Get Bigger Profits
by: Ted Cantu
WARNING: Dumb Marketing can wipe out your business! Ex-Art director saves you money, time and tears of misfortune! Learn the ropes of how to strategize your online business.
It’s amazing the amount of BAD marketing that I run into along the rocky road to financial freedom. There are many false gurus, shaman, and magic gizmo sellers from every walk of life. I am offered everything from snake oil to the “one in a life time chance to meet Bruce Springsteen”. I am not even a Bruce Springsteen fan, (I only know a handful of his songs).
But anyways I am getting WAY off track.
HOW DO YOU RECESSION PROOF YOUR BUSINESS?
Before I fork over the “Golden Ticket” I think its important that you know the difference between a successful business and one that sucks the life out of you. Many entrepreneurs think they have a cash pumping business but in actually it is the cash that gets PUMPED OUT OF THEM! In short, they have a very expensive hobby.
The BIG QUESTION is….. (drumroll please)
What Creates A Recession?
I’m sure you got a text book answer. I can think of several myself. One of the things that comes to mind is that you have a disastrous guy in charge somewhere who calls all the shots. He does a shoddy job at best but still has the ear of the boss. As far as the man in charge he takes his cues from another era where the marketing made little sense then as well. He likes expensive advertising and has convinced himself that this stuff actually works.
I am talking about advertising in things like radio and television. You could get away with that stuff in the 1960’s back when you only had three networks, ABC, CBS and NBC. But now you got 900 digital channels, pay per view, HBO1, HBO2 and well you get the idea. Lets not forget the multitude of digital radio stations too. Getting someone’s attention now is going to be a heck of a lot harder than you thought.
How do you break through the CRUD?
When you need leaders you need people who can think on their feet. It’s a good idea to get someone who can actually push your vehicle out of the mud.
This means trimming the fat. You have to cut the ties with outdated thinking and things that will bleed your account dry, (television and radio being just the beginning). Your business could be in the dumpster because of outdated thinking.
Here are just a few things that could help you elevate your position in wealth.
1. Getting more of your business into ongoing profit generating systems.
2. Automating all of your sales pitches online.
3. Automate the way you accept payment for just about everything you do.
4. Find new ways to create streams of outgoing information without being on the phone.
5. Creating ways of making money and eliminating as much “face time” as possible.
Its not that I want you to stop liking people as a whole. On the contrary I am looking out for you. That is we have to take care of the boss – namely – YOU. And you cannot do that if you are running around all over town meeting with everyone who calls you on a whim.
I got a rule of thumb about this entire prospecting thing. I rarely ever meet with anyone in person unless I am sure they are going to be worth my time. I try to take care of this through online technology as much as possible.
The Power Of Automation
I set up roadblocks when I can. I try to create an online outlet for my prospect to get more information before they actually pick up the phone and contact me. I do not want to be on the phone all day although that sometimes happens. My prospects usually find a pre-recorded “movie” that explains my services to them in some form.
This really works wonders if you are dealing with people who are in a recession frame of mind. If they are normally close minded to new ideas and new thinking then putting your presentation on autopilot on the web --- works! In fact it can work so well that it will create two dynamics for your business.
1. People will disqualify themselves and not bother calling you in the first place.
2. People will qualify themselves and call you with check in hand, (I’m serious)
You can set up all of your marketing on auto pilot. I record all of my online sales pitches. I accept FAXES online morning, day, noon and night. I have online web sites that accept payment and deposit them straight into my bank accounts. I run all of my presentations on my many web sites and blogs I have out there in cyberspace. And boy do I get the leads and jobs. I get stuff from all over the country from cities I have never been to.
This stuff really works.
What Business Are You In?
Remember what business you are in. You are in business to primarily MARKET your business. It’s not to learn the latest tricks in .NET development, SEO, cosmetic dentistry, even though you should be competent in the thing you specialize in. Your real skill as a businessman is to know how to market your services and how to land customers. If you don’t have that then you cannot do too much. You need to perfect this stream of steady leads day in and day out.
I recommend duplicating this format whenever you can. It may take a while to get this to work for you but it can be built. The idea here is to create pages that support every profit leg of your business. You have to prime the pump to get this going. Once it is built you can enjoy a day off now and then.
Who knows – maybe you can even take a nap. If you are a full time entrepreneur no doubt you deserve one.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Web Hosting Rating
Nowadays internet has become a new mean of promotion. Whether it is for personal or company, selling things or offering services internet is the easiest way to reach your intended readers through out the world. Owning an online site means that you need to store all your files on the internet thus comes along the need for a good web hosting. You need to be sure that your web host can handle the traffic you are going to have and the downtime is acceptable. To choose the best web host is quite difficult if you do not have some experiences. If you want to find some web hosting articles to read then you can try Web Hosting Rating.
On the site you should find useful information regarding web hosting. If you do not have the time to search for the best place to host your site then you could just check out the rating section. You can then choose the type of web hosting that you want. For example some of the groups available are based on the operating system used at the server. If you are interested in UNIX then you should see several companies such as InMotion Hosting Inc., Web Hosting Pad, Globat.com and Bluehost Inc. Should you want to know more about the hosting then you can read the review given by independent customer. Another section that might worth looking is the award section. You can also based your choice by the type of award they have won. If there is anything that you want to ask then you can use the online contact form to submit your question.
On the site you should find useful information regarding web hosting. If you do not have the time to search for the best place to host your site then you could just check out the rating section. You can then choose the type of web hosting that you want. For example some of the groups available are based on the operating system used at the server. If you are interested in UNIX then you should see several companies such as InMotion Hosting Inc., Web Hosting Pad, Globat.com and Bluehost Inc. Should you want to know more about the hosting then you can read the review given by independent customer. Another section that might worth looking is the award section. You can also based your choice by the type of award they have won. If there is anything that you want to ask then you can use the online contact form to submit your question.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
How It Will Be Working From Home
by: Tsuyoshi Suzuki
What is the best work based from home job for you is entirely a personal and professional decision. It is a big step from being employed to working for yourself, so plan as far ahead as possible and think about the effects on all areas of your life to prepare yourself, before you leave your job. Whether you own a full-time, home-based business or your job allows you to occasionally work from the comfort of your home, there are many things that can distract you from getting your work done.
Before you up and quit your day job, you need to look at many different things that can and will affect your ability to work from home. If you work at a job that stresses your back--medical work, warehousing, mechanical occupations, and garbage collection are top contenders. You may need to do more than just practice good lifting technique. Another area of consideration when trying to determine the best work based from home job for you is whether you are a “creative” person or a more business-minded person.
At the other extreme, those who are working at home for the first time, may be tempted to relax all day long, watch television, go to the local pub or whatever it is they like to do, and never actually settle down to any work. For those who have a daily grind of commuting to their job, sometimes long distances and for an hour, two hours or even more, the thought of working at home may seem like a dream.
If I manage to achieve the same success working from home during the day as I have over the last year working a few hours here and there in my spare time I’ll be well on my way to becoming a full time home business entrepreneur. Should I decide to do this I’ll be taking the huge step from working on my business in my spare time to earn some extra money, to working half the week for myself. With action I mean the following, be willing to invest some of the money you have earned working for a boss.
Wouldn't you love to be one of those people on the other end of the line providing that information, working at home being your own boss, starting every day with checking your bank statements just to notice that you've made another heap of money while you where sleeping. It is always good to know the experiences that other people have had with the business opportunity that you are researching. Many people facing the threat of being laid off do not have a clear, transferable set of skills that they can use in their own business.
If you are interested in taking part in an MLM business, it is the best idea for you. Once you build downline, you will have working team with same goal "work from home". For more information about MLM business, make sure you follow the link in the recourse box below now.
What is the best work based from home job for you is entirely a personal and professional decision. It is a big step from being employed to working for yourself, so plan as far ahead as possible and think about the effects on all areas of your life to prepare yourself, before you leave your job. Whether you own a full-time, home-based business or your job allows you to occasionally work from the comfort of your home, there are many things that can distract you from getting your work done.
Before you up and quit your day job, you need to look at many different things that can and will affect your ability to work from home. If you work at a job that stresses your back--medical work, warehousing, mechanical occupations, and garbage collection are top contenders. You may need to do more than just practice good lifting technique. Another area of consideration when trying to determine the best work based from home job for you is whether you are a “creative” person or a more business-minded person.
At the other extreme, those who are working at home for the first time, may be tempted to relax all day long, watch television, go to the local pub or whatever it is they like to do, and never actually settle down to any work. For those who have a daily grind of commuting to their job, sometimes long distances and for an hour, two hours or even more, the thought of working at home may seem like a dream.
If I manage to achieve the same success working from home during the day as I have over the last year working a few hours here and there in my spare time I’ll be well on my way to becoming a full time home business entrepreneur. Should I decide to do this I’ll be taking the huge step from working on my business in my spare time to earn some extra money, to working half the week for myself. With action I mean the following, be willing to invest some of the money you have earned working for a boss.
Wouldn't you love to be one of those people on the other end of the line providing that information, working at home being your own boss, starting every day with checking your bank statements just to notice that you've made another heap of money while you where sleeping. It is always good to know the experiences that other people have had with the business opportunity that you are researching. Many people facing the threat of being laid off do not have a clear, transferable set of skills that they can use in their own business.
If you are interested in taking part in an MLM business, it is the best idea for you. Once you build downline, you will have working team with same goal "work from home". For more information about MLM business, make sure you follow the link in the recourse box below now.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Hocks Pharmacy
People who have diabetes illness should always prepare their medicine supplies. They can buy their medicines in the pharmacy. But now they can also get their diabetic supplies online through Hocks Pharmacy. Hocks have been the leading internet pharmacy for buying almost all medicines for diabetic person. If you want to get insulin delivered to you instantly, Hocks is the place that can fulfill your demand. Other supplies provided at Hocks Pharmacy including diabetic log, diabetic socks, insulin syringes, alcohol swabs, etc.
Monitoring the blood glucose level is also an important part of treating diabetic person. To have this blood glucose level under your control you should do tests regularly using test strips. As you all probably know, these test strips can be really expensive. But Hocks Pharmacy keep a wide variety of strips with affordable priced from Freestyle, True Track, Prestige, and Ascensia Countor. These brands have been well respected for their products. With the purchase of selected test strips you can get a free meter. The meter is limited one for each person. If you have any difficulties in selecting the best medicine for your illness, you can contact Hocks Pharmacy at this number: 1-800-898-8570 or send a fax to 1-800-898-8572. If you prefer contacting Hocks Pharmacy online then send and email with your questions to questions@hocks.com.
Monitoring the blood glucose level is also an important part of treating diabetic person. To have this blood glucose level under your control you should do tests regularly using test strips. As you all probably know, these test strips can be really expensive. But Hocks Pharmacy keep a wide variety of strips with affordable priced from Freestyle, True Track, Prestige, and Ascensia Countor. These brands have been well respected for their products. With the purchase of selected test strips you can get a free meter. The meter is limited one for each person. If you have any difficulties in selecting the best medicine for your illness, you can contact Hocks Pharmacy at this number: 1-800-898-8570 or send a fax to 1-800-898-8572. If you prefer contacting Hocks Pharmacy online then send and email with your questions to questions@hocks.com.
The Top 7 Overlooked E-bay Success Tips
by: Jamie Sloan
Last year alone, millions of people made a profit on e-bay. Some were just selling odds and ends, while some ran huge businesses exclusively on e-bay. The amount of commerce done on the internet is only expected to increase, making prospects for e-bay users bright. You very well may be one of the people who's discovered the great benefits of making money from e-bay auctions. I myself have been an e-bay user for a little over a year and have had great success with my auctions.
When my friend began her business on e-bay selling high end purses, it started out quite rocky. Her auctions weren't getting the hits she wanted and usually sold off of one bid, instead of creating the bidding frenzy that beautiful bags like she had should have!
So, she called me up knowing I had been successfully using e-bay for almost a year at the time. She gave me her login information (we're best friends- she trusts me!) and asked me to check her her sales and current auctions and see if I noticed where the problem was. When I saw her current auctions, alot became obvious!
So, I compiled a list of things that I had used which had made me successful which I suggested she implement into her own auctions. I even revised the auctions she had active at the time. One of those auctions- a gorgeous brown Coach purse- sold for $546.00. She had listed it for $125.00. It was her biggest sale yet and she was thrilled.
The funny thing is, the methods I use are not some internet guru secrets. They are just things I picked up during my time using e-bay, but seem to be overlooked alot of the time. Here are what I have found to be the top 7 overlooked tips for successful e-bay auctions:
1. The Importance of a Good Title- When you're creating a title for your auction, you've gotta think like a buyer. When I checked my friend's listings, she had a beautiful, brand new brown patchwork Coach purse titled as 'coach purse'. This is way too general! A buyer knows what they want; in your title, include color, any brand name, main keywords that people will search, and condition is possible. I changed her title to "Brown & Beige Patchwork Coach Purse-Brand New". By the next day, it had over 100 new hits. Previously her auctions were hardly even reaching 100 hits throughout the whole 5 days.
Another mistake people often make is writing things like 'The best wristwatch ever!!!!" Even if you do believe you're selling the best wristwatch ever, is this really what a buyer is searching for? Of course not. Use a more descriptive, detailed title like 'Gold Armani Wrist Watch w/ Leather Band-New".
One more thing when it comes to titles: make sure keywords are included. For example, whatever the item you're selling actually IS, include that in the title. On e-bay, I mostly sell high end women's heels. I always make sure to include in my title 'Womens Shoes" because this is a common keyword. An example of a title I would use is:
"Brown Marc Jacobs Womens Silver Stud Pumps Shoes"- I know that 'pumps shoes' sounds awkward, but many women will search for "marc jacobs womens shoes", and I want to be sure my item shows up in the results. Use these tips when creating your title and you'll be sure to see increased traffic to your auction.
2. Give honest descriptions- Sure, that stain, tear, or other defect may be sooo small that it's almost impossible to notice. Still, mention it in your auction. If you send an item out and a buyer realizes that the item has a defect that you didn't mention in the auction description, they will be disappointed and very possibly leave you negative feedback. Anyone familiar with e-bay knows that feedback is everything. It is what makes people feel comfortable buying from you and proves that you are a trustworthy, reliable buyer.
It's best to provide a photo of any defects so potential buyers can see what they're getting. And believe me, if you say that there's a defect but don't show a picture, people will e-mail you asking for some. I have sometimes had a defect so tiny on a shoe that I couldn't even get it to show up in a picture. If that's the case, say it! Provide a picture of the area where the defect is and also explain in your listing that it's so miniscule that you can't get it to show up in the picture. Buyers will trust you much more and be way more willing to buy from you in the future. You also won't have to deal with an unsatisfied customer who can damage your feedback rating and make future potential buyers hesitant or even completely dissaude them from buying from you.
3. Offer International Shipping- So often I see sellers who are providing great products but don't offer international shipping. Let me tell you- about 30% of my sales are to international buyers, and very often international buyers will pay more for products. I never understood why people are restraining their own sales potential by not offering international shipping.
Remember, the buyer is the one who pays the shipping, not you!! Even though international shipping is expensive, you are not paying it! And don't be discouraged thinking sending things internationally is difficult- it's super simple and not much different then sending things within the country. If you use USPS (the method I find most efficient for prices and service), you may have to fill out a short customs sheet that takes no more than a minute. Don't be lazy! Offer international shipping and see your sales soar!
4. Send a Thank You card with your purchase- You can get packs of black decorative cards from any general store, WalMart, or even discount chains like TJ Maxx. Buy a couple packs and with people's packages, send a nice thank you card.
You don't have to write a dialog, just a simple "Name of Buyer, Thanks so much for your bid! Enjoy your purchase, and I hope to do business with you in the future! Your Name or Business Name" If you want to really go all out and rake in some super feedback, include a small free gift. When I sell a pair of shoes I usually include a free headband or pair of earrings. If you'd like to try this out, try to find something that compliments whatever it is that you're selling. You could also include a little bag of candy or some tea light candles (go to the dollar store for great knick knacks and free gift ideas). Use your imagination to make your customers satisfied and loyal!
5. Offer combined shipping Buyers love combined shipping. If you offer a good combined shipping deal, and have more than one item they're interested in, they're ten times more likely to buy both items. Some people choose to determine combined shipping depending upon the two items the buyer is interested in, while others have set shipping rules. A good example is to charge $_.__ for the first item and offer to send the second item free, or for $1.00-$2.00 more. Usually the additional weight of the package isn't much so it's possible to offer combined shipping without losing any profit at all. Determine your own rates depending on the weight of the items you sell and the shipping service you use.
6.Keep communication with Buyers open and offer more pictures upon request. Of course in your listing you must include good pictures to attract buyers. Most people include 2-4 pictures per listing, depending on the size of the items and any special details you've got to show. I always include at least 3 pictures, and more if I feel the item needs more pictures of some detail it has that is unique.
Even though you have already provided your buyers with good pictures, it's helpful to write in your listing "Contact me with any questions or for more pictures. (with your contact info)" This is another method that makes buyers instantly trust you more and feel more comfortable placing bids. They feel that the communication lines are open and that they can get more info on the item if needed. And don't be discouraged thinking that you'll spend the whole day responding to e-mails requesting more photos; If you've already included good pictures, most people won't bother asking for more. Of over 50 listings where I've written this, only one person ever asked me for additional pictures. Check your e-mail though at least once a day to see if you've got any questions, people love quick responses and will reward you with good feedback for your effective communication.
7. Always use Delivery Confirmation- This is a biggie! Make sure that when you post your shipping costs, delivery confirmation costs are included so buyers aren't questioning the extrra expense when they receive their invoice. Delivery confirmation is a cheap effective way to ensure both your own and the buyer's investment.
First of all, you do not want to get scammed. What? Scammed? Yes, it happens. I know that most of the scamming referred to on e-bay is about sellers who scam their buyers, but don't be naive; we sellers are also at risk. Although the majority of the e-bay community is good people who are just trying to conduct legitimate transactions, there are those rotten apples which make it hard for all of us.
The usefulness of delivery confirmation was brought to my attention my an acquaintence of mine who does some selling on e-bay. He sold some very high quality digital remote for around $250.00. He shipped the item using delivery confirmation, and after about a week told me he received an e-mail from the buyer saing she'd never received the product. She filed a whole complaint with e-bay and made a big fuss about it. GOOD THING he had the delivery confirmation number and was able to prove that the product had been shipped to her address. Don't let one of these scammers get a chance to cheat you out of your money.
Making delivery confirmation a requirement is also something that will make serious bidders trust you more and see that you're a legitimate business person who wants to secure shipment. Think about it; if someone requests NOT to use delivery confirmation, you can guess where their intentions are. The extra .75 is not breaking anyone's piggy bank, so don't feel bad about it.
There you have it! Use these highly useful yet highly overlooked tips to generate more traffic to your auctions and enjoy higher sale prices. To e-bay success!
Last year alone, millions of people made a profit on e-bay. Some were just selling odds and ends, while some ran huge businesses exclusively on e-bay. The amount of commerce done on the internet is only expected to increase, making prospects for e-bay users bright. You very well may be one of the people who's discovered the great benefits of making money from e-bay auctions. I myself have been an e-bay user for a little over a year and have had great success with my auctions.
When my friend began her business on e-bay selling high end purses, it started out quite rocky. Her auctions weren't getting the hits she wanted and usually sold off of one bid, instead of creating the bidding frenzy that beautiful bags like she had should have!
So, she called me up knowing I had been successfully using e-bay for almost a year at the time. She gave me her login information (we're best friends- she trusts me!) and asked me to check her her sales and current auctions and see if I noticed where the problem was. When I saw her current auctions, alot became obvious!
So, I compiled a list of things that I had used which had made me successful which I suggested she implement into her own auctions. I even revised the auctions she had active at the time. One of those auctions- a gorgeous brown Coach purse- sold for $546.00. She had listed it for $125.00. It was her biggest sale yet and she was thrilled.
The funny thing is, the methods I use are not some internet guru secrets. They are just things I picked up during my time using e-bay, but seem to be overlooked alot of the time. Here are what I have found to be the top 7 overlooked tips for successful e-bay auctions:
1. The Importance of a Good Title- When you're creating a title for your auction, you've gotta think like a buyer. When I checked my friend's listings, she had a beautiful, brand new brown patchwork Coach purse titled as 'coach purse'. This is way too general! A buyer knows what they want; in your title, include color, any brand name, main keywords that people will search, and condition is possible. I changed her title to "Brown & Beige Patchwork Coach Purse-Brand New". By the next day, it had over 100 new hits. Previously her auctions were hardly even reaching 100 hits throughout the whole 5 days.
Another mistake people often make is writing things like 'The best wristwatch ever!!!!" Even if you do believe you're selling the best wristwatch ever, is this really what a buyer is searching for? Of course not. Use a more descriptive, detailed title like 'Gold Armani Wrist Watch w/ Leather Band-New".
One more thing when it comes to titles: make sure keywords are included. For example, whatever the item you're selling actually IS, include that in the title. On e-bay, I mostly sell high end women's heels. I always make sure to include in my title 'Womens Shoes" because this is a common keyword. An example of a title I would use is:
"Brown Marc Jacobs Womens Silver Stud Pumps Shoes"- I know that 'pumps shoes' sounds awkward, but many women will search for "marc jacobs womens shoes", and I want to be sure my item shows up in the results. Use these tips when creating your title and you'll be sure to see increased traffic to your auction.
2. Give honest descriptions- Sure, that stain, tear, or other defect may be sooo small that it's almost impossible to notice. Still, mention it in your auction. If you send an item out and a buyer realizes that the item has a defect that you didn't mention in the auction description, they will be disappointed and very possibly leave you negative feedback. Anyone familiar with e-bay knows that feedback is everything. It is what makes people feel comfortable buying from you and proves that you are a trustworthy, reliable buyer.
It's best to provide a photo of any defects so potential buyers can see what they're getting. And believe me, if you say that there's a defect but don't show a picture, people will e-mail you asking for some. I have sometimes had a defect so tiny on a shoe that I couldn't even get it to show up in a picture. If that's the case, say it! Provide a picture of the area where the defect is and also explain in your listing that it's so miniscule that you can't get it to show up in the picture. Buyers will trust you much more and be way more willing to buy from you in the future. You also won't have to deal with an unsatisfied customer who can damage your feedback rating and make future potential buyers hesitant or even completely dissaude them from buying from you.
3. Offer International Shipping- So often I see sellers who are providing great products but don't offer international shipping. Let me tell you- about 30% of my sales are to international buyers, and very often international buyers will pay more for products. I never understood why people are restraining their own sales potential by not offering international shipping.
Remember, the buyer is the one who pays the shipping, not you!! Even though international shipping is expensive, you are not paying it! And don't be discouraged thinking sending things internationally is difficult- it's super simple and not much different then sending things within the country. If you use USPS (the method I find most efficient for prices and service), you may have to fill out a short customs sheet that takes no more than a minute. Don't be lazy! Offer international shipping and see your sales soar!
4. Send a Thank You card with your purchase- You can get packs of black decorative cards from any general store, WalMart, or even discount chains like TJ Maxx. Buy a couple packs and with people's packages, send a nice thank you card.
You don't have to write a dialog, just a simple "Name of Buyer, Thanks so much for your bid! Enjoy your purchase, and I hope to do business with you in the future! Your Name or Business Name" If you want to really go all out and rake in some super feedback, include a small free gift. When I sell a pair of shoes I usually include a free headband or pair of earrings. If you'd like to try this out, try to find something that compliments whatever it is that you're selling. You could also include a little bag of candy or some tea light candles (go to the dollar store for great knick knacks and free gift ideas). Use your imagination to make your customers satisfied and loyal!
5. Offer combined shipping Buyers love combined shipping. If you offer a good combined shipping deal, and have more than one item they're interested in, they're ten times more likely to buy both items. Some people choose to determine combined shipping depending upon the two items the buyer is interested in, while others have set shipping rules. A good example is to charge $_.__ for the first item and offer to send the second item free, or for $1.00-$2.00 more. Usually the additional weight of the package isn't much so it's possible to offer combined shipping without losing any profit at all. Determine your own rates depending on the weight of the items you sell and the shipping service you use.
6.Keep communication with Buyers open and offer more pictures upon request. Of course in your listing you must include good pictures to attract buyers. Most people include 2-4 pictures per listing, depending on the size of the items and any special details you've got to show. I always include at least 3 pictures, and more if I feel the item needs more pictures of some detail it has that is unique.
Even though you have already provided your buyers with good pictures, it's helpful to write in your listing "Contact me with any questions or for more pictures. (with your contact info)" This is another method that makes buyers instantly trust you more and feel more comfortable placing bids. They feel that the communication lines are open and that they can get more info on the item if needed. And don't be discouraged thinking that you'll spend the whole day responding to e-mails requesting more photos; If you've already included good pictures, most people won't bother asking for more. Of over 50 listings where I've written this, only one person ever asked me for additional pictures. Check your e-mail though at least once a day to see if you've got any questions, people love quick responses and will reward you with good feedback for your effective communication.
7. Always use Delivery Confirmation- This is a biggie! Make sure that when you post your shipping costs, delivery confirmation costs are included so buyers aren't questioning the extrra expense when they receive their invoice. Delivery confirmation is a cheap effective way to ensure both your own and the buyer's investment.
First of all, you do not want to get scammed. What? Scammed? Yes, it happens. I know that most of the scamming referred to on e-bay is about sellers who scam their buyers, but don't be naive; we sellers are also at risk. Although the majority of the e-bay community is good people who are just trying to conduct legitimate transactions, there are those rotten apples which make it hard for all of us.
The usefulness of delivery confirmation was brought to my attention my an acquaintence of mine who does some selling on e-bay. He sold some very high quality digital remote for around $250.00. He shipped the item using delivery confirmation, and after about a week told me he received an e-mail from the buyer saing she'd never received the product. She filed a whole complaint with e-bay and made a big fuss about it. GOOD THING he had the delivery confirmation number and was able to prove that the product had been shipped to her address. Don't let one of these scammers get a chance to cheat you out of your money.
Making delivery confirmation a requirement is also something that will make serious bidders trust you more and see that you're a legitimate business person who wants to secure shipment. Think about it; if someone requests NOT to use delivery confirmation, you can guess where their intentions are. The extra .75 is not breaking anyone's piggy bank, so don't feel bad about it.
There you have it! Use these highly useful yet highly overlooked tips to generate more traffic to your auctions and enjoy higher sale prices. To e-bay success!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Flop Turn River
Many people play computer games in their leisure time. This way they won't get bored doing their daily routines. But some people who are more serious like to play online game such as poker. The reason is they can find an activity to kill the time and earn some extra cash while doing it. There are many various sites which offer you the place to play online poker. Some of them are good and legal but others may not. So it is better for you to check in Flop Turn River to see the best place to play.
In Flop Turn River you can find many useful resources related to online poker such as poker forum, poker strategy, room reviews, poker bonuses, poker chat room and poker blogs. Use the poker forum to ask questions to anyone and get some information or tips on playing poker. If you are trying to turn into pro then you could also check the strategy tips given on the site. There is also room reviews where you can read information regarding places to play. Poker Stars is a good room to start. If you go to the site and use PokerStars Marketing Code of "flopturnriver" then you will be eligible to get 150% deposit bonus, up to $75. Unlike any other place there is no PokerStars Rakeback but if you play well then you can earn bonuses which are better than traditional rakeback offered by other places. Check out more interesting bonuses in PokerStars Bonus Code page. For professionals who are looking for a good site which offer many useful information then Flop Turn River is the best place to be.
In Flop Turn River you can find many useful resources related to online poker such as poker forum, poker strategy, room reviews, poker bonuses, poker chat room and poker blogs. Use the poker forum to ask questions to anyone and get some information or tips on playing poker. If you are trying to turn into pro then you could also check the strategy tips given on the site. There is also room reviews where you can read information regarding places to play. Poker Stars is a good room to start. If you go to the site and use PokerStars Marketing Code of "flopturnriver" then you will be eligible to get 150% deposit bonus, up to $75. Unlike any other place there is no PokerStars Rakeback but if you play well then you can earn bonuses which are better than traditional rakeback offered by other places. Check out more interesting bonuses in PokerStars Bonus Code page. For professionals who are looking for a good site which offer many useful information then Flop Turn River is the best place to be.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Discipline - Be Clear, Be Firm, Be Consistent
by: Helen Williams
Children learn best by being given clear, firm and consistent direction from parents who are clear, firm and consistent in their approach.
How to Discipline Children by Being Clear:
Firstly find and maintain clarity within yourself and then follow through on simple, clear instructions. Clarify for your self what being clear means.
It is about being plain, obvious, and understandable in a clear, short sentence that explains exactly what you mean.
It isn't about maybe this or maybe that.
Often parents have no idea that they chop and change their minds within minutes. To become clear about your own patterns of behavior, observe yourself and ask for your partner's help in this.
"We are going to tidy up your toys in five minutes", is clear and direct. Follow this with,
"Please help me tidy up your toys now" and it means just that.
Be firm with yourself about this. It doesn't mean soon, or later, but now.
I have seen parents give out this simple instruction, then become distracted themselves by a television program, conversation or magazine. What their children observe is parents saying one thing and doing another and this gives a much distorted message. Multiplied over many times each day, is it any wonder that children cease to follow simple instructions?
How to Discipline Children by Being Firm:
Firstly find and maintain firmness for yourself and then follow through with firm clear directions in a firm, clear tone.
Clarify for your self what being firm means.
To be firm is to be certain, definite, and determined. It is also being loving, kind and calm.
It means saying no and meaning no, or saying yes and meaning yes and sticking to it. It's about now being now. How often does your no become perhaps, later, maybe giving in, next time, soon, or alright then? This is a very common fault in how to discipline children and again it leads to numerous mixed messages for children.
Resolve within yourself and with your partner's help to ascertain how often you are both easily swayed into changing your decisions. Are you allowing your children to manipulate you? Imagine how simple your life will become when you are clear and firm within yourself.
It is every child's right to KNOW they can trust their parent's boundaries. So firstly, become firm with your own boundaries and then apply this to your parenting discipline.
"It is bedtime, (bath time, meal time) in five minutes" is a clear direction. Now follow through on this.
Giving the direction in a calm, clear, firm tone of voice helps your children to understand that you mean what you say. Being firm is about being in control of both yourself and the situation.
How to Discipline Children by Being Consistent:
Firstly find and maintain consistency for yourself and then follow through with a firm, clear, consistent approach.
Clarify for yourself what being consistent means.
To be consistent is to be reliable, dependable and constant.
These words immediately convey comfort don't they?
Let's look at the opposite of being consistent. Contradictory, unpredictable, changeable. That's definitely lacking in comfort and safety.
So how do you want to be seen by your children?
To begin with it can seem quite time consuming to concentrate on clear, firm, consistent guidelines. Be aware that this is very true. It takes concentrated effort and time to change old habits to new ones, but if you maintain consistency, you will be very surprised how quickly new patterns of behavior are formed.
Parenting Discipline In Summary: With parenting discipline we are teaching our children how to have self control, self discipline and to become self reliant, so they are able to make good choices for themselves.
The only way children can learn to do this is by being given the opportunities for this learning.
This means not over protecting them, or doing everything for them, but maximizing their opportunities to learn through personal experience and observation, even when this means making mistakes.
Can you see the opportunities here to change some of your own patterns of behavior into superior ones?
Clear, firm, consistent parenting is quality parenting. You learn to trust your own responses and your children are surrounded by your loving constancy.
This is the recipe for creating a happy, well adjusted family.
Children learn best by being given clear, firm and consistent direction from parents who are clear, firm and consistent in their approach.
How to Discipline Children by Being Clear:
Firstly find and maintain clarity within yourself and then follow through on simple, clear instructions. Clarify for your self what being clear means.
It is about being plain, obvious, and understandable in a clear, short sentence that explains exactly what you mean.
It isn't about maybe this or maybe that.
Often parents have no idea that they chop and change their minds within minutes. To become clear about your own patterns of behavior, observe yourself and ask for your partner's help in this.
"We are going to tidy up your toys in five minutes", is clear and direct. Follow this with,
"Please help me tidy up your toys now" and it means just that.
Be firm with yourself about this. It doesn't mean soon, or later, but now.
I have seen parents give out this simple instruction, then become distracted themselves by a television program, conversation or magazine. What their children observe is parents saying one thing and doing another and this gives a much distorted message. Multiplied over many times each day, is it any wonder that children cease to follow simple instructions?
How to Discipline Children by Being Firm:
Firstly find and maintain firmness for yourself and then follow through with firm clear directions in a firm, clear tone.
Clarify for your self what being firm means.
To be firm is to be certain, definite, and determined. It is also being loving, kind and calm.
It means saying no and meaning no, or saying yes and meaning yes and sticking to it. It's about now being now. How often does your no become perhaps, later, maybe giving in, next time, soon, or alright then? This is a very common fault in how to discipline children and again it leads to numerous mixed messages for children.
Resolve within yourself and with your partner's help to ascertain how often you are both easily swayed into changing your decisions. Are you allowing your children to manipulate you? Imagine how simple your life will become when you are clear and firm within yourself.
It is every child's right to KNOW they can trust their parent's boundaries. So firstly, become firm with your own boundaries and then apply this to your parenting discipline.
"It is bedtime, (bath time, meal time) in five minutes" is a clear direction. Now follow through on this.
Giving the direction in a calm, clear, firm tone of voice helps your children to understand that you mean what you say. Being firm is about being in control of both yourself and the situation.
How to Discipline Children by Being Consistent:
Firstly find and maintain consistency for yourself and then follow through with a firm, clear, consistent approach.
Clarify for yourself what being consistent means.
To be consistent is to be reliable, dependable and constant.
These words immediately convey comfort don't they?
Let's look at the opposite of being consistent. Contradictory, unpredictable, changeable. That's definitely lacking in comfort and safety.
So how do you want to be seen by your children?
To begin with it can seem quite time consuming to concentrate on clear, firm, consistent guidelines. Be aware that this is very true. It takes concentrated effort and time to change old habits to new ones, but if you maintain consistency, you will be very surprised how quickly new patterns of behavior are formed.
Parenting Discipline In Summary: With parenting discipline we are teaching our children how to have self control, self discipline and to become self reliant, so they are able to make good choices for themselves.
The only way children can learn to do this is by being given the opportunities for this learning.
This means not over protecting them, or doing everything for them, but maximizing their opportunities to learn through personal experience and observation, even when this means making mistakes.
Can you see the opportunities here to change some of your own patterns of behavior into superior ones?
Clear, firm, consistent parenting is quality parenting. You learn to trust your own responses and your children are surrounded by your loving constancy.
This is the recipe for creating a happy, well adjusted family.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Compare LoudSiren and LifeLock
Are you familiar with LoudSiren? LoudSiren is an Identity Theft Protection aiming at placing and managing fraud alerts. The same way for LifeLock, trying to provide to its clients the best and safest way to secure your identity and guarantee your good name.
Both products are cutting edge within their industry. But if you want to Compare LoudSiren and LifeLock then you should be aware that Loud Siren has more advantages. Needless to say the price is slightly cheaper: $99 compared to $110. The basic services provided are quite similar. One great feature differentiating LoudSiren from LifeLock is that the former can prevent unwanted telemarketing calls on request. I find it very useful because I am not eager to receive any unwanted calls from telemarketing officers. On top of that LoudSiren provides you with a $25,000 Identity Protection Insurance underwritten by AIG which is very widely known insurance company. The customers base is large for both, they are also both very well recognized as a brand but LoudSiren is a member of Identity Protection Network and is consumer direct partner of Debix, Inc. which guarantees an even more outstanding reputation. Last but not least, LoudSiren are keen to give discounts.
Both products are cutting edge within their industry. But if you want to Compare LoudSiren and LifeLock then you should be aware that Loud Siren has more advantages. Needless to say the price is slightly cheaper: $99 compared to $110. The basic services provided are quite similar. One great feature differentiating LoudSiren from LifeLock is that the former can prevent unwanted telemarketing calls on request. I find it very useful because I am not eager to receive any unwanted calls from telemarketing officers. On top of that LoudSiren provides you with a $25,000 Identity Protection Insurance underwritten by AIG which is very widely known insurance company. The customers base is large for both, they are also both very well recognized as a brand but LoudSiren is a member of Identity Protection Network and is consumer direct partner of Debix, Inc. which guarantees an even more outstanding reputation. Last but not least, LoudSiren are keen to give discounts.
Ecommerce And The Blue-Collar Peasants?
by: Scott Lindsay
In medieval times the common laborer was thought to be less able to understand certain elements of civilized society. These men and women were not allowed to learn to read nor could they attend houses of worship because they were considered incapable of understanding what they heard.
Yes time after time these peasants were the basis for stories of renown and wonder. It is said that a peasant who listened to a sermon outside a church gathered bits and pieces of the Christmas story to write a carol that is still sung today.
Even in recent memory there has been a prevailing thought that only certain individuals are capable of developing a business. This is usually linked to the social standing of the individual or to the accumulated wealth of his or her family.
In business success has typically been tied to who you are, who knows you and how deep your pockets are. If you didn’t have the ‘name’, if you weren’t recognized and you didn’t have much money then your business would likely fail.
Ecommerce views every business owner as equal. There is no distinction and no preconceived ideas about the background or abilities of the business owner.
The link for all good online businesses is the ability to develop trust. If you are conscientious about providing exceptional customer service and superior products you may likely discover an improved customer base no matter what your personal background is like.
A blue-collar worker with a big idea has every reason to believe they can succeed online. A hard working rancher can develop an idea from their land of wide-open spaces and it may succeed. A single mom struggling to make ends meet might just come up with an idea that contains all the elements for a hit.
Rules that have always seemed as if they are designed for the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ no longer seem valid in an online business environment. The role of cyberspace is to equalize the impact of business ideas.
How does it do that?
In an online world you are going after customers on a global scale. You are no longer judged on your past failures or successes you are simply judged on your ability to deliver and provide quality products or services - now. If you can do that most customers would not even think to inquire about your lineage or stock portfolio.
An online environment can be one of the least discriminating places on earth. Your online presence is what speaks most to your product offerings and ability to fulfill your promises.
So, in a barn in Utah, a kitchen in Harlem or a neighborhood garage in New Jersey there are likely online businesses that are being developed to improve the quality of life for families that have struggled long enough.
Perhaps the most interesting irony in this is that some of the customers who frequent these ‘great idea’ sites may be white-collar workers who are less interested in the dynamics of the online business and more interested in receiving what they need.
Isn’t that what we all want in the businesses we trust?
In medieval times the common laborer was thought to be less able to understand certain elements of civilized society. These men and women were not allowed to learn to read nor could they attend houses of worship because they were considered incapable of understanding what they heard.
Yes time after time these peasants were the basis for stories of renown and wonder. It is said that a peasant who listened to a sermon outside a church gathered bits and pieces of the Christmas story to write a carol that is still sung today.
Even in recent memory there has been a prevailing thought that only certain individuals are capable of developing a business. This is usually linked to the social standing of the individual or to the accumulated wealth of his or her family.
In business success has typically been tied to who you are, who knows you and how deep your pockets are. If you didn’t have the ‘name’, if you weren’t recognized and you didn’t have much money then your business would likely fail.
Ecommerce views every business owner as equal. There is no distinction and no preconceived ideas about the background or abilities of the business owner.
The link for all good online businesses is the ability to develop trust. If you are conscientious about providing exceptional customer service and superior products you may likely discover an improved customer base no matter what your personal background is like.
A blue-collar worker with a big idea has every reason to believe they can succeed online. A hard working rancher can develop an idea from their land of wide-open spaces and it may succeed. A single mom struggling to make ends meet might just come up with an idea that contains all the elements for a hit.
Rules that have always seemed as if they are designed for the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ no longer seem valid in an online business environment. The role of cyberspace is to equalize the impact of business ideas.
How does it do that?
In an online world you are going after customers on a global scale. You are no longer judged on your past failures or successes you are simply judged on your ability to deliver and provide quality products or services - now. If you can do that most customers would not even think to inquire about your lineage or stock portfolio.
An online environment can be one of the least discriminating places on earth. Your online presence is what speaks most to your product offerings and ability to fulfill your promises.
So, in a barn in Utah, a kitchen in Harlem or a neighborhood garage in New Jersey there are likely online businesses that are being developed to improve the quality of life for families that have struggled long enough.
Perhaps the most interesting irony in this is that some of the customers who frequent these ‘great idea’ sites may be white-collar workers who are less interested in the dynamics of the online business and more interested in receiving what they need.
Isn’t that what we all want in the businesses we trust?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Audio Video Converter
If you are a person who loves to do things with your computer, surely you have come across the need to convert audio or video. There are several software which you can use to achieve this such as Blaze Media Pro Multimedia Software. Blaze Media Pro is really a powerful software because you can do a lot of things with it such as conversion, ripping, editing, recording, burning, playback, etc. You can use the audio converter to convert files of these types: CD, MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG, MPEG-4, AIFF, M4A, AAC, AC3, FLAC, and ALAC. As for the video converter there are several types of compression supported such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, AVI, WMV, ASF, Flash (SWF and FLV), iPod, PSP, 3GP, and MOV. You can also use the dvd ripper feature to rip your favorite dvds and save them to any format that you want. When you are converting an audio cd you can download track information dynamically from the CDDB and use them as the name of your files. In conclusion this new software is really worth to try as it has the most complete type of audio and video supported. Check out the site and download the trial version to see what the software can do.
Moving Services
Have you ever had headache when you were going to move from your old house to the new place? Packing up things you want to bring to your new home is already a very tiring not to mention what moving services you want to use. Choosing the right moving company is also a hard task to do. You have to be really careful in choosing the best company to hire. You don't want any surprises in the charges as well as getting all the services you need. All in all what you need is a good and well respected company to hire.
Upack.com is probably the best moving company to hire. By going to the site you can get the quote for your moving plan. Just choose where you are moving from and the destination. You can supply this information by choosing the city provided or give the zip code. Select the moving date and the size of the residence. Unlike other moving companies which charge you by the weight, Upack.com use the number of container or ReloCube to decide the price of their services. A ReloCube is a 6’D x 7’W x 8’H portable moving and storage container. This ReloCube is big enough to accommodate one room of furnishings but it is small enough so it can fit a parking space.
How does it works? Three days before you are going to move Upack will send you the trailer or ReloCube. You then have three days to pack and load. Upack will then drive you to your destination. After that you also have three days to unpack. You don't need to worry about additional charges like fuel and transportation as it is already included in the quote. It is really simple right? It is surely more efficient than using the service of a truck rental.
Upack.com is probably the best moving company to hire. By going to the site you can get the quote for your moving plan. Just choose where you are moving from and the destination. You can supply this information by choosing the city provided or give the zip code. Select the moving date and the size of the residence. Unlike other moving companies which charge you by the weight, Upack.com use the number of container or ReloCube to decide the price of their services. A ReloCube is a 6’D x 7’W x 8’H portable moving and storage container. This ReloCube is big enough to accommodate one room of furnishings but it is small enough so it can fit a parking space.
How does it works? Three days before you are going to move Upack will send you the trailer or ReloCube. You then have three days to pack and load. Upack will then drive you to your destination. After that you also have three days to unpack. You don't need to worry about additional charges like fuel and transportation as it is already included in the quote. It is really simple right? It is surely more efficient than using the service of a truck rental.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Security And The Auto Complete Feature
by: Scott Lindsay
The security of your computer is important on both private as well as business applications.
Many have found the use of the auto complete features associated with many browsers a popular way to avoid keystrokes. After all what could be more convenient than simply filling in a form for informational purposes and allow that saved information to be brought up with a single click?
The auto complete feature is especially popular with email programs. You simply type a few letters related to the email address and if it is in your system you may receive multiple choices that include those letters. You choose the correct email address and click send. The process is quick and has found many appreciative users.
Even word processors can use auto complete technology. For instance if you begin to type today’s date you may find a suggested date that you simply click saving some typing time. Many have come to rely on the feature to make checkout in ecommerce quick and painless.
I’d like to provide an argument for refraining from using some auto complete technology in the world of online business.
The use of this technology in a word processor is generally a great tool simply because it does not rely on any personal data and is primarily designed to assist in popular words, dates and letter writing.
However, when it comes to filling in a one-click web browser auto complete feature there are a couple of scenarios I’d like you to consider.
Barb owns a small, but growing online business. She hired Pam on a part time basis to help with product fulfillment. Pam was a good worker and was allowed to use the company computer from time to time. Without intending to do so Pam clicked a box that filled in auto complete data and she was able to view personal data that Barb might not have shared with Pam under other circumstances. Perhaps nothing ever happens with the data, but if Barb had to do it over again she may not have used auto complete.
Brian is a hacker. He doesn’t consider himself malicious although his actions may say otherwise. He tries to find ways into other computers to explore the holes that may exist in a system. As he is exploring one afternoon he found a vulnerability in Barb’s computer security. One of the pieces of data Brian may be looking for is to see if Barb has used an auto complete feature. He can gain plenty of information and has the potential to gain password information because Barb settled for convenience over caution.
Barb would never have given out this information to just anyone, yet more than one person has access to her computer and this information was easily obtained.
Many businesses are also disabling the ability for their computers to store and remember passwords. If a site is accessed where a password is stored it becomes very easy for a third party to investigate online accounts, buying habits and potentially make an online purchase under your name and using your credit information.
It may seem a small thing, but evaluating your use of auto complete technology may be an issue worth your attention.
The security of your computer is important on both private as well as business applications.
Many have found the use of the auto complete features associated with many browsers a popular way to avoid keystrokes. After all what could be more convenient than simply filling in a form for informational purposes and allow that saved information to be brought up with a single click?
The auto complete feature is especially popular with email programs. You simply type a few letters related to the email address and if it is in your system you may receive multiple choices that include those letters. You choose the correct email address and click send. The process is quick and has found many appreciative users.
Even word processors can use auto complete technology. For instance if you begin to type today’s date you may find a suggested date that you simply click saving some typing time. Many have come to rely on the feature to make checkout in ecommerce quick and painless.
I’d like to provide an argument for refraining from using some auto complete technology in the world of online business.
The use of this technology in a word processor is generally a great tool simply because it does not rely on any personal data and is primarily designed to assist in popular words, dates and letter writing.
However, when it comes to filling in a one-click web browser auto complete feature there are a couple of scenarios I’d like you to consider.
Barb owns a small, but growing online business. She hired Pam on a part time basis to help with product fulfillment. Pam was a good worker and was allowed to use the company computer from time to time. Without intending to do so Pam clicked a box that filled in auto complete data and she was able to view personal data that Barb might not have shared with Pam under other circumstances. Perhaps nothing ever happens with the data, but if Barb had to do it over again she may not have used auto complete.
Brian is a hacker. He doesn’t consider himself malicious although his actions may say otherwise. He tries to find ways into other computers to explore the holes that may exist in a system. As he is exploring one afternoon he found a vulnerability in Barb’s computer security. One of the pieces of data Brian may be looking for is to see if Barb has used an auto complete feature. He can gain plenty of information and has the potential to gain password information because Barb settled for convenience over caution.
Barb would never have given out this information to just anyone, yet more than one person has access to her computer and this information was easily obtained.
Many businesses are also disabling the ability for their computers to store and remember passwords. If a site is accessed where a password is stored it becomes very easy for a third party to investigate online accounts, buying habits and potentially make an online purchase under your name and using your credit information.
It may seem a small thing, but evaluating your use of auto complete technology may be an issue worth your attention.
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