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Archive for June of 2006
June 24, 2006
Sometimes it's really difficult just to sit down 'cold' and write
an article. But procrastinating makes no difference, because when
you eventually return to it, that 'block' is still there. Here's
a few helpful tips ...
1. Remove your limits
Reduce your subject to a single core word and then brainstorm
around it. For example, if you're trying to write about "Study
Skills", expand your thinking to "School". Now jot down
everything that comes to mind when you think about School, and
when you run out of ideas start asking yourself open questions
around the subject and noting your answers.
Example: Assume you are wanting to write about "how to improve
your job prospects" Ask yourself ...
What did I do in my first job?
Why did I enjoy it/hate it?
When did I realize that it was time to change?
This will help you get back into the mindset of someone
struggling with job issues of all kinds and you'll start to get a
feel for their concerns and worries.
2. Restore your focus
Once you've started to understand the general feelings of your
readers, allow your mind to focus back on your original topic of
Study Skills. From your new perspective, what questions would you
ask? What would you want to know? Is this really a "Studying"
issue or is it more about Time Management or being able to work
without distractions or being paralyzed by the fear of not doing
well?
3. Be your own audience
Write each question on a separate sheet of paper; don't stop
until you have at least ten and preferably more. Stay in the
mindset of your readers until you feel you've asked every major
question that concerns them.
4. Take a step back
Put your pile of question aside for a few hours, overnight if
possible. Don't consciously think about them; just go about your
day as usual. Give your subconscious time to process them without
any further prompting from you. If new questions come to mind jot
them down somewhere safe and then forget about them.
5. Get out your pen and write
When you're ready, sit down with your pages of questions and
simply start to answer them. Writing your answers by hand can
give you access to ideas that might be missed if you type them.
Don't edit yourself at this stage. Using Speech to Text software
or a digital recorder can also be helpful in bypassing the
internal editor.
Imagine someone sitting in front of you asking for advice and
just talk to them. Keep your tone natural and conversational and
stay with the question-and-answer format.
6. Edit lightly
Trust your first instincts. Proof-read and correct any obvious
errors, but don't do any major editing until your piece has had
time to "sit" for a while. Again, leaving it overnight will give
you a fresh perspective the next time you look at it, but even if
your deadline doesn't allow for that it's important to give
yourself a break from it.
When you're pushed for time, writing several articles at one
sitting can create enough change of focus to make you "forget"
the one you've just written.
7. Polish it up
Short articles are unlikely to need major editing if you've
written them as described here. They will flow easily and
naturally already and having each Q & A on a separate sheet makes
it easier to select only the ones you want. Your job now is to
put them in a reasonably logical sequence and make sure they're
understandable and that the reader is led smoothly from one
question and answer to the next.
8. Put a begining and ending on it
Write a brief introductory paragraph as a "teaser" for the main
article. Many article directories now put the first paragraph of
each piece into RSS feeds which are picked up by other websites,
so you'll want to make sure that your two or three major keywords
appear at least once in that first paragraph.
Write another short paragraph to summarize the major points of
the article and provide some ideas for the reader to explore the
subject further. Don't of course forget your own resource box
like mine below.
9. Submit it!
It does no good for anyone if you don't let others see it.
Posted in Marketing Mindset | Motivation Tools
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June 24, 2006
During lean times, nothing helps bring in consistent sales
like a good, solid brand. The power of your brand-- your
business' name and the clarity it conveys your most
important benefits--can be the most valuable marketing tool
you have.
Here are some ways to establish and strengthen your brand.
Come up with three ideas you want visitors to remember
when they leave your web site. It could be your low price,
your broad selection, your deep expertise, or even your
friendly face.
I like to hit visitors with your idea right from the beginning.
The first words on your opening web page should tell people
the three things you want them to remember about you.
Then use your three ideas consistently from page to page.
These main ideas should be reflected and reinforced . After
someone has spent five minutes on your site, they should
have your three benefits firmly implanted in their mind.
Also consider the tone your brand takes. Does the mood and
message of your site tell people you are enthusiastic, serious,
caring, or ruthless? Depending on your audience, any of
these things could be a powerful reason to buy from you.
Here is one of the logos that I use to establish my brand name for my business.
I'm posting this here to get your mind thinking how you could brand yourself.
Posted in Marketing Strategies
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June 22, 2006
IF A SALE DEPENDED ON YOUR BUSINESS CARD, COULD YOU MAKE ONE?
by Jeffrey Gitomer
A business card may be the only thing left for the prospect to remember you (or not remember you) by -- after you've gone.
After you've given your great sales presentation about your product; your card remains behind. Don't be telling me about quality when your business card says "cheap and ordinary."
My business card is an important part of my image. Is yours? If I'm offering top quality services, my card must mirror that image. People tell me mine does. What kind of message are you sending when you hand your card to someone?
Look at your card. Then ask yourself three questions,
1. What do I want my card to do or say?
2. What do I want my card to reflect?
3. Is my card accomplishing these objectives?
If the answer to number 3 is no, tear up the ones you have, and invest in new cards now. Here's how...
Developing a card is more intricate than you think. It's a delicate balance of design and printing that delivers a message and creates an image. Here are the secret ingredients for making a great card...
* Invest in logo. Pay a designer for your mark of distinction. Logo's from graphic designers will cost between $500 and $2,000 (design fee is usually based on the dollar sales volume of your company). It's a long term business investment.
* Invest in design. Graphic layout is as critical as logo. Let your design firm work their magic from your criteria. Your logo and layout will begin to create your style. Be the best.
* Add color. Let the designer guide you to colors of distinction.
* Use the best materials. Distinctive paper type can set you apart. Paper stock and style are becoming an important part of image. Select color that punches your logo and layout. You are not limited to paper. Plastic, metal, wood and other substrates can make your card outstanding. Match the card with the business. If you're in the lumber business, you card has to be wood. (Be careful if you're in the septic tank business.)
* Use printing options that set you apart. There are printing options that can add distinction and color at the same time (and the cost is surprisingly modest). You can add the options of blind emboss (raising a portion of your name or logo) or foil stamping (shiny metallic material in a wide variety of colors). Emboss and foil stamp are the current rage. The more traditional companies and professional firms use the engraving process. It's similar to blind emboss, but it adds ink to the raised letters. Engraving is the classic style. Your best bet is to get samples of everything, lay them out, and see what works best for you.
* Use a top quality printer. Printers are the link between design and reality. The difference in price between good and the best is minimal. Select the best. This is a one time investment in your image. Make it.
* Something else unusual. A different size, a custom shape, special fold, die cut, your mission statement on the back, a creative title. The final touch that sets you apart from the others -- especially the competition.
* Ask opinions before you go to press. Get the opinion of your friends, customers, prospects, and people you respect. Let them give you information and feedback. Don't let them make your decisions. In the end -- go with your gut feeling.
Just add money and presto! Know approximate costs before you begin. Get estimates in writing from everyone, or you may be in for a mild (or wild) billing shock.
Beware of the 5.5 pitfalls. Don't do this to your card.
1. Don't do thermo graphic cards. (Type of printing process) It feels cheap and cards stick together in your wallet.
2. Don't be in a hurry. If you can't wait a few days or a week for your card, something's wrong. Makeshift a few to get by, and wait for a masterpiece. I've never seen a good "rush job."
3. Don't try to tell the history of your business on the card. Less is more.
4. Don't let your printer be your designer. It's like going to a drug store for brain surgery. First hire a great designer, then find a great printer.
5. Don't try to save money by cutting corners. You don't spend money on business cards, you invest in the image of you and your business. What's that worth?
5.5 Don't ever say "That's good enough." Developing that attitude will lead you to mediocrity and no further.
A few more points to ponder...
* A new card for an existing business can be a business facelift. New, better, revitalized, up one notch.
* You may need more than one card. Revolutionize the cold call with a hot card. Have a special card just for cold calls or trade shows.
* The quality of your business card reflects the quality of your image after you leave a prospect's office. Make it a top quality, lasting impression.
* The investment you make in cards is not just paper and ink. That's the smallest portion. You're investing in creativity, expertise, and craftsmanship.
Picture this...your biggest prospect mulling over the decision to select you or your biggest competitor. He's fondling your card and your competitor's card. Look at your card -- would you pick you?
When you hand your card to someone, you only want to hear three words:
Wow, great card
Posted in Marketing Strategies
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June 01, 2006
As part of our Prosperity Automated System Team you have accessable to you a full page of pre-written ads that you can copy and paste into you PAS system. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to come up with good quality ads to place in your PAS site.
Go to: http://barefoot-in-the-garden.com/ads/sha.htm
Pick, choose and edit these ads for your own site. Now if you aren't part of our team may god strike you down for using these ads... just kidding Ok... Call me at 888.272.6701 Hey I'm just like a mother hen I take orpan PAS people in under my wing all the time, because they find out that for one reason or another they can't get the support from their real PAs sponsor.
I truly believe in the pay if forward system and that is what we will discuss when you call me. Once I have helped you be successful in PAS I will expect you to pay the favor forward to someone else.
Posted in Automated Marketing System Info
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