs.
Our company has written dozens of articles on blogging to educate, not only our customers, but the Internet community in general. If you would like to learn more about blogging, check out our articles on our website. For now, in this multi-part series, we are going to concentrate on how to use bloggers as your means of advertising.
Bloggers are always looking for ways to fill up that "white" space they have on their blogs. A great way to do that is to place some type of advertising there. It fills a need they are looking for. It also allows them to make some extra money, and you as the advertiser, get to put your product or service in front of literally millions, for pennies.
There are two ways you can go about this. You can contact every blog related to what you are offering and ask them to advertise. With 112 million blogs to choose from, you should start immediately right? Well option two is signing on with a company whose main focus is handling advertising on Blogs. These companies, such as ours, focus in on having bloggers post small snippets of code on their blogs that will display a series of different advertisements that their blog readers can look further into by clicking on the link.
Your advertisement will appear on blog websites and when a reader clicks on your ad, will be taken to further information on what you are offering. What you need to look for in an ad program such as this is hidden costs.
You want to stay away from programs that charge you a fee each time someone clicks your ad. When you participate in, what is called, a pay per click program, that then leads into bidding for the ad space. Basically, whoever is willing to pay more, will appear more often. That concept basically defeates the entire purpose of the level playing field, now doesn`t it?
We will continue this discussion in part two of our article segments on how to maximize your advertising spending with minimal output and at the same time reach your target market.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs around the world.
Ok so step one for you is complete, and that is finding your niche as to what your business is all about. Step 2 is getting the word out there, and to do so in a cost effective manner.
Welcome to the Internet. The place where anything is possible and the medium that levels the playing field, or so you would think, to the point where the super stars such as Walmart look no bigger online then you.
Obviously being a startup business and on a tight budget you want to be able to reach as many people in your target market as possible, and at the least amount of cost.
So how about getting your advetising in front of 112 million people and more? How about exposing what it is you sell and offer to nearly a billion people world wide and do so for just pennies?
Sounds crazy and unrealistic right? Well it is not. With the formation of Web 2.0, which is really just a fancy tech term describing the way the Internet has evolved into a medium where people connect, the estimated, according to Technorati, 112 million bloggers may be the best way to go these days.
There are literally thousands of blog hosting companies out there. These companies have customers who do nothing more than post their reviews and opinions on a subject, in what they call their Blogs.
Our company has written dozens of articles on blogging to educate, not only our customers, but the Internet community in general. If you would like to learn more about blogging, check out our articles on our website. For now, in this multi-part series, we are going to concentrate on how to use bloggers as your means of advertising.
Bloggers are always looking for ways to fill up that "white" space they have on their blogs. A great way to do that is to place some type of advertising there. It fills a need they are looking for. It also allows them to make some extra money, and you as the advertiser, get to put your product or service in front of literally millions, for pennies.
There are two ways you can go about this. You can contact every blog related to what you are offering and ask them to advertise. With 112 million blogs to choose from, you should start immediately right? Well option two is signing on with a company whose main focus is handling advertising on Blogs. These companies, such as ours, focus in on having bloggers post small snippets of code on their blogs that will display a series of different advertisements that their blog readers can look further into by clicking on the link.
Your advertisement will appear on blog websites and when a reader clicks on your ad, will be taken to further information on what you are offering. What you need to look for in an ad program such as this is hidden costs.
You want to stay away from programs that charge you a fee each time someone clicks your ad. When you participate in, what is called, a pay per click program, that then leads into bidding for the ad space. Basically, whoever is willing to pay more, will appear more often. That concept basically defeates the entire purpose of the level playing field, now doesn`t it?
We will continue this discussion in part two of our article segments on how to maximize your advertising spending with minimal output and at the same time reach your target market.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs around the world.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Holiday Series Part 16 - Taper Candles Offer The Perfect Decorations For Almost Any Occasion
Shortly called tapers, taper candles are often considered the perfect decorations for almost any occasion: whether you want to organize a romantic dinner, a special party or simply create a relaxed and cozy atmosphere at home they actually make the perfect choice. What is it so special about taper candles? One thing is for sure, they add up to the charm and elegance of the place where they are used; many people say that tapers are candles with a refined character. They can be purchased in a variety of models, sizes and colors either from regular retail shops or ordered directly on the Internet.
Some of the most appreciated decorations in which taper candles play an important role are table arrangements; many couples choose tapers as part of the wedding decorations since the atmosphere they create is one of refinement and elegance. The choice of color is very important for the message you want to send to the guests; light sparky colors like silver, gold, white or beige are ideal for weddings. Red, orange or dark blue taper candles work great for romantic evenings, whereas business meetings require more subtle and somehow sober colors like light blue or green.
An important issue about the use of taper candles is the matching of appropriate holders as well; so far, the most popular accessories are glass objects, but this is not a rule. Most stores provide a wide range of models and decorative items to be used in combination with taper candles for a variety of occasions. Interior designers often recommend the use of taper candles in association with other candle models for maximum aesthetic effects; this is not a rule of the thumb since tapers could very well work on their own, yet it is good to rely on versatility when possible.
The Internet is a rich source of tips and guide lines for those who want to make taper candles at home whether they take it as a simple hobby or a business opportunity. Usually made of paraffin wax because of the dimensions larger than those of regular candles, tapers are considered among the easiest models to manufacture. Most of those who offer words of advice online have experimented wax work on their own with the ups and downs in the business. All the necessary materials for starting a personal workshop at home can be ordered on the Internet together with the usage instructions. Good luck!
By: Muna wa Wanjiru
Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Candles for Years. For More Information on Taper Candles, Visit His Site at TAPER CANDLES
Some of the most appreciated decorations in which taper candles play an important role are table arrangements; many couples choose tapers as part of the wedding decorations since the atmosphere they create is one of refinement and elegance. The choice of color is very important for the message you want to send to the guests; light sparky colors like silver, gold, white or beige are ideal for weddings. Red, orange or dark blue taper candles work great for romantic evenings, whereas business meetings require more subtle and somehow sober colors like light blue or green.
An important issue about the use of taper candles is the matching of appropriate holders as well; so far, the most popular accessories are glass objects, but this is not a rule. Most stores provide a wide range of models and decorative items to be used in combination with taper candles for a variety of occasions. Interior designers often recommend the use of taper candles in association with other candle models for maximum aesthetic effects; this is not a rule of the thumb since tapers could very well work on their own, yet it is good to rely on versatility when possible.
The Internet is a rich source of tips and guide lines for those who want to make taper candles at home whether they take it as a simple hobby or a business opportunity. Usually made of paraffin wax because of the dimensions larger than those of regular candles, tapers are considered among the easiest models to manufacture. Most of those who offer words of advice online have experimented wax work on their own with the ups and downs in the business. All the necessary materials for starting a personal workshop at home can be ordered on the Internet together with the usage instructions. Good luck!
By: Muna wa Wanjiru
Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Candles for Years. For More Information on Taper Candles, Visit His Site at TAPER CANDLES
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Holiday Series Part 15 - Father Christmas is coming
December brings warm feelings to our hearts. The holidays have arrived. They bring along a very joyous time of the year - Christmas and New Year celebrations. Each year, about two weeks before the 25th, our home becomes the focal point in our neighborhood. On that day Father Christmas arrives to bring all the children gifts. Since my children were small I have been arranging this event each year. Our neighbors, their friends and family join our friends and family for a fun filled Christmas party.
The purpose of this party is to have fun, but it is really a party for the children. Father Christmas (my husband) all dolled up in red and white Christmas gear and a cotton wool beard arrives with a large pillowcase filled with gifts. As the years went by the number of kids grew, as did the number of gift filled pillowcases. Excitement is created by Father Christmas arriving with what ever transport we could dream up, he has arrived on a bicycle, on a horse, on the roof of a small truck, popping out of an open car roof, and many more. With a very noisy bell he announces his arrival.
As all the parents are a party to the creation of this spectacle they all contribute one gift from Father Christmas for each child that does not exceed a maximum value of usually around $10. These gifts were usually brought to our house days in advance. There are of course those that are brought on the day that have to be sneaked to the neighbour`s house (where my husband is busy dressing into his Father Christmas costume) to be added to the pillowcases without the children knowing. Once dressed, Father Christmas would depart from the neighbour`s house ringing the bell.
Every year it remains a thrill to watch our young kids run after Father Christmas living the fantasy. The older and wiser kids protected the fantasy by staying tight-lipped about who Father Christmas really is? I try to make my very skinny husband as unrecognizable as possible by stuffing him with two pillows and giving him black-framed spectacles.
With a ho ho ho, Father Christmas would gather all the children around the Christmas tree and read out their names on the gifts. What I have always found interesting is that there are always one or two kids who find Father Christmas a bit scary and would refuse to go and fetch their gifts. Oh, what it is to be a child?
After the second year I decided that these makeshift Father Christmas outfits should be replaced with a better-made suit. My friend who is a wiz with the sewing machine sewed a really lovely suit, really baggy to allow for at least two pillows to be added creating a tubby Father Christmas out of my very skinny husband.
To you all, have a joyous, happy and peaceful Christmas.
For more Christmas party and gift ideas visit us at Perfect Party Planning http://www.perfect-party-planning.net.
The purpose of this party is to have fun, but it is really a party for the children. Father Christmas (my husband) all dolled up in red and white Christmas gear and a cotton wool beard arrives with a large pillowcase filled with gifts. As the years went by the number of kids grew, as did the number of gift filled pillowcases. Excitement is created by Father Christmas arriving with what ever transport we could dream up, he has arrived on a bicycle, on a horse, on the roof of a small truck, popping out of an open car roof, and many more. With a very noisy bell he announces his arrival.
As all the parents are a party to the creation of this spectacle they all contribute one gift from Father Christmas for each child that does not exceed a maximum value of usually around $10. These gifts were usually brought to our house days in advance. There are of course those that are brought on the day that have to be sneaked to the neighbour`s house (where my husband is busy dressing into his Father Christmas costume) to be added to the pillowcases without the children knowing. Once dressed, Father Christmas would depart from the neighbour`s house ringing the bell.
Every year it remains a thrill to watch our young kids run after Father Christmas living the fantasy. The older and wiser kids protected the fantasy by staying tight-lipped about who Father Christmas really is? I try to make my very skinny husband as unrecognizable as possible by stuffing him with two pillows and giving him black-framed spectacles.
With a ho ho ho, Father Christmas would gather all the children around the Christmas tree and read out their names on the gifts. What I have always found interesting is that there are always one or two kids who find Father Christmas a bit scary and would refuse to go and fetch their gifts. Oh, what it is to be a child?
After the second year I decided that these makeshift Father Christmas outfits should be replaced with a better-made suit. My friend who is a wiz with the sewing machine sewed a really lovely suit, really baggy to allow for at least two pillows to be added creating a tubby Father Christmas out of my very skinny husband.
To you all, have a joyous, happy and peaceful Christmas.
For more Christmas party and gift ideas visit us at Perfect Party Planning http://www.perfect-party-planning.net.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Where Do I Blog Now That I Know What Blogging Is?
What is social networking doing in the marketing world? Social Networking on sites such as Myspace, FaceBook and Multiply were originally intended as a way for us to network with friends, create new ones and catch up with old ones. So why all the fuss in the marketing world over it? Social Networking has become a valuable marketing tool for any business whether marketing a product or service. Here are some tips that should be followed in order to get the most out of your marketing opportunities in this venue.
A. Profile
Many business ventures that attempt to go into the social networking sites do not take the time to fill out a profile. This is a huge mistake. Profiles are one the best ways to introduce yourself or your company to the world. It is important to include links to your website for further information but just as important is a short bio listed here. Tell potential clients about you and your company. Make them feel as though they know you as a friend. Why? To become for example "The source you can trust" you must build that trust somewhere.
B. Allow everyone who requests to be added to your network be added. You never know where your next client may come from. It is sort of like when a consumer walks into a brick and mortar store and they bring a friend who brings a friend who brings a friend. You get the idea.
C. Comments - allow both those on your list and those just visiting to leave comments. Even more important, every time someone leaves you a comment, reply. This builds communication between yourself and your consumers. Again building trust.
D. Blogs - This is a great way for you to self promote your service or product. The key here is not to use it as an advertisement. Let`s say that you sell strawberries. A great blog would be recipes that use strawberries. Your signature box will one more time have your website address on it so they will know where to go buy the strawberries. Let`s say your service is writing business plans. Why not write a blog on the importance of competitive analysis. Blogging is a free way to draw attention to your clients. By ensuring that key words are inserted into your blogs, they will become search able by potential consumers.
E. Groups and Forums - Every social networking site has a group or forum section on it. Join the groups or forums that are relative to your product or service. Post intelligently in either of these and often. See how quickly you will become an authority in your field. The person whom people look to as "a source they can trust".
A few key reminders:
Write intelligently
Include keywords in all content to ensure search engines will find you Update daily or at very least weekly to keep your name fresh Be sure your web site link is in all signature boxes
Happy networking.
By: Ashira
Edited By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Ashira is a Free Lance Writer registered with the Florida Free Lance Writers and wrote this article for http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs.
Ashira can be contacted at ashirarhapsody@yahoo.com or visit her at www.ashira.ws.
A. Profile
Many business ventures that attempt to go into the social networking sites do not take the time to fill out a profile. This is a huge mistake. Profiles are one the best ways to introduce yourself or your company to the world. It is important to include links to your website for further information but just as important is a short bio listed here. Tell potential clients about you and your company. Make them feel as though they know you as a friend. Why? To become for example "The source you can trust" you must build that trust somewhere.
B. Allow everyone who requests to be added to your network be added. You never know where your next client may come from. It is sort of like when a consumer walks into a brick and mortar store and they bring a friend who brings a friend who brings a friend. You get the idea.
C. Comments - allow both those on your list and those just visiting to leave comments. Even more important, every time someone leaves you a comment, reply. This builds communication between yourself and your consumers. Again building trust.
D. Blogs - This is a great way for you to self promote your service or product. The key here is not to use it as an advertisement. Let`s say that you sell strawberries. A great blog would be recipes that use strawberries. Your signature box will one more time have your website address on it so they will know where to go buy the strawberries. Let`s say your service is writing business plans. Why not write a blog on the importance of competitive analysis. Blogging is a free way to draw attention to your clients. By ensuring that key words are inserted into your blogs, they will become search able by potential consumers.
E. Groups and Forums - Every social networking site has a group or forum section on it. Join the groups or forums that are relative to your product or service. Post intelligently in either of these and often. See how quickly you will become an authority in your field. The person whom people look to as "a source they can trust".
A few key reminders:
Write intelligently
Include keywords in all content to ensure search engines will find you Update daily or at very least weekly to keep your name fresh Be sure your web site link is in all signature boxes
Happy networking.
By: Ashira
Edited By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Ashira is a Free Lance Writer registered with the Florida Free Lance Writers and wrote this article for http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs.
Ashira can be contacted at ashirarhapsody@yahoo.com or visit her at www.ashira.ws.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Holiday Series Part 13, Christmas Gift Wrapping – That They Want
A Guide To Help You With Christmas Gift Wrapping
While many people still desire elaborate and beautifully wrapped gifts, in today`s society is doesn`t always seem realistic and sometimes it isn`t required either. But you need to know what you should do in order to present a creatively wrapped present. With these helpful Christmas gift wrapping tips, you will spread more of that Christmas spirit.
You can give a gift that is wrapped well and be proud of it. Here are some pointers that can help you have a beautifully wrapped gift no matter how you do it and what your goal is.
Established
For those who want to use a normal approach to wrap a present, you`ll need to gather tape, scissors and some ribbon. The type of paper that you choose needs to be appropriate for the affair that you are celebrating -- from birthdays to Christmas.
Aligning It Neatly
The first problem people often have is keeping the paper aligned and straight. Fortunately, you can purchase wrapping paper that comes with grids marked on the backside of it to help you with cutting straight lines. This is also an easy way to evaluate the wrapping paper that you need to cut as well. Use wrapping paper with grid-lines and your task will be much easier.
Measure And Tape
Make sure that the paper is at least one and a half times the size of the object in every dimension.
Now, you can move on to taping. Secure a piece of tape where both ends are supposed to meet. Then insure that the fit is snug on all sides and secure the center connecting point with more tape to keep the form unyielding. Crease the ends, pleating in the 2 end flaps that are opposite each other.
Make sure to go over the creases at the sides, then fold the triangle flap from the bottom to the top and then the top over the bottom. Then tape it. You can use ribbons if you like, but make sure to curl them with the non-sharp blade of your scissors.
Not A Stickler?
You want to make the gift attractive to the other, even if you do not have time for the wrapping process. You can use fabric instead of paper, even a fabric pouch will work well because it will create a warm and unique experience for the recipient. Just make sure to fully cover the item and secure it with a ribbon. Add a bow if you wish. How about boxing it up? This is quick and easy and will allow you to delete wrapping paper completely. Make sure that your gift is the correct size for the box, though. Complete the inside with tissue paper and then close with tape. Finish it off with a plain ribbon tied around it and a bow.
You can always use gift bags, as well. These are convenience multiplied, and can add a flare of elegance to your gift. They are easy and quick because all you have to do is put your present into the bag, cover it with tissue paper and that`s it.
You can make any gift look amazing, whether you use an alternative or a traditional way of wrapping.
By: ron king
About the Author:
For more holliday shopping advice, visit Christmas Gift Wrapping. Also check out Wrapping Christmas presents.
For Ron`s website, visit .Holiday Gifts.
While many people still desire elaborate and beautifully wrapped gifts, in today`s society is doesn`t always seem realistic and sometimes it isn`t required either. But you need to know what you should do in order to present a creatively wrapped present. With these helpful Christmas gift wrapping tips, you will spread more of that Christmas spirit.
You can give a gift that is wrapped well and be proud of it. Here are some pointers that can help you have a beautifully wrapped gift no matter how you do it and what your goal is.
Established
For those who want to use a normal approach to wrap a present, you`ll need to gather tape, scissors and some ribbon. The type of paper that you choose needs to be appropriate for the affair that you are celebrating -- from birthdays to Christmas.
Aligning It Neatly
The first problem people often have is keeping the paper aligned and straight. Fortunately, you can purchase wrapping paper that comes with grids marked on the backside of it to help you with cutting straight lines. This is also an easy way to evaluate the wrapping paper that you need to cut as well. Use wrapping paper with grid-lines and your task will be much easier.
Measure And Tape
Make sure that the paper is at least one and a half times the size of the object in every dimension.
Now, you can move on to taping. Secure a piece of tape where both ends are supposed to meet. Then insure that the fit is snug on all sides and secure the center connecting point with more tape to keep the form unyielding. Crease the ends, pleating in the 2 end flaps that are opposite each other.
Make sure to go over the creases at the sides, then fold the triangle flap from the bottom to the top and then the top over the bottom. Then tape it. You can use ribbons if you like, but make sure to curl them with the non-sharp blade of your scissors.
Not A Stickler?
You want to make the gift attractive to the other, even if you do not have time for the wrapping process. You can use fabric instead of paper, even a fabric pouch will work well because it will create a warm and unique experience for the recipient. Just make sure to fully cover the item and secure it with a ribbon. Add a bow if you wish. How about boxing it up? This is quick and easy and will allow you to delete wrapping paper completely. Make sure that your gift is the correct size for the box, though. Complete the inside with tissue paper and then close with tape. Finish it off with a plain ribbon tied around it and a bow.
You can always use gift bags, as well. These are convenience multiplied, and can add a flare of elegance to your gift. They are easy and quick because all you have to do is put your present into the bag, cover it with tissue paper and that`s it.
You can make any gift look amazing, whether you use an alternative or a traditional way of wrapping.
By: ron king
About the Author:
For more holliday shopping advice, visit Christmas Gift Wrapping. Also check out Wrapping Christmas presents.
For Ron`s website, visit .Holiday Gifts.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
3 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting A Blog
3 Important Questions to Ask Yourself before you start a blog
1. Why is a blog important to your business?
2. Why do you want to go into the blogging world?
3. What is it that you want from blogging?
Before getting knee deep into an Internet blogging of any kind, you should have written down the answers to these three questions. Sure we have all heard publicity is a good thing, but is all publicity a good thing?
I have seen more business’ come and go over the years that I can not even keep count. So what is so important about blogging? No matter what type of business you plan to get into or are already in, if you want to be successful you need to have a solid marketing plan Not just some sugar coated piece of paper to wave around and attract flies with, a well thought out marketing plan can let you look at where you are starting and where you want to go. Even more importantly what steps you need to take in order to get there.
Getting started is really the hardest part of writing your own blog . The three questions above are the basis for a business blog for marketing. Let’s reverse the order and start with number 3. What is it that you want to achieve from blogging? If you don’t know, then your ideas are just a pie in the sky dream. If you are just beginning , think about the things that you are passionate about in your business. Why do you believe in the product or services that you are selling? What aspect got you into the business
Find a niche that you have some passion for and use it to your advantage. No company is more successful than one who’s Owner is passionate about what they sell or offer. Who is your product or service for, who is your audience? Who is going to buy your product or services? Why are they going to buy from you verse some other company? Spend some time surfing the internet to find out who the competition would be, what are you selling that they are not, is there a need for something else that you found in your search? Write the answers to all these questions down and you will be well on your way to creating your business blog.
Point 2, why do you want to go into the blogging world in the first place? What is it that attracts you to the idea? How can you bring something to the blogging world that perhaps your competition has not thought of? Is there some unique sales vehicle that you can think of? Write down what your particular assets are in business. Where do you lack and where are you proficient?
Point 1, why is a blog important to your business? Consider the positives and negatives on not seeing your customers face to face. Can you market yourself over the Internet as well as you can in person? Can you generate enthusiasm for your product or service through words and pictures? Here is the real kicker that causes more bloggers to fail. How are your potential clients going to find you? What marketing strategies are you going to employ to ensure your product/service is not just out there in cyberspace floating around?
So now you know the basics of what you want to say and why. Next time we will discuss how to put these ideas into words on the screen. Until then, happy blogging.
By: Ashira
Edited By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Ashira is a Free Lance Writer registered with the Florida Free Lance Writers and wrote this article for http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs.
Ashira can be contacted at ashirarhapsody@yahoo.com or visit her at www.ashira.ws.
1. Why is a blog important to your business?
2. Why do you want to go into the blogging world?
3. What is it that you want from blogging?
Before getting knee deep into an Internet blogging of any kind, you should have written down the answers to these three questions. Sure we have all heard publicity is a good thing, but is all publicity a good thing?
I have seen more business’ come and go over the years that I can not even keep count. So what is so important about blogging? No matter what type of business you plan to get into or are already in, if you want to be successful you need to have a solid marketing plan Not just some sugar coated piece of paper to wave around and attract flies with, a well thought out marketing plan can let you look at where you are starting and where you want to go. Even more importantly what steps you need to take in order to get there.
Getting started is really the hardest part of writing your own blog . The three questions above are the basis for a business blog for marketing. Let’s reverse the order and start with number 3. What is it that you want to achieve from blogging? If you don’t know, then your ideas are just a pie in the sky dream. If you are just beginning , think about the things that you are passionate about in your business. Why do you believe in the product or services that you are selling? What aspect got you into the business
Find a niche that you have some passion for and use it to your advantage. No company is more successful than one who’s Owner is passionate about what they sell or offer. Who is your product or service for, who is your audience? Who is going to buy your product or services? Why are they going to buy from you verse some other company? Spend some time surfing the internet to find out who the competition would be, what are you selling that they are not, is there a need for something else that you found in your search? Write the answers to all these questions down and you will be well on your way to creating your business blog.
Point 2, why do you want to go into the blogging world in the first place? What is it that attracts you to the idea? How can you bring something to the blogging world that perhaps your competition has not thought of? Is there some unique sales vehicle that you can think of? Write down what your particular assets are in business. Where do you lack and where are you proficient?
Point 1, why is a blog important to your business? Consider the positives and negatives on not seeing your customers face to face. Can you market yourself over the Internet as well as you can in person? Can you generate enthusiasm for your product or service through words and pictures? Here is the real kicker that causes more bloggers to fail. How are your potential clients going to find you? What marketing strategies are you going to employ to ensure your product/service is not just out there in cyberspace floating around?
So now you know the basics of what you want to say and why. Next time we will discuss how to put these ideas into words on the screen. Until then, happy blogging.
By: Ashira
Edited By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Ashira is a Free Lance Writer registered with the Florida Free Lance Writers and wrote this article for http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs.
Ashira can be contacted at ashirarhapsody@yahoo.com or visit her at www.ashira.ws.
Holiday Series Part 12, Christmas On The Bayou
Christmas on the Bayou by John Mehrmann
Teresa and Bobby had lost almost everything when the hurricane ravaged the bayou. Flood waters had swallowed up the meager little house in which they had lived, and had taken everything with it. Yet, Teresa considered herself fortunate, because she had managed to pack some clothes, pillows, and a box of photographs in the trunk of her car before escaping with her son. The two of them lived in the back seat of that car for several months. Teresa took jobs wherever she could to earn enough money for food, and to put a little away each month with the hope to return to the bayou with her son Bobby. The old house was gone, but the bayou was their home. She was determined to start again, to make a life for them, and to give them new hope.
When they returned to the Bayou, Teresa found work with her former employer. Jacques ran a small grocery store in the center of town. He was also in the process of rebuilding after the flood waters had devastated his business and everything inside it. Whatever had not been scavenged by looters before the storm was washed away in the torrent of the waters. It had taken months to salvage enough of the store to maintain canned goods, diapers, batteries, and other non-perishable items that were necessary to sustain the slow return of habitants to the bayou. Giving Teresa her job back was as important to Jacques as it was to Teresa, it was an unspoken recognition that they would overcome.
Jacques was a gentle and soft spoken man, except when he laughed. When he found something funny, Jacques would roll his head back and his infectious laughter would echo throughout the store. When he laughed, as he frequently would, he would place his large hands on either side of his large belly as it shook up and down. Jacques was very happy to have Teresa back in his store and operating the front counter. Jacques was particularly fond of Bobby, and of the jokes that Bobby would tell. No matter how many times that Bobby would repeat the same knock-knock jokes, Jacques would roll with laughter as if he had never heard it before.
In addition to paying Teresa her normal weekly wages, Jacques would give Teresa a box full of dented cans to take home every Friday. Jacques claimed that he could not sell the dented cans and did not want to leave them on the shelves. Jacques also knew that Bobby was particularly fond of Chef Boyardee. Every Thursday evening, after Teresa was gone for the day, Jacques would walk through the store and gather an assortment of soups, tuna fish, various canned goods, and a selection of Chef Boyardee. When the box was full, Jacques would take the items to a counter in the stockroom and carefully use a hammer to put a dent in each can. Jacques knew that Teresa was too proud and too conscientious to take the food if he were to simply offer it to her as charity, so he would gently dent each one just enough to make it inappropriate for sale in the store. Teresa never questioned how the store accumulated an entire box each week, but she was always grateful to take home the canned goods with her paycheck on Friday. Quite often, after paying the other bills, the dented cans provided the only food that sustained Teresa and Bobby until the next paycheck.
Christmas was an especially important time for Teresa. She was determined to make this Christmas special for Bobby, despite their circumstances. They had saved enough money to rent an apartment, buy a small Christmas tree, and a single string of white lights. For the last six months, Teresa preserved a few dollars from every paycheck to put aside into a fund for Christmas presents. This holiday was to be a crowning achievement, a symbol of survival, to have enough money to buy gifts and still have money to pay the rent. Teresa could not wait to see the expression on her son's face on Christmas morning. She was determined to make this a Christmas that little Bobby would think about throughout the year, and remember for a lifetime.
On Christmas Eve, schools were closed, so Bobby spent the day at the store with his mother. Bobby spent most of the day lying on his stomach on the floor, behind the counter, near his mother's feet, drawing and coloring pictures for Christmas. Periodically, Jacques would gather the hand-drawn pictures of Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and the Reindeer, and he would tape the pages to the front windows of the store. After several hours and several pictures, Bobby asked to see where his artwork was being used to adorn the small grocery store.
As Bobby stared proudly at his artwork in the front window of the grocery store, he noticed two large boxes with pictures of fire trucks on the front of each one. Teresa explained to Bobby that one box was used to collect canned goods and non-perishable food for the poor. She explained that the other box was being used to collect new and unopened toys for homeless children. The local fire department supplied boxes to collect these items each year, and then would distribute the items on Christmas day. The food would go to homeless shelters. The toys would be delivered to local orphanages and institutions for children without parents. Bobby stared at the two boxes for a long time before returning to his place behind the counter. For the rest of the day his pictures included firemen, Santa on a fire truck, and the delighted faces of little boys and girls receiving toys from men with big red hats and long yellow coats.
The next morning, Bobby walked out of his bedroom in his pajamas and was astonished to see a ring of presents surrounding his Christmas tree. He paused for a moment, unable to believe his eyes. Teresa stood in the kitchen and watched as Bobby raced down the hallway and dropped to his knees in front of the presents. One by one, Bobby picked up the gifts, shook it gently by either ear, and gave each one a hug. He touched each gift and ran his fingers over the packing, ribbons, and bows, without opening it or uttering a single word. Then, just as suddenly, he ran to the window and looked out into the street.
"What are you looking at?" asked Teresa.
Bobby looked up at the sky, then down to the street in both directions. "I am looking for Santa Claus and the firemen," explained Bobby.
Satisfied that there was nobody outside the apartment, Bobby turned and asked his mother, "Can I open them?"
Teresa smiled and nodded to Bobby. He raced back to the Christmas tree and reorganized the presents into a ring around himself on the floor. Teresa was amazed by the meticulous manner with which Bobby opened each gift. Rather than tear the wrapping and rip into each box, Bobby carefully removed the tape and unfolded the wrapping paper. He would then lay the paper like a tablecloth on the floor, open each box at one end, and place the contents on top of the box like a small shrine. Despite the limited number of gifts, this concentrated process took Bobby all morning and most of the afternoon to open each present and place it accordingly. By late afternoon, Bobby was sitting with his mother on the couch, eating his Chef Boyardee, and admiring the small shrines and small stacks of toys, boxes, and wrapping paper. Bobby did not play with any of the toys that day. From time to time he would pick one up, give it a soft hug, and then run back to the couch to cuddle with his mother. The two of them watched the presents twinkle under the dim glow of the tree lights with rapt attention into the evening.
Very early the next morning, Teresa was startled from her sleep by noises in the apartment. She tiptoed to the door of her bedroom and looked down the hall. She was surprised to see the soft glow of the lights from the Christmas tree. The lights had been turned off at night, to conserve and reduce cost of the electricity. But there, beneath the soft glow of the white lights, was a ring of brightly wrapped presents and cans of Chef Boyardee around the base of the Christmas tree.
Teresa slipped quietly down the hallway, not sure what to think of what she saw in front of her. The wrapping paper was very familiar, as were the slightly dented cans of Chef Boyardee. She quickly checked the front door, but it was still locked. Then she looked around the room and saw Bobby sitting quietly on the floor, beside the Christmas tree, a present in his small hands.
Bobby's face turned up to look at his mother. His brown eyes were round and wide, shining and full of tears. Streaks and stains lined his little round cheeks from the tears that had run down his face. A few tear drops still clung to his quivering chin, and his body shook with silent sobs as his fingers caressed the tape and wrapping paper on the present in his lap.
Teresa stood stunned for only a moment before rushing to the side of her little child. She placed her hands on his shaking shoulders, looking into his sad eyes and wanting to make sure that he was unharmed. The reflection from the lights from the Christmas tree danced in Bobby's eyes and sparkled on his tear stained cheeks. As Teresa looked at the presents and dented cans that surrounded them on the floor, she suddenly realized why they had looked so familiar. The presents were the same ones that Bobby had opened the morning before, in the same wrapping paper that he had meticulously placed beneath the boxes, and surrounded by dented cans of Chef Boyardee from their own cupboard.
"I want to take these to the big boxes for the firemen," Bobby said with a shaking voice. "I want to give these to the little boys and girls who are hungry, and do not have a mommy."
Teresa hugged Bobby and held him close to her. She kissed him on the top of his head and squeezed him as if to pull him closer to her heart. Bobby had given her something special for Christmas, something that she would cherish for the rest of her life. It did not require ribbon, or wrapping, or bows. They had made it together, Christmas was in her arms.
______________________________________________________
Words of Wisdom
"The parent who gets down on the floor to play with a child on Christmas Day is usually doing a most remarkable thing -- something seldom repeated during the rest of the year. These are, after all, busy parents committed to their work or their success in the larger society, and they do not have much left-over time in which to play with their children."
- Brian Sutton-Smith
"Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal."
- Lenore Hershey
"D'you call life a bad job? Never! We've had our ups and downs, we've had our struggles, we've always been poor, but it's been worth it, ay, worth it a hundred times I say when I look round at my children."
- W. Somerset Maugham
"Recommend to your children virtue; that alone can make them happy, not gold."
- Ludwig van Beethoven
"Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
______________________________________________________
John Mehrmann is a freelance author and President of Executive Blueprints Inc., an organization devoted to improving business practices and developing human capital.
John Mehrmann is an author, speaker and industry expert with Executive Blueprints Inc.
http://www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com
Teresa and Bobby had lost almost everything when the hurricane ravaged the bayou. Flood waters had swallowed up the meager little house in which they had lived, and had taken everything with it. Yet, Teresa considered herself fortunate, because she had managed to pack some clothes, pillows, and a box of photographs in the trunk of her car before escaping with her son. The two of them lived in the back seat of that car for several months. Teresa took jobs wherever she could to earn enough money for food, and to put a little away each month with the hope to return to the bayou with her son Bobby. The old house was gone, but the bayou was their home. She was determined to start again, to make a life for them, and to give them new hope.
When they returned to the Bayou, Teresa found work with her former employer. Jacques ran a small grocery store in the center of town. He was also in the process of rebuilding after the flood waters had devastated his business and everything inside it. Whatever had not been scavenged by looters before the storm was washed away in the torrent of the waters. It had taken months to salvage enough of the store to maintain canned goods, diapers, batteries, and other non-perishable items that were necessary to sustain the slow return of habitants to the bayou. Giving Teresa her job back was as important to Jacques as it was to Teresa, it was an unspoken recognition that they would overcome.
Jacques was a gentle and soft spoken man, except when he laughed. When he found something funny, Jacques would roll his head back and his infectious laughter would echo throughout the store. When he laughed, as he frequently would, he would place his large hands on either side of his large belly as it shook up and down. Jacques was very happy to have Teresa back in his store and operating the front counter. Jacques was particularly fond of Bobby, and of the jokes that Bobby would tell. No matter how many times that Bobby would repeat the same knock-knock jokes, Jacques would roll with laughter as if he had never heard it before.
In addition to paying Teresa her normal weekly wages, Jacques would give Teresa a box full of dented cans to take home every Friday. Jacques claimed that he could not sell the dented cans and did not want to leave them on the shelves. Jacques also knew that Bobby was particularly fond of Chef Boyardee. Every Thursday evening, after Teresa was gone for the day, Jacques would walk through the store and gather an assortment of soups, tuna fish, various canned goods, and a selection of Chef Boyardee. When the box was full, Jacques would take the items to a counter in the stockroom and carefully use a hammer to put a dent in each can. Jacques knew that Teresa was too proud and too conscientious to take the food if he were to simply offer it to her as charity, so he would gently dent each one just enough to make it inappropriate for sale in the store. Teresa never questioned how the store accumulated an entire box each week, but she was always grateful to take home the canned goods with her paycheck on Friday. Quite often, after paying the other bills, the dented cans provided the only food that sustained Teresa and Bobby until the next paycheck.
Christmas was an especially important time for Teresa. She was determined to make this Christmas special for Bobby, despite their circumstances. They had saved enough money to rent an apartment, buy a small Christmas tree, and a single string of white lights. For the last six months, Teresa preserved a few dollars from every paycheck to put aside into a fund for Christmas presents. This holiday was to be a crowning achievement, a symbol of survival, to have enough money to buy gifts and still have money to pay the rent. Teresa could not wait to see the expression on her son's face on Christmas morning. She was determined to make this a Christmas that little Bobby would think about throughout the year, and remember for a lifetime.
On Christmas Eve, schools were closed, so Bobby spent the day at the store with his mother. Bobby spent most of the day lying on his stomach on the floor, behind the counter, near his mother's feet, drawing and coloring pictures for Christmas. Periodically, Jacques would gather the hand-drawn pictures of Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and the Reindeer, and he would tape the pages to the front windows of the store. After several hours and several pictures, Bobby asked to see where his artwork was being used to adorn the small grocery store.
As Bobby stared proudly at his artwork in the front window of the grocery store, he noticed two large boxes with pictures of fire trucks on the front of each one. Teresa explained to Bobby that one box was used to collect canned goods and non-perishable food for the poor. She explained that the other box was being used to collect new and unopened toys for homeless children. The local fire department supplied boxes to collect these items each year, and then would distribute the items on Christmas day. The food would go to homeless shelters. The toys would be delivered to local orphanages and institutions for children without parents. Bobby stared at the two boxes for a long time before returning to his place behind the counter. For the rest of the day his pictures included firemen, Santa on a fire truck, and the delighted faces of little boys and girls receiving toys from men with big red hats and long yellow coats.
The next morning, Bobby walked out of his bedroom in his pajamas and was astonished to see a ring of presents surrounding his Christmas tree. He paused for a moment, unable to believe his eyes. Teresa stood in the kitchen and watched as Bobby raced down the hallway and dropped to his knees in front of the presents. One by one, Bobby picked up the gifts, shook it gently by either ear, and gave each one a hug. He touched each gift and ran his fingers over the packing, ribbons, and bows, without opening it or uttering a single word. Then, just as suddenly, he ran to the window and looked out into the street.
"What are you looking at?" asked Teresa.
Bobby looked up at the sky, then down to the street in both directions. "I am looking for Santa Claus and the firemen," explained Bobby.
Satisfied that there was nobody outside the apartment, Bobby turned and asked his mother, "Can I open them?"
Teresa smiled and nodded to Bobby. He raced back to the Christmas tree and reorganized the presents into a ring around himself on the floor. Teresa was amazed by the meticulous manner with which Bobby opened each gift. Rather than tear the wrapping and rip into each box, Bobby carefully removed the tape and unfolded the wrapping paper. He would then lay the paper like a tablecloth on the floor, open each box at one end, and place the contents on top of the box like a small shrine. Despite the limited number of gifts, this concentrated process took Bobby all morning and most of the afternoon to open each present and place it accordingly. By late afternoon, Bobby was sitting with his mother on the couch, eating his Chef Boyardee, and admiring the small shrines and small stacks of toys, boxes, and wrapping paper. Bobby did not play with any of the toys that day. From time to time he would pick one up, give it a soft hug, and then run back to the couch to cuddle with his mother. The two of them watched the presents twinkle under the dim glow of the tree lights with rapt attention into the evening.
Very early the next morning, Teresa was startled from her sleep by noises in the apartment. She tiptoed to the door of her bedroom and looked down the hall. She was surprised to see the soft glow of the lights from the Christmas tree. The lights had been turned off at night, to conserve and reduce cost of the electricity. But there, beneath the soft glow of the white lights, was a ring of brightly wrapped presents and cans of Chef Boyardee around the base of the Christmas tree.
Teresa slipped quietly down the hallway, not sure what to think of what she saw in front of her. The wrapping paper was very familiar, as were the slightly dented cans of Chef Boyardee. She quickly checked the front door, but it was still locked. Then she looked around the room and saw Bobby sitting quietly on the floor, beside the Christmas tree, a present in his small hands.
Bobby's face turned up to look at his mother. His brown eyes were round and wide, shining and full of tears. Streaks and stains lined his little round cheeks from the tears that had run down his face. A few tear drops still clung to his quivering chin, and his body shook with silent sobs as his fingers caressed the tape and wrapping paper on the present in his lap.
Teresa stood stunned for only a moment before rushing to the side of her little child. She placed her hands on his shaking shoulders, looking into his sad eyes and wanting to make sure that he was unharmed. The reflection from the lights from the Christmas tree danced in Bobby's eyes and sparkled on his tear stained cheeks. As Teresa looked at the presents and dented cans that surrounded them on the floor, she suddenly realized why they had looked so familiar. The presents were the same ones that Bobby had opened the morning before, in the same wrapping paper that he had meticulously placed beneath the boxes, and surrounded by dented cans of Chef Boyardee from their own cupboard.
"I want to take these to the big boxes for the firemen," Bobby said with a shaking voice. "I want to give these to the little boys and girls who are hungry, and do not have a mommy."
Teresa hugged Bobby and held him close to her. She kissed him on the top of his head and squeezed him as if to pull him closer to her heart. Bobby had given her something special for Christmas, something that she would cherish for the rest of her life. It did not require ribbon, or wrapping, or bows. They had made it together, Christmas was in her arms.
______________________________________________________
Words of Wisdom
"The parent who gets down on the floor to play with a child on Christmas Day is usually doing a most remarkable thing -- something seldom repeated during the rest of the year. These are, after all, busy parents committed to their work or their success in the larger society, and they do not have much left-over time in which to play with their children."
- Brian Sutton-Smith
"Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal."
- Lenore Hershey
"D'you call life a bad job? Never! We've had our ups and downs, we've had our struggles, we've always been poor, but it's been worth it, ay, worth it a hundred times I say when I look round at my children."
- W. Somerset Maugham
"Recommend to your children virtue; that alone can make them happy, not gold."
- Ludwig van Beethoven
"Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
______________________________________________________
John Mehrmann is a freelance author and President of Executive Blueprints Inc., an organization devoted to improving business practices and developing human capital.
John Mehrmann is an author, speaker and industry expert with Executive Blueprints Inc.
http://www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Holiday Series Part 11, Trim Your Perfect Christmas Tree
Christmas decorations signal the start of the Christmas season in many homes. Involving family members in the planning and decorating of your home can begin to kindle the Christmas spirit for everyone.
Traditionalists believe in keeping the same decorating scheme year after year. The Transitionalists have trees that change over the years. They add ornaments, change out the lights basically tweaking the Christmas tree design over the years. The third group are the Trendsetters. Trendsetters are the people who design and decorate the most dazzingly beautiful and unique Christmas trees.
Your Christmas tree ornaments is only limited by your choice of color, shape, size and materials. Ornaments can be purchased at stores, gift shops, church fairs or you can even make your own. If you are lucky you may have inherited some Christmas ornaments from your family. These heirlooms are very special memories you can put on your tree every year.
Ornaments purchased from stores are as varied as the number of materials available. The ornaments can range from hard unbreakable plastic to fragile hand blown glass ornaments. The advantage of glass is the luster and color of the ornaments. Nothing surpasses the glow of holiday ornaments reflecting the lights of the Christmas lights. Glass ornaments are fragile and tend to be more expensive. Use care when handling.
Home made ornaments can be wooden, paper-mache, needlepoint, pictures or almost any thing found around the home. The breakability of homemade ornaments varies. The special part of homemade ornaments is the person and the story of how and when they were made. Some homemade ornaments can be fragile, remember to handle with loving care.
If you have children or pets, you may want to consider using unbreakable ornaments on the lower branches. Accidents happen so protect your favorite ornament. Trees tip easily. One solution? Hang a favorite ornament on a special display stand to avoid it being broken by your child or pet.
Consider making some ornaments with your children using ribbon and an inexpensive plastic ornament. Hobby stores also sell prepackaged ornament making kits. Have fun and add some personality to the ornament. A child`s contribution will make your tree special. Your child will be proud to have made some ornaments for the family tree. Store and save each contribution for next year`s tree. You can make new ornaments each year to show the progress each child has made with creating ornaments.
Whatever your choice of ornaments, make sure your tree decoration represents your family`s interests and tastes. When you personalize the tree you make your Christmas special and uniquely yours. You can also start the Christmas tradition of decorating the tree together. Tradition and togetherness are all part of Christmas and family.
By: Phil The Gardener
About the Author:
Choosing the best Christmas tree is easy with Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Christmas Tree by expert Phil The Gardener. Confidently buy your perfect Christmas tree whether or not you are a first-time buyer. Go to www.YourPerfectChristmasTree.com for your copy.
Posted by Indocquent.com
Traditionalists believe in keeping the same decorating scheme year after year. The Transitionalists have trees that change over the years. They add ornaments, change out the lights basically tweaking the Christmas tree design over the years. The third group are the Trendsetters. Trendsetters are the people who design and decorate the most dazzingly beautiful and unique Christmas trees.
Your Christmas tree ornaments is only limited by your choice of color, shape, size and materials. Ornaments can be purchased at stores, gift shops, church fairs or you can even make your own. If you are lucky you may have inherited some Christmas ornaments from your family. These heirlooms are very special memories you can put on your tree every year.
Ornaments purchased from stores are as varied as the number of materials available. The ornaments can range from hard unbreakable plastic to fragile hand blown glass ornaments. The advantage of glass is the luster and color of the ornaments. Nothing surpasses the glow of holiday ornaments reflecting the lights of the Christmas lights. Glass ornaments are fragile and tend to be more expensive. Use care when handling.
Home made ornaments can be wooden, paper-mache, needlepoint, pictures or almost any thing found around the home. The breakability of homemade ornaments varies. The special part of homemade ornaments is the person and the story of how and when they were made. Some homemade ornaments can be fragile, remember to handle with loving care.
If you have children or pets, you may want to consider using unbreakable ornaments on the lower branches. Accidents happen so protect your favorite ornament. Trees tip easily. One solution? Hang a favorite ornament on a special display stand to avoid it being broken by your child or pet.
Consider making some ornaments with your children using ribbon and an inexpensive plastic ornament. Hobby stores also sell prepackaged ornament making kits. Have fun and add some personality to the ornament. A child`s contribution will make your tree special. Your child will be proud to have made some ornaments for the family tree. Store and save each contribution for next year`s tree. You can make new ornaments each year to show the progress each child has made with creating ornaments.
Whatever your choice of ornaments, make sure your tree decoration represents your family`s interests and tastes. When you personalize the tree you make your Christmas special and uniquely yours. You can also start the Christmas tradition of decorating the tree together. Tradition and togetherness are all part of Christmas and family.
By: Phil The Gardener
About the Author:
Choosing the best Christmas tree is easy with Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Christmas Tree by expert Phil The Gardener. Confidently buy your perfect Christmas tree whether or not you are a first-time buyer. Go to www.YourPerfectChristmasTree.com for your copy.
Posted by Indocquent.com
Monday, December 17, 2007
Good Tip On Advertising
As a business owner I am sure you are always looking for new ways to get the word out about your business, products or services. You are probably also looking to do it in such a way where you can increase sales, yet decrease the cost of advertising. You are not alone.
Every business owner, us included, are always looking for new and creative ways to get what you are offering in front of or in the ears of potential customers. It goes without saying that the less you spend on advertising and at the same time you increase sales, your profit margin will also increase.
Common sense right? Absolutely! So how can we accomplish this? The answer is simple, homework, homework, homework. Now you are probably sitting there wondering what the heck is Bruce talking about. Homework? What does that mean? Well let me tell you.
When I say homework, what I mean is you need to do your homework. In other words spend as much time before you put your advertising campaign together, preparing for who exactly you are advertising for.
You are probably still scratching your head, not sure what I am talking about and that is fine. By the time this article is done, a light bulb will go off in your head, and you will say "ah ha", I know what he means.
We have all gone through school at some point in our lives, and if you haven't, wow you must be incredibly intelligent to navigate the Internet without any prior instruction. What I am trying to say is, in school the teacher loaded you up on homework. They weren't doing it to punish you or your classmates, what they were doing is preparing you.
Lets take for instance, math. You are learning your addition and subtraction, multiplication and division. Did your teacher throw you directly into a test after a day of teaching it? No of course not. That would be ludicrous and ridiculous. What they did was give you homework each night on the topic with some problems to figure out on your own. Each night you received new problems, until finally you were so good at it, you took a test and of course passed.
The same concept can be used in advertising. In order to cut your advertising costs, you need to do your homework. So many times I have seen businesses run newspaper ads just because people buy newspapers. However, do the customers you are trying to reach, read the section of the newspaper you just put your ad in? This is where your homework comes in.
A friend of mine runs a business where he does nothing but repair rental properties. Would it make any sense for him to pass out flyers in a neighborhood of million dollar homes? Maybe, since many millionaires own rentals, however its not practical. He needed to go to where the rentals are and do his homework. He researched properties that he knew were rentals, obtained the owner information and then sent them a postcard, flyer etc., letting them know about his business. In other words he did his homework.
As you can see 100% of his advertising is getting in front of people he knew could be customers. He wasn't blindly shooting in the dark, so to speak. You need to do the same. Find out who is perfect for the products or services you offer and then do the necessary homework so that every penny on advertising you spend, gets in front of potential customers.
Remember it is not about getting in front of the most people. It is about getting in front of the most people that are right for your business, products or services, to maximize your advertising dollars.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
Every business owner, us included, are always looking for new and creative ways to get what you are offering in front of or in the ears of potential customers. It goes without saying that the less you spend on advertising and at the same time you increase sales, your profit margin will also increase.
Common sense right? Absolutely! So how can we accomplish this? The answer is simple, homework, homework, homework. Now you are probably sitting there wondering what the heck is Bruce talking about. Homework? What does that mean? Well let me tell you.
When I say homework, what I mean is you need to do your homework. In other words spend as much time before you put your advertising campaign together, preparing for who exactly you are advertising for.
You are probably still scratching your head, not sure what I am talking about and that is fine. By the time this article is done, a light bulb will go off in your head, and you will say "ah ha", I know what he means.
We have all gone through school at some point in our lives, and if you haven't, wow you must be incredibly intelligent to navigate the Internet without any prior instruction. What I am trying to say is, in school the teacher loaded you up on homework. They weren't doing it to punish you or your classmates, what they were doing is preparing you.
Lets take for instance, math. You are learning your addition and subtraction, multiplication and division. Did your teacher throw you directly into a test after a day of teaching it? No of course not. That would be ludicrous and ridiculous. What they did was give you homework each night on the topic with some problems to figure out on your own. Each night you received new problems, until finally you were so good at it, you took a test and of course passed.
The same concept can be used in advertising. In order to cut your advertising costs, you need to do your homework. So many times I have seen businesses run newspaper ads just because people buy newspapers. However, do the customers you are trying to reach, read the section of the newspaper you just put your ad in? This is where your homework comes in.
A friend of mine runs a business where he does nothing but repair rental properties. Would it make any sense for him to pass out flyers in a neighborhood of million dollar homes? Maybe, since many millionaires own rentals, however its not practical. He needed to go to where the rentals are and do his homework. He researched properties that he knew were rentals, obtained the owner information and then sent them a postcard, flyer etc., letting them know about his business. In other words he did his homework.
As you can see 100% of his advertising is getting in front of people he knew could be customers. He wasn't blindly shooting in the dark, so to speak. You need to do the same. Find out who is perfect for the products or services you offer and then do the necessary homework so that every penny on advertising you spend, gets in front of potential customers.
Remember it is not about getting in front of the most people. It is about getting in front of the most people that are right for your business, products or services, to maximize your advertising dollars.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
Holiday Series Part 10, Incredible Christmas Games
With the holidays here, who has time for games? The answer is that maybe a game is exactly what you need to distract yourself for a little while so you can jump back into all of that shopping, cooking and entertaining. In this season of giving, give yourself a break and relax a little bit with a casual game.
holyday games are basically an interesting topic to write about. I had enjoyed myself immensely writing this topic, wish you enjoy reading it!
Casual game play, as you might expect, is casual. Games are usually straightforward with simple rules and easy to master controls. They require the player to complete simple tasks to progress through the levels. `Collecting`, `matching` and `lining up` are common instructions when it comes to this kind of game. There is little intensity, speed or pressure. Casual gaming is gaming as relaxation rather than gaming as a sport- games you can really enjoy.
That is not to say that Casual Gaming is not challenging. Most games are difficult to master. That is what makes them so addictive. It is easy to get started because there are few rules to follow. But after you finish a couple of easy levels you find yourself in any number of tricky situations. The Casual space often includes card games, puzzles, memory games and word games and most of those are in Flash.
Many sites offer holiday themed games either for download or to be played online. Of those, some require a small fee, usually less than $20 to own the game for life. Other sites offer games free of charge. Sure you could also play a regular, non-holiday themed game but you might as well have fun with the holidays while they are here. Four of this year`s favorite titles are:
Holiday Gift
Dip into the festive season as you relax and celebrate your match-3 imagination with Holiday Gift! Explore 4 different game modes, each with its own addictive qualities! Find gifts through 40 beautiful levels in Adventure Mode, solve 100 Puzzle Mode levels, match groups of four in Quad Mode or just enjoy Relaxed Mode! Let the wonderful music and soft colors carry you away to the infinite world of magic and pleasure in Holiday Gift!
Christmasville
Santa is missing and you may be the only one who can find him and save Christmas! You play the legendary Private Detective Arthur Knight in this addictive game. You have been kidnapped and taken to Christmasville, the capital of the North Pole to help. Once you accept the gravity of the situation you will gladly stay and lend your support to the effort. Along the way you will meet some amazing creatures: The Abominable Snowman, Reindeer, and even the mysterious Ear (don`t ask!). You will have to work together to solve the mystery of Santa`s disappearance and rescue him before it`s too late! This is one funny mystery adventure!
The Santa Express
Santa has completed mapping out his route for Christmas Eve but he needs your assistance to check his list twice and make sure that The Santa Express delivers gifts to nice girls and boys and lumps of coal to all the naughty ones. This game is not about checking lists. It is about delivering gifts, and in a hurry! Your time is limited, so Santa has tuned up his sleigh with turbo rockets. The faster he flies, the sooner you can hit your delivery goal. They don`t call this game The Santa Express for nothing! Hold on!
Holly: A Christmas Tale
Grab a cup of hot chocolate, put on your favorite holiday songs and sit down to a wonderful new hidden object game, guaranteed to fill you up with the spirit of the season! You will be asked to perform a wide range of tasks using innovative search techniques in order to help Santa find the items he needs to do his job on Christmas Eve! There are hundreds of holiday themed items to find as you follow along with Holly`s amazing story! This game is guaranteed to be a holiday classic! Better get your copy while you can!
There are tons of other holiday games you can find but these are instant hits that you are sure to enjoy. This year you should take a break and enjoy the spirit of Christmas while it is still here. Before long you will be washing dishes and taking down ornaments. Enjoy the holidays!
It is with much hard work that we came up with this article on holyday games. Hope you appreciate it, as your appreciation is our motivation!
By: Alejandro Mauricio
About the Author:
Wanna know all the secrets of powerleveling in wow? Read my free world of warcraft guide
Brought to you by http://www.Indocquent.com.
holyday games are basically an interesting topic to write about. I had enjoyed myself immensely writing this topic, wish you enjoy reading it!
Casual game play, as you might expect, is casual. Games are usually straightforward with simple rules and easy to master controls. They require the player to complete simple tasks to progress through the levels. `Collecting`, `matching` and `lining up` are common instructions when it comes to this kind of game. There is little intensity, speed or pressure. Casual gaming is gaming as relaxation rather than gaming as a sport- games you can really enjoy.
That is not to say that Casual Gaming is not challenging. Most games are difficult to master. That is what makes them so addictive. It is easy to get started because there are few rules to follow. But after you finish a couple of easy levels you find yourself in any number of tricky situations. The Casual space often includes card games, puzzles, memory games and word games and most of those are in Flash.
Many sites offer holiday themed games either for download or to be played online. Of those, some require a small fee, usually less than $20 to own the game for life. Other sites offer games free of charge. Sure you could also play a regular, non-holiday themed game but you might as well have fun with the holidays while they are here. Four of this year`s favorite titles are:
Holiday Gift
Dip into the festive season as you relax and celebrate your match-3 imagination with Holiday Gift! Explore 4 different game modes, each with its own addictive qualities! Find gifts through 40 beautiful levels in Adventure Mode, solve 100 Puzzle Mode levels, match groups of four in Quad Mode or just enjoy Relaxed Mode! Let the wonderful music and soft colors carry you away to the infinite world of magic and pleasure in Holiday Gift!
Christmasville
Santa is missing and you may be the only one who can find him and save Christmas! You play the legendary Private Detective Arthur Knight in this addictive game. You have been kidnapped and taken to Christmasville, the capital of the North Pole to help. Once you accept the gravity of the situation you will gladly stay and lend your support to the effort. Along the way you will meet some amazing creatures: The Abominable Snowman, Reindeer, and even the mysterious Ear (don`t ask!). You will have to work together to solve the mystery of Santa`s disappearance and rescue him before it`s too late! This is one funny mystery adventure!
The Santa Express
Santa has completed mapping out his route for Christmas Eve but he needs your assistance to check his list twice and make sure that The Santa Express delivers gifts to nice girls and boys and lumps of coal to all the naughty ones. This game is not about checking lists. It is about delivering gifts, and in a hurry! Your time is limited, so Santa has tuned up his sleigh with turbo rockets. The faster he flies, the sooner you can hit your delivery goal. They don`t call this game The Santa Express for nothing! Hold on!
Holly: A Christmas Tale
Grab a cup of hot chocolate, put on your favorite holiday songs and sit down to a wonderful new hidden object game, guaranteed to fill you up with the spirit of the season! You will be asked to perform a wide range of tasks using innovative search techniques in order to help Santa find the items he needs to do his job on Christmas Eve! There are hundreds of holiday themed items to find as you follow along with Holly`s amazing story! This game is guaranteed to be a holiday classic! Better get your copy while you can!
There are tons of other holiday games you can find but these are instant hits that you are sure to enjoy. This year you should take a break and enjoy the spirit of Christmas while it is still here. Before long you will be washing dishes and taking down ornaments. Enjoy the holidays!
It is with much hard work that we came up with this article on holyday games. Hope you appreciate it, as your appreciation is our motivation!
By: Alejandro Mauricio
About the Author:
Wanna know all the secrets of powerleveling in wow? Read my free world of warcraft guide
Brought to you by http://www.Indocquent.com.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Use This Tip To Make Some Extra Money With Your Blog
We have published many articles on marketing, advertising and promotions. We have also given you many on sales and how to increase your customer base. Whether it was our informative articles or our daily podcast from our home page, we provide a plethora of information to assist you and your business.
We want to tackle in this segment how to use a blog promotional campaign so that your blog can make you a little extra money.
If you have a blog then you already know about the information I am going to provide on basic blog knowledge. A blog, shortened for binary log, is a personal written, audio or video account of someones experience on some topic in a chronological order. This information is then shared with the world over the Internet through their blog.
What a lot of bloggers (the name someone is called when they have a blog), do not know is that they can place small pieces of advertising on their blog for their visitors to take a look at.
The first question that comes to mind, is, will it look like it is cluttering their blog. The answer is no. Since blog websites are fully customizable so are the small pieces of advertising. The blogger can choose the color schemes, fonts, size, etc. In doing so they can make the advertising look like it is part of their site.
The next question would be, is it difficult to install this advertising? Again the answer is no. In regards to our advertising campaign, you as the blogger will create the code through a wizard which automatically generates the code for you. You then copy and paste that code to be displayed in the area of the blog that you feel needs to be occupied and will get the most exposure.
Once installed, the third question will arise, how exactly does one make money from this. The answer is simple. Everytime one of your visitors clicks on an advertisement, you earn money. There are many programs out there like this, however in the case of our advertising program, we have put together a unique program of levels. In other words, everytime someone clicks the ad, you are closer to the next level. With each increasing level you achieve, the more you get paid per each click.
This type of program works well for anybody and everybody that has a blog. The best part it takes very little effort on the part of the blogger. The blogger copies and pastes the code on their blog site and that is it. After that, they sit back and make money while their visitors click the advertisements on their blog site. Another excellent point about this is their visitors who click the advertisement do not need to buy anything, fill out any guestbook, etc.. All they need to do is click.
If you have a blog, thinking about starting one, or know someone that does, don't forget about adding some advertising to the blog site so at least you or your friends will make something for the effort that is put forth.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
We want to tackle in this segment how to use a blog promotional campaign so that your blog can make you a little extra money.
If you have a blog then you already know about the information I am going to provide on basic blog knowledge. A blog, shortened for binary log, is a personal written, audio or video account of someones experience on some topic in a chronological order. This information is then shared with the world over the Internet through their blog.
What a lot of bloggers (the name someone is called when they have a blog), do not know is that they can place small pieces of advertising on their blog for their visitors to take a look at.
The first question that comes to mind, is, will it look like it is cluttering their blog. The answer is no. Since blog websites are fully customizable so are the small pieces of advertising. The blogger can choose the color schemes, fonts, size, etc. In doing so they can make the advertising look like it is part of their site.
The next question would be, is it difficult to install this advertising? Again the answer is no. In regards to our advertising campaign, you as the blogger will create the code through a wizard which automatically generates the code for you. You then copy and paste that code to be displayed in the area of the blog that you feel needs to be occupied and will get the most exposure.
Once installed, the third question will arise, how exactly does one make money from this. The answer is simple. Everytime one of your visitors clicks on an advertisement, you earn money. There are many programs out there like this, however in the case of our advertising program, we have put together a unique program of levels. In other words, everytime someone clicks the ad, you are closer to the next level. With each increasing level you achieve, the more you get paid per each click.
This type of program works well for anybody and everybody that has a blog. The best part it takes very little effort on the part of the blogger. The blogger copies and pastes the code on their blog site and that is it. After that, they sit back and make money while their visitors click the advertisements on their blog site. Another excellent point about this is their visitors who click the advertisement do not need to buy anything, fill out any guestbook, etc.. All they need to do is click.
If you have a blog, thinking about starting one, or know someone that does, don't forget about adding some advertising to the blog site so at least you or your friends will make something for the effort that is put forth.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Why Should You Blog?
It seems like everywhere we turn these days there is someone talking about blogging, blogs, the blogosphere, bloggers, and so on. Have you ever wondered what all the fuss is about?
And if so, have you ever thought about trying your hand at blogging?
Blogging is an internet phenomenon that can be described as a blend of personal diary, op ed commentary, and practical journalism. The word "blog" comes from "web log" which is a reference to the origins of blogging. In the early days, blogs were no more than online journals where people wrote about anything they wanted (what they had for dinner, how their mood was that day, etc.), much like the pen and paper journals that people have kept for centuries. However, with the growing ease of access to and familiarity with the internet, people realized they could now share their feelings with the entire world!
Blogging has since exploded into an inescapable new medium. You`ve probably heard people on TV talk about the huge effect that blogging has on popular culture. Some bloggers pride themselves on exposing everyone`s dirty little secrets (from politicians, to celebrities, and even other bloggers), while others have less caustic agendas and stick to simple commentary and discussion about an infinite array of subjects (from gardening to video games).
Keep in mind, though, blogs don`t always have to be frivolous. Some of the best and most accurate information about the Iraq War, for example, comes from people who embed themselves in the Middle East and use their blogs to instantly share their first-hand reports with the world.
Now that we`ve concluded our crash course in the history and definition of blogging, it`s time to get back to the original question.
Why should you blog?
I’m sure you’ve heard about some bloggers who command audiences that number in the millions, and others who have parlayed their blogs into multi-mullion dollar businesses. You probably want a piece of that luxury, and who wouldn`t? All you have to do is start up a free blog, write a few posts, and you`ll be sipping margaritas on a beach in no time. Right?
Well, not so fast.
It`s true that some people have found great success with their blogs, and there`s no reason to say that you won`t too, but the odds aren`t really in your favor. Estimates put the number of blogs at about 50 million (and growing every day) and without A LOT of effort and dedication (and a bit of luck) chances are good that your blog will never reach that superstar level of success.
I`m not telling you this to discourage you from starting a blog, I`m just trying to warn you that it`s not a one-way-ticket to the good life. Blogging can be a very fulfilling and exciting adventure whether or not you hit it big.
The most appealing part of blogging is that anyone can do it! The rules of blogging are not set down on unchanging stone tablets. Basic writing skills and a general appreciation for courtesy are recommended, but not required. You can write about anything you want, however you want; that’s the entire beauty of blogging.
So now that you`ve determined that you want to start a blog, the next step is to decide why. Let’s take a look at a few basic reasons why people blog.
People blog to make money.
It`s true, blogs can be a source of income, and there are a number of ways to make money blogging. Pay-per-click advertising services are a good way to start, or perhaps product review services that will pay a certain amount of money per review. If you`re ambitious enough you could even go so far as to write an e-book or set up an online shop and promote/distribute it on your blog.
People blog to find new career opportunities.
Blogging is a great way to practice your writing skills and host your writing samples (if you aspire to be a professional writer) or to showcase your art and design skills (if you want to be a professional artist or designer). A blog combined with an online photo-sharing website can be a simple and free photography portfolio that is instantly available to any prospective client anywhere in the world. In this age of e-mail and instant gratification there is no better way to connect with an employer than through a blog (just be sure to keep it professional).
People blog to share their passion with the world.
Whether you are a die hard sports fan or a model train fanatic, if you have any sort of passion or hobby you have an instant idea for a blog. You can try to provide the latest news and information about your "niche," or you can aspire to be an expert resource to others who share your interests.
People blog to document their life.
The trusty online diary hasn`t gone out of style, and they certainly don`t have to be only for telling the world what you ate for breakfast. People can use blogs as a scrapbook of their children`s lives and instantly share photos and memories with the whole family, or they can blog to keep track of their diet and exercise regimen.
Now you have a good idea about what a blog is and why you should have one. The next step is to get out there and start blogging! Whatever you decide to blog about, just remember that the possibilities are truly endless.
By: Michael Landry
Edited By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Michael Landry is a freelance writer with a passion for blogging, video games, and politics (among other things) and wrote this article for http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs throughout 200 countries around the world.
You can contact Michael Landry at: www.michaeledmondlandry.com.
And if so, have you ever thought about trying your hand at blogging?
Blogging is an internet phenomenon that can be described as a blend of personal diary, op ed commentary, and practical journalism. The word "blog" comes from "web log" which is a reference to the origins of blogging. In the early days, blogs were no more than online journals where people wrote about anything they wanted (what they had for dinner, how their mood was that day, etc.), much like the pen and paper journals that people have kept for centuries. However, with the growing ease of access to and familiarity with the internet, people realized they could now share their feelings with the entire world!
Blogging has since exploded into an inescapable new medium. You`ve probably heard people on TV talk about the huge effect that blogging has on popular culture. Some bloggers pride themselves on exposing everyone`s dirty little secrets (from politicians, to celebrities, and even other bloggers), while others have less caustic agendas and stick to simple commentary and discussion about an infinite array of subjects (from gardening to video games).
Keep in mind, though, blogs don`t always have to be frivolous. Some of the best and most accurate information about the Iraq War, for example, comes from people who embed themselves in the Middle East and use their blogs to instantly share their first-hand reports with the world.
Now that we`ve concluded our crash course in the history and definition of blogging, it`s time to get back to the original question.
Why should you blog?
I’m sure you’ve heard about some bloggers who command audiences that number in the millions, and others who have parlayed their blogs into multi-mullion dollar businesses. You probably want a piece of that luxury, and who wouldn`t? All you have to do is start up a free blog, write a few posts, and you`ll be sipping margaritas on a beach in no time. Right?
Well, not so fast.
It`s true that some people have found great success with their blogs, and there`s no reason to say that you won`t too, but the odds aren`t really in your favor. Estimates put the number of blogs at about 50 million (and growing every day) and without A LOT of effort and dedication (and a bit of luck) chances are good that your blog will never reach that superstar level of success.
I`m not telling you this to discourage you from starting a blog, I`m just trying to warn you that it`s not a one-way-ticket to the good life. Blogging can be a very fulfilling and exciting adventure whether or not you hit it big.
The most appealing part of blogging is that anyone can do it! The rules of blogging are not set down on unchanging stone tablets. Basic writing skills and a general appreciation for courtesy are recommended, but not required. You can write about anything you want, however you want; that’s the entire beauty of blogging.
So now that you`ve determined that you want to start a blog, the next step is to decide why. Let’s take a look at a few basic reasons why people blog.
People blog to make money.
It`s true, blogs can be a source of income, and there are a number of ways to make money blogging. Pay-per-click advertising services are a good way to start, or perhaps product review services that will pay a certain amount of money per review. If you`re ambitious enough you could even go so far as to write an e-book or set up an online shop and promote/distribute it on your blog.
People blog to find new career opportunities.
Blogging is a great way to practice your writing skills and host your writing samples (if you aspire to be a professional writer) or to showcase your art and design skills (if you want to be a professional artist or designer). A blog combined with an online photo-sharing website can be a simple and free photography portfolio that is instantly available to any prospective client anywhere in the world. In this age of e-mail and instant gratification there is no better way to connect with an employer than through a blog (just be sure to keep it professional).
People blog to share their passion with the world.
Whether you are a die hard sports fan or a model train fanatic, if you have any sort of passion or hobby you have an instant idea for a blog. You can try to provide the latest news and information about your "niche," or you can aspire to be an expert resource to others who share your interests.
People blog to document their life.
The trusty online diary hasn`t gone out of style, and they certainly don`t have to be only for telling the world what you ate for breakfast. People can use blogs as a scrapbook of their children`s lives and instantly share photos and memories with the whole family, or they can blog to keep track of their diet and exercise regimen.
Now you have a good idea about what a blog is and why you should have one. The next step is to get out there and start blogging! Whatever you decide to blog about, just remember that the possibilities are truly endless.
By: Michael Landry
Edited By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Michael Landry is a freelance writer with a passion for blogging, video games, and politics (among other things) and wrote this article for http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale on over 20,000 blogs throughout 200 countries around the world.
You can contact Michael Landry at: www.michaeledmondlandry.com.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Get Your Advertising In Front Of This Crowd
By now you have probably read many articles, whether it is from us or another news source, in regards to advertising on the Internet. The Internet is a vast society of people, buying, selling, chatting, you name it. The multi billion Internet population does it all.
Whether it is shopping victoriously, or writing your own Blog, you, like everyone else uses the Internet to satisfy a need.
Also like you, the thousands of businesses on the Internet are trying to fill the needs of their customers or their potential customers. Your business too, must be able to fill those needs.
Today we are going to focus in on how to use Blogging, especially other people's Blogs to advertise your business, products or services to literally millions of people around the globe. The Blogging community is extremely large, with estimates of over 1,000,000 active Blogs on the Internet. Not only are the writers of Blogs your potential customers, but just as important, so are their readers.
Could you imagine getting your advertising to simultaneously appear in front of literally billions of people each and everyday? Research tells us that, your advertising must appear at least 5 to 7 times in front of someone before they act on it. Through Internet Blogging advertising you should be able to reach that quote in no time.
There are a number of companies out there, us included, that place advertisements on various Blog sites. This is done by the Blogger implementing a small piece code on their site with the advertisements appearing instantly. The Blogger sets the number of ads they want to see appear at one time, color schemes, layouts and so on. This not only gives the Blogger a means by which to not make the ads look intrusive on their sites, but also more visually appealing.
In order for your advertising to appear on those listings, you need to register with a site, that offers this kind of service. Many companies offer free packages so you can get started on a test basis to see if it is right for your business, products or services.
After registering you simply go to the section where you create your advertisement listing, enter your information, and after you save it, your advertisement gets placed into the rotation of when it will appear.
Be careful before signing up for and agreeing to anything, when you go this route. A lot of companies charge on a pay per click basis. This can be very costly. If you think about the common sense behind this, the advertising company has you paying every time a customer clicks on your ad, with no guarantee that the person who clicked your ad will become a customer. Could you imagine if newspapers charged you on a pay per issue sold? Sounds ridiculous right? But that in essence is what you are doing when you use pay per click.
Now although no Internet advertising campaign can guarantee that a person visiting your web site will buy anything from you, you can definitely limit the amount you spend for advertising on a per customer basis.
One way of doing that and still using this Blog advertising program is to register with companies that offer a flat monthly or yearly fee. This way you are not getting overcharged for the hundreds of clicks you are receiving with no return.
Another great part about this, is your ad will run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year (366 if a leap year), until you tell it to not run anymore. Also your ad reaches a global community that is on the Internet reading information about products, services etc., that you already offer.
The Blogging crowd is a great opportunity to advertise your business. With the tools available to you today, you can get started in a few minutes, virtually free of charge.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
Whether it is shopping victoriously, or writing your own Blog, you, like everyone else uses the Internet to satisfy a need.
Also like you, the thousands of businesses on the Internet are trying to fill the needs of their customers or their potential customers. Your business too, must be able to fill those needs.
Today we are going to focus in on how to use Blogging, especially other people's Blogs to advertise your business, products or services to literally millions of people around the globe. The Blogging community is extremely large, with estimates of over 1,000,000 active Blogs on the Internet. Not only are the writers of Blogs your potential customers, but just as important, so are their readers.
Could you imagine getting your advertising to simultaneously appear in front of literally billions of people each and everyday? Research tells us that, your advertising must appear at least 5 to 7 times in front of someone before they act on it. Through Internet Blogging advertising you should be able to reach that quote in no time.
There are a number of companies out there, us included, that place advertisements on various Blog sites. This is done by the Blogger implementing a small piece code on their site with the advertisements appearing instantly. The Blogger sets the number of ads they want to see appear at one time, color schemes, layouts and so on. This not only gives the Blogger a means by which to not make the ads look intrusive on their sites, but also more visually appealing.
In order for your advertising to appear on those listings, you need to register with a site, that offers this kind of service. Many companies offer free packages so you can get started on a test basis to see if it is right for your business, products or services.
After registering you simply go to the section where you create your advertisement listing, enter your information, and after you save it, your advertisement gets placed into the rotation of when it will appear.
Be careful before signing up for and agreeing to anything, when you go this route. A lot of companies charge on a pay per click basis. This can be very costly. If you think about the common sense behind this, the advertising company has you paying every time a customer clicks on your ad, with no guarantee that the person who clicked your ad will become a customer. Could you imagine if newspapers charged you on a pay per issue sold? Sounds ridiculous right? But that in essence is what you are doing when you use pay per click.
Now although no Internet advertising campaign can guarantee that a person visiting your web site will buy anything from you, you can definitely limit the amount you spend for advertising on a per customer basis.
One way of doing that and still using this Blog advertising program is to register with companies that offer a flat monthly or yearly fee. This way you are not getting overcharged for the hundreds of clicks you are receiving with no return.
Another great part about this, is your ad will run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year (366 if a leap year), until you tell it to not run anymore. Also your ad reaches a global community that is on the Internet reading information about products, services etc., that you already offer.
The Blogging crowd is a great opportunity to advertise your business. With the tools available to you today, you can get started in a few minutes, virtually free of charge.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Stuff That Mail In Your Business
I am constantly receiving emails on ideas about using different yet creative advertising techniques. Mostly to help save someone money in their advertising, marketing and promotions budget.
Although I would not qualify this as creative as it is more common sense, but you would be surprised as to how many people overlook the obvious on the simplest of things.
I am sure you have a credit card of some sort, if you don't, my goodness how did you get to this point without one. In all seriousness though, when I receive my credit card statement, there is always extra material or mailers included. It could be to buy a new radio, a discount on a plane ticket and so on. These credit card companies have teamed up with others to make these offers. In turn, they probably split the postage, profits or the discount is only valid if you use the credit card the mailer came with. Whatever the deal is between them, I am sure they are both making out on it.
Today I want to focus in on putting your advertising in mailers for maximum exposure. Now we all don't have to team up with credit card companies. You probably already send out mail for your business. Maybe they are invoices or some kind of notice to your already existing customers about a payment. Whatever the mail is about, now is the time to use every bit of that weight the postal service gives you for that stamp you just paid for.
So what do I mean? Very simply put, when you mail out your next invoice, make sure that mailing includes other information. It could be a coupon for a discount on your customer's next purchase or next time they use your service, or even better, some kind of promotion that lets your already existing customer know, that if they refer someone for whatever it is you sell or service you provide, they will receive a significant discount on their next purchase or usage.
What is significant? You will have to decide that for yourself so that you are not undercutting your profit margin just to gain one customer. I will tell you this though, research I have read shows that 35% is considered a significant discount. Now maybe that is a bit steep for you, so offer something else. Maybe you hang drywall for a living. Instead of offering a 35% discount, offer to the customer that if they purchase the paint, you will paint the room you just drywalled. Again, you will have to decide what is right for you and your business.
A friend of mine owns a rental property repair business. He tells me when he goes to work on an apartment, especially in an apartment complex that has many units, he and his staff will take about an hour out of their day and put flyers up on doors of other apartments. These flyers read something to the affect of, asking the tenant to put the flyer they put on their door in with their next rent payment they are to send to the landlord. There is other information on there which makes the offer more intriguing to the tenant to follow through, but you get the point. My friend is getting his promotion material in front of the person that will make the decision as to who to use to fix up the apartments. Best part, he didn't have to spend a dime on postage, only to print the flyers, and we all know how cheap they are to print.
As you can see these are just a few examples of great ideas to help expand your business through mailers. Customize a mailer program for your business, and it is sure to increase in no time.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
Although I would not qualify this as creative as it is more common sense, but you would be surprised as to how many people overlook the obvious on the simplest of things.
I am sure you have a credit card of some sort, if you don't, my goodness how did you get to this point without one. In all seriousness though, when I receive my credit card statement, there is always extra material or mailers included. It could be to buy a new radio, a discount on a plane ticket and so on. These credit card companies have teamed up with others to make these offers. In turn, they probably split the postage, profits or the discount is only valid if you use the credit card the mailer came with. Whatever the deal is between them, I am sure they are both making out on it.
Today I want to focus in on putting your advertising in mailers for maximum exposure. Now we all don't have to team up with credit card companies. You probably already send out mail for your business. Maybe they are invoices or some kind of notice to your already existing customers about a payment. Whatever the mail is about, now is the time to use every bit of that weight the postal service gives you for that stamp you just paid for.
So what do I mean? Very simply put, when you mail out your next invoice, make sure that mailing includes other information. It could be a coupon for a discount on your customer's next purchase or next time they use your service, or even better, some kind of promotion that lets your already existing customer know, that if they refer someone for whatever it is you sell or service you provide, they will receive a significant discount on their next purchase or usage.
What is significant? You will have to decide that for yourself so that you are not undercutting your profit margin just to gain one customer. I will tell you this though, research I have read shows that 35% is considered a significant discount. Now maybe that is a bit steep for you, so offer something else. Maybe you hang drywall for a living. Instead of offering a 35% discount, offer to the customer that if they purchase the paint, you will paint the room you just drywalled. Again, you will have to decide what is right for you and your business.
A friend of mine owns a rental property repair business. He tells me when he goes to work on an apartment, especially in an apartment complex that has many units, he and his staff will take about an hour out of their day and put flyers up on doors of other apartments. These flyers read something to the affect of, asking the tenant to put the flyer they put on their door in with their next rent payment they are to send to the landlord. There is other information on there which makes the offer more intriguing to the tenant to follow through, but you get the point. My friend is getting his promotion material in front of the person that will make the decision as to who to use to fix up the apartments. Best part, he didn't have to spend a dime on postage, only to print the flyers, and we all know how cheap they are to print.
As you can see these are just a few examples of great ideas to help expand your business through mailers. Customize a mailer program for your business, and it is sure to increase in no time.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
How To Affectively Use Coupons For Your Business
I am sure you get all kinds of mail, email, Sunday circulars and so much more, that contain a plethora of coupons. Whether you are looking for a lower price on butter, a new ceramic or Lenox eagle for the fireplace mantle, chances are there is some kind of coupon for it.
That is what we are going to focus in on today in this article and that is the use of coupons, and more importantly, how to use them effectively.
First off lets start off with what a coupon is and why you would use one in the first place. Unless you just woke up from a long, and I mean a long winter's nap, chances are you have heard of coupons. They are small snippets of paper that you cut out of your newspaper on Sunday morning, or get receive in the mail, and use to save some money.
Companies use coupons for a lot of different reasons, such as the obvious, getting people to buy their products. However, they are also used as great marketing devices. The tracking of coupons can let you know in what parts of the world, the country or whatever demographic you cater to, where and which products you sell are purchased most often. Imagine that you sell more widgets in Nevada then anywhere else, and sell none in Ohio, and you found this out through tracking your coupons. The answer is obvious as to where you put your advertising dollars for widgets, and where you would put your efforts on finding why no one likes widgets in Ohio.
As a consumer here is how a coupon works. You are looking through your Sunday paper and see a piece of paper that reads, "Save $0.20 on your favorite Salad dressing, cut me out". So you do and the next time you go shopping, you buy the dressing and save money on it. I know the first thing you are saying is, the amount isn't significant, however it is not the amount that is important here. The consumer already likes the salad dressing, maybe would have purchased it anyway, but what that twenty cents does do is stop the consumer from trying another brand of the same type of salad dressing. This is another good use for a coupon.
You can also use coupons to increase your customer base, and that is done with coupons that are a significant decrease in what you charge. For instance, lets say you clean carpets. You normally charge $50 per room, but you are offering a coupon that reads, that you will clean two rooms for free with a four room purchase. Sounds like a huge decrease, but you are getting a ton of information from your coupon marketing campaign. Again, you are tracking where your business is coming from, but more importantly it is getting you in front of people that may refer you to others that they know. So in turn, one coupon can land you multiple clients. Also, you now have the customers contact information. Lets say the industry norm to clean carpets is every six months. Guess what, you have their contact information, you can mail out, call, etc., letting them know it is time to clean the carpets again. You can virtually build a year round business of repeat customers.
I know it is a lot to digest in one article. Coupons are a great way to help increase your customer base as well as sales. You may have thought of some creative ways to use them as well, and if they work, that is wonderful, just don't forget to use them, and use them often.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
That is what we are going to focus in on today in this article and that is the use of coupons, and more importantly, how to use them effectively.
First off lets start off with what a coupon is and why you would use one in the first place. Unless you just woke up from a long, and I mean a long winter's nap, chances are you have heard of coupons. They are small snippets of paper that you cut out of your newspaper on Sunday morning, or get receive in the mail, and use to save some money.
Companies use coupons for a lot of different reasons, such as the obvious, getting people to buy their products. However, they are also used as great marketing devices. The tracking of coupons can let you know in what parts of the world, the country or whatever demographic you cater to, where and which products you sell are purchased most often. Imagine that you sell more widgets in Nevada then anywhere else, and sell none in Ohio, and you found this out through tracking your coupons. The answer is obvious as to where you put your advertising dollars for widgets, and where you would put your efforts on finding why no one likes widgets in Ohio.
As a consumer here is how a coupon works. You are looking through your Sunday paper and see a piece of paper that reads, "Save $0.20 on your favorite Salad dressing, cut me out". So you do and the next time you go shopping, you buy the dressing and save money on it. I know the first thing you are saying is, the amount isn't significant, however it is not the amount that is important here. The consumer already likes the salad dressing, maybe would have purchased it anyway, but what that twenty cents does do is stop the consumer from trying another brand of the same type of salad dressing. This is another good use for a coupon.
You can also use coupons to increase your customer base, and that is done with coupons that are a significant decrease in what you charge. For instance, lets say you clean carpets. You normally charge $50 per room, but you are offering a coupon that reads, that you will clean two rooms for free with a four room purchase. Sounds like a huge decrease, but you are getting a ton of information from your coupon marketing campaign. Again, you are tracking where your business is coming from, but more importantly it is getting you in front of people that may refer you to others that they know. So in turn, one coupon can land you multiple clients. Also, you now have the customers contact information. Lets say the industry norm to clean carpets is every six months. Guess what, you have their contact information, you can mail out, call, etc., letting them know it is time to clean the carpets again. You can virtually build a year round business of repeat customers.
I know it is a lot to digest in one article. Coupons are a great way to help increase your customer base as well as sales. You may have thought of some creative ways to use them as well, and if they work, that is wonderful, just don't forget to use them, and use them often.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Look To Current Customers For Business Help
You are running a business that you really love. It has been a couple of years since you got it off the ground, you worked through all those tough times in the beginning and things really seem to be moving along.
However, you still feel like something is missing. You feel as if it is not moving as fast as you would like, or you have hit a lull in sales.
So you start contemplating, maybe you should spend more on advertising, change your marketing campaign or even hire more sales personnel.
Before you do that, maybe you should take an unofficial survey of your own business. When I tell people that, they all look at me probably the same way you are looking at the computer screen right now. With a little confusing face wrinkle and some head scratching you are curious as to what an official survey is and who exactly are you surveying.
Both questions you wonder, are very easy to answer. To answer question number one an unofficial survey that I am referring to is one in which you ask random people a series of questions in regards to your business, what you are selling and so on. They can range from, "rate your satisfaction level of the product your purchased", to "One a scale of one through ten, rate our customer service." You get the idea.
You want to create a series of questions, all geared toward finding answers about your business, what you sell, how your staff is doing, and ideas that can make your company better. Then, with these questions in hand you ask people to participate in answering them for you, which brings us to answer question number two. Who exactly are we surveying.
When business is sluggish, maybe sales are down, or maybe things have gotten stale, there are no better people to ask then your own customers. They are perfect for the question list you just put together. The reason being, is they have already done business with your company, so obviously they like what you have to offer. You are trying to find out, why they chose you in the first place, and what else they would like to see out of your company to make buying from you an even more enjoyable process.
Customers are a huge source of information. Most, if not all, have already done their research on why they chose you in the first place, and can offer some insight on other options they liked about your competitors, that you may be able to implement into your own business.
You will want to ask as many different customers as you possibly can. The more the better of course. Armed with this information, you can create a plan of attack on how to make some changes that could spark more interest and even better more sales into your business.
As you can see, this great idea to help your business is not very complicated, easy to put together, can be a fun project for your entire team if you hold competitions and things of that nature, and in the end, everyone benefits. So go ahead, give it a try and I am sure you will learn things about your business, you never even knew existed.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
However, you still feel like something is missing. You feel as if it is not moving as fast as you would like, or you have hit a lull in sales.
So you start contemplating, maybe you should spend more on advertising, change your marketing campaign or even hire more sales personnel.
Before you do that, maybe you should take an unofficial survey of your own business. When I tell people that, they all look at me probably the same way you are looking at the computer screen right now. With a little confusing face wrinkle and some head scratching you are curious as to what an official survey is and who exactly are you surveying.
Both questions you wonder, are very easy to answer. To answer question number one an unofficial survey that I am referring to is one in which you ask random people a series of questions in regards to your business, what you are selling and so on. They can range from, "rate your satisfaction level of the product your purchased", to "One a scale of one through ten, rate our customer service." You get the idea.
You want to create a series of questions, all geared toward finding answers about your business, what you sell, how your staff is doing, and ideas that can make your company better. Then, with these questions in hand you ask people to participate in answering them for you, which brings us to answer question number two. Who exactly are we surveying.
When business is sluggish, maybe sales are down, or maybe things have gotten stale, there are no better people to ask then your own customers. They are perfect for the question list you just put together. The reason being, is they have already done business with your company, so obviously they like what you have to offer. You are trying to find out, why they chose you in the first place, and what else they would like to see out of your company to make buying from you an even more enjoyable process.
Customers are a huge source of information. Most, if not all, have already done their research on why they chose you in the first place, and can offer some insight on other options they liked about your competitors, that you may be able to implement into your own business.
You will want to ask as many different customers as you possibly can. The more the better of course. Armed with this information, you can create a plan of attack on how to make some changes that could spark more interest and even better more sales into your business.
As you can see, this great idea to help your business is not very complicated, easy to put together, can be a fun project for your entire team if you hold competitions and things of that nature, and in the end, everyone benefits. So go ahead, give it a try and I am sure you will learn things about your business, you never even knew existed.
By: Bruce A. Tucker
About the Author:
Bruce A. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online resource that allows businesses and individuals to post their products and services for sale in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world. To learn more about how you can earn extra income from your Blog with Indocquent`s, Promos by IDQ campaign, visit their website at http://www.indocquent.com/index_files/promosbyidq.htm.
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