Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope you're having a super day and getting ready for a fantastic weekend! It's my day off tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it. Today's article is about "Tracking Is Your Key to Riches"!
If You do direct marketing online than today's article will be helpful to understand the importance of tracking and testing. You need to test things and always do testing because you'll learn what doesn't work and where not to spend your marketing money, read more below...
Quote of the Day
In this life we get only those things for which we hunt, for which we strive, and for which we are willing to sacrifice.
~ George Matthew Adams ~
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Why No Online Marketing is a Failure
(It's Only a Test!)
by Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen"
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Just yesterday a colleague of mine, whom I'll call "Sandy," asked my advice about marketing her new information product online. She saw some of my banner ads on a particular Web site, and wanted to know if she should put her own up there.
I said they didn't work that well for me, but I suggested she try it, because it was a site often visited by her target market.
"But how do I know it will work for me?" she said.
"You don't," I answered.
"What?" she said.
"Test it!" I said. "Try it and see how it works for you."
Test, Test, and Test Again
I then shared with her one of the most important concepts I've learned over the past five years of studying Internet marketing millionaires.
Here are people who have each made millions from selling information online.
But they didn't just become millionaires out of the blue with their first idea and their first marketing strategy. They had failures. In fact, after talking with them, I learned they had MANY failures.
I looked at these people, and tried to imagine them "failing." It was hard. After all, there they were, teaching us what works.
But they'd failed many times. They tried something, it didn't work, and then they moved on to another strategy. They TESTED things, and they still always do test things.
If I tried something online and it didn't work, I saw it as a failure. But they just see it as a test.
It's Time to Reprogram Your Mind
In school, if we didn't have the right answer, we "failed." But in marketing, that's complete bull.
In marketing, if we don't get the right answer, we LEARN. We learn what does not work and where not to spend our marketing money anymore. That's damn valuable information!
Now, I know this concept may seem like a "duh" to you, because it did to me too. I heard stories over and over about testing, but every time I did, my mind answered back, "Of course ... I know that."
Isn't it funny how our minds assume we know things? But we don't really know something unless we're DOING it, day after day.
I thought I knew what was working and what wasn't working, but how could I when I wasn't tracking anything?
And also, how could I take others' marketing advice without seeing if their advice was really working for ME?
Tracking Is Your Key to Riches
So I started tracking and testing.
Five years ago, I couldn't even tell you how many visitors I was getting to my site every month. Now I can tell you not only how many unique visitors I get, but how many of them on an average buy my product, how many of them sign up for my e-zines, the maximum I should spend to get a visitor to my site, and more. Knowing this information has helped me TRIPLE my income over the last two years.
Tracking and testing is not as hard as you think. The beauty of any type of direct marketing, especially online marketing, is your ability to track results.
Now, in Sandy's example above, she needs some type of ad tracker program that assigns a special link to her ad. Even better, this program should be linked to her shopping cart, so she can see how many clicks directly turned into sales. (For this purpose, I highly recommend 1ShoppingCart.)
For her Web site, she should track how many visitors she has each month compared with how many sales she has each month. Her reporting program should tell her how many unique visitors she has on her site (not just "hits," which is useless). And if it doesn't tell her that, she should use WebStat -- an inexpensive program that makes it very easy to read these reports.
Sandy should extend this tracking mentality to every type of marketing she does -- even her free teleclasses. For every teleclass she teaches, she should track how many of those folks sign up for her e-zine and how many buy her product right away.
See where I'm going with this? The numbers don't lie, and once you start seeing the light, marketing will become much more painless. Just stop doing what doesn't work, and put more energy into what does.
THEN, you won't look back and see any failures. You'll only see "tests." : )
© 2003-2006 Alexandria K. Brown
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WANT TO SEE MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Alexandria's Small Business Marketing Blog.
Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," publishes the award-winning 'Straight Shooter Marketing' weekly ezine with 18,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.EzineQueen.com
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Have yourself a Super Friday and a great weekend!
Mar 31, 2006
Mar 30, 2006
Look, Listen, Learn!
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Today's article is great and says it all... "Look, Listen and Learn"! Everyone should be reading different articles on "Network Marketing" and learn from what You read and implement where or as needed.
Read more below...
Quote of the Day!
“Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."
Napoleon Hill
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Network Marketing Does Not Only Build
Serious Business, It Also Builds You
by Aliyu Odumosu
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Network Marketing is an easy way for an ordinary person to build a massive worldwide business. The business you build is just like any other business but with many of the hassles removed.
You have a group of people who work directly and indirectly for you but they are not employees, you have many products or services for sale just like in any other business type and you continue to market and advertise your products just like in other business types.
The only difference is that in network marketing business you are free from warehouse, payroll, huge capital investment, office rent and other hassles traditional type of business can bring. You are left with a pure and practical way of building a successful business very fast. All you will ever need to bring to the table is...YOU.
Even though the company may supply you with the best tools and systems in the industry, without the 'YOU' factor you will not succeed. It starts from within. You have to beleive in the industry. You have to believe in yourself that you can be successful in the industry.
The 'YOU' factor is the most important ingredient you can take to any business. In network marketing, if you lack qualities of an entrepreneur/leader, your sponsors/uplines are always there to help you to build the 'YOU' factor. Network marketing business is a business where people help one another to succeed in life.
Ask anyone that has been in the business for a long time and they will tell you that the most important benefit of network marketing business is that it can build a new 'YOU', It can make you a person that succeeds in any venture in life. Once you are built into a strong, positive and optimistic person, you can assure yourself of success whatever you do. That alone is more than the monetary benefits of network marketing business.
The weekly/monthly training, the success news you get through newsletters, weely goals setting, time management training, financial training, leadership training, and so on can make YOU a better person. Once you learn how to get out of your comfort zone few times, you'll notice how massively your life has changed. You'll not only notice within you, but also on your pay check.
So if you are still considering joining network marketing business, I suggest you go for it for this benefit alone. Take it as your life training school and very soon you'll thank yourself for making that decision.
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Have yourself a Super Thursday!
Today's article is great and says it all... "Look, Listen and Learn"! Everyone should be reading different articles on "Network Marketing" and learn from what You read and implement where or as needed.
Read more below...
Quote of the Day!
“Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."
Napoleon Hill
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Network Marketing Does Not Only Build
Serious Business, It Also Builds You
by Aliyu Odumosu
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Network Marketing is an easy way for an ordinary person to build a massive worldwide business. The business you build is just like any other business but with many of the hassles removed.
You have a group of people who work directly and indirectly for you but they are not employees, you have many products or services for sale just like in any other business type and you continue to market and advertise your products just like in other business types.
The only difference is that in network marketing business you are free from warehouse, payroll, huge capital investment, office rent and other hassles traditional type of business can bring. You are left with a pure and practical way of building a successful business very fast. All you will ever need to bring to the table is...YOU.
Even though the company may supply you with the best tools and systems in the industry, without the 'YOU' factor you will not succeed. It starts from within. You have to beleive in the industry. You have to believe in yourself that you can be successful in the industry.
The 'YOU' factor is the most important ingredient you can take to any business. In network marketing, if you lack qualities of an entrepreneur/leader, your sponsors/uplines are always there to help you to build the 'YOU' factor. Network marketing business is a business where people help one another to succeed in life.
Ask anyone that has been in the business for a long time and they will tell you that the most important benefit of network marketing business is that it can build a new 'YOU', It can make you a person that succeeds in any venture in life. Once you are built into a strong, positive and optimistic person, you can assure yourself of success whatever you do. That alone is more than the monetary benefits of network marketing business.
The weekly/monthly training, the success news you get through newsletters, weely goals setting, time management training, financial training, leadership training, and so on can make YOU a better person. Once you learn how to get out of your comfort zone few times, you'll notice how massively your life has changed. You'll not only notice within you, but also on your pay check.
So if you are still considering joining network marketing business, I suggest you go for it for this benefit alone. Take it as your life training school and very soon you'll thank yourself for making that decision.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Thursday!
Mar 29, 2006
Hidden Profits...
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day has started off beautifully! Today's article is about hidden profits in "spare change" time. Today, try these alternatives Jim is sharing a "one-day challenge" while waiting for your computer to finish a task! Read more below...
Bits of Wisdom
It is not your position that makes You happy or unhappy - it's your disposition.
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Discover Hidden Profits in "Spare Change" Time
by Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
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Fact: Take the spare change out of your pocket every night and put it in a child's piggy bank. At the end of a year you will have at least a hundred dollars to spend as you wish.
Now take this same principle and discover the huge payoff in the "spare change" time you've been wasting all these years.
How often do you sit in front of your computer and wait?
Everyone waits for the computer to reboot, restart, unlock,"scandisk", "defrag", finish printing, download a file from the Internet or generally accomplish tasks that have you sitting twiddling your thumbs for at least 60 to 90 seconds or more.
The shocking truth is that those one, two and three minute nuggets of time contain the seeds for accomplishing all the tasks you never seem to have enough minutes in the day to finish.
Computers represent a double-edged sword. On the one hand,they are supposed to save us time by efficiently helping us with big tasks such as balancing our checkbooks, running our businesses, and doing our taxes.
In reality, it seems the time computers save you gets sucked right back up in time-consuming tasks such as installing software, scanning for viruses and waiting for the computer to restart!
Think about the spare change in the piggy bank example. Now use that same principle to your advantage by developing an awareness of how you spend your "pocket change" time in front of the computer every day.
Small bits of wasted time add up quickly over the course of a day, week, year - all of it in 2 to 3 minute increments. Fifteen wasted minutes a day equals well over 1 ½ productive weeks wasted per year!
Take this "one-day challenge".
Today, try these alternatives to sitting and watching the "hourglass" on your monitor while waiting for your computer to finish a task!
~ Organize your desk
~ Sharpen your pencils
~ Make a quick phone call
~ Check your "to-do" list; if you don't have a "to-do" list make one
~ Write a fast note to a friend
~ Put in a load of laundry
~ Go to the bathroom
~ Get another cup of coffee
~ Pay a bill
~ Catch up your checkbook entries
~ Pick up your office
~ Brainstorm an idea
~ Stand up and stretch
~ Day-dream for about a happy thought for 90 seconds!
Carefully watch how much time you spend in front of the computer waiting for it to do something and then see how many things you can accomplish with that time.
Nothing could reward you more than developing a consciousness about how you spend those spare moments that add up to enough time to write a book, take a trip with your family or take positive actions that will change your life forever.
Use your "spare change" time to accomplish the things you claim you never find time to finish!
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist (www.TheNetReporter.com) and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to work less, get paid more... and have tons more fun!
"The Lazy Man's Guide to Online Business"
Are YOU a "Lazy Achiever"? "The Lazy Man's Guide to Online Business" How to Work Less, get Paid More and have tons more Fun! Proven tips, tricks, techniques and strategies of Superstar "Lazy Achievers"!
Click=> www.GetMoreDoneFaster.com
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Have yourself a Super Wednesday!
Hope your day has started off beautifully! Today's article is about hidden profits in "spare change" time. Today, try these alternatives Jim is sharing a "one-day challenge" while waiting for your computer to finish a task! Read more below...
Bits of Wisdom
It is not your position that makes You happy or unhappy - it's your disposition.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Discover Hidden Profits in "Spare Change" Time
by Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Fact: Take the spare change out of your pocket every night and put it in a child's piggy bank. At the end of a year you will have at least a hundred dollars to spend as you wish.
Now take this same principle and discover the huge payoff in the "spare change" time you've been wasting all these years.
How often do you sit in front of your computer and wait?
Everyone waits for the computer to reboot, restart, unlock,"scandisk", "defrag", finish printing, download a file from the Internet or generally accomplish tasks that have you sitting twiddling your thumbs for at least 60 to 90 seconds or more.
The shocking truth is that those one, two and three minute nuggets of time contain the seeds for accomplishing all the tasks you never seem to have enough minutes in the day to finish.
Computers represent a double-edged sword. On the one hand,they are supposed to save us time by efficiently helping us with big tasks such as balancing our checkbooks, running our businesses, and doing our taxes.
In reality, it seems the time computers save you gets sucked right back up in time-consuming tasks such as installing software, scanning for viruses and waiting for the computer to restart!
Think about the spare change in the piggy bank example. Now use that same principle to your advantage by developing an awareness of how you spend your "pocket change" time in front of the computer every day.
Small bits of wasted time add up quickly over the course of a day, week, year - all of it in 2 to 3 minute increments. Fifteen wasted minutes a day equals well over 1 ½ productive weeks wasted per year!
Take this "one-day challenge".
Today, try these alternatives to sitting and watching the "hourglass" on your monitor while waiting for your computer to finish a task!
~ Organize your desk
~ Sharpen your pencils
~ Make a quick phone call
~ Check your "to-do" list; if you don't have a "to-do" list make one
~ Write a fast note to a friend
~ Put in a load of laundry
~ Go to the bathroom
~ Get another cup of coffee
~ Pay a bill
~ Catch up your checkbook entries
~ Pick up your office
~ Brainstorm an idea
~ Stand up and stretch
~ Day-dream for about a happy thought for 90 seconds!
Carefully watch how much time you spend in front of the computer waiting for it to do something and then see how many things you can accomplish with that time.
Nothing could reward you more than developing a consciousness about how you spend those spare moments that add up to enough time to write a book, take a trip with your family or take positive actions that will change your life forever.
Use your "spare change" time to accomplish the things you claim you never find time to finish!
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist (www.TheNetReporter.com) and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to work less, get paid more... and have tons more fun!
"The Lazy Man's Guide to Online Business"
Are YOU a "Lazy Achiever"? "The Lazy Man's Guide to Online Business" How to Work Less, get Paid More and have tons more Fun! Proven tips, tricks, techniques and strategies of Superstar "Lazy Achievers"!
Click=> www.GetMoreDoneFaster.com
-=-
Have yourself a Super Wednesday!
Mar 28, 2006
Traits of a Leader...
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that your enjoying this fine day so far! Here's a tip to help You get started on your journey of Network Marketing for those of You who are newbies, read more below...
Bits Of Wisdom
If at first You don't succeed, you're like everyone else!
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Character Traits of a Leader
by Terry Stewart
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Do you ever wonder what character traits are needed to become a successful leader in network marketing. Network marketing is a very hard business to do it is not a get rich vehicle. This industry needs a certain type of person to be successful.
To build a down line which can earn you a residual income you need to become a leader who leads by example so your organisation duplicates you. You Need seven traits:
* Drive
* Persistence
* Teachability
* Thick Skin
* Positive Attitude
* Compassion
* Vision
As the leader of your organisation you need to have drive. Drive for yourself so that your group can see and feel your drive and they will follow in your Footsteps. Imagine that you have two children a large mortgage to pay and not a lot of income coming in. Circumstance like that will give you the drive to Succeed through the bad times.
You also need to have persistence a good leader knows that you need to keep going . All to often people stop just as they are about to get some where they stop one yard in front of the finishing line. A true successful marketer will keep on until they achieve their goals.
You must be teachable only then can you rise up and become a leader. How Can you lead if you do not know what it takes to be a leader. You can not you run before you can walk, so if you don't know what it takes to lead how can advise your organisation.
As I said previously network marketing is a hard business. So you need to Develop a thick skin to see you through to achieve your goals. There will be people out there who will criticise and knock you every turn you make. No one has ever attained success without first enduring a withering hail of criticism from friend and foe alike.
Another important trait to have is a positive attitude, When you are seen with a positive attitude it spreads through your organisation. You cannot have encourage Others If your thinking is pessimistic and downbeat. Positive thinking is essential for a leader.
It is very easy for leaders to fall into the trap of thinking people in their downline as Just tools or instruments to do with as they will. They would motivate the group far better by Showing some compassion. Compassion is the another trait needed for leaders in networking marketing. People tend to react better when shown a little encouragement as opposed to being relentlessly driven.
To get all your organisation pointing in the same direction at once you need to have a vision which can be shared by the whole group. The key to having a vision is to get your whole group believing in it and pulling in the same direction.
So you see the seven traits when all used in conjunction can help you become a successful Leader and in turn your organisation will duplicate you. The benefit of this is obvious to See you will get other leaders in your group, your group will become self sufficient and you will have residual income for ever.
Have yourself a Super Tuesday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that your enjoying this fine day so far! Here's a tip to help You get started on your journey of Network Marketing for those of You who are newbies, read more below...
Bits Of Wisdom
If at first You don't succeed, you're like everyone else!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Character Traits of a Leader
by Terry Stewart
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Do you ever wonder what character traits are needed to become a successful leader in network marketing. Network marketing is a very hard business to do it is not a get rich vehicle. This industry needs a certain type of person to be successful.
To build a down line which can earn you a residual income you need to become a leader who leads by example so your organisation duplicates you. You Need seven traits:
* Drive
* Persistence
* Teachability
* Thick Skin
* Positive Attitude
* Compassion
* Vision
As the leader of your organisation you need to have drive. Drive for yourself so that your group can see and feel your drive and they will follow in your Footsteps. Imagine that you have two children a large mortgage to pay and not a lot of income coming in. Circumstance like that will give you the drive to Succeed through the bad times.
You also need to have persistence a good leader knows that you need to keep going . All to often people stop just as they are about to get some where they stop one yard in front of the finishing line. A true successful marketer will keep on until they achieve their goals.
You must be teachable only then can you rise up and become a leader. How Can you lead if you do not know what it takes to be a leader. You can not you run before you can walk, so if you don't know what it takes to lead how can advise your organisation.
As I said previously network marketing is a hard business. So you need to Develop a thick skin to see you through to achieve your goals. There will be people out there who will criticise and knock you every turn you make. No one has ever attained success without first enduring a withering hail of criticism from friend and foe alike.
Another important trait to have is a positive attitude, When you are seen with a positive attitude it spreads through your organisation. You cannot have encourage Others If your thinking is pessimistic and downbeat. Positive thinking is essential for a leader.
It is very easy for leaders to fall into the trap of thinking people in their downline as Just tools or instruments to do with as they will. They would motivate the group far better by Showing some compassion. Compassion is the another trait needed for leaders in networking marketing. People tend to react better when shown a little encouragement as opposed to being relentlessly driven.
To get all your organisation pointing in the same direction at once you need to have a vision which can be shared by the whole group. The key to having a vision is to get your whole group believing in it and pulling in the same direction.
So you see the seven traits when all used in conjunction can help you become a successful Leader and in turn your organisation will duplicate you. The benefit of this is obvious to See you will get other leaders in your group, your group will become self sufficient and you will have residual income for ever.
Have yourself a Super Tuesday!
Mar 27, 2006
Business & Relationship
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that You enjoyed your weekend! Today's article is about business and relationships. Take a look at some of Michael Angier recent experiences and see for yourself how important relationships can become, read more below. . .
Daily Thought
"Success is just a matter of attitude"
- Darcy E. Gibbons -
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Business is All About Relationship
by - Michael Angier , founder and CIO
www.SuccessNet.org
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
I live in a small metropolitan area with only about 110,000 people. And it seems even smaller than that.
I’ve been doing business in this community for over 20 years. I’ve worked in non-profits, sales, publishing, printing, construction and now Internet publishing.
Very little of my business is now local. But I often run into people from previous business relationships. Like me, many of these people are in different businesses—some in different careers altogether.
It struck me how much my present business relationships have to do with my previous ones. I’ve found it easy to recreate rapport and establish trust with folks I’ve had good dealings with before. When I know someone and have confidence in their word, doing business with them becomes easier.
I just had lunch with someone whom I’ve known and worked with since 1983. All of our dealings have not been positive. In fact he was hurt financially by some poor business decisions I made in the early 90s. Even so, our friendship weathered that storm because of the depth of the relationship.
I’ve not always been successful, but I strive to have an excellent relationship with everyone. It doesn’t seem possible all the time, but it’s worth striving for nonetheless.
Marketing gurus recommend that we should be mindful of the lifetime value of a customer—to look not only at the profit from an initial sale. It’s good advice. And I would take it a step further: Be mindful of the lifetime value of a RELATIONSHIP—not just a customer.
One of the key concepts we talked about at a recent World Class Business Conference was the importance of relationships in business. I went so far as to say that business is really a network of communication against a background of relationships.
And it’s not just relationships with customers—it’s with suppliers, coworkers, stakeholders—even competitors.
As some of my recent encounters have pointed out, some relationships are completely reversed from what they used to be. Customers can now be employers. Competitors can now be customers. Coworkers may now be bosses.
Today, with the Internet, our business world becomes even smaller. We do business with people around the world, but it’s really still a fairly small community. As I talk with other entrepreneurs online, we seem to know many of the same people.
In a few years, we may each be doing something a bit different. And the relationships we have and build today will serve us in the future in direct proportion to the quality and integrity we create.
It’s important that we cultivate and nurture our relationships. Being honest, playing win-win and treating people fairly isn’t just a moral thing to do—it’s good business—now, and in the future.
Action Point
Do you focus on the deal or do you create relationships? Every business transaction is a PERSONAL transaction, so make every effort to enhance your relationship with this person. Nurture your relationships through honest, fair and friendly exchanges.
Related Articles & Resources
Top Ten Reasons to Live a Life of Integrity
www.successnet.org/topten/TTintegrity.htm
Your Agreements Show Your Integrity
successnet.org/articles/angier-agreements.htm
Are You Making New Connections?
www.successnet.org/articles/angier-newconnections.htm
-=-=-
Copyright Michael Angier & Success Networks International.
Used with Permission.
Michael Angier is the founder and president of SuccessNet. Their mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best--personally and professionally.
Download their free eBooklet, 10 ESSENTIAL KEYS TO PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS from www.SuccessNet.org/keys.htm or by sending a blank email to keys@SuccessNet.org.
More free subscriptions, books and SuccessMark Cards are available at www.SuccessNet.org.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Monday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that You enjoyed your weekend! Today's article is about business and relationships. Take a look at some of Michael Angier recent experiences and see for yourself how important relationships can become, read more below. . .
Daily Thought
"Success is just a matter of attitude"
- Darcy E. Gibbons -
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Business is All About Relationship
by - Michael Angier , founder and CIO
www.SuccessNet.org
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
I live in a small metropolitan area with only about 110,000 people. And it seems even smaller than that.
I’ve been doing business in this community for over 20 years. I’ve worked in non-profits, sales, publishing, printing, construction and now Internet publishing.
Very little of my business is now local. But I often run into people from previous business relationships. Like me, many of these people are in different businesses—some in different careers altogether.
It struck me how much my present business relationships have to do with my previous ones. I’ve found it easy to recreate rapport and establish trust with folks I’ve had good dealings with before. When I know someone and have confidence in their word, doing business with them becomes easier.
I just had lunch with someone whom I’ve known and worked with since 1983. All of our dealings have not been positive. In fact he was hurt financially by some poor business decisions I made in the early 90s. Even so, our friendship weathered that storm because of the depth of the relationship.
I’ve not always been successful, but I strive to have an excellent relationship with everyone. It doesn’t seem possible all the time, but it’s worth striving for nonetheless.
Marketing gurus recommend that we should be mindful of the lifetime value of a customer—to look not only at the profit from an initial sale. It’s good advice. And I would take it a step further: Be mindful of the lifetime value of a RELATIONSHIP—not just a customer.
One of the key concepts we talked about at a recent World Class Business Conference was the importance of relationships in business. I went so far as to say that business is really a network of communication against a background of relationships.
And it’s not just relationships with customers—it’s with suppliers, coworkers, stakeholders—even competitors.
As some of my recent encounters have pointed out, some relationships are completely reversed from what they used to be. Customers can now be employers. Competitors can now be customers. Coworkers may now be bosses.
Today, with the Internet, our business world becomes even smaller. We do business with people around the world, but it’s really still a fairly small community. As I talk with other entrepreneurs online, we seem to know many of the same people.
In a few years, we may each be doing something a bit different. And the relationships we have and build today will serve us in the future in direct proportion to the quality and integrity we create.
It’s important that we cultivate and nurture our relationships. Being honest, playing win-win and treating people fairly isn’t just a moral thing to do—it’s good business—now, and in the future.
Action Point
Do you focus on the deal or do you create relationships? Every business transaction is a PERSONAL transaction, so make every effort to enhance your relationship with this person. Nurture your relationships through honest, fair and friendly exchanges.
Related Articles & Resources
Top Ten Reasons to Live a Life of Integrity
www.successnet.org/topten/TTintegrity.htm
Your Agreements Show Your Integrity
successnet.org/articles/angier-agreements.htm
Are You Making New Connections?
www.successnet.org/articles/angier-newconnections.htm
-=-=-
Copyright Michael Angier & Success Networks International.
Used with Permission.
Michael Angier is the founder and president of SuccessNet. Their mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best--personally and professionally.
Download their free eBooklet, 10 ESSENTIAL KEYS TO PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS from www.SuccessNet.org/keys.htm or by sending a blank email to keys@SuccessNet.org.
More free subscriptions, books and SuccessMark Cards are available at www.SuccessNet.org.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Monday!
Mar 26, 2006
Is Your Computer Sick?
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope you're enjoying this fine day and the weekend! Today's article is about viruses and spyware and how they show up on your computer. Regardless of how they get on your system, once in place, they cause no end of headaches and frustration!
Jim shares typical signs You may suffer from infection and steps to follow to identify and then delete the offending code. Read more below...
Quote of the Day!
A feeling of confidence and personal power comes from facing challenges and overcoming them.
~ Brian Tracy ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Is Your Computer Sick?
- by Jim Edwards
©Jim Edwards-All Rights reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Viruses and spyware usually show up on your computer one of two ways.
Either they invade your system with a frontal assault like the Huns attacking the Romans, or they sneak in a back door like a cat burglar.
Either way, once a virus or piece of spyware gets on your system, getting it off can rate harder than curing a severe case of trench foot!
Viruses, malicious programs designed to disrupt normal computing, and spyware, programs intended to literally "spy" on your activities, can enter your computer a number of ways.
Most commonly they enter your system through an email attachment, by sharing files with an infected computer by disk, as a "ride along" with a 3rd party program you install, or through a "back door" port in your computer.
Regardless of how they get on your system, once in place, they cause no end of headaches and frustration.
The following represent typical signs you may suffer from infection by a virus or piece of spyware.
Your computer starts acting oddly by doing things it never did previously.
Your modem starts trying to dial out to the Internet without you initiating a surfing session.
You notice that files start disappearing, the system stalls, runs slowly, or even crashes frequently.
Your computer takes progressively longer to boot up every time you start it or you notice that your available hard drive space has disappeared. Strange popup windows appear, even when you're not surfing the web, or you delete a program and it "magically" reappears next time you boot the system.
If you suspect you a virus or a piece of spyware has invaded your computer, follow these steps to first identify and then delete the offending code:
Step 1 - Back up your important files, but remember to scan these files for viruses before reinstalling to avoid accidentally re-infecting your system.
Step 2 - Update your anti-virus definitions and perform a scan of your hard drive.
If you don't carry virus protection, or you suspect your anti-virus software got corrupted somehow, then log on to www.pandasoftware.com and use the free Panda Active Scan service to check your hard drive for viruses.
Follow the instructions for quarantining and removing the offending files.
Step 3 - Scan your hard drive with an adware, scumware, or spyware detection and removal tool like Adaware www.lavasoft.de/support/download/ or Spybot http://spybot.safer-networking.de/.
Step 4 - In many cases, when the virus or spyware program gets installed with a free utility or game you download from the Web, you must usually uninstall the utility or game to finally get rid of the problem once and for all.
Step 5 - Avoid re-infection by keeping your anti-virus and firewall up-to-date at all times.
As a last resort, if you run into a program you simply can't get rid of, but can figure out the offending file's name, do a search for the file name on Google.com. Often you will find you're not the first victim and may get valuable advice for cleaning up your system.
However, be very careful of the information you find and think twice before modifying any system files.
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use free articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website or affiliate links...
Need MORE TRAFFIC to your website or affiliate links?
"Turn Words Into Traffic" reveals the secrets for driving Thousands of NEW visitors to your website or affiliate links... without spending a dime on advertising!
Click Here> Write Money Making Ezine Articles FAST!
-=-
Have yourself a Super Sunday!
Hope you're enjoying this fine day and the weekend! Today's article is about viruses and spyware and how they show up on your computer. Regardless of how they get on your system, once in place, they cause no end of headaches and frustration!
Jim shares typical signs You may suffer from infection and steps to follow to identify and then delete the offending code. Read more below...
Quote of the Day!
A feeling of confidence and personal power comes from facing challenges and overcoming them.
~ Brian Tracy ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Is Your Computer Sick?
- by Jim Edwards
©Jim Edwards-All Rights reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Viruses and spyware usually show up on your computer one of two ways.
Either they invade your system with a frontal assault like the Huns attacking the Romans, or they sneak in a back door like a cat burglar.
Either way, once a virus or piece of spyware gets on your system, getting it off can rate harder than curing a severe case of trench foot!
Viruses, malicious programs designed to disrupt normal computing, and spyware, programs intended to literally "spy" on your activities, can enter your computer a number of ways.
Most commonly they enter your system through an email attachment, by sharing files with an infected computer by disk, as a "ride along" with a 3rd party program you install, or through a "back door" port in your computer.
Regardless of how they get on your system, once in place, they cause no end of headaches and frustration.
The following represent typical signs you may suffer from infection by a virus or piece of spyware.
Your computer starts acting oddly by doing things it never did previously.
Your modem starts trying to dial out to the Internet without you initiating a surfing session.
You notice that files start disappearing, the system stalls, runs slowly, or even crashes frequently.
Your computer takes progressively longer to boot up every time you start it or you notice that your available hard drive space has disappeared. Strange popup windows appear, even when you're not surfing the web, or you delete a program and it "magically" reappears next time you boot the system.
If you suspect you a virus or a piece of spyware has invaded your computer, follow these steps to first identify and then delete the offending code:
Step 1 - Back up your important files, but remember to scan these files for viruses before reinstalling to avoid accidentally re-infecting your system.
Step 2 - Update your anti-virus definitions and perform a scan of your hard drive.
If you don't carry virus protection, or you suspect your anti-virus software got corrupted somehow, then log on to www.pandasoftware.com and use the free Panda Active Scan service to check your hard drive for viruses.
Follow the instructions for quarantining and removing the offending files.
Step 3 - Scan your hard drive with an adware, scumware, or spyware detection and removal tool like Adaware www.lavasoft.de/support/download/ or Spybot http://spybot.safer-networking.de/.
Step 4 - In many cases, when the virus or spyware program gets installed with a free utility or game you download from the Web, you must usually uninstall the utility or game to finally get rid of the problem once and for all.
Step 5 - Avoid re-infection by keeping your anti-virus and firewall up-to-date at all times.
As a last resort, if you run into a program you simply can't get rid of, but can figure out the offending file's name, do a search for the file name on Google.com. Often you will find you're not the first victim and may get valuable advice for cleaning up your system.
However, be very careful of the information you find and think twice before modifying any system files.
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use free articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website or affiliate links...
Need MORE TRAFFIC to your website or affiliate links?
"Turn Words Into Traffic" reveals the secrets for driving Thousands of NEW visitors to your website or affiliate links... without spending a dime on advertising!
Click Here> Write Money Making Ezine Articles FAST!
-=-
Have yourself a Super Sunday!
Mar 24, 2006
Persuade Anyone...
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope you're having a super day, and getting ready for a fantastic weekend! Today's article is about the power of successfully persuading anyone! The most important abilities to possess is the ability to persuade and influence others. Priya is sharing hot tips to do this effectively, read more below...
Quote of the day!
You must feed your mind even as you feed your body, and to make your mind healthy you must feed it good, nourishing, wholesome thoughts.
- Norman Vincent Peale -
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
7 Tips To Successfully Persuade Anyone
Copyright © Priya Shah
www.priyashah.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The saying "No man is an island" is an undeniable truth. We need the support and cooperation of other people to help us in reaching our goals.
Successful people know that one of the most important abilities to possess is the ability to persuade and influence others.
Here are some hot tips to do this effectively:
1) Enter Their World
Try to put yourself in the other’s shoes and understand the situation from their point of view. Set aside your personal interests and concentrate on them.
Ask yourself if you are them, what would you do? What would be your opinion? Then take the appropriate action that would be beneficial to them.
2) Mirror Their Body Language
People feel comfortable with those who are like them. Copy the person you are trying to create a connection with.
Observe how they act, how they speak, and how they think. If they rub their forehead while they think, act like them. If they speak at a clear and slow pace, try to do the same thing. This is called mirroring.
In due time, the people you're mirroring will subconsciously feel more comfortable with you. It's as if they see themselves in you.
Proceed with caution, however. Do not let them be aware that you are copying them. They might interpret it as mockery and you'll just get into trouble.
3) Be Cheerful and Nice
Did your mother tell you to be nice to people? She was right. People like others who brighten up their day.
Make a sincere compliment to raise their spirits. Little things like these go a long way to breaking the ice and setting the relationship off to a good start.
4) Be Sincere and Trustworthy
Make them feel that whenever they need help or just someone to look up to, you'll always be there to lend a hand. People tend to be more receptive to those they trust.
If you have a boss or client you are trying to please, overdeliver and exceed their expectations. Soon, they will notice your efforts and will be more than glad to grant your request.
5) Provide Them With Compelling Evidence
Explain to them how your ideas or suggestions could be the most effective techniques to implement.
Show them undeniable proof that you have the best product by way of testimonials, before and after scenarios, and detailed comparisons against your competitors.
Just make sure that all your claims are true and verifiable. Always maintain a good reputation.
6) Show Them “What’s In It For Them”
This is the most important thing to remember when persuading anyone. People are self-centered. They always put their own well-being before others.
No matter how close you are to becoming like them or how overwhelming your evidence is, if it does not satisfy the "What's In It For Me?" test, your persuasion efforts will not produce satisfactory results.
If you can prove that your proposal will provide more advantageous benefits to them than to you, they are more likely to accept it.
7) Genuinely Care For Them
Focus more on their interests, desires, needs, and expectations, so you can satisfy their craving for attention, and establish mutual trust and respect.
It also shows that you really care about them and that will make them more likely to trust you and want to work with you.
-=-
Priya Shah is the CEO of eBrand360 www.ebrand360.com/
She writes the Marketing Slave blog marketingslave.com and publishes an internet marketing newsletter www.ebizwhiz.biz.
Subscribe to her Marketing With Blogs eCourse.
-=-
Have Yourself a Super Friday and a Fantastic Weekend!
Hope you're having a super day, and getting ready for a fantastic weekend! Today's article is about the power of successfully persuading anyone! The most important abilities to possess is the ability to persuade and influence others. Priya is sharing hot tips to do this effectively, read more below...
Quote of the day!
You must feed your mind even as you feed your body, and to make your mind healthy you must feed it good, nourishing, wholesome thoughts.
- Norman Vincent Peale -
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
7 Tips To Successfully Persuade Anyone
Copyright © Priya Shah
www.priyashah.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The saying "No man is an island" is an undeniable truth. We need the support and cooperation of other people to help us in reaching our goals.
Successful people know that one of the most important abilities to possess is the ability to persuade and influence others.
Here are some hot tips to do this effectively:
1) Enter Their World
Try to put yourself in the other’s shoes and understand the situation from their point of view. Set aside your personal interests and concentrate on them.
Ask yourself if you are them, what would you do? What would be your opinion? Then take the appropriate action that would be beneficial to them.
2) Mirror Their Body Language
People feel comfortable with those who are like them. Copy the person you are trying to create a connection with.
Observe how they act, how they speak, and how they think. If they rub their forehead while they think, act like them. If they speak at a clear and slow pace, try to do the same thing. This is called mirroring.
In due time, the people you're mirroring will subconsciously feel more comfortable with you. It's as if they see themselves in you.
Proceed with caution, however. Do not let them be aware that you are copying them. They might interpret it as mockery and you'll just get into trouble.
3) Be Cheerful and Nice
Did your mother tell you to be nice to people? She was right. People like others who brighten up their day.
Make a sincere compliment to raise their spirits. Little things like these go a long way to breaking the ice and setting the relationship off to a good start.
4) Be Sincere and Trustworthy
Make them feel that whenever they need help or just someone to look up to, you'll always be there to lend a hand. People tend to be more receptive to those they trust.
If you have a boss or client you are trying to please, overdeliver and exceed their expectations. Soon, they will notice your efforts and will be more than glad to grant your request.
5) Provide Them With Compelling Evidence
Explain to them how your ideas or suggestions could be the most effective techniques to implement.
Show them undeniable proof that you have the best product by way of testimonials, before and after scenarios, and detailed comparisons against your competitors.
Just make sure that all your claims are true and verifiable. Always maintain a good reputation.
6) Show Them “What’s In It For Them”
This is the most important thing to remember when persuading anyone. People are self-centered. They always put their own well-being before others.
No matter how close you are to becoming like them or how overwhelming your evidence is, if it does not satisfy the "What's In It For Me?" test, your persuasion efforts will not produce satisfactory results.
If you can prove that your proposal will provide more advantageous benefits to them than to you, they are more likely to accept it.
7) Genuinely Care For Them
Focus more on their interests, desires, needs, and expectations, so you can satisfy their craving for attention, and establish mutual trust and respect.
It also shows that you really care about them and that will make them more likely to trust you and want to work with you.
-=-
Priya Shah is the CEO of eBrand360 www.ebrand360.com/
She writes the Marketing Slave blog marketingslave.com and publishes an internet marketing newsletter www.ebizwhiz.biz.
Subscribe to her Marketing With Blogs eCourse.
-=-
Have Yourself a Super Friday and a Fantastic Weekend!
Mar 22, 2006
#2-Protect Yourself...
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and you're enjoying this fine day! Last week I posted an article about "Stolen Goods Online". In today's article is the second of 2 articles about rampant theft of ebooks, cd's and other intellectual property on auction sites like eBay.
This second of 2 articles, Jim is sharing how to protect yourself as a *buyer* so You don't get into hot water. You can read the article below...
Stress Tip by www.YourStressMatters.com
"Taking responsibility for your actions means being able to respond to any situation you create by asking before making any decision 'can I live with the consequences?'
~ Dr Rae Baum ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Did You Buy Stolen Merchandise?
- by Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
In a recent article, I wrote about how owners of ebooks, software, CDs and other intellectual property can keep from getting ripped off through online auction sites such as eBay and Yahoo auctions.
By popular request (a slew of emails), we'll now discuss how buyers can avoid receiving stolen, "pirated," or "bootlegged" merchandise via online auction sites.
Nobody wants to knowingly receive stolen merchandise and the following tips should help you avoid trouble.
Digital downloads such as ebooks, MP3 audio files, and software represent the easiest products to sell illegally on an auction site.
The seller obtains a copy of the file, puts up an auction listing, and then delivers the file to the successful bidder(s) via email or website download.
Because it's so easy, that's where many people start their lives of online crime.
Unfortunately for the buyer, this can lead to hot water with the rightful product owner.
** Smart Buying Tips for Digital Download Products:
First, if the person you're buying the product from didn't create the product (they aren't the author), immediately become skeptical.
Do a little research on the author, name of the ebook, and any other information you can find out (Google.com makes a great starting point).
See if you can find where the author is actually selling resell rights to their product and, if in doubt, contact the author to see if others have permission to sell their product at online auctions.
Second, when you see an auction with verbiage such as "Attention eBay Staff: I have full resell rights to this product" get suspicious.
The only reason someone puts that on their auction is if they've gotten shut down before or they're worried they will get shut down if anyone notices them.
A real business person doesn't need to place such a disclaimer on a legitimate auction.
Third, check the seller's feedback. Sometimes, the rightful owner of the ebook or software will purchase the product being sold illegally and then leave negative feedback advising people not to buy from that seller.
** Physical Product Purchase Tips:
Illegal CDs and DVDs represent one of the biggest illegal sellers at online auctions when it comes to music, software, movies and educational courses.
An excellent rule of thumb: if they are selling more than one copy (or have held more than one auction for the same product) you need to dig a little deeper.
Ask the seller how they came into possession of more than one copy, especially if it's an expensive software package or educational course.
Also, ask if the advertised item is an original. If it's a copy, steer clear and do not buy it.
Another warning sign involves a seller with multiple quantities of never-been-opened merchandise selling for pennies on the dollar.
For example, someone selling 20 brand-new Dell computers that regularly go for $1,500 with a "Buy Now" price of only $200 should raise your suspicions.
If you suspect someone of selling stolen merchandise or illegally selling downloadable products, report your suspicions to the auction service immediately via their support link.
Nobody wins when seller theft on auction sites goes unreported and unchallenged.
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the creator of an amazing course that will teach you step-by-step and click-by-click how to finally create your own money-making mini-sites...
"Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU to Painlessly Set Up Your OWN Moneymaking 'Mini' Websites... Without Being a Computer Geek, Buying Expensive Software, or Paying Outrageous Fees To A Webmaster!"
Click Here => www.MiniSiteCreator.com
-=-
Have yourself a Super Wednesday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and you're enjoying this fine day! Last week I posted an article about "Stolen Goods Online". In today's article is the second of 2 articles about rampant theft of ebooks, cd's and other intellectual property on auction sites like eBay.
This second of 2 articles, Jim is sharing how to protect yourself as a *buyer* so You don't get into hot water. You can read the article below...
Stress Tip by www.YourStressMatters.com
"Taking responsibility for your actions means being able to respond to any situation you create by asking before making any decision 'can I live with the consequences?'
~ Dr Rae Baum ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Did You Buy Stolen Merchandise?
- by Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
In a recent article, I wrote about how owners of ebooks, software, CDs and other intellectual property can keep from getting ripped off through online auction sites such as eBay and Yahoo auctions.
By popular request (a slew of emails), we'll now discuss how buyers can avoid receiving stolen, "pirated," or "bootlegged" merchandise via online auction sites.
Nobody wants to knowingly receive stolen merchandise and the following tips should help you avoid trouble.
Digital downloads such as ebooks, MP3 audio files, and software represent the easiest products to sell illegally on an auction site.
The seller obtains a copy of the file, puts up an auction listing, and then delivers the file to the successful bidder(s) via email or website download.
Because it's so easy, that's where many people start their lives of online crime.
Unfortunately for the buyer, this can lead to hot water with the rightful product owner.
** Smart Buying Tips for Digital Download Products:
First, if the person you're buying the product from didn't create the product (they aren't the author), immediately become skeptical.
Do a little research on the author, name of the ebook, and any other information you can find out (Google.com makes a great starting point).
See if you can find where the author is actually selling resell rights to their product and, if in doubt, contact the author to see if others have permission to sell their product at online auctions.
Second, when you see an auction with verbiage such as "Attention eBay Staff: I have full resell rights to this product" get suspicious.
The only reason someone puts that on their auction is if they've gotten shut down before or they're worried they will get shut down if anyone notices them.
A real business person doesn't need to place such a disclaimer on a legitimate auction.
Third, check the seller's feedback. Sometimes, the rightful owner of the ebook or software will purchase the product being sold illegally and then leave negative feedback advising people not to buy from that seller.
** Physical Product Purchase Tips:
Illegal CDs and DVDs represent one of the biggest illegal sellers at online auctions when it comes to music, software, movies and educational courses.
An excellent rule of thumb: if they are selling more than one copy (or have held more than one auction for the same product) you need to dig a little deeper.
Ask the seller how they came into possession of more than one copy, especially if it's an expensive software package or educational course.
Also, ask if the advertised item is an original. If it's a copy, steer clear and do not buy it.
Another warning sign involves a seller with multiple quantities of never-been-opened merchandise selling for pennies on the dollar.
For example, someone selling 20 brand-new Dell computers that regularly go for $1,500 with a "Buy Now" price of only $200 should raise your suspicions.
If you suspect someone of selling stolen merchandise or illegally selling downloadable products, report your suspicions to the auction service immediately via their support link.
Nobody wins when seller theft on auction sites goes unreported and unchallenged.
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the creator of an amazing course that will teach you step-by-step and click-by-click how to finally create your own money-making mini-sites...
"Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU to Painlessly Set Up Your OWN Moneymaking 'Mini' Websites... Without Being a Computer Geek, Buying Expensive Software, or Paying Outrageous Fees To A Webmaster!"
Click Here => www.MiniSiteCreator.com
-=-
Have yourself a Super Wednesday!
Mar 21, 2006
The First Few Words...
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that you're enjoying this fine day! Today's article is about the ART of writing WORDS that makes people buy. The first few words on your website, on your advertising, and in your emails needs to grab your visitor's attention, read more below...
Quote of the Day
“If You concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, You will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."
~ Rabbi Harold Kushner ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Are your website hits turning into sales?
- by Richard Rigoe
© Richard Rigoe - All Rights reserved
www.TheWebsEye.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Copywriting, the art of writing words that make people buy, was recently listed as one of the top ten "hot jobs" in the "new economy".
People pay $100s if not $1,000s for copy that sells. Writing copy that sells is a skill which has to be learned. You need to grab your visitor's attention with the first few words on your website, on your advertising, and in your emails.
If you don't you are losing potential sales.
A few words of killer copy can lead to massive amounts of money. In fact, many people say writing killer copy is the single most valuable money-making skill in the world. It is most certainly true on the internet.
Now YOU too can learn how to write copy that draws your visitors in like a magnet. David Garfinkel is recognized as one of the worlds' best copywriters, if not the best, and he has teamed up with ROIBOT to produce a 12 week interactive multi-media online course called "Killer Copy Tactics."
If you think you could use some help in creating "killer copy", it is worth taking a closer look at what the course has to offer. Click here to find out more!
-=-
Hooooray, the first day of spring yesterday !!!
Have yourself a Super Tuesday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that you're enjoying this fine day! Today's article is about the ART of writing WORDS that makes people buy. The first few words on your website, on your advertising, and in your emails needs to grab your visitor's attention, read more below...
Quote of the Day
“If You concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, You will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."
~ Rabbi Harold Kushner ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Are your website hits turning into sales?
- by Richard Rigoe
© Richard Rigoe - All Rights reserved
www.TheWebsEye.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Copywriting, the art of writing words that make people buy, was recently listed as one of the top ten "hot jobs" in the "new economy".
People pay $100s if not $1,000s for copy that sells. Writing copy that sells is a skill which has to be learned. You need to grab your visitor's attention with the first few words on your website, on your advertising, and in your emails.
If you don't you are losing potential sales.
A few words of killer copy can lead to massive amounts of money. In fact, many people say writing killer copy is the single most valuable money-making skill in the world. It is most certainly true on the internet.
Now YOU too can learn how to write copy that draws your visitors in like a magnet. David Garfinkel is recognized as one of the worlds' best copywriters, if not the best, and he has teamed up with ROIBOT to produce a 12 week interactive multi-media online course called "Killer Copy Tactics."
If you think you could use some help in creating "killer copy", it is worth taking a closer look at what the course has to offer. Click here to find out more!
-=-
Hooooray, the first day of spring yesterday !!!
Have yourself a Super Tuesday!
Mar 20, 2006
Online Copyright Thieves
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that you're enjoying this fine day! In today's article is about Busting Online Copyright Thieves... the Internet, email and the Web make it easier than ever to steal someone else's work. With the most basic skills and a few mouse clicks, someone can take your hard work.
Intellectual property and international copyright laws is expensive and, in many cases, hard to enforce. Don't despair You do have options, Jim shares these three steps, read more below...
Daily Thought
"Experience is not what happens to You; it's what You do with what happens to You."
~ Elbert Hubbard ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Busting Online Copyright Thieves
- by Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
How safe is anyone's copyright online?
Well imagine my surprise when I clicked on a website link to discover that someone had not only copied my website to their server - but was selling my ebook and undercutting me in the process! Some dishonest person operating from Eastern Europe had literally stolen my entire business and I discovered it only by sheer luck.
After some very lengthy and threatening emails I got them shut down, but the question remains, how safe is your copyright online and what can you do to protect it?
Traditionally written works have enjoyed copyright protection not only through the rule of law, but also because of the physical difficulty in stealing another person's work. Let's face it, photocopying a 200 page book rates about as much fun as watching paint dry and at 5 cents a page you're talking a quick ten dollar printing bill.
If you steal someone's book, print up a thousand copies and try to get it onto the local bookstore's shelves, the chances of getting caught rank pretty high.
But the online world has changed those rules and physical safeguards significantly. The Internet, email and the Web make it easier than ever to steal someone else's work. With the most basic skills and a few mouse clicks, someone can take your book, your website, and along with it weeks, months, and even years of your hard work.
Though intellectual property and international copyright laws apply to online works, enforcement of those laws is expensive and, in many cases, hard to enforce.
Well don't despair, you do have options if you find someone has violated your copyright online. Anytime I find someone violating my copyright, which isn't very often, I take these three steps in rapid-fire fashion.
First, make 100% sure the other person realizes they have violated your copyright. You can send them a nice but firm note telling them to stop whatever activity violates your copyright. If that doesn't work move on to step two.
Second, once you know with 100% certainty they understand they have violated your copyright, yet refuse to respond or stop, you need to shut them down by eliminating their ability to do business!
Send them an email with a carbon copy sent to their Internet Service Provider (ISP), their credit card processor, their web hosting company, and even the company that sold them their domain name.
Finally, follow this email up with a hard copy letter to each party sent via registered mail. In the email and letter detail exactly how they have blatantly violated your copyright and you want them to desist immediately.
By taking this approach you can often just bypass the offending party because the companies enabling them to transact business don't want any trouble. If you can show copyright violation they will shut the perpetrator down to avoid getting sued themselves.
Though not foolproof, this strategy can help you when facing down a blatant online copyright violator. Just remember to act quickly, thoroughly and don't hesitate to contact your attorney for advice.
Author's Note: By no means let this article dampen your enthusiasm for operating your business or selling your ebook online!
In my opinion there is no better way to make a living!
Your copyright is basically as safe online as it is offline. However, if a sneak thief entered your home - you'd call the cops. Well, now you know what to do if a sneak thief ever gives you trouble online!
You can also get more information about copyright law by going to http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist (www.TheNetReporter.com) and is the author of several best-selling ebooks, information products and software programs.
Need MORE TRAFFIC to your website or affiliate links?
"Turn Words Into Traffic" reveals the secrets for driving Thousands of NEW visitors to your website or affiliate links... without spending a dime on advertising!
Click Here> Write Money Making Ezine Articles FAST!
-=-
Have yourself a Super Monday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that you're enjoying this fine day! In today's article is about Busting Online Copyright Thieves... the Internet, email and the Web make it easier than ever to steal someone else's work. With the most basic skills and a few mouse clicks, someone can take your hard work.
Intellectual property and international copyright laws is expensive and, in many cases, hard to enforce. Don't despair You do have options, Jim shares these three steps, read more below...
Daily Thought
"Experience is not what happens to You; it's what You do with what happens to You."
~ Elbert Hubbard ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Busting Online Copyright Thieves
- by Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
How safe is anyone's copyright online?
Well imagine my surprise when I clicked on a website link to discover that someone had not only copied my website to their server - but was selling my ebook and undercutting me in the process! Some dishonest person operating from Eastern Europe had literally stolen my entire business and I discovered it only by sheer luck.
After some very lengthy and threatening emails I got them shut down, but the question remains, how safe is your copyright online and what can you do to protect it?
Traditionally written works have enjoyed copyright protection not only through the rule of law, but also because of the physical difficulty in stealing another person's work. Let's face it, photocopying a 200 page book rates about as much fun as watching paint dry and at 5 cents a page you're talking a quick ten dollar printing bill.
If you steal someone's book, print up a thousand copies and try to get it onto the local bookstore's shelves, the chances of getting caught rank pretty high.
But the online world has changed those rules and physical safeguards significantly. The Internet, email and the Web make it easier than ever to steal someone else's work. With the most basic skills and a few mouse clicks, someone can take your book, your website, and along with it weeks, months, and even years of your hard work.
Though intellectual property and international copyright laws apply to online works, enforcement of those laws is expensive and, in many cases, hard to enforce.
Well don't despair, you do have options if you find someone has violated your copyright online. Anytime I find someone violating my copyright, which isn't very often, I take these three steps in rapid-fire fashion.
First, make 100% sure the other person realizes they have violated your copyright. You can send them a nice but firm note telling them to stop whatever activity violates your copyright. If that doesn't work move on to step two.
Second, once you know with 100% certainty they understand they have violated your copyright, yet refuse to respond or stop, you need to shut them down by eliminating their ability to do business!
Send them an email with a carbon copy sent to their Internet Service Provider (ISP), their credit card processor, their web hosting company, and even the company that sold them their domain name.
Finally, follow this email up with a hard copy letter to each party sent via registered mail. In the email and letter detail exactly how they have blatantly violated your copyright and you want them to desist immediately.
By taking this approach you can often just bypass the offending party because the companies enabling them to transact business don't want any trouble. If you can show copyright violation they will shut the perpetrator down to avoid getting sued themselves.
Though not foolproof, this strategy can help you when facing down a blatant online copyright violator. Just remember to act quickly, thoroughly and don't hesitate to contact your attorney for advice.
Author's Note: By no means let this article dampen your enthusiasm for operating your business or selling your ebook online!
In my opinion there is no better way to make a living!
Your copyright is basically as safe online as it is offline. However, if a sneak thief entered your home - you'd call the cops. Well, now you know what to do if a sneak thief ever gives you trouble online!
You can also get more information about copyright law by going to http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist (www.TheNetReporter.com) and is the author of several best-selling ebooks, information products and software programs.
Need MORE TRAFFIC to your website or affiliate links?
"Turn Words Into Traffic" reveals the secrets for driving Thousands of NEW visitors to your website or affiliate links... without spending a dime on advertising!
Click Here> Write Money Making Ezine Articles FAST!
-=-
Have yourself a Super Monday!
Mar 19, 2006
Your Net WORTH...
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that your having a great weekend so far! Today's article is about your network of clients, associates, partners, vendors and even competitors is or should be a cornerstone of your career and your business.
Michael Angier is sharing some ideas on the care and feeding of your contact list, read more below...
Quote of the Day!
"Don't be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality.
If You can dream it, You can make it so."
Belva Davis
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Your Net WORTH is Determined
by Your NetWORK
by Michael Angier, founder and CIO
www.SuccessNet.org
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
I used to think my library was my most valuable material possession. It’s still very important to me. But equally as important is my contact list.
No matter what you do or how self-reliant you may be, it’s impossible to succeed without knowing, working with and helping other people. Your network of clients, associates, partners, vendors and even competitors is—or should be—a cornerstone of your career and yourbusiness.
The old adage, “It’s not what you know, but WHO you know that counts,” may be as true today as it ever was—perhaps more so.
Who you know is your network. And it should be one of your most valuable assets. It’s up to you to plant, cultivate, nurture and harvest this network.
Being able to joint venture with others, ask the advice of people who know, collaborate with people, mastermind, do business and help each other is all part of networking.
Be Someone with Whom Others Want to Know
If you really want to grow and enrich your network, you must become someone who enriches others. When you help other people get what they want, you can get what you want.
Be on the lookout for information and resources that will help those in your network. Go through your contact list and touch base with them from time to time. Ask them what they need and how you canbe of service.
I’ve always loved what Muhammad Ali said, “Service to others is the rent I pay for my room here on Earth.”
Use Your PIM
I use and like Microsoft Outlook. It may not be the best Personal Information Manager, but it works and works well for me and m?llions of others. It also comes as part of MS Office at no additional charge. Learn how to master the contacts side of your PIM. It is an excellent tool that will allow you to file and categorize the contact information of everyone you know.
By the way, your contact list is easily backed up, but you must have a way to do it that is easy—and preferably—automated. Be sure to back up your PST file if you use Outlook and be sure to have a copystored off-premises in case of a fire or other catastrophe.
Action Plan
What are you doing to add to, file, track and work your contact list? Is it part of your strategic plan? If not, I urge you to make this an integral part of your business. Decide today where and how you will store your contact list. Add to it every day. And WORK your network.
Business Card Tip
Make your business card a better networking card. Depending on your business, you may very well benefit from having your business card give the recipient a reason to contact you. On the back of your card, offer something like a free-report or special gift when visiting your web site.
Resources:
One of the best books on the subject of networking is by Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder and chairman of BNI (Business Network International). It’s called "The World's Best Known Marketing Secret"
-=-=-
Copyright Michael Angier & Success Networks International.
Used with Permission.
Michael Angier is the founder and president of SuccessNet. Their mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best--personally and professionally.
Download their free eBooklet, 10 ESSENTIAL KEYS TO PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS from www.SuccessNet.org/keys.htm or by sending a blank email to keys@SuccessNet.org.
More free subscriptions, books and SuccessMark Cards are available at www.SuccessNet.org.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Sunday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that your having a great weekend so far! Today's article is about your network of clients, associates, partners, vendors and even competitors is or should be a cornerstone of your career and your business.
Michael Angier is sharing some ideas on the care and feeding of your contact list, read more below...
Quote of the Day!
"Don't be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality.
If You can dream it, You can make it so."
Belva Davis
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Your Net WORTH is Determined
by Your NetWORK
by Michael Angier, founder and CIO
www.SuccessNet.org
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
I used to think my library was my most valuable material possession. It’s still very important to me. But equally as important is my contact list.
No matter what you do or how self-reliant you may be, it’s impossible to succeed without knowing, working with and helping other people. Your network of clients, associates, partners, vendors and even competitors is—or should be—a cornerstone of your career and yourbusiness.
The old adage, “It’s not what you know, but WHO you know that counts,” may be as true today as it ever was—perhaps more so.
Who you know is your network. And it should be one of your most valuable assets. It’s up to you to plant, cultivate, nurture and harvest this network.
Being able to joint venture with others, ask the advice of people who know, collaborate with people, mastermind, do business and help each other is all part of networking.
Be Someone with Whom Others Want to Know
If you really want to grow and enrich your network, you must become someone who enriches others. When you help other people get what they want, you can get what you want.
Be on the lookout for information and resources that will help those in your network. Go through your contact list and touch base with them from time to time. Ask them what they need and how you canbe of service.
I’ve always loved what Muhammad Ali said, “Service to others is the rent I pay for my room here on Earth.”
Use Your PIM
I use and like Microsoft Outlook. It may not be the best Personal Information Manager, but it works and works well for me and m?llions of others. It also comes as part of MS Office at no additional charge. Learn how to master the contacts side of your PIM. It is an excellent tool that will allow you to file and categorize the contact information of everyone you know.
By the way, your contact list is easily backed up, but you must have a way to do it that is easy—and preferably—automated. Be sure to back up your PST file if you use Outlook and be sure to have a copystored off-premises in case of a fire or other catastrophe.
Action Plan
What are you doing to add to, file, track and work your contact list? Is it part of your strategic plan? If not, I urge you to make this an integral part of your business. Decide today where and how you will store your contact list. Add to it every day. And WORK your network.
Business Card Tip
Make your business card a better networking card. Depending on your business, you may very well benefit from having your business card give the recipient a reason to contact you. On the back of your card, offer something like a free-report or special gift when visiting your web site.
Resources:
One of the best books on the subject of networking is by Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder and chairman of BNI (Business Network International). It’s called "The World's Best Known Marketing Secret"
-=-=-
Copyright Michael Angier & Success Networks International.
Used with Permission.
Michael Angier is the founder and president of SuccessNet. Their mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best--personally and professionally.
Download their free eBooklet, 10 ESSENTIAL KEYS TO PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS from www.SuccessNet.org/keys.htm or by sending a blank email to keys@SuccessNet.org.
More free subscriptions, books and SuccessMark Cards are available at www.SuccessNet.org.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Sunday!
Mar 17, 2006
St. Patrick’s Day History
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Happy St. Patrick's Day Friends and Visitors
Hope you're having a super day, and getting ready for a fantastic weekend! In 1762, the first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States.
A Daily Thought
"St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic."
~ Adrienne Cook ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The History of St. Patrick’s Day
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
St. Patrick's Day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17. Americans march in parades, dance the Irish jig and gather to sing Irish songs. People wear green in memory of Ireland, the Emerald Isle and wear shamrocks, clover with three leaves.
St. Patrick was born in Scotland, studied religion to become a priest and then went to Ireland to teach the people about God. There are many wonderful stories about St. Patrick, some true and some not true. The most famous legend is that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. This did not happen but the Irish will tell you that you cannot find a snake throughout the whole country of Ireland.
March 17 was not the day St. Patrick was born but the day he died. Even though we don't know the date of his birth, most scholars believe the year was 385 AD and the year of his death was 461 AD.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Friday!
Happy St. Patrick's Day Friends and Visitors
Hope you're having a super day, and getting ready for a fantastic weekend! In 1762, the first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States.
A Daily Thought
"St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic."
~ Adrienne Cook ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The History of St. Patrick’s Day
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
St. Patrick's Day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17. Americans march in parades, dance the Irish jig and gather to sing Irish songs. People wear green in memory of Ireland, the Emerald Isle and wear shamrocks, clover with three leaves.
St. Patrick was born in Scotland, studied religion to become a priest and then went to Ireland to teach the people about God. There are many wonderful stories about St. Patrick, some true and some not true. The most famous legend is that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. This did not happen but the Irish will tell you that you cannot find a snake throughout the whole country of Ireland.
March 17 was not the day St. Patrick was born but the day he died. Even though we don't know the date of his birth, most scholars believe the year was 385 AD and the year of his death was 461 AD.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Friday!
Mar 16, 2006
Should You Publish?
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! In today's article is about if You should publish a PAID e-zine or a FREE e-zine! The proven model that works over and over to building a large and valuable list of prospects is to offer useful, quality content.
If your not sure of what is best for You Alexandria is sharing some important points to consider, read more below...
Quote of the Day!
"The conditions of conquest are always easy. We have to toil awhile, endure awhile, believe always, and never turn back."
- Marcus Annaeus Seneca -
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Should You Publish a PAID E-zine?
by Alexandria K. Brown
"The E-zine Queen"
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Many of my clients ask me whether they should publish a paid e-zine instead of a free one. My answer is the classic consultant's answer: "It depends."
First of all, what do you want your e-zine to DO for you? Once you know the goal of your e-zine, the answer will be clear.
If you want to promote your current business and sell more of your products and services, a free e-zine is your ticket to success. If you plan to build a new business around making money from subscription fees, of course you'll want to charge. However, publishing a paid e-zine is no small task! Here are some important points to consider...
1. You should only charge for your e-zine if you feature information that is hard to find elsewhere. If you try to pass off paid information as exclusive, but your readers can find it anywhere on the Web for free, you're not only going to fail, but you're going to tick people off.
2. A fee-based e-zine takes many, many hours of work to keep afloat -- much more so than for a free e-zine. The publisher of one very successful paid online publication admits he spends over 100 HOURS each month to develop the leading-edge content his readers paid for and expect.
3. You will never grow as large a list with a paid-subscription e-zine as with a free one. This is obviously because less people will sign up if they have to pay versus if it's free.
Now, if you had visions of making big money with a paid publication, don't give up just yet. There ARE many successful paid pubs on the Web that are making their owners very rich. However, you should note that most of these e-zines continue to publish a free e-zine to gather prospects and then convert them into paid subscribers.
So, YOU decide. Can you create content that's so valuable and special that we can't find it anywhere else? Are you ready to invest a huge amount of time and effort to publish an extremely high-quality publication?
If not, you're better off publishing a free e-zine that provides great value. The key to building a large and valuable list of prospects (who are likely to buy from you in the future) is to offer useful, quality content for free. It's the proven model that works over and over.
(c) 2003 Alexandria K. Brown
-=-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen,” is author of the award-winning manual, “Boost Business With Your Own E-zine.” To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at www.EzineQueen.com.
-=-
Have yourself a Super Thursday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! In today's article is about if You should publish a PAID e-zine or a FREE e-zine! The proven model that works over and over to building a large and valuable list of prospects is to offer useful, quality content.
If your not sure of what is best for You Alexandria is sharing some important points to consider, read more below...
Quote of the Day!
"The conditions of conquest are always easy. We have to toil awhile, endure awhile, believe always, and never turn back."
- Marcus Annaeus Seneca -
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Should You Publish a PAID E-zine?
by Alexandria K. Brown
"The E-zine Queen"
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Many of my clients ask me whether they should publish a paid e-zine instead of a free one. My answer is the classic consultant's answer: "It depends."
First of all, what do you want your e-zine to DO for you? Once you know the goal of your e-zine, the answer will be clear.
If you want to promote your current business and sell more of your products and services, a free e-zine is your ticket to success. If you plan to build a new business around making money from subscription fees, of course you'll want to charge. However, publishing a paid e-zine is no small task! Here are some important points to consider...
1. You should only charge for your e-zine if you feature information that is hard to find elsewhere. If you try to pass off paid information as exclusive, but your readers can find it anywhere on the Web for free, you're not only going to fail, but you're going to tick people off.
2. A fee-based e-zine takes many, many hours of work to keep afloat -- much more so than for a free e-zine. The publisher of one very successful paid online publication admits he spends over 100 HOURS each month to develop the leading-edge content his readers paid for and expect.
3. You will never grow as large a list with a paid-subscription e-zine as with a free one. This is obviously because less people will sign up if they have to pay versus if it's free.
Now, if you had visions of making big money with a paid publication, don't give up just yet. There ARE many successful paid pubs on the Web that are making their owners very rich. However, you should note that most of these e-zines continue to publish a free e-zine to gather prospects and then convert them into paid subscribers.
So, YOU decide. Can you create content that's so valuable and special that we can't find it anywhere else? Are you ready to invest a huge amount of time and effort to publish an extremely high-quality publication?
If not, you're better off publishing a free e-zine that provides great value. The key to building a large and valuable list of prospects (who are likely to buy from you in the future) is to offer useful, quality content for free. It's the proven model that works over and over.
(c) 2003 Alexandria K. Brown
-=-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen,” is author of the award-winning manual, “Boost Business With Your Own E-zine.” To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at www.EzineQueen.com.
-=-
Have yourself a Super Thursday!
Mar 15, 2006
#1-Stolen Goods Online
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! Today's article is about exposing a "dirty little secret" of Online Marketing. Did You know that there are places Online where people are selling stolen ebooks, using unauthorized sales copy, and hawking illegal CDs, DVDs and more?
They're called Online auction sites and thieves use them like 21st century "fences" to move their stolen goods and abuse other people's intellectual property. Some people would like to keep a lid on this, but Jim thinks You need to know about it!
So here's an article that gives You a strategy to protect yourself from those who want to rip You off !...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Auction Sites Trafficking Stolen Goods Online
- by Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Ah yes, eBay! The online auction giant that makes all your dreams come true for finding that special something you can't find anywhere else.
It's like a giant garage sale in the sky.
Unfortunately, eBay's size makes it easy for people to sell stolen or unauthorized merchandise and not get caught.
To their credit, I think eBay does as much as humanly possible to police their site and shut down any offenders quickly.
However, I recently discovered that plenty of mischief still occurs, especially with downloadable products.
When checking my email yesterday, I found two messages that disturbed me.
The first was an automated message from eBay telling me about an auction selling an ebook about writing ebooks.
Another email came in from a good customer who sent me a link to another auction on eBay that, to them, "looked suspicious."
I clicked on the links for both auctions and found identical postings by two different sellers.
Though they did not mention my ebook, "How To Write and Publish Your Own eBook... in as little as 7 Days," the blatant similarity between the wording on the auctions and my www.7DayEbook.com website aroused my curiosity.
Since they didn't reference the ebook they were selling by title, I decided to go ahead and buy from both sellers to see what they sent me.
Imagine my horror when they both delivered my own ebook, which they were selling illegally.
I immediately got the auctions shut down, but the damage was already done.
Plenty of stolen merchandise gets sold via online auction sites.
People call it "bootlegged" or "unauthorized copies" to soften the wording for what they really know is "stolen merchandise."
Of the two sellers mentioned above, I believe one knew he was illegally selling my ebook and didn't care, while the other person was just ignorant and thought she could sell it because she'd bought it from someone else. Regardless oftheir true intentions, their actions were illegal.
Now, let's discuss how you protect yourself and your intellectual property against illegal sales and "bootlegging" on eBay and other online auction sites.
First, set up automated searches on the major online auction services.
Set them up to automatically notify you whenever an auction gets posted that includes your name or the name of your product.
You can also set them up to email you whenever an auction gets listed with certain keywords in it, in my case "write ebook."
Second, if you find someone has stolen your intellectual property (sales copy, ebooks, photos, graphics, software, etc.) you should first contact the seller and politely, butfirmly, ask them to remove it.
If they don't, or if they take more than a few hours to respond, you should contact the auction site directly to request an immediate takedown of the offending auction.
eBay's "Vero" program, for example, enables you to simply fax in a form or send an email to get an auction removed.
You should also go back and check periodically to make sure that an offending seller doesn't start selling your product again once they think the uproar has died down.
Third, pay attention to emails from customers and prospects for signs of anything strange.
Watch for comments like "I saw your ebook for sale on eBay," or "I saw it cheaper on eBay."
Also, make sure to compare customer service inquiries to your customer database.
Anyone who asks specific questions about a product and appears to possess it, but never bought it from you, should immediately raise a red flag.
Always try to find out where they bought the product and get them to send you a copy of their email receipt, because all roads to the thief usually lead back through the credit cardprocessor.
Finally, trust the never-failing boomerang of karma to come full circle and ultimately whack any thief in the head!
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an incredible new ebook that will teach you how to write and publish your own highly profitable ebook in a week or less... even if you failed high school English class!
Why are some people getting rich selling their ebooks?
Jim Edwards and Joe Vitale have created the *ultimate* guide "How to Write and Publish your own Outrageously Profitable eBook... in as little as 7 Days!" FREE Details: ==> www.7DayEbook.com
-=-
Have yourself a Super Wednesday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! Today's article is about exposing a "dirty little secret" of Online Marketing. Did You know that there are places Online where people are selling stolen ebooks, using unauthorized sales copy, and hawking illegal CDs, DVDs and more?
They're called Online auction sites and thieves use them like 21st century "fences" to move their stolen goods and abuse other people's intellectual property. Some people would like to keep a lid on this, but Jim thinks You need to know about it!
So here's an article that gives You a strategy to protect yourself from those who want to rip You off !...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Auction Sites Trafficking Stolen Goods Online
- by Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Ah yes, eBay! The online auction giant that makes all your dreams come true for finding that special something you can't find anywhere else.
It's like a giant garage sale in the sky.
Unfortunately, eBay's size makes it easy for people to sell stolen or unauthorized merchandise and not get caught.
To their credit, I think eBay does as much as humanly possible to police their site and shut down any offenders quickly.
However, I recently discovered that plenty of mischief still occurs, especially with downloadable products.
When checking my email yesterday, I found two messages that disturbed me.
The first was an automated message from eBay telling me about an auction selling an ebook about writing ebooks.
Another email came in from a good customer who sent me a link to another auction on eBay that, to them, "looked suspicious."
I clicked on the links for both auctions and found identical postings by two different sellers.
Though they did not mention my ebook, "How To Write and Publish Your Own eBook... in as little as 7 Days," the blatant similarity between the wording on the auctions and my www.7DayEbook.com website aroused my curiosity.
Since they didn't reference the ebook they were selling by title, I decided to go ahead and buy from both sellers to see what they sent me.
Imagine my horror when they both delivered my own ebook, which they were selling illegally.
I immediately got the auctions shut down, but the damage was already done.
Plenty of stolen merchandise gets sold via online auction sites.
People call it "bootlegged" or "unauthorized copies" to soften the wording for what they really know is "stolen merchandise."
Of the two sellers mentioned above, I believe one knew he was illegally selling my ebook and didn't care, while the other person was just ignorant and thought she could sell it because she'd bought it from someone else. Regardless oftheir true intentions, their actions were illegal.
Now, let's discuss how you protect yourself and your intellectual property against illegal sales and "bootlegging" on eBay and other online auction sites.
First, set up automated searches on the major online auction services.
Set them up to automatically notify you whenever an auction gets posted that includes your name or the name of your product.
You can also set them up to email you whenever an auction gets listed with certain keywords in it, in my case "write ebook."
Second, if you find someone has stolen your intellectual property (sales copy, ebooks, photos, graphics, software, etc.) you should first contact the seller and politely, butfirmly, ask them to remove it.
If they don't, or if they take more than a few hours to respond, you should contact the auction site directly to request an immediate takedown of the offending auction.
eBay's "Vero" program, for example, enables you to simply fax in a form or send an email to get an auction removed.
You should also go back and check periodically to make sure that an offending seller doesn't start selling your product again once they think the uproar has died down.
Third, pay attention to emails from customers and prospects for signs of anything strange.
Watch for comments like "I saw your ebook for sale on eBay," or "I saw it cheaper on eBay."
Also, make sure to compare customer service inquiries to your customer database.
Anyone who asks specific questions about a product and appears to possess it, but never bought it from you, should immediately raise a red flag.
Always try to find out where they bought the product and get them to send you a copy of their email receipt, because all roads to the thief usually lead back through the credit cardprocessor.
Finally, trust the never-failing boomerang of karma to come full circle and ultimately whack any thief in the head!
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an incredible new ebook that will teach you how to write and publish your own highly profitable ebook in a week or less... even if you failed high school English class!
Why are some people getting rich selling their ebooks?
Jim Edwards and Joe Vitale have created the *ultimate* guide "How to Write and Publish your own Outrageously Profitable eBook... in as little as 7 Days!" FREE Details: ==> www.7DayEbook.com
-=-
Have yourself a Super Wednesday!
Mar 14, 2006
Sell More Books With...
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! Today's article is very helpful if you're selling your book online. Alexandria is sharing 7 ways You can market your book to help increase book sales by using an email newsletter or e-zine, read more below...
Motivational Tip... by Jan Tincher
Hang on to your dreams. There are times when You think all is lost, but those are the times to hang on to your dreams. Dreams keep hope alive!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sell More Books With an E-mail Newsletter
by Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen”
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
If you're selling your book online, you're practically guaranteed to increase sales by publishing an e-mail newsletter, or "e-zine."
Why? Well, for a start, it's a super way to give readers a taste of your expertise and style along with samples of your content. This ensures they'll come to be familiar with you, trust you, and hopefully buy your book when they're ready for more information.
Also, it's a great way to *capture prospects* who aren't ready to buy your book when they visit your site, but are still interested in the info you have to share.
Based on my own experiences in marketing my manual, 'Boost Business With Your Own E-zine,' here are 7 ways to help increase book sales using an e-mail newsletter.
1. First thing: Encourage e-zine SIGNUPS on your Web site where you promote your book.
Before you even begin publishing, start collecting e-mail addresses. Place a signup form in many places on your site to invite visitors to subscribe to your free e-zine. This way, if a visitor isn't interested in buying your book today, she can sign up for your free e-zine. Now you haven't lost her, and she'll learn even *more* about your book from being a subscriber.
E-zine publishers also report GREAT signup results using pop-up and pop-under boxes at their Web sites.
Examples: On my main site, http://www.ezinequeen.com, I feature a signup form on EVERY page, as well as a pop-up box. On my book sales site, http://www.ezinequeen.com/tutorial, I have a pop-under box that appears once you close the main window.
Remember: NEVER sign anyone up without her permission!
2. Feature EXCERPTS and/or TIPS from your book in your e-zine.
These can be either direct excerpts or short tips that summarize some of your content. Go through your book and highlight individual tips or small sections that could stand well on their own. Just don't give away the whole store! For example, giving your readers a whole chapter of your book in each issue is going overboard.
Besides lifting material directly from your book, try some other spins on your topic such as a list of top 10 tips, a how-to article, a list of resources, or a review of a trend in the industry.
Example: One of my clients, a life coach, has a hard-cover book out right now that features 101 tips on how to attract what you want in life. Each issue of her weekly e-zine features one of those tips, along with a brief explanation of how to implement it.
3. Directly after your article, give a quick PROMO BLURB that shamelessly plugs your book.
Why right after the article and before anything else? If someone reads your article/tip and says to themselves, "Gee, that was great information," they'll be ready to hear what else you have to share on that subject. Really pump it up and have a good time with it.
Example: "Did you like today's article? If you did, you'll LOVE my new book, 'Double Your Business in Six Months.' It's jammed with more than 257 great ideas to help you grow your business FAST. Learn more and order now at [Web address here]. You can begin using my best tips within minutes!"
4. In each issue, offer a TESTIMONIAL from one of your book purchasers.
Let your readers know that many other people just like them ARE buying your book and LOVE it. Idea: Create a small section in your e-zine for this purpose. In each issue, feature a short testimonial from one of your readers here.
Example: "What 'Beauty Blastoff' Readers Are Saying: 'I can't tell you how much your book has helped me improve my appearance. Thanks to your tips, I've lost 20 pounds, cleared up my skin, and rid of all my unwanted hair. Now my rich ex-husband even wants me back. You're a saint!'" — Suzy Smitten, Los Angeles, Calif.
5. Offer your readers a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for a limited time.
Make your readers feel special by offering them a special discount on your book when you can. For best response rates, make it a limited time offer to lend a sense of urgency. I did this with my manual when it first came out and got great results.
Example: "For Subscribers Only: Buy my book before midnight this Friday and receive a 20% discount!"
If you can't give your subscribers a discount, offer something else to make them feel special, such as a bonus report or free phone consultation with their purchase.
6. Mention your book in as many other places as possible in your e-zine.
Bottom line: The more you mention your book, the higher your chances they'll buy. While your opportunities are endless, here are a few ideas to start with:
*in your masthead (This is where you give the reader info about your publication — usually at the very top.)
*in your editor's or publisher's note (This is where you give a personal note to your readers.)
*in your article (If you mention a certain point that you cover wonderfully in your book, say so!)
7. To attract even more prospects, advertise your e-zine in your everyday e-mail SIGNATURE FILE.
You know what a signature (or "sig") file is, right? It's that little blurb with contact info that you can automatically insert at the end of every e-mail you send. Besides your obvious contact information, give a quick plug for your book AND e-zine.
Why? Well, if you just advertise your book, some people will read your sig file and think, "That's cool, but I don't want to buy anything right now." BUT if you advertise your FREE e-zine, they'll likely take advantage of your offer. THEN you've got them on your list.
Example: Here's what I have at the END of my sig file, after my contact information: "BOOST BUSINESS by publishing your own e-mail newsletter! Learn how now — sign up for free how-to tips at http://www.ezinequeen.com."
(c) 2000-2003 Alexandria K. Brown. All rights reserved.
-=-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen,” is author of the award-winning manual, “Boost Business With Your Own E-zine.” To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at www.ezinequeen.com
-=-
Have yourself a Super Tuesday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! Today's article is very helpful if you're selling your book online. Alexandria is sharing 7 ways You can market your book to help increase book sales by using an email newsletter or e-zine, read more below...
Motivational Tip... by Jan Tincher
Hang on to your dreams. There are times when You think all is lost, but those are the times to hang on to your dreams. Dreams keep hope alive!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sell More Books With an E-mail Newsletter
by Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen”
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
If you're selling your book online, you're practically guaranteed to increase sales by publishing an e-mail newsletter, or "e-zine."
Why? Well, for a start, it's a super way to give readers a taste of your expertise and style along with samples of your content. This ensures they'll come to be familiar with you, trust you, and hopefully buy your book when they're ready for more information.
Also, it's a great way to *capture prospects* who aren't ready to buy your book when they visit your site, but are still interested in the info you have to share.
Based on my own experiences in marketing my manual, 'Boost Business With Your Own E-zine,' here are 7 ways to help increase book sales using an e-mail newsletter.
1. First thing: Encourage e-zine SIGNUPS on your Web site where you promote your book.
Before you even begin publishing, start collecting e-mail addresses. Place a signup form in many places on your site to invite visitors to subscribe to your free e-zine. This way, if a visitor isn't interested in buying your book today, she can sign up for your free e-zine. Now you haven't lost her, and she'll learn even *more* about your book from being a subscriber.
E-zine publishers also report GREAT signup results using pop-up and pop-under boxes at their Web sites.
Examples: On my main site, http://www.ezinequeen.com, I feature a signup form on EVERY page, as well as a pop-up box. On my book sales site, http://www.ezinequeen.com/tutorial, I have a pop-under box that appears once you close the main window.
Remember: NEVER sign anyone up without her permission!
2. Feature EXCERPTS and/or TIPS from your book in your e-zine.
These can be either direct excerpts or short tips that summarize some of your content. Go through your book and highlight individual tips or small sections that could stand well on their own. Just don't give away the whole store! For example, giving your readers a whole chapter of your book in each issue is going overboard.
Besides lifting material directly from your book, try some other spins on your topic such as a list of top 10 tips, a how-to article, a list of resources, or a review of a trend in the industry.
Example: One of my clients, a life coach, has a hard-cover book out right now that features 101 tips on how to attract what you want in life. Each issue of her weekly e-zine features one of those tips, along with a brief explanation of how to implement it.
3. Directly after your article, give a quick PROMO BLURB that shamelessly plugs your book.
Why right after the article and before anything else? If someone reads your article/tip and says to themselves, "Gee, that was great information," they'll be ready to hear what else you have to share on that subject. Really pump it up and have a good time with it.
Example: "Did you like today's article? If you did, you'll LOVE my new book, 'Double Your Business in Six Months.' It's jammed with more than 257 great ideas to help you grow your business FAST. Learn more and order now at [Web address here]. You can begin using my best tips within minutes!"
4. In each issue, offer a TESTIMONIAL from one of your book purchasers.
Let your readers know that many other people just like them ARE buying your book and LOVE it. Idea: Create a small section in your e-zine for this purpose. In each issue, feature a short testimonial from one of your readers here.
Example: "What 'Beauty Blastoff' Readers Are Saying: 'I can't tell you how much your book has helped me improve my appearance. Thanks to your tips, I've lost 20 pounds, cleared up my skin, and rid of all my unwanted hair. Now my rich ex-husband even wants me back. You're a saint!'" — Suzy Smitten, Los Angeles, Calif.
5. Offer your readers a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for a limited time.
Make your readers feel special by offering them a special discount on your book when you can. For best response rates, make it a limited time offer to lend a sense of urgency. I did this with my manual when it first came out and got great results.
Example: "For Subscribers Only: Buy my book before midnight this Friday and receive a 20% discount!"
If you can't give your subscribers a discount, offer something else to make them feel special, such as a bonus report or free phone consultation with their purchase.
6. Mention your book in as many other places as possible in your e-zine.
Bottom line: The more you mention your book, the higher your chances they'll buy. While your opportunities are endless, here are a few ideas to start with:
*in your masthead (This is where you give the reader info about your publication — usually at the very top.)
*in your editor's or publisher's note (This is where you give a personal note to your readers.)
*in your article (If you mention a certain point that you cover wonderfully in your book, say so!)
7. To attract even more prospects, advertise your e-zine in your everyday e-mail SIGNATURE FILE.
You know what a signature (or "sig") file is, right? It's that little blurb with contact info that you can automatically insert at the end of every e-mail you send. Besides your obvious contact information, give a quick plug for your book AND e-zine.
Why? Well, if you just advertise your book, some people will read your sig file and think, "That's cool, but I don't want to buy anything right now." BUT if you advertise your FREE e-zine, they'll likely take advantage of your offer. THEN you've got them on your list.
Example: Here's what I have at the END of my sig file, after my contact information: "BOOST BUSINESS by publishing your own e-mail newsletter! Learn how now — sign up for free how-to tips at http://www.ezinequeen.com."
(c) 2000-2003 Alexandria K. Brown. All rights reserved.
-=-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen,” is author of the award-winning manual, “Boost Business With Your Own E-zine.” To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at www.ezinequeen.com
-=-
Have yourself a Super Tuesday!
Mar 13, 2006
WORDS TO LIVE BY
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! Today is something different I want to share with my friends and visitors. I thought "How To Plant Your Garden Of Your Daily Living" is WORDS TO LIVE BY and so NEAT & TRUE... Enjoy!
How To Plant Your Garden
Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses...
FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING, PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another
NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another
TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends
WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
Have yourself a Super Monday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! Today is something different I want to share with my friends and visitors. I thought "How To Plant Your Garden Of Your Daily Living" is WORDS TO LIVE BY and so NEAT & TRUE... Enjoy!
How To Plant Your Garden
Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses...
FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING, PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another
NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another
TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends
WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
Have yourself a Super Monday!
Mar 12, 2006
Winning Isn't Everything
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that your having a great weekend so far! In today's article Dave Cortrell is sharing his thoughts on having a GREAT life !!!
In today's lifestyle it's so easy to be "too busy" .. we need to remember what really matters and especially to enjoy life one day at a time. I hope You enjoy this great article and really think about it!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Winning Isn't Everything
by - Dave Cottrell
© - All Rights reserved
MoneyHogs.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Winning isn't everything. It's how you play the game that counts." This is such an old cliche that most people tune out when they hear it.... But it is true.
Go to any sales training seminar these days, and you will hear over and over again that you have to set goals; that you have to have a winning attitude. You hear that winning is everything. You need to concentrate completely on reaching your goal.
Nothing can be allowed to get in the way:
Not family.
Not friends.
Not sleep.
Not recreation.
Not health....
Give me a break! If you give up all these to reach your goal, ie, to win, you won't have much when you get there!
Winning is a moment in time, a point on the road of your life. It is one-dimensional. In other words, it has no measurable substance. Winning exists for a split second, and then it is gone. It's over.
If you base your happiness in life on winning, you will have a very unhappy life.
The other day, I was taking a break on the deck with my youngest son, enjoying a beautiful, balmy day, while watching the birds coming to the bird feeders in our back yard. I was amazed at the variety of birds visiting our home.
I could have been working on this ezine, or submitting ads, or wading through my email, or helping my associates... but I was sitting in the sun enjoying the little things in life, like the birds and the warmth, and my son's company. It was wonderful.
Life is full of opportunities to relax and enjoy little things. However, our industry teaches us to block out the little things so that we can concentrate on reaching our goals - on winning. What that means is that we are spending all of our time so that we can enjoy a very brief, infinitely fleeting moment: the tiny flash in the space- time continuum when we reach our goal.
Winning is what happens when you reach the end of the game. It is what happens when the ribbon breaks at the finish line. It is the moment the horn blows and the stands start to empty. Everything is over.
Don't get me wrong! I'm not against winning. In fact, I really enjoy winning. I like that all too brief feeling of elation when I've reached my goal - when I've won the game.
But it is the GAME I enjoy. I play the game with winning in mind, but I play the game for the FUN of it. Most of my time involves playing the game - not winning it. That comes at the end. I'm going to enjoy playing the game. I'm going to enjoy everything that comes along with the game:
My family.
My friends.
My sleep.
My recreation.
My health.
The little moments spent on the deck with my wife and kids...
The other day, I took a break with my son.
I relaxed in the sun.
I was amazed by the variety of birds that live in this area.
I was amazed by how much my eleven-year-old son knows about birds!
Finally, during that very enjoyable break, a new article for my ezine took shape in my head... and I wasn't even working on my ezine!
I could have spent that time working on my ezine, but I probably would not have written this article. Instead, I would have used someone else's article - perhaps one that you have already read somewhere else.
Life is too short and friends are too few to spend it for that dot on the time-line called winning. Cherish every moment you have. Pay attention to your family and friends. Read more of your email. Go for a walk. Lie in the sun. Sleep!!!
To play the game properly, you need to have a goal in mind, but the real enjoyment comes from playing the game. That is how MOST of your life is spent. Winning is great, but you cannot hold onto that moment when you win.
If you want to really enjoy your life (you only have one!), you need to enjoy the time in between setting a goal and reaching it. You will have a far better life AND you will be far more likely to reach your goal. You will be healthier, happier, and a REAL winner.
Have a GREAT life!
© David (Dave) Cottrell
God bless
-=-
You WILL Exist Forever! Skepticism DOES NOT alter REALITY.
Visit DavesHearth.com | My Poetry | BusyBeeSafelist
-=-
Have yourself a Super Sunday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully and that your having a great weekend so far! In today's article Dave Cortrell is sharing his thoughts on having a GREAT life !!!
In today's lifestyle it's so easy to be "too busy" .. we need to remember what really matters and especially to enjoy life one day at a time. I hope You enjoy this great article and really think about it!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Winning Isn't Everything
by - Dave Cottrell
© - All Rights reserved
MoneyHogs.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Winning isn't everything. It's how you play the game that counts." This is such an old cliche that most people tune out when they hear it.... But it is true.
Go to any sales training seminar these days, and you will hear over and over again that you have to set goals; that you have to have a winning attitude. You hear that winning is everything. You need to concentrate completely on reaching your goal.
Nothing can be allowed to get in the way:
Not family.
Not friends.
Not sleep.
Not recreation.
Not health....
Give me a break! If you give up all these to reach your goal, ie, to win, you won't have much when you get there!
Winning is a moment in time, a point on the road of your life. It is one-dimensional. In other words, it has no measurable substance. Winning exists for a split second, and then it is gone. It's over.
If you base your happiness in life on winning, you will have a very unhappy life.
The other day, I was taking a break on the deck with my youngest son, enjoying a beautiful, balmy day, while watching the birds coming to the bird feeders in our back yard. I was amazed at the variety of birds visiting our home.
I could have been working on this ezine, or submitting ads, or wading through my email, or helping my associates... but I was sitting in the sun enjoying the little things in life, like the birds and the warmth, and my son's company. It was wonderful.
Life is full of opportunities to relax and enjoy little things. However, our industry teaches us to block out the little things so that we can concentrate on reaching our goals - on winning. What that means is that we are spending all of our time so that we can enjoy a very brief, infinitely fleeting moment: the tiny flash in the space- time continuum when we reach our goal.
Winning is what happens when you reach the end of the game. It is what happens when the ribbon breaks at the finish line. It is the moment the horn blows and the stands start to empty. Everything is over.
Don't get me wrong! I'm not against winning. In fact, I really enjoy winning. I like that all too brief feeling of elation when I've reached my goal - when I've won the game.
But it is the GAME I enjoy. I play the game with winning in mind, but I play the game for the FUN of it. Most of my time involves playing the game - not winning it. That comes at the end. I'm going to enjoy playing the game. I'm going to enjoy everything that comes along with the game:
My family.
My friends.
My sleep.
My recreation.
My health.
The little moments spent on the deck with my wife and kids...
The other day, I took a break with my son.
I relaxed in the sun.
I was amazed by the variety of birds that live in this area.
I was amazed by how much my eleven-year-old son knows about birds!
Finally, during that very enjoyable break, a new article for my ezine took shape in my head... and I wasn't even working on my ezine!
I could have spent that time working on my ezine, but I probably would not have written this article. Instead, I would have used someone else's article - perhaps one that you have already read somewhere else.
Life is too short and friends are too few to spend it for that dot on the time-line called winning. Cherish every moment you have. Pay attention to your family and friends. Read more of your email. Go for a walk. Lie in the sun. Sleep!!!
To play the game properly, you need to have a goal in mind, but the real enjoyment comes from playing the game. That is how MOST of your life is spent. Winning is great, but you cannot hold onto that moment when you win.
If you want to really enjoy your life (you only have one!), you need to enjoy the time in between setting a goal and reaching it. You will have a far better life AND you will be far more likely to reach your goal. You will be healthier, happier, and a REAL winner.
Have a GREAT life!
© David (Dave) Cottrell
God bless
-=-
You WILL Exist Forever! Skepticism DOES NOT alter REALITY.
Visit DavesHearth.com | My Poetry | BusyBeeSafelist
-=-
Have yourself a Super Sunday!
Mar 10, 2006
The Meaning Of HELLO
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
GOOD MORNING, Afternoon or Evening, whatever it is!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! While You have your first cup of coffee, sit back and listen to some music and read about HELLO. Have you ever thought what this word stands for?
Read on....
Do you know that a simple "hello" can be a sweet one?
The word H E L L O means:
H=How are you?
E= Everything all right?
L= Like to hear from you .
L= Love to see you soon!
O=Obviously,
You are my friend..so, HELLO!
It has made me smile every time I say hello since then, so send this message to the people you care about.
Just thinking of you!
"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
Hope you are drinking from your saucer too...
I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough,
But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, "Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong, my faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again. So Lord, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough. I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, "Cause my cup has overflowed.
*When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do, I realize just how blessed we really are. Don't be too busy today... Share this inspiring message with friend's and family. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures.
I hope You enjoyed reading the meaning of... H E L L O!
Tomorrow is my day off, I have plans this weekend with my sister that arrived last night. She's from London Ontario where my daughter lives so my weekend will be nice and busy!
Have yourself a Super Friday and a Fantastic weekend!
GOOD MORNING, Afternoon or Evening, whatever it is!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! While You have your first cup of coffee, sit back and listen to some music and read about HELLO. Have you ever thought what this word stands for?
Read on....
Do you know that a simple "hello" can be a sweet one?
The word H E L L O means:
H=How are you?
E= Everything all right?
L= Like to hear from you .
L= Love to see you soon!
O=Obviously,
You are my friend..so, HELLO!
It has made me smile every time I say hello since then, so send this message to the people you care about.
Just thinking of you!
"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
Hope you are drinking from your saucer too...
I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough,
But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, "Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong, my faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again. So Lord, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough. I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, "Cause my cup has overflowed.
*When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do, I realize just how blessed we really are. Don't be too busy today... Share this inspiring message with friend's and family. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures.
I hope You enjoyed reading the meaning of... H E L L O!
Tomorrow is my day off, I have plans this weekend with my sister that arrived last night. She's from London Ontario where my daughter lives so my weekend will be nice and busy!
Have yourself a Super Friday and a Fantastic weekend!
Mar 9, 2006
Recycle Your Articles...
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! There are many effective ways to promote your e-zine and gain subscribers. In today's article Alexandria shares how she quickly learned the BEST, FASTEST, FREE way to promote an e-zine.
Alexandria also shares ways to have MOST success with and to submit articles for use in OTHER people's e-zines. Read more below...
Quote of the Day!
Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the action stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living."
Anais Nin
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Recycle Your Articles and Gain
Tons of New Subscribers
by Alexandria K. Brown
“The E-zine Queen”
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
While there are many effective ways to promote your e-zine and gain subscribers, the one I've had the MOST success with is to write and submit articles for use in OTHER people's e-zines.
"But wait a minute," you say. "Aren't I supposed to be creating great articles for MY e-zine?"
Yes, you are! AND after your article appears in your OWN e-zine, you should then submit it to others. This past fall, I quickly learned that this is by far the BEST, FASTEST, FREE way to promote an e-zine for three reasons:
1) Instead of just advertising your e-zine, you're giving others a hearty taste of it! And by sharing these useful articles, you emphasize your expertise in your particular subject area.
2) You have the right to plug yourself, your biz, and your e-zine at the end of every article! And anyone using your article must keep this information intact. (More on that in a minute.)
3) You can quickly gain exposure to THOUSANDS of untapped prospects at a time. For example, last summer, a popular Internet marketing e-zine featured my article "Avoid These 5 Web Site Blunders." I was overjoyed to learn the publication had more than *10,000* subscribers! Since this was a great article, and all of these readers saw my ad for my e-zine right after it, I gained hundreds of new subscribers by the end of that week.
HERE'S HOW TO GET STARTED
1. PICK A WINNER
Browse through your archives and pick an insightful article that really showcases your expertise. Make sure it's one that you featured in your e-zine several issues ago. Why? It's a courtesy to make YOUR subscribers feel as if they're receiving unique information from you, BEFORE you offer it to the rest of the world.
2. POLISH IT 'TIL IT SHINES
Since you probably haven't looked at this article in awhile, do another proofread and clean it up if necessary. Publishers will not be interested in your article if it contains typos, misspelled words, grammatical errors, or inactive Web links — these goofs would compromise the integrity of their publications.
3. ADD A COPYRIGHT NOTICE
At the end of the article, insert a copyright notice, dated when you first published the article. Example: (c) 2001 Alexandria K. Brown
4. WRITE A JAZZY "RESOURCE BOX"
In exchange for your letting other publishers reprint your article, it's customary to require that they include the contact information you provide. This is usually called the 'resource box' and it should come RIGHT after your copyright notice.
Here's where you can ham it up! Take about five lines and promote your E-ZINE!
Don't waste time promoting your *business* in the resource box. Why? You'll gain MORE potential clients by first getting them to subscribe to your e-zine. THEN you've got them! You will then be in front of them REGULARLY, and that's when they'll understand what a genius you are and why they should hire you.
Don’t forget to mention if your e-zine is FREE!
5. SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLE TO ONLINE CONTENT DIRECTORIES
There are dozens of 'free content' Web sites and announcement lists where you can submit your articles for other publishers to use. Some even let you include a picture, which I love because I'm a ham at heart. ; )
Here are three to get you started:
http://www.ideamarketers.com
http://www.marketing-seek.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aabusiness
6. SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLE DIRECTLY TO APPROPRIATE PUBLISHERS
For best results, take the bull by the horns and contact publishers directly. But not just any publishers — ones with e-zines that would be perfect for the articles you write and the type of readership you want to attract.
I STRONGLY recommend that you become a member of the Directory of E-zines. This list is by far one of the most credible and reliable ones on the Web. It costs less than $40 to join for the year, but it's well worth it — your membership lets you search through hundreds of other e-zines. You can search by all types of factors: topic, readership, subscriber numbers, etc. Learn more here:
When you have your personal list of publishers ready, craft a friendly note to send along with your article. Here's an example of what I use:
"Dear Editor:
I see from your e-zine that you occasionally accept articles from outside authors. Would you like to use my article titled [article name here] in a future issue?
You're welcome to use the article for FREE, provided it remains intact and unaltered, and you retain my entire resource box at the end of the article. If you'd like to publish it, just send me a copy of the issue it appears in.
If you have any questions, feel free to write me back at [e-mail address here] And if you do not accept articles, I apologize — just let me know and I'll remove you from my editor list.
Best, [name and contact info here]"
Simple, yes? Then just paste your article right underneath your message. Do NOT send it as an attachment — it likely won't get read.
TIP: Your article will get picked up by MORE publishers if you format it to around 60 characters per line with hard returns after each line. Many publishers don't want to do ANY formatting work to guest articles, so the more "ready to go" yours is, the better! : )
(c) 2000-2003 Alexandria K. Brown. All rights reserved.
-=-=-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen,” is author of the award-winning manual, “Boost Business With Your Own E-zine.” To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at www.EzineQueen.com.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Thursday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! There are many effective ways to promote your e-zine and gain subscribers. In today's article Alexandria shares how she quickly learned the BEST, FASTEST, FREE way to promote an e-zine.
Alexandria also shares ways to have MOST success with and to submit articles for use in OTHER people's e-zines. Read more below...
Quote of the Day!
Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the action stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living."
Anais Nin
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Recycle Your Articles and Gain
Tons of New Subscribers
by Alexandria K. Brown
“The E-zine Queen”
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
While there are many effective ways to promote your e-zine and gain subscribers, the one I've had the MOST success with is to write and submit articles for use in OTHER people's e-zines.
"But wait a minute," you say. "Aren't I supposed to be creating great articles for MY e-zine?"
Yes, you are! AND after your article appears in your OWN e-zine, you should then submit it to others. This past fall, I quickly learned that this is by far the BEST, FASTEST, FREE way to promote an e-zine for three reasons:
1) Instead of just advertising your e-zine, you're giving others a hearty taste of it! And by sharing these useful articles, you emphasize your expertise in your particular subject area.
2) You have the right to plug yourself, your biz, and your e-zine at the end of every article! And anyone using your article must keep this information intact. (More on that in a minute.)
3) You can quickly gain exposure to THOUSANDS of untapped prospects at a time. For example, last summer, a popular Internet marketing e-zine featured my article "Avoid These 5 Web Site Blunders." I was overjoyed to learn the publication had more than *10,000* subscribers! Since this was a great article, and all of these readers saw my ad for my e-zine right after it, I gained hundreds of new subscribers by the end of that week.
HERE'S HOW TO GET STARTED
1. PICK A WINNER
Browse through your archives and pick an insightful article that really showcases your expertise. Make sure it's one that you featured in your e-zine several issues ago. Why? It's a courtesy to make YOUR subscribers feel as if they're receiving unique information from you, BEFORE you offer it to the rest of the world.
2. POLISH IT 'TIL IT SHINES
Since you probably haven't looked at this article in awhile, do another proofread and clean it up if necessary. Publishers will not be interested in your article if it contains typos, misspelled words, grammatical errors, or inactive Web links — these goofs would compromise the integrity of their publications.
3. ADD A COPYRIGHT NOTICE
At the end of the article, insert a copyright notice, dated when you first published the article. Example: (c) 2001 Alexandria K. Brown
4. WRITE A JAZZY "RESOURCE BOX"
In exchange for your letting other publishers reprint your article, it's customary to require that they include the contact information you provide. This is usually called the 'resource box' and it should come RIGHT after your copyright notice.
Here's where you can ham it up! Take about five lines and promote your E-ZINE!
Don't waste time promoting your *business* in the resource box. Why? You'll gain MORE potential clients by first getting them to subscribe to your e-zine. THEN you've got them! You will then be in front of them REGULARLY, and that's when they'll understand what a genius you are and why they should hire you.
Don’t forget to mention if your e-zine is FREE!
5. SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLE TO ONLINE CONTENT DIRECTORIES
There are dozens of 'free content' Web sites and announcement lists where you can submit your articles for other publishers to use. Some even let you include a picture, which I love because I'm a ham at heart. ; )
Here are three to get you started:
http://www.ideamarketers.com
http://www.marketing-seek.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aabusiness
6. SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLE DIRECTLY TO APPROPRIATE PUBLISHERS
For best results, take the bull by the horns and contact publishers directly. But not just any publishers — ones with e-zines that would be perfect for the articles you write and the type of readership you want to attract.
I STRONGLY recommend that you become a member of the Directory of E-zines. This list is by far one of the most credible and reliable ones on the Web. It costs less than $40 to join for the year, but it's well worth it — your membership lets you search through hundreds of other e-zines. You can search by all types of factors: topic, readership, subscriber numbers, etc. Learn more here:
When you have your personal list of publishers ready, craft a friendly note to send along with your article. Here's an example of what I use:
"Dear Editor:
I see from your e-zine that you occasionally accept articles from outside authors. Would you like to use my article titled [article name here] in a future issue?
You're welcome to use the article for FREE, provided it remains intact and unaltered, and you retain my entire resource box at the end of the article. If you'd like to publish it, just send me a copy of the issue it appears in.
If you have any questions, feel free to write me back at [e-mail address here] And if you do not accept articles, I apologize — just let me know and I'll remove you from my editor list.
Best, [name and contact info here]"
Simple, yes? Then just paste your article right underneath your message. Do NOT send it as an attachment — it likely won't get read.
TIP: Your article will get picked up by MORE publishers if you format it to around 60 characters per line with hard returns after each line. Many publishers don't want to do ANY formatting work to guest articles, so the more "ready to go" yours is, the better! : )
(c) 2000-2003 Alexandria K. Brown. All rights reserved.
-=-=-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen,” is author of the award-winning manual, “Boost Business With Your Own E-zine.” To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at www.EzineQueen.com.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Thursday!
Mar 8, 2006
Ideas Are Cheap - But...
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! Michael in his super article shares with You some thoughts about ideas and innovation. Is innovation and creativity something we can develop or must we be born with it? Michael and I believe we can all learn to be innovators!
Read more below...
Quotes of the day provided by Michael
“Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship. The act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.”
~ Peter F. Drucker
“Everything begins with an idea.”
~ Earl Nightingale
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Ideas Are Cheap-But Extremely Valuable if...
by - Michael Angier , founder and CIO
www.SuccessNet.org
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
At the turn of the last century, there was serious discussion about disbanding the US Patent Office because many believed there were few inventions left to be patented. The common wisdom was that all the great inventions had already been taken. No doubt there are people today who feel the same way.
I disagree. I believe the world is entering a time of unprecedented innovation. We’re experiencing some of the greatest prosperity we’ve ever known. Productivity is at an all-time high. And when basic needs are met, it’s easier to be creative.
Innovation is not only for so-called “creative” minds. We’re all creative. Each of us has the ability to generate ideas to solve problems in our businesses and create stronger relationships.
Innovation is often little more than taking information and reorganizing it in new ways.
It’s important to take some of our increased productivity and use some of the time saved to think and create. Ask questions. Dig deep. Think about what you want and what others might want. What problems need to be solved and how can we solve them?
Arnold Glasgow said, “Ideas not coupled with action never-become b?gger than the brain cells they occupied.”
Ideas are cheap. It’s implementation that creates the real value. Ideas by themselves are worthless. Plans are nothing . . . unless they are followed with action. An idea without a strategy, without action, is useless.
That said, it’s still paramount we keep track of the ideas we have. Write them down. Record them. And make them easy to access later. One idea may trigger another one that could be just the one to make you a million dollars—or save a million. An idea you have today may be impractical. Or perhaps you may be unable to do anything about it at the moment. No matter. Make sure you recordit somewhere. If you make it easy to do, you’ll do more of it.
I use my Task List in Microsoft Outlook to keep track of ideas. It's my "Idea Inventory". I can categorize them and they’re easy to find. Index cards also work well. They fit handily in a shirt pocket or purse and are easy to sort and categorize. You can even use your journal or a separate document on your word processor. The easier it is to find and review them, the more valuable your ideas will be to you.
I also use a hand-held tape recorder (DVR) in my car to record ideas as they occur to me. It’s not only handy, it’s safer—I don’t try to write stuff down as I’m driving. Later, I transcribe the ideas into my Outlook files.
If you’re truly looking for ideas and answers to problems, you’ll surely find them. Think of them as decks of cards lined up to infinity. Each card is an idea or solution. One might be a low card—another a face card. Occasionally, you find an ace. If you keep picking them up, you’ll get better at reading the cards. You’ll make it a habit and you’ll find some aces.
Pick the best, implement them and watch your life—and even the lives of those around you—work better.
Related Articles:
What Do You Mean You're Not Creative?
Successnet.org/articles/angier-creative.htm
Lifelong Learning
Successnet.org/articles/angier-lifelonglearning.htm
-=-=-
Copyright Michael Angier & Success Networks International.
Used with Permission.
Michael Angier is the founder and president of SuccessNet. Their mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best--personally and professionally.
Download their free eBooklet, 10 ESSENTIAL KEYS TO PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS from www.SuccessNet.org/keys.htm or by sending a blank email to keys@SuccessNet.org.
More free subscriptions, books and SuccessMark Cards are available at www.SuccessNet.org.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Wednesday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! Michael in his super article shares with You some thoughts about ideas and innovation. Is innovation and creativity something we can develop or must we be born with it? Michael and I believe we can all learn to be innovators!
Read more below...
Quotes of the day provided by Michael
“Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship. The act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.”
~ Peter F. Drucker
“Everything begins with an idea.”
~ Earl Nightingale
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Ideas Are Cheap-But Extremely Valuable if...
by - Michael Angier , founder and CIO
www.SuccessNet.org
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
At the turn of the last century, there was serious discussion about disbanding the US Patent Office because many believed there were few inventions left to be patented. The common wisdom was that all the great inventions had already been taken. No doubt there are people today who feel the same way.
I disagree. I believe the world is entering a time of unprecedented innovation. We’re experiencing some of the greatest prosperity we’ve ever known. Productivity is at an all-time high. And when basic needs are met, it’s easier to be creative.
Innovation is not only for so-called “creative” minds. We’re all creative. Each of us has the ability to generate ideas to solve problems in our businesses and create stronger relationships.
Innovation is often little more than taking information and reorganizing it in new ways.
It’s important to take some of our increased productivity and use some of the time saved to think and create. Ask questions. Dig deep. Think about what you want and what others might want. What problems need to be solved and how can we solve them?
Arnold Glasgow said, “Ideas not coupled with action never-become b?gger than the brain cells they occupied.”
Ideas are cheap. It’s implementation that creates the real value. Ideas by themselves are worthless. Plans are nothing . . . unless they are followed with action. An idea without a strategy, without action, is useless.
That said, it’s still paramount we keep track of the ideas we have. Write them down. Record them. And make them easy to access later. One idea may trigger another one that could be just the one to make you a million dollars—or save a million. An idea you have today may be impractical. Or perhaps you may be unable to do anything about it at the moment. No matter. Make sure you recordit somewhere. If you make it easy to do, you’ll do more of it.
I use my Task List in Microsoft Outlook to keep track of ideas. It's my "Idea Inventory". I can categorize them and they’re easy to find. Index cards also work well. They fit handily in a shirt pocket or purse and are easy to sort and categorize. You can even use your journal or a separate document on your word processor. The easier it is to find and review them, the more valuable your ideas will be to you.
I also use a hand-held tape recorder (DVR) in my car to record ideas as they occur to me. It’s not only handy, it’s safer—I don’t try to write stuff down as I’m driving. Later, I transcribe the ideas into my Outlook files.
If you’re truly looking for ideas and answers to problems, you’ll surely find them. Think of them as decks of cards lined up to infinity. Each card is an idea or solution. One might be a low card—another a face card. Occasionally, you find an ace. If you keep picking them up, you’ll get better at reading the cards. You’ll make it a habit and you’ll find some aces.
Pick the best, implement them and watch your life—and even the lives of those around you—work better.
Related Articles:
What Do You Mean You're Not Creative?
Successnet.org/articles/angier-creative.htm
Lifelong Learning
Successnet.org/articles/angier-lifelonglearning.htm
-=-=-
Copyright Michael Angier & Success Networks International.
Used with Permission.
Michael Angier is the founder and president of SuccessNet. Their mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best--personally and professionally.
Download their free eBooklet, 10 ESSENTIAL KEYS TO PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS from www.SuccessNet.org/keys.htm or by sending a blank email to keys@SuccessNet.org.
More free subscriptions, books and SuccessMark Cards are available at www.SuccessNet.org.
-=-=-
Have yourself a Super Wednesday!
Mar 7, 2006
STOP Affiliate Link Hijackers
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! In today's article their's great information for people that joined Affiliate Programs and how to protect yourself from Affiliate Link "Hijackers".
People who knows how to manipulate the system will replace your affiliate ID with theirs and "hijack" your commissions. The bottom line is the hijackers puts your money in his pocket and You get cheated out of your rightful commission. Read more below...
Quote of the Day
“Courage means to keep working a relationship, to continue seeking solutions to difficult problems, and to stay focused during stressful periods.”
~ Denis Waitley ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
3 Ways To STOP Affiliate Link "Hijackers"
By Jim Edwards
(c)2002 Jim Edwards - all right reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Let's face the facts!
Almost everyone online today is looking to make or save a buck any way they can. In the past, most of the people who clicked on your affiliate links used to purchase without a second thought... but, as times get tougher online, it seems a growing number won't!
As money gets tighter and product prices rise, people who know how to manipulate the system will sometimes replace your affiliate ID with theirs and "hijack" your commissions.
Here's an example:
Let's say your affiliate link is www.ebookaboutcats.com/?live-well.
Say the highjacker uses the affiliate ID of captain-hook. What he would do is replace your ID with his, and buy from the URL www.ebookaboutcats.com/?captain-hook.
The bottom line: the hijacker puts your money in his pocket.
In other cases, they can't stand the thought of you "making money off them" so they bypass you by simply chopping off the end of your affiliate link that contains your ID.
Instead of buying from www.ebookaboutcats.com/?live-well, the bypasser will simply "chop off" the affiliate ID at the end and simply buy from the plain URL www.ebookaboutcats.com -- without your affiliate ID attached!
Either way, you get cheated out of your rightful commission.
To help you fight these affiliate link hijackers I offer a couple of my best (proven and battle tested) tips, which will at least confuse these "hijackers" and, in many cases, often defeat and disarm them completely.
Side Note: If someone really, really wants to steal your affiliate commission, they will find a way; however, most hijackers are just opportunists who will only act if they see an easy buck.
The first and cheapest way to hide your affiliate links is using a javascript redirect page. This is where you hide your affiliate link in a page on your site using a simple javascript that redirects people to your affiliate link.
It works great not to expose your "naked" affiliate link in your actual email messages and ezine ads, but, once people get redirected to the true affiliate link, many affiliate programs expose the affiliate link along with your ID in the browser address bar.
Here's an example of a redirect script in action.
Click => http://www.ebookfire.com/esejs.html
Notice how the link takes you to a page where you can see my affiliate ID, ebookfire, in your web browser's address bar.
Like it or not, someone can replace my ID with theirs and "hijack" the commission... but at least the redirect script keeps them from immediately seeing my "naked" affiliate link(http://hop.clickbank.net/?ebookfire/ebksecrets) when I publish it in my newsletter, email, or on my website.
You can get free redirect scripts just about anywhere you find free javascripts. Here is the script I use http://www.ebookfire.com/jrs.shtml.
A better way to hide your affiliate links is using a zero- frame or "invisible" frame that masks the affiliate link by making it appear you are sending people to a page on your website. In reality, you are actually sending them to your affiliate link.
This is the technique used by those "sub-domain" redirect services that provide you with urls like http://ese.ebookfire.net.
While giving someone a link like that is much better than using a "naked" affiliate link such as http://hop.clickbank.net/?ebookfire/ebksecrets, there is a problem. As soon as someone does a "view >> source" in their web browser they'll see your naked affiliate link plain as day... which instantly blows your cover!
Currently the best way to protect your affiliate commissions from ruthless hijackers is to use a combination of a zero-frame page along with URL encryption. This involves sending someone to URL that looks like a page on your site, but actually pulls in your affiliate link like those "sub-domain" services. However, there's one critical difference...
If someone does a "view >> source" in their browser, you have added protection in that all they will see is a jumble of computer code instead of your naked affiliate link.
Check out this example of a zero-frame with URL encryption in action.
Click => http://www.ebookfire.com/ese.html
Side Note: Beware of cloaking scripts that use javascript to mask your affiliate link because they could malfunction in some web browsers.
Here's the bottom line: if you are going to sell through other people's affiliate programs, never send a "naked" affiliate link... you're just asking for people to hijack or bypass you if you do.
If you want to get paid more often through your affiliate links, make sure it's not obvious you're referring people to an affiliate link. If they can't easily see how to hijack or bypass your link, a lot more people who would have taken the money out of your pocket will just go ahead and buy through your link - which is, after all, the whole point! :-)
-=-
Jim Edwards, author of numerous best-selling ebooks, earns thousands in affiliate commissions every month! Jim has developed "Affiliate Link Cloaker," the easy, FAST, safe way to STOP affiliate link "hijackers"... Dead in their tracks!
Click Here => Hide Your Affiliate Links From "Hijackers"
-=-
Have yourself a Super Tuesday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! In today's article their's great information for people that joined Affiliate Programs and how to protect yourself from Affiliate Link "Hijackers".
People who knows how to manipulate the system will replace your affiliate ID with theirs and "hijack" your commissions. The bottom line is the hijackers puts your money in his pocket and You get cheated out of your rightful commission. Read more below...
Quote of the Day
“Courage means to keep working a relationship, to continue seeking solutions to difficult problems, and to stay focused during stressful periods.”
~ Denis Waitley ~
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
3 Ways To STOP Affiliate Link "Hijackers"
By Jim Edwards
(c)2002 Jim Edwards - all right reserved
www.TheNetReporter.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Let's face the facts!
Almost everyone online today is looking to make or save a buck any way they can. In the past, most of the people who clicked on your affiliate links used to purchase without a second thought... but, as times get tougher online, it seems a growing number won't!
As money gets tighter and product prices rise, people who know how to manipulate the system will sometimes replace your affiliate ID with theirs and "hijack" your commissions.
Here's an example:
Let's say your affiliate link is www.ebookaboutcats.com/?live-well.
Say the highjacker uses the affiliate ID of captain-hook. What he would do is replace your ID with his, and buy from the URL www.ebookaboutcats.com/?captain-hook.
The bottom line: the hijacker puts your money in his pocket.
In other cases, they can't stand the thought of you "making money off them" so they bypass you by simply chopping off the end of your affiliate link that contains your ID.
Instead of buying from www.ebookaboutcats.com/?live-well, the bypasser will simply "chop off" the affiliate ID at the end and simply buy from the plain URL www.ebookaboutcats.com -- without your affiliate ID attached!
Either way, you get cheated out of your rightful commission.
To help you fight these affiliate link hijackers I offer a couple of my best (proven and battle tested) tips, which will at least confuse these "hijackers" and, in many cases, often defeat and disarm them completely.
Side Note: If someone really, really wants to steal your affiliate commission, they will find a way; however, most hijackers are just opportunists who will only act if they see an easy buck.
The first and cheapest way to hide your affiliate links is using a javascript redirect page. This is where you hide your affiliate link in a page on your site using a simple javascript that redirects people to your affiliate link.
It works great not to expose your "naked" affiliate link in your actual email messages and ezine ads, but, once people get redirected to the true affiliate link, many affiliate programs expose the affiliate link along with your ID in the browser address bar.
Here's an example of a redirect script in action.
Click => http://www.ebookfire.com/esejs.html
Notice how the link takes you to a page where you can see my affiliate ID, ebookfire, in your web browser's address bar.
Like it or not, someone can replace my ID with theirs and "hijack" the commission... but at least the redirect script keeps them from immediately seeing my "naked" affiliate link(http://hop.clickbank.net/?ebookfire/ebksecrets) when I publish it in my newsletter, email, or on my website.
You can get free redirect scripts just about anywhere you find free javascripts. Here is the script I use http://www.ebookfire.com/jrs.shtml.
A better way to hide your affiliate links is using a zero- frame or "invisible" frame that masks the affiliate link by making it appear you are sending people to a page on your website. In reality, you are actually sending them to your affiliate link.
This is the technique used by those "sub-domain" redirect services that provide you with urls like http://ese.ebookfire.net.
While giving someone a link like that is much better than using a "naked" affiliate link such as http://hop.clickbank.net/?ebookfire/ebksecrets, there is a problem. As soon as someone does a "view >> source" in their web browser they'll see your naked affiliate link plain as day... which instantly blows your cover!
Currently the best way to protect your affiliate commissions from ruthless hijackers is to use a combination of a zero-frame page along with URL encryption. This involves sending someone to URL that looks like a page on your site, but actually pulls in your affiliate link like those "sub-domain" services. However, there's one critical difference...
If someone does a "view >> source" in their browser, you have added protection in that all they will see is a jumble of computer code instead of your naked affiliate link.
Check out this example of a zero-frame with URL encryption in action.
Click => http://www.ebookfire.com/ese.html
Side Note: Beware of cloaking scripts that use javascript to mask your affiliate link because they could malfunction in some web browsers.
Here's the bottom line: if you are going to sell through other people's affiliate programs, never send a "naked" affiliate link... you're just asking for people to hijack or bypass you if you do.
If you want to get paid more often through your affiliate links, make sure it's not obvious you're referring people to an affiliate link. If they can't easily see how to hijack or bypass your link, a lot more people who would have taken the money out of your pocket will just go ahead and buy through your link - which is, after all, the whole point! :-)
-=-
Jim Edwards, author of numerous best-selling ebooks, earns thousands in affiliate commissions every month! Jim has developed "Affiliate Link Cloaker," the easy, FAST, safe way to STOP affiliate link "hijackers"... Dead in their tracks!
Click Here => Hide Your Affiliate Links From "Hijackers"
-=-
Have yourself a Super Tuesday!
Mar 6, 2006
Videos Now Prime-Time TV
Welcome to Flo's Business & Fun Blog
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! Did you know that a whole NEW trend in "reality" TV going on right now on cable television? That's right... website videos are getting played on TV right now! Check out today's article below -- it's a REAL eye-opener!
Quote of the day!
“Dare to dream, but even more importantly, dare to put action behinds your dreams."
Josh Hinds
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Viral Videos Now Prime-Time TV
- by Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
www.WebsiteVideoSecrets.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
I flipped on VH1 yesterday and sat enthralled as a rap artist with colorful language skills hosted "Web Junk 20" where they played 20 videos plucked from the web and played them on cable TV.
Last night I saw that Bravo Channel now airs a show called "Outrageous and Contagious Viral Videos" in the afternoon and evening.
The show features videos found online, focusing on funny, creative and "blooper" style content (though they skipped the foul-mouthed rap star).
Though most of the viral videos currently getting air time on TV get ooh's, aah's and laughter, the fact that "viral videos" are now a part of everyday reality has serious business implications.
For those of you without a teenager or that one "special" friend who always sends the latest joke or video every time you open your in-box, let me bring you up to speed.
A "viral video" is a video played from a web page or as a file on your computer. It goes "viral" because one person sees it and passes it on to more people, who in turn pass it on to their contacts (like a cold virus).
This social interaction is the gas in the video's tank to help it drive around the web, sometimes getting millions of views all over the world.
Now, once we get beyond the "jackass" stunts, bloopers, and giggles, the principles that drive viral videos can help generate serious traffic to business websites.
These videos go viral in a general market because they play to interests and emotions we all share, including: laughter, horror, lust, and sadness. In the absence of any other common factors, we, as humans, all love to laugh, etc.
In business, we've learned that niche markets make it much easier to sell a product or service because we can group people based on profession, physical characteristics, and interests.
For example, a dental supply salesman knows to target dentists and hygienists, and would not bother calling on a craft store.
On the web, a dog trainer knows they should target dog lovers, and if they're really smart, they target owners of a specific breed of dog.
Anyone who sells anything to anyone online can harness the power of viral videos to get traffic to their website simply by targeting their videos at a specific audience and appealing to the same emotions that encourage people to pass along other viral videos.
** Humor **
Put a smile on people's faces, make them laugh, give them a moment's break from a hectic day and they'll love you for it (and want to share it with their friends).
Who says you can't make a "how to" video for your customers wearing a chicken suit!
** Short and Sweet **
The best videos that keep people's attention last under 6 minutes. When starting out, try to keep your videos under 2 minutes, especially if they contain mostly "commercial" content.
** "Ask To Pass" **
Sometimes a simple sentence of "Hey, if you like this video, feel free to pass it along to a friend" at the end of your video will start the viral effect rolling.
** Go Where The Viewers Go **
Once you've distributed your video to your existing customers and asked them to share it, put your videos out where new people can see them.
Start with http://Video.Google.com, iFilm.com, and YouTube.com and then keep your eyes open for new places to post your videos to attract new viewers.
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Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-creator of an amazing course that will teach you step-by-step and click-by-click how to get your own money-making videos posted online...
"Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU To Painlessly Create, Post and PROFIT From Your Own Money-Making Online Videos... Without Being a Computer Geek or Paying Outrageous Fees To A Webmaster!"
Click Here => www.WebsiteVideoSecrets.com
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Have yourself a Super Monday!
Hope your day is starting off beautifully! Did you know that a whole NEW trend in "reality" TV going on right now on cable television? That's right... website videos are getting played on TV right now! Check out today's article below -- it's a REAL eye-opener!
Quote of the day!
“Dare to dream, but even more importantly, dare to put action behinds your dreams."
Josh Hinds
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Viral Videos Now Prime-Time TV
- by Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
www.WebsiteVideoSecrets.com
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I flipped on VH1 yesterday and sat enthralled as a rap artist with colorful language skills hosted "Web Junk 20" where they played 20 videos plucked from the web and played them on cable TV.
Last night I saw that Bravo Channel now airs a show called "Outrageous and Contagious Viral Videos" in the afternoon and evening.
The show features videos found online, focusing on funny, creative and "blooper" style content (though they skipped the foul-mouthed rap star).
Though most of the viral videos currently getting air time on TV get ooh's, aah's and laughter, the fact that "viral videos" are now a part of everyday reality has serious business implications.
For those of you without a teenager or that one "special" friend who always sends the latest joke or video every time you open your in-box, let me bring you up to speed.
A "viral video" is a video played from a web page or as a file on your computer. It goes "viral" because one person sees it and passes it on to more people, who in turn pass it on to their contacts (like a cold virus).
This social interaction is the gas in the video's tank to help it drive around the web, sometimes getting millions of views all over the world.
Now, once we get beyond the "jackass" stunts, bloopers, and giggles, the principles that drive viral videos can help generate serious traffic to business websites.
These videos go viral in a general market because they play to interests and emotions we all share, including: laughter, horror, lust, and sadness. In the absence of any other common factors, we, as humans, all love to laugh, etc.
In business, we've learned that niche markets make it much easier to sell a product or service because we can group people based on profession, physical characteristics, and interests.
For example, a dental supply salesman knows to target dentists and hygienists, and would not bother calling on a craft store.
On the web, a dog trainer knows they should target dog lovers, and if they're really smart, they target owners of a specific breed of dog.
Anyone who sells anything to anyone online can harness the power of viral videos to get traffic to their website simply by targeting their videos at a specific audience and appealing to the same emotions that encourage people to pass along other viral videos.
** Humor **
Put a smile on people's faces, make them laugh, give them a moment's break from a hectic day and they'll love you for it (and want to share it with their friends).
Who says you can't make a "how to" video for your customers wearing a chicken suit!
** Short and Sweet **
The best videos that keep people's attention last under 6 minutes. When starting out, try to keep your videos under 2 minutes, especially if they contain mostly "commercial" content.
** "Ask To Pass" **
Sometimes a simple sentence of "Hey, if you like this video, feel free to pass it along to a friend" at the end of your video will start the viral effect rolling.
** Go Where The Viewers Go **
Once you've distributed your video to your existing customers and asked them to share it, put your videos out where new people can see them.
Start with http://Video.Google.com, iFilm.com, and YouTube.com and then keep your eyes open for new places to post your videos to attract new viewers.
-=-
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-creator of an amazing course that will teach you step-by-step and click-by-click how to get your own money-making videos posted online...
"Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU To Painlessly Create, Post and PROFIT From Your Own Money-Making Online Videos... Without Being a Computer Geek or Paying Outrageous Fees To A Webmaster!"
Click Here => www.WebsiteVideoSecrets.com
-=-
Have yourself a Super Monday!
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