June 13th, 2008
Tammy, a skilled and gifted horticulturist, called me to discuss what she needed to know to start her own florist and landscaping business. She had been in the horticulture industry for 10 years and was incredibly skilled at working with flowers and plants - one of the best. She also had great design skills, as well as good customer service skills. But she had little business management experience and less self-employment experience.
Discovering why small businesses fail was a smart research project for her, as it helped her uncover her own weaknesses and begin to build up some strengths before she invested in becoming self-employed. It’s no secret that a large majority of small businesses fail in the first five years. The question is: Why do they fail and what can I do to prevent problems in my own business?
As we talked, we reviewed some of the common reasons why small businesses fail. Here are 14 top reasons, which might help you to determine why your business isn’t growing and thriving. Some of them are related to learnable business skills; others relate to personal attitudes, habits, or self-sabotaging belief, which are not so easy to change, except through coaching or other self-development work.
1. Mistaking a business for a hobby: Just because you love something doesn’t mean you should convert it into a business. Too often businesses fail because the owner feels their passion is shared by others. Research your business idea and make sure it’s viable.
2. Poor planning: Yes, you must have a business plan. It can be a simple three-page plan or a huge 40-page plan. The point is that you’ve looked at all the aspects of your business and are prepared to handle problems when they arise. Your business plan helps you to focus on your goals and your vision, as well as setting out plans to accomplishing them. And don’t get mellow - revisit and revise your business plan annually.
3. Entrepreneurial excitement: Entrepreneurs often get excited about new ideas, but are unable to determine if they’re “true opportunities” and/or put them into practice. Test every new idea against your business plan and mission statement before deciding whether to undertake it or not, and ask yourself, Do I have the time and skill to implement this?
4. Putting all your eggs in one basket: Too often, small business owners will have just one product, one service or one big client. They cling tight to this one thing because it brings in good revenue. But what if the one thing disappears? Variety and diversification will cushion you against the ebb and flow of business tides.
5. Poor record keeping and financial controls: Yes, you have to keep financial and business records, you have to review your revenue and expense report each month, and you have to file taxes and other business-related filings. If you don’t know how to do these, or don’t want to, get help from someone who does.
6. Lack of experience in running a business or in the industry you’re entering: There are so many hats you have to wear, from marketing and selling in order to run a business effectively. On top of that, you have to understand your industry, the skills required to offer your products and services, and the trends in the industry. If you don’t know about these basic skills, educate yourself. Talk to others who are successfully running their own businesses, talk to industry leaders, get a book, find a website, get a coach, do your homework. And keep increasing your business and industry skills by attending classes or reading new books every year.
7. Poor money management: You need to be able to live for one to two years without income when getting started; often businesses are very slow to get off the ground. Also, you have to create and use a realistic business budget, and not constantly drain the business income on personal spending.
8. Wrong location: If your business runs out of commercial space, you need to make sure that you are convenient to your customers, and near to your suppliers and your employees.
9. Competition: Customers will go where they can find the best products and services. It’s important for you to know who your competition is, what they have to offer, and what makes your own products or services better.
10. Procrastination and poor time management: Putting off tasks that you don’t enjoy will sink your business faster than anything else. You can’t afford to waste time on unimportant tasks while critical tasks pile up. All tasks need to be done; if you don’t like to do them (or don’t want to spend your time doing them), hire someone to do them for you. If your time management and prioritizing skills are rusty, hire a small business coach or take a class to help you.
11. Ineffective marketing: Learn the basics of marketing and make sure that you track the success or failure of each marketing technique you use, then dump those that aren’t working.
12. Ineffective sales techniques: Once you have a potential client, you have to know how to lead them down the sales path. If you don’t understand the basics of selling, get some education on it immediately. If a selling technique doesn’t work, try another one.
13. Poor customer service: Once you have a customer, you have to keep them. There are two key points here - make sure you pay attention to what the customer wants (and how these wants can change over time), and make sure you provide quick return of phone calls and emails, proper billing, win-win problem solving and an overall pleasant demeanor.
14. Entrepreneurial burnout: owning your own business requires a huge investment of time, money, energy and emotion. It’s easy to work long days and forget to take time off. But in the end, this only causes burnout where your motivation and creativity will suffer, and a pessimistic attitude prevails. You’ll find yourself unable to balance your business and personal life, and both will suffer. Schedule self-care time into your work week and be religious about taking time off from your business.
Dunn and Bradstreet recently did a study and determined that “90% of small businesses that fail do so because of a lack of skills and knowledge on the part of the owner.” However, D&B also did a study that showed that over 90% of small businesses were still in business after five years IF they had the help of a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or other expert assistance. You can find a list of the SBDC in your area here:
http://www.passionforbusiness.com/web-resources.htm
As Tammy and I concluded our coaching session, she made a list of the areas where she needed to grow, and created a task plan to get the help she needed. Today she has a thriving business and is happily self-employed. You can do it, too. It just takes a little planning and a close look at both the reasons for your success and where you might need to get a little help.
About The Author
Karyn Greenstreet is a Self Employment expert and small business coach. She shares tips, techniques and strategies with self-employed people to boost clarity and focus, create sustainable motivation, and increase sales and profits. Visit her website at www.PassionForBusiness.com
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June 13th, 2008
Dreaming of having set up your own small business one day in future? What’s keeping you from reaching your dream? We do note that there are some large companies do place a control system on their distribution partner, such as requirements before get to become their distributor or reseller.
However, there should not be the sole reason in giving up your dream of setting up retail business one day. Do you know that many of the now well established retailers had actually built their business by starting out small and step by step grow it to become what it is now? Like you too, many of them do not have the kind of financial muscle when they just started out.
For those who do not meet the control requirements or financial resources to be “Authorized” retailer for the major brand, we still have other options to start with. Let us examine these options here:-
1. Where to source for products to sell?
For those who surf internet frequently, I believe some would be wondering where on earth those online entrepreneurs actually source for their products for selling. Some of these products that they sell are actually only available direct thru authorized reseller or more established wholesaler whom are bound by manufacturer’s control system. Not that hard to figure out, these online entrepreneurs are most likely obtained their products via 3 channels:
• They meet the requirements and become authorized seller.
• They sell used items.
• They sourced and buy the items for resell through other business’s closure.
2. Becoming Authorized Reseller.
Like you too, majority of these online entrepreneur does not have the kind of financial muscle to become an authorized reseller of the well known brands. So what? They don’t stop there. Look around and consider other options.
Take a look at smaller brands instead. Consider some other smaller brands that may not be of that popular. Hey, even though they are not that popular, it also means that their requirements could be much lower for reseller!
And we got to understand that not every single consumer wants to have the most popular, or most expensive or top range brand for their every single need. Like myself and you too, we do not just buy top brands all the time right? This makes the consumer market to be very huge.
This is indeed a great option for new comer who always wanted to set up their own retail store. By becoming authorized reseller or distributor for smaller brand or even new brand, you have the advantage compare to others by being able to provide brand new items, and latest merchandise.
As your new setup continues to grow, you would be able to establish your new business as respected retailer too! Your growing reputation will be supporting factor and make you eligible to apply and become authorized reseller or distributor for major brands.
3. Selling Used Merchandises.
Taking a clue from those power sellers at ebay, selling those used products or merchandise is also a viable business channel. By utilizing ebay market place, many power sellers have been able to build successful businesses just by selling used electronics items, toys, gifts, collectibles, musical instruments and much more!
To my own surprise too, some of them actually source their products from ebay itself! After which, they clean up the products, re-package it, or even re-brand it to boost up its value for more profit margin.
4. Business Liquidations or Close downs.
For some, they would spend the time and effort to source their products or merchandises for sale thru buying from other business liquidations. In fact, business liquidation is a very viable source, with most of the time the items being sold are of much lower price compare to its actual market value.
By getting a good business liquidation source, you would be able to purchase lots of discontinued items or overstocked merchandise with lower market price. This will help greatly in boosting your business profit margin when you are able to resell them.
5. Be Creative for Your Business Survival.
When you finally decided to venture into business, you ought to be willing to open up your view and consider several profit options. Your business should not be solely depends on one single income channel.
In order for business to survive especially at the early stage, be willing to consider for multiple products types for sale. This is critical if you are deciding on a very competitive market, not only you need to compete for the authorized reseller or distributor status; you will also need to compete with existing established sellers in the market.
One of the much talked about is the Niche Market. You zoom into your own niche market with lesser competition and build your business from there. And to be the “king” of your niche market, you ought to provide benefits to consumers and make your business stand out among the rest.
Nevertheless, in business environment especially new small set up, you do not necessarily be the originator. It is in fact extremely hard to be original unless you have the much stronger financial back up. What you need is to be creative. Build upon an existing idea and provide it with a different approach that makes your business stand out.
Same principle has been applied by millions of small business; they spotted on a niche market, and re-package or re-brand their own products to make them stand out among the rest. Not to worry even if the different is just a slight change. A small change or approach will give you the kind of business advantage and build your market share. When the business becomes more stable, you could then bring it forward for larger market and start to compete for more.
6. Put in your Time and Effort
Setting and building up a business requires a great attention in term of time and effort. You will need to perform research not only for products and prices; it is also required of you to research the targeted market environment. There are lots of works ahead for you. But when you do it right along the journey, the return and rewards are worth much more than the effort put in.
Always remember that nothing is impossible, start to put on your thinking hats, find a good and viable business idea. Draw out your business plan carefully, it will worth the effort. Until then, we shall discuss more on business start up and plans.
Cheers for your new business success.
Get Your Business listed in Business Listing Center for business leads. Network sites consist Web Resources Search and BizNet Directory are also business platforms.
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June 8th, 2008
Happy New Year! New attitude? New habits? How about 10 Online New Year’s Resolutions?
For almost a decade now I have reviewed the issues that need to be addressed and update this article before the first of each year. 2005 brought many changes, unfortunately, when it comes to proper technology use, many still feel online is a free for all. Certainly that is not the case and is simply a misnomer to lend shelter to those who still do not want to make the effort to learn the online rules of the road. So, without further adieu, shall we begin?
As I am sure you can relate, almost every New Year’s resolution is based on improving attitudes and changing habits. From loosing weight to getting out of debt to trying to live a happier life, every one of us has or will have some sort of conversation with ourselves in regard to the New Year and changes we would like to make or better yet have the control to make. If we follow through on 5% of these resolutions; we are way ahead of the pack!
Below are the 2006 New Year’s Online Resolutions. Everyone can improve on their skills — if they are willing. Remember, perception is the only reality online! Perceptions are made about you based on how you choose to use technology - positive and negative alike.
For whatever reason, these issues in particular, are those that I notice are neglected by too many on a daily basis. Make a commitment to improve in these areas and you may find your online activities to be more enjoyable as well as more profitable and effective. It won’t hurt; rather it will only add to the positive impression you will make with those who communicate with you.
Many who may never have the pleasure of meeting you in person will only have your use of technology to form their opinions about who you are and what you would be like to get to know, do business with or form a relationship with. The perception of the type of person you are, as well as whether you are a fish out of water online, will certainly be apparent by the efforts you choose to make or neglect in these areas.
- I will not forward an e-mail unless it specifically applies to the person I am sending to. I will include a personal note to that person so they know why I am forwarding that particular e-mail their way. If I must send or forward the same e-mail to a group of contacts, I will do so only when I put their e-mail addresses in the BCC: field to protect their privacy (especially if they don’t know each other).
I will also set a good example by removing any visible e-mail addresses within the body of the forward from previous irresponsible forwarders who did not feel the need to protect their contact’s privacy.
- I will take the time to make sure that my sentences are complete, capitalized and include proper punctuation. Using proper sentence structure and taking the extra time to ensure that my intent and tone are clear, will do nothing but reflect positively on me. Making these efforts will go a long way to ensuring communicating with me is easy while having the added benefit of helping to avoid any misunderstandings.
- I will not send an unannounced large attachment of any kind, even the ones I think are very special photos of [insert here: RFQs, PDF files, sales flyer, Power Point presentation…], until I ask first when would be the best time to send it to the intended party. This way, I do not fill their e-mail box without notice causing all their other e-mail to bounce. The fact is I do not know what the other side’s e-mail activity is like to assume my attachment will not cause any unnecessary problems for them. Think of the other side, not just of what you want to do.
If I do not know how to determine an attachment’s size, I will learn how before I send it by e-mail! I will also have enough common sense to not send business attachments outside of business hours when someone may not be there to download the attachments and keep their inbox clear.
- Every e-mail I send will be courteous and include a proper greeting and closing which includes my name. Typed properly too! Names in small case or all caps reflect either a lack of education or tech savvy; neither of which is a good thing.
My extra effort in this area, when many feel these details are not necessary, will ensure I am viewed as someone who “gets it” and is a pleasure to communicate with. Nice greetings and closings avoid my e-mails coming off as demanding or terse and reflect that I understand common courtesies.
- I will not copy or use any text, graphics or content from another Web site or author without their explicit permission to do so. The online world, contrary to popular belief, is not a public domain environment! I will not use another author’s writings in whole or in part without them being aware of exactly what I am doing and where I will use their information. I will not post e-mails that were sent to me privately for any reason in a public forum without the original sender’s permission. These are all serious copyright and privacy issues that I need to be aware of, practice and respect.
- There is no place online for profanities, accusations or rudeness just because I am safely encroached behind my monitor. If I run into problems with another onliner in a chat room, message board or by e-mail who does not communicate with clarity and courtesy, I will simply cease communicating with them. If I need to respond, I will take the high road and not stoop to personal digs and innuendo. I will report ongoing abusive e-mails or threatening behavior to my ISP for proper handling.
- I will be very respectful about how I use my employer’s technology resources understanding they are paying the bills and I am on their time. I also understand that I should not assume any level of privacy while using company equipment, connectivity or e-mail resources. I will make a point of reviewing my employer’s policies so that I am familiar with them so I can avoid any future problems.
- I will refrain from formatting my e-mails with colored text, bolding and/or italics because I know it may not look as I intended when received on the other side. I also understand by making the extra effort to add emphasis with formatting, it may be taken the wrong way or even over-emphasized by the recipient. I will learn to relay my thoughts clearly with the written word rather than having to rely on formatting. I understand if I take the time to choose my words carefully and reflect on how I use them, formatting is not necessary.
- When I sign up for a Web site service, newsletter or am sending an inquiry, I will take the time to add that site’s e-mail address to my address book, white list or approved senders list so that the response can get through any spam blocking software my ISP, online service or that I may have in place to block spam. I understand that if I don’t make this effort, the response to my request or subscription may not make it to my inbox and I’ll have no one to blame but myself.
- I will make a point of understanding each online service or Web site I choose to use by reading their Frequently Asked Questions, Terms of Service and Help area. I understand that I need to eliminate my actions or lack thereof as a possible cause of a perceived problem before pointing fingers at others. I also need to be aware of how each site operates so that I may use their services and resources properly. If in fact something does appear amiss, I will e-mail with courtesy asking for assistance in resolving my difficulties rather than making blunt demands or accusations based on my assumptions alone.
There you have it! Your Ten 2006 New Years Online Resolutions to work on for the year ahead so that folks don’t cringe when they see your name in their inbox. Just imagine if every onliner made these efforts? Joy, joy! See you back here next year!
About the Author:
Judith Kallos is an authoritative and good-humored Technology Muse who has played @ http://www.TheIStudio.com for over a decade. Check out her popular E-mail Etiquette Web site and Book @: http://www.NetManners.com.
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June 3rd, 2008
If you want to compete in the world of high growth startups, you better know how to play the marketing game. Marketing has become a big stakes game where companies are betting fortunes on the success of their products. Nowadays if you can’t play the big marketing game you may not even get the attention of the customers you need to grow your business.
So how do you compete if you don’t have the cash to run with the big dogs? The answer lies in growing your marketing budget by doubling up on your marketing investments quickly. Chances are the capital you need to compete in this game is right under your nose, you just need to know where to look for it.
Make marketing an investment
The first step to growing your marketing budget is thinking about it differently. People used to think of their marketing budget as a line item expense that they wrote checks for throughout the year. It was almost like rent - a normal cost of doing business. The mistake these startups made was that they treated marketing like an expense. It’s time to start thinking of your marketing as an investment that you expect to yield a return.
Like any investment you would make in the stock market, your marketing investment should generate a specific monetary return in an expected period of time. For our purposes, we’re looking for short term investments that will produce enough working capital to re-invest quickly to grow our marketing.
Grow marketing, grow customers
We all know that marketing attracts the customers we need to generate more sales. For this reason, if we want to grow our position in the market we’re going to need to grow our marketing budget as fast as possible to grow our customer base. The key to growing the budget lies in generating cash flow from the returns on our marketing investment.
Short Term Returns
People used to take the long view of their marketing budgets - planning them a year out. This “set it and forget it” approach may work well for Ron Popeil, but smart marketers throw that line of thinking out the window. Instead, we budget our marketing based on months, or quarters at the longest. By looking for marketing opportunities that provide short term returns we create opportunities to increase our marketing budget rapidly with the additional capital we’ve generated.
The faster we can provide a return on our marketing the faster we can put that money to work in the next cycle. The faster we put that money to work, the more money we generate from additional customers. The math is straightforward, but getting there can be a little tricky.
Finding the winning hand
It would be easy if we already knew what marketing strategies returned quickly and could just double up our bets on those efforts. Unfortunately we don’t know what works until we try it, which costs money and time. Finding this winning hand to double down on can become a job unto itself.
A popular way to test different messages and reach your target population quickly is Internet advertising. Unlike TV, radio or print, Internet-based campaigns are relatively cheap and highly trackable. Use the Internet to test out different messages, advertise on different Web sites, and gather feedback quickly from customers about what works. You can then apply your findings toward riskier (and more expensive) media.
Your goal here is to find the campaigns that will give you the opportunity to invest significantly more dollars with a nice short term return. If it’s the right campaign, you will be able to spend incrementally more every month, constantly rolling last month’s proceeds into next month’s increased marketing budget.
Don’t shotgun
The last thing you want to do is try a “shotgun” approach toward marketing where you try everything at once and wait to see what happens. This can get very confusing because you often don’t know what’s working and what isn’t. Instead, focus on a few strategies at once, measure them completely, and then try a few more.
Double down
Once you’ve found some strategies that work now it’s time to put your money down. Invest heavily in those campaigns and keep plowing the returns back into the same winning hand. This is how you scale your marketing to create the types of campaigns that move markets and win customers.
Fast growth companies are always looking for ways to exponentially increase their marketing spend, but only on campaigns that have a demonstrated track record for success. Next time when you come to the table with the big boys, look for that winning hand, double down on your bet and clear out the competition!
- Wil
Wil Schroter is a serial entrepreneur, author, and public speaker. Wil has been recognized as U.S. Small Business Person of the Year, twice as the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year (1999 & 2004), and is a member of the Business First Top 40 under forty. Connect directly with Wil at wschroter@yahoo.com. Visit http://www.goBIGnetwork.com.
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May 23rd, 2008
A thousands of new home businesses starts every day. Internet is
exploding and more and more people want to use that information
highway to start or expand their existing business. Many of them
fail in the first few years. The reason why is that happening is
very simple. They didn’t succeed to create a system that
generate Multi Streams of Income. To achieve that you must work
multiple affiliate and/or network opportunities. The super
affiliates and network marketing leaders do the same, but they
don’t want to talk too much about that. This is one of the
reasons for their success. It’s very risky to run only one
opportunity. If or when your opportunity goes out of business
you will must start from beginning. All companies declare to run
only their business opportunity. But that is their self interest
and if you really want to protect yourself from financial
tragedy you must work multiple opportunities. For example, in
the 50 years or more long history of network marketing there was
a thousands of companies involved. Today only about 40 still
exist. So there is no question If, but When will some company go
out of business. That is the main reason why you must run
multiple opportunities to protect yourself from financial
disaster. Fortunately we have a powerful Affiliate programs
technology on the internet that helps us to run multiple
opportunities. Affiliate programs are very popular today and
they have a proven technology to run multiple opportunities and
to get referrals. This consumer to consumer marketing system is
growing and it works. It’s little impersonal, but it’s very
efficient and in that moment the most successful business model
on the internet. Affiliate programs are usually two tiered and
with little or no money you can start earning commission almost
immediately. But there is the dark side of running affiliate
programs as well. Majority of affiliates don’t have enough
knowledge to use internet technology and successfully promote
their opportunities. On the other hand, the business opportunity
owners usually have the same problem. Most of them don’t know
how to successful run business on the internet. There are
exceptions, but they are in minority. We all know the financial
result of running these programs. Affiliates make little or no
money and they are unsatisfied. Very small percentage of
affiliates makes $50,000 or more money per year. Affiliates
become disappointed and immediately jump into another affiliate
program and the story repeats over and over again. The question
is: What to do to step out of that magic circle? The answer is:
You must have your Own Business Building System. Working
multiple opportunities is not enough. You need business building
system that will generate multiple streams of income in long
term. To be really successful you must have a business building
system that will generate multiple streams of income over and
over again. Business building system must use the power of
internet technology and must integrate a positive experience of
affiliate programs technology, internet marketing and direct
marketing. Fully automated, internet based business building
system will help you to create tremendous profit center. This
business system will give you ability to run your multiple
opportunities through one system from your home. Self-replicant
fully automated business building system will help you to create
your own permanent sales organization. Using cutting edge
internet technology you will be able to create an international
communication system through intranets, web casting, multimedia,
video-conferencing, online trenings, live seminars. For the
first time in history of network marketing you have complete
software and internet tools for solving 3 major things in
network marketing: Duplication, Training and Communication and
put them on the internet. This powerful system use affiliate
programs technology upgrading it with tools and specifics which
are necessary for running network marketing business. Your
downline grow faster and you have more time for developing
personal relationships which are so necessary for building a
long term sales organization. Using affiliate programs referral
building system in combination with network marketing
compensation structure you become Winner. This proven business
building system gives you ability to run as many opportunities
as you want. You will create your own distribution channel which
will give you a financial freedom. No more you will depend on
any company or article. It will be easy to replace one
opportunity with another opportunity. You will have more time to
choose lifestyle you want to and financial freedom to enjoy it.
At the end let us see once more what do you need to run
successful long term automated, internet based home business: 1.
Computer, internet connection and phone. 2. Multiple affiliate
and/or network marketing opportunities to run. 3. Cutting edge
fully automated, internet based business building system to
create Multi Streams of Income in long term.
To learn more and to get your own business building system for
Free, visit: http://www.netmarkpro.com/agroteam
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May 21st, 2008
There are many different types of home based business
opportunities to consider, if you are pursuing this way of
earning a living. There are so many options available out there.
Finding the one that fits your needs is the challenging part.
You have to decide what your income level needs to be, do you
need fulltime income or do you have another job and want to
supplement your income? Another factor is deciding what your
strengths and weaknesses are. If selling is your strength, then
looking for a work at home type position that includes going
door to door might be your niche. If typing is your strength,
then possibly there is a data entry position out there for you.
You have a product to sell, there are many home based business
opportunities that will help you get started. If writing is your
forte, then maybe being a proofreader or editor from your home
computer is what you need to look for in a home based business.
Some of the available work at home/home based businesses that
are out there are:
* Affiliate programs - Start your own website and advertise for
companies that offer products that are related to your website.
Sales that are generated through your website will earn you a
commission.
* Fundraisers - Set up fundraiser for schools, daycare
facilities or sports groups. Basically you can make a commission
on what is sold. There may be a small investment required.
Recommend researching the opportunity well before sending any
money.
* Freelance writers - This type of work usually requires a
subscription fee to get to the available job list. There are
many people who need qualified people to proofread their work.
There are people who need writers to put their stories into
readable words. Magazines and websites need people to research
write articles. These types of jobs are a little more difficult
to find, and are not big money makers, however, they are out
there and they are a great source of extra income.
Hopefully this articles has proven useful to you. Download my
Free E-Book and receive valuable tips, strategies and techniques
designed to grow a successful Home Based Business. Receive The
Free Quick
Start Workbook.
Copyright © Charles Fuchs is an established online marketer who
specializes in helping people start their very own Home Based
Business. He has also created dozens of articles such as Make Money at Home and
Earn Money at Home.
I grant permission to publish this article, electronically or in
print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link,
and the article is not changed in any way.
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April 3rd, 2008
Press releases are one of the most cost-effective ways to
get promotion for your online business. Many entrepreneurs
ignore this type of promotion because they don’t know how
to write a press release. It’s important to promote your online
business with press releases because of the media all over the
internet. The following is a list of some common press
release writing tips:
- your press release should sound like news, not an ad
- you should only send your press release to the media
related to the topic of your press release
- keep your press release one page in length
- your header, contact information and release date should
be at the top of your press release
- use short sentences and double space in between
sentences
- your header and first few sentences should capture the
readers attention
- you should tell a story and briefly mention your business,
product or service in the body of the press release
- proofread your press release many times. Look for
grammar and spelling mistakes.
Another reason entrepreneurs ignore promoting their online
business with press releases is because they don’t know
what’s newsworthy. Here are 16 online business press
release ideas:
- new products or services you’re offering on your web site.
- the results of an online survey or poll you’ve completed
- a virtual trade show or seminar you’re hosting.
- a free chat room class you’re teaching
- your opening of a new web site
- an online award your business or web site has won
- a free e-mail newsletter you’re publishing
- new online products or services you’re giving away
- an online business association or club you’re starting
- a famous person that’s endorsing your business
- a major joint venture you’re doing with another business
- a new book or e-book you wrote
- an expert or celebrity who’s speaking in your chat room
- a fundraising event you’re doing at your web site
- a new contest or sweepstakes you’re having at your site
- major sponsorships you’re doing online
You can get other press release writing tips and ideas by
reading other businesses press releases, reading how to
publications, talking to experts and visiting other media
web sites. I hope this article persuades and helps you to
promote your business through press releases.
About the author:
Rojo Sunsen is a specialized bounty hunter who prefers to work quietly/confidentially for the benefit of her clients.
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March 31st, 2008
Anyone can write effective Internet copy. You just have to know a few copywriting basics known to journalists and writers as the 5 W’s. Throw one “H” in there and all your copywriting basics are covered.
Who? Tell the reader who your product will help. This should be your target market.
What? Tell your reader what your product or service will do to improve their lives. In other words, tell them the benifits they will receive, what’s in it for them.
When? When is the offer good for? If there is a special offer, when does it expire? When will the product or service help them, immediately or over time?
Where? Where can you order the product or service? Where will it work?
Why? Tell your reader why he or she needs your product or service. Why will it benefit them? Why should they sign up or order today? Why is the quantity or offer limited?
How? How do they register or order? How much will it cost? How much return will they see for their investment? How does it work?
Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? There is no trick - it really is as easy as that. Put yourself in the shoes of the reader and answer the questions you would likely ask or want answered about your product or service. Answer those questions clearly and thoroughly and your Web copy is complete.
These copywriting tips and copywriting techniques will work not just for Web copywriting but also for direct market copywriting, other online copywriting, and offline copywriting as well.
Below are a few other copywriting basics that will help you write your web site copy:
1. Keep it simple. No one wants to drudge through a long, drawn out confusing explanation. If you can’t say it simply, that’s fine. But by all means, simplify when you can.
2. Make sure your copy urges a call to action either in the body copy, or text of the article, or in the headline. Words like “Act Now,” “Limited Time Offer,” or “Limited Supply” will urge your readers to contact you sooner rather than later.
3. Keep it honest. Don’t make wild claims just to get business. Build a good reputation by being up front and honest with your potential customers. In addition to appreciating your honesty, they will recommend you to others as a business owner who is true to your word and claims.
4. If you make an offer, make it one that is hard to pass up. Don’t waste your readers’ time with small, worthless offers. Think about the coupons you see in magazines and newspapers. Do you take time to clip them? If so, it’s because the offer is of value to you.
5. How long should your copy be? As long as it takes to adequately answer the above questions for your product or service.
An unanswered question is considered an objection in your potential customer’s mind. So, be sure to answer all their objections.
Keep these Internet copywriting basics in mind as you prepare the articles or sales letters that will appear on your Web site. Don’t be intimidated because you don’t have any professional writing experience. Most people want to do business with an honest person who knows the product or service well that he or she is trying to sell.
You don’t have to be a professional writer to do that. The only requirement is that you truely believe in the product or service which you are trying to sell. If you do, your enthusiasm will shine through your writing. If you do not believe in your product or service, your lack of enthusiasm will shine through also.
So, in summary, answer the above questions as clearly and simply as you can, be honest, avoid hype, make an irresistable offer, and be sure to include a call to action.
If you do all these things you will master the copywriting basics and should have no trouble converting your Website visitors into customers.
George Dodge is owner of www.CompellingWebCopy.com where you will discover 757 explosive persuasive copywriting techniques guaranteed to skyrocket your sales and stuff more cash in your pocket even if you haven’t written a thing since high school
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