A Simple Link Creates a Win/Win

A Simple Link Creates a Win/Win

by: Kathleen Gage

As the number of websites increases by the minute, most people are seeking effective methods to gain as much visibility on the Internet as possible. A great way to do this is by offering a website link exchange, also referred to as reciprocal linkage. Reciprocal linkage is a great tool that can dramatically increase your web site ranking. The more links you have to your site the better.

For anyone who is new to this concept here are some simple tips. Even though most people don’t mind if you add their link to your site, it is a good idea to send a quick email to the Webmaster of the site and let them know you would like to provide a link from your site to theirs. While you’re at it ask them if they will also put a link from their site to yours.

When providing a link exchange on my site I prefer the site I am listing in some way benefits my readers. My primary focus is on marketing and promotions. I am more than willing to list other marketing sites and anything that is business related. The criteria are the sites must be professionally designed and the Webmaster must be willing to exchange links.

To view sites I have listed, visit http://www.turningpointpresents.com/marketingtools.htm If you would like your site to be considered for a link exchange send me an email and let’s chat.

Here is a sample message I recently receive that resulted in the sender getting their site listed on mine and mine on theirs.

ขThank you for putting together a great article. I wanted to let you know that I posted your article Titled กVisibility, Credibility and Position Through Articles and Celebrity Testimonialsก you will find your article here: http://www.businessbooksandmore.com/BusinessArticles/yh/pm1.htm

I would like to also exchange links with you. Here is my information:

URL:

http://www.businessbooksandmore.com/go/go.php/articles1

LINKED TEXT:

BusinessBooksandMore.comข

It’s that simple. When you do post the link, send a short email to the webmaster to let them know you have done so. It is common courtesy.

Even though there are many people who fully understand the value of creating this type of opportunity, more still just don’t get it. Fact is, this is one of the easiest ways to gain position on the Internet and to create a Win/Win situation. And what could be better than that?

Copyright: © 2004 by Kathleen Gage

Web Address: www.kathleengage.com

Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter, on your web site, or in your print publication provided you include the resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required.

About The Author

Kathleen Gage is a business advisor; keynote speaker and trainer who helps others gain dominance and visibility within their market. She is the recipient of the 2004 Giant Step Award for Business of the Year in the State of Utah. Call 801.619.1514 or email [email protected]. Get Gage’s online newsletter called Street Smarts Marketing and Promotions by visiting www.kathleengage.com.

This article was posted on September 25, 2004

by Kathleen Gage

The Work At Home Lifestyle

The Work At Home Lifestyle

by: Chas Brothers

When we’re young, we have this perception that we’re totally invincible and for a while, we are. Slowly but surely however, age catches up with us and all the liberties we took with our bodies begin to catch up with us.

Today’s job market particularly in my part of the country, is a young person’ game. I remember working in the factory and you could look in the eyes of the people that had been there for a while and they were empty and lacking hope.

Some had already lost jobs and benefits after 20 plus years of loyalty only to be on the fringe of losing it all again after another 20 years in a different place. When you see this day in and day out it really makes you think – will this be me in 20 years? Will I physically be up to the challenge that my job requires?

I wanted more. More for myself, my family, and our future. Corporate America wasn’t the way to go as it couldn’t give me all I was longing for. I yearned for the independence that only working from home could provide.

The possibilities were endless! We all see the banners, people lounging around on the beach, or sunning beside the pool. Once you get your head out of the clouds and realize that now, you’re actually a small business owner; it really brings you back down to earth quite quickly!

To be a success in the work from home industry you must realize that although different in many ways, this is still a job or chosen profession if you will. You are its President, CEO, Secretary, and on some days, the Janitor. In this business you’ll find the biggest stumbling block is YOU! Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, pretty powerful in their own rite but let me impart this pearl of wisdom success and failure are on the exact same road, it’s just that success is further down the road.

In the end, the only one who can let you down is you. To be sure you’ll be facing a lot of hard work. Overseeing the store, calling all the shots, sales, marketing, answering phones, taking orders and the like but, there’s no feeling like the total sense of freedom you’ll enjoy by owning your business.

The feeling of this kind of freedom can be overwhelming as few get to experience it. A word of caution here – don’t let the euphoric feeling you’re having lull you into a false sense of security. Your schedule must be rigid, you must be driven to succede, and you must not let your defeats get the best of you. Listen to those around you who have succeeded – they have already paid their dues in time and money so, doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel.

In closing and probably the most important thing for you to have is belief – a belief in what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, a belief in your products or service, and a belief in yourself. I can believe in you all day long but if you don’t believe in yourself then my friend, the race is over before it’s begun.

Keep focused on your future, your hopes, your dreams, and what you want to accomplish. Let the nay Sayers have their piece just don’t let it deter you from the path you’ve chosen for yourself for success is at hand and today can truly be the best day of the rest of your life.

Chas Brothers

[email protected]

Home Business Owner & Entrepreneur

W.A.H.T Member

Independent SFI Marketing Group Representative

Chas may be reached at: http://workfromhomemakeextraincome.com

About The Author

Chas is a Home Based Business Owner, Motivational Writer, and an Independent SFI Marketing Representative

[email protected]

This article was posted on August 16, 2004

by Chas Brothers

Small Business Success It’s a Matter of Confiden

Small Business Success It’s a Matter of Confidence

by: Diane Hughes

I was floored! I couldn’t believe what they were saying! But there they sat three of the biggest film stars of our age telling the world they had issues with confidence. I was watching an interview where Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore were talking with Oprah Winfrey. Their conversation gave me a lot to think about in regard to small business success.

It started with Meryl making a comment about a movie she’d starred in. Her joke was about the fact that she actually quit the movie before it began filming and then ended up following through with her commitment after all. At this point, Nicole and Julianne chimed in. กI do the same thing!ก was the cry. As I watched these three huge film stars go back and forth with their issues of insecurity, it dawned on me that I had something in common with these movie icons.

As a small business owner, I constantly question myself. I wonder if I have the imagination, the talent, the skills, or the drive to make it online. Yes, I’m earning a fulltime living on the Web. I’ve done so for quite some time now. But that fact seems to play a tiny part in the establishment of my selfesteem.

Like most small business owners, and apparently at least three giant film stars, there is a constant struggle with what we *think* we can do, and what we can actually achieve. Selfdoubt creeps in and if we let it take hold we want to quit. We question our abilities and even our successes. It has the potential to be devastating.

There is something else I learned from this interview, however. While all three of these ladies had gone so far as to call their agents and tell them they weren’t making the movies they were contracted for, they still did them. Even with high levels of insecurity, they got themselves together and marched onward.

What was the end result? Most of the time, a boxoffice hit and millions of dollars! Yes, there have been a few กfailuresก for each of them. However, generally speaking, each time they made an effort something wonderful happened.

There are three things I don’t think I’ll ever forget about that interview.

Everybody even the กrich and famousก doubts himself or herself from time to time. Small business owners are no different. Wearing all the different กhatsก of a small business owner creates the perfect environment for insecurity to creep in. It’s something you will likely not completely rid your life from, but it IS something you can overcome.

If the risk is a calculated and reasonable one suck it up and move onward toward your goal. Take into consideration the กlogicalก aspects of success. Is the risk you’re about to take (expanding your services, taking on a new client, launching a new product) one that stands a good chance of success? Weigh your options. If you decide the risk is worth taking, then don’t let fear stand in your way.

Oprah DOES have some good shows from time to time! 🙂

So many small business owners quit before ever กmaking it.ก That’s a shame. They let their doubts and fears take over, and it drives their dreams right out of the picture. If you love something if you truly want to do a particular thing and earn an income from it don’t let anyone (including yourself) tell you that it can’t be done. I think Meryl, Nicole and Julianne would agree!

Copyright 2004 Diane Hughes

About The Author

Diane C. Hughes * ProBizTips.com

FREE Report: Amazingly Simple (Yet Super Powerful) Ways To Skyrocket Your Sales And Build Your Business Into A Tower of Profits! ==>> http://madmarketer.com/diane

This article was posted on October 05, 2004

by Diane Hughes

The Information Publisherกs Secret Resource Guide

The Information Publisherกs Secret Resource Guide To Blow Customers Away!

by: Hans Klein

Have you ever heard the saying, กGive and you shall receiveก?

Well, with information publishing, this saying is one of the most important you will ever hear. Let me explain:

Whether you are providing your information product in a book, an ebook, a manual, or a video, if you want your customer to buy from you again, you must provide in your product value that he or she can directly apply to his/her life.

The more value you provide, the more satisfied the customer… And a satisfied customer leads to a lifetime client, and a lifetime fan will gladly refer others to you.

So, why should you remember the saying, กGive and you shall receiveก? Well, if you give value, you will receive the benefits of a satisfied customer. You have to give value before you can receive value.

Now, you’re probably wondering how you can provide substantial value to your customers so that your information goes in one ear and turns on a light bulb that says, กEureka!… that is some powerful stuff that I can use immediately!ก

Well, if you are wondering about this very question, you’re in luck because if you look below you will discover the five keys that you will want to print out, stick on your wall, and use every time you sit down to create an information product.

1. Connect with your customer and build rapport. Show that you are human, also. You can do this by talking about a failure in your life and how you turned it around, an obstacle that you overcame, or a person that influenced your life and business.

The bottom line is you want to your customer to feel as though you were in their very same position, and you can relate to their situation. This immediately builds credibility because the customer begins to see you as a friend, instead of just an investment.

2. ‘thatกs great, but Whatกs It Going To Do For Me?ก As the customer views your product, this is the MOST important question they have… So, answer it! Be sure to point out how they are going to very clearly benefit from the information you are giving to them.

3. In the introduction of your product, always give your best promise of what you expect to deliver to the client. Do you expect to show the client how he can make an extra $1,509 a month? Lose 23 pounds? Save 139,403,839 seconds a year? If so, let the client know what kind of value he is about to receive.

4. กAlright, saving 139,403,839 seconds a year sounds great, but this sounds too difficult.ก The next question the customer wonders after finding out what your information can do for him is if they can do it… So, let him or her know กYes, You Can and hereกs why…!ก

5. Let the customer know possible potential return on investment if they utilize the information you are providing. In other words, tell the customer the end result as to what your information can do for him. Will the customer master weaving, writing, or what ever your product is showing him what to do?

About The Author

© Hans Klein All rights reserved

100% FR!EE Pick up your 1 page printable version of these 5 keys of providing value to post on your wall, desk, computer, or anywhere in your work area by visiting http://www.WealthStarters.com/Value.html. Plus 2 Bonus Value Tips!

This article was posted on November 18, 2003

by Hans Klein

Get Your Priorites Right!

Get Your Priorites Right!

by: Panos Dionysopoulos

I have been with this marketing business for a few months now, and before that I was reading motivational books and listening to tapes and talking to people and inhaling all this knowledge like oxygen. During this time I started a habit of setting goals for myself; goals like buying a house in 12 months time, being financially free in ten years time, Iกm sure you all know the sort of goals Iกm talking about.

In the back of my mind during all this time was the goal to let my Dad know how much I appreciated him. I had moved out many years beforehand, he hadn’t really wanted me to, and we were barely on speaking terms. I still went and visited him and my mum every now and then but not often becasue invariably we would end up in an argument abuot nothing. I know, however, that he cared about me and that his temper was thin partly because he was annoyed at all the drugs he had to take for his cardiomiopathy (and of course, the trips to the hospital as well).

He was always willing to help me out, when I went through a bad patch with my credit debt he loaned me the money to pay it out, saying that I shouldn’t have to stress about the interest. He always gave me good advice and he always made sure I knew that he cared about me.

I never got the chance to let him know how much I appreciated this as he passed away a few weeks ago.

What this has done is really driven into me the need to be really selective in what I am doing. To make sure that I am happy with what I am doing, and to make sure that I am making other people happy with what I am doing.

Most importantly, I am now going to make sure I let people know how much I appreciate their help and their support with whatever I do. In the long run I think it will serve me well, and I think it will for you too. Just remember, you may not always have the chance to do the things you keep putting off, especially when it comes to personal relations. Happiness is the name of the game, and it should be your top priority. Your happiness, and the happiness of those around you.

Copyright 2004 Panos Dionysopoulos

About The Author

Panos Dionysopoulos is an active member of the Network Marketing community and enjoys helping people reach their goals. His website can be found at: http://www.marketwithpanos.com

This article was posted on November 30, 2004

by Panos Dionysopoulos

How to Start and Suceed with a Home Business

How to Start and Suceed with a Home Business

by: Jim Johnston

No matter who you are, remember everyone starts from ground zero as far as experience is concerned. Building a home business is no different. One will have to lay the foundation first of all which will consist of choosing a product or service, that requires knowledge of what you are trying to sell. You can’t help your customer very well if you are unable to fully answer their questions. Do your research so that you may present yourself in a professional manner. This will compliment you in the future.

Learn how to promote your business. The big companies learned this long ago or they would have never become big. If you don’t believe me look at the flyers in your mailbox or just open the paper. Advertising is the key to letting the world know that you have something that they need or want. You can not drive down the street with out seeing signs, posters, billboards, or a store window that says 30% off. Remember advertising is your voice, without advertising no one will know you exist. The louder your voice the more that will hear. Isn’t that what you want, for them to come to see what you have? Don’t whisper, scream to the world!

Now that you have brought the customers into your store whether it be a physical store or an internet site, be excited about your products or service. People love to be around exciting people. It creates an atmosphere in which sales are much easier to make. Let them know that you believe in what you are doing, in other words don’t be a fake, customers can sense this and are turned off by it. If there is a warrantee or guarantee let them know this, it will help to make the sale. Always let the customer know that you are going to be there to assist them if any problems arise.

Now you need to establish a customer database, keep in touch with your clients on a regular basis. This is important! Send them advertisements, inform them of new products or services that you have added to your business. These steps will help you create confidence with your clients. It is also important to ask them for their feedback and suggestions that might prove to be beneficial to your business. Remember the customer is looking from another vantage point and may be more helpful than you might imagine.

Finally, don’t be afraid of change or updating your business when needed. Times and trends change rapidly these days. Technology demands changes and requirements continually. Most of the time it is to our advantage to change with it so that we can meet the needs of an ever changing world and customer demands.

Just as computers and software demands are changing, so are the needs of your clients. The world is always moving and so must you to keep your business healthy and prosperous. By following these basic rules and using good old common sense you can and will have an enjoyable and rewarding business future. You make your own future…so make it bright!

Jim Johnston publishes Home Business Tips, a fresh and informative newsletter dedicated in supporting people like YOU! If you are looking for the *best rated* home business opportunities, the latest time saving tools and helpful support from an honest friend in the business, come by and grab a FREE subscription today at http://www.GoldenBee.net

About The Author

Native born Arizonan from Phoenix, Arizona. I am 53 years old and staying active with Homebased Business Programs

[email protected]

This article was posted on March 15, 2004

by Jim Johnston

Revealed: The $12,500 Copywriting Formula

Revealed: The $12,500 Copywriting Formula

by: Sopan Greene

Have you heard of Brian Keith Voiles? Probably not, but if you have eyes youกve seen his ad campaigns and you probably even bought products that he created ad campaigns for. Would you like to have the formula he gets paid $12,500 to put into use for Fortune 500 Companies?

Well then, todayกs your lucky day, isn’t it? If you follow this formula whenever you write a sales letter or an ad youกll see how well it increases your success. Remember that the key to writing a sales letter is that the job of every paragraph is to make the reader want to read the next paragraph.

Use this as a skeleton when you write ads and then go back through your ad to make sure youกve covered all nine points in the right order.

1. ATTENTION Write a headline that GRABS your reader. Fear or curiosity are good places to start. For example: กExTruck Driver Makes $21,815 a Month Doing What You’re Notก

2. INTEREST List the benefits of your product or service. Acknowledge their problem while showing you have the solution. Show that youกve been where they are and you can help them.

3. CREDIBILITY Mention referrals and references of how others have benefited from your product or service.

4. PROVE Show testimonials with full names and cities or countries. Offer a riskfree guarantee.

5. BELIEVABLE Give your full contact information. Make it easy for them to buy with no hassles. Let them know why they should trust you.

6. SCARCITY Have limited offers, special time sensitive sales, discounts on a few products in limited quantity.

7. ACTION Ask for the sale. Make it simple.

8. WARN Let them know the pain theyกll experience if they don’t use your product. i.e. If you’re selling a wrinkle cream let them know how dry their face will be and how much deeper their wrinkles will get without your product if thatกs true. Don’t lie.

9. NOW Tell them why they should buy right now.

Thatกs it. Now youกve got the skeleton that the best copywriters in the world use. If you want more information on copywriting from Brian Keith Voiles go to: http://www.nmmastery.com/admagic/index.shtml

About The Author

Sopan Greene, M.A. is a marketing & life coach & editor of the Net Profits newsletter. Get 2 FREE eBooks & a FREE report: กMillion Dollar Emailsก,กHow To Start Your Own Traffic Virusก & ‘the 13 Deadly Internet Marketing Mistakes Almost Every Business Is Making…ก

mailto:[email protected]

www.NetMarketingMastery.com

This article was posted on December 05, 2003

by Sopan Greene

Why Is Spam Such a Problem?

Why Is Spam Such a Problem?

by: Chris Hickman

Spam can be a lot more damaging than you might think. Obviously, they are the most annoying thing that you can receive through your inbox, but it goes deeper than that. If you are like the millions of other internet email users, you know that sending and receiving email is a free service that comes with your internet service.

Internet service providers are great for providing you with a way to send letters to your friends and family while saving you the cost of postage and envelopes. You can even send cards for free with an email address. But don’t let the free service make you think that you don’t actually have to pay for it. Let me explain.

Internet service providers and web hosts do not get their email services for free. They have to pay for something that we do not have to pay for as consumers. They have to pay for bandwidth. That might not mean much to you, but for these companies, it means that they are forced to produce mass emails, and this means that their costs increase as well.

It may not seem to be a matter for the mere consumer, but let me tell you that this does affect you; here is how:

Since they are forced to send mass emails, which in turn raise their costs for service, you as the receiver are forced to pay more money for you internet service. This in a way helps ISPกs to reduce their overhead costs.

Some of the cheaper ISPs like Net Zero help to cut their costs down by charging outside companies money to spam and add those annoying popups to your homepages. Since the advertisers are paying for their popups, you get a break on the cost of using them as an ISP.

Other popular companies use affiliations to assist them with keeping their costs down, eventually leaving the consumer with a pretty good rate. Iกd prefer to use an ISP that simply goes for the search engine affiliation as they have much better popup prevention on their side, and they actually provide you with a service.

About The Author

Chris Hickman owns a site with the best advice about how to stop spam free. Check Out his site at http://www.howtostopspamfree.com.

This article was posted on March 14

by Chris Hickman

Yes! Getting Targetted Hits To Your Website Is Sti

Yes! Getting Targetted Hits To Your Website Is Still FREE!

by: Prashant Parikh

Start getting some quality free traffic to your website and you don’t even need to advertise for others!

There used to be a time when no one cared where the visitors were coming from or what made them come to your website, as long they were there. So if you had something to sell and were getting tons of people on your site but no sales, that made you wonder…why?

Before I gave TrafficSwarm a shot I was skeptical about it too, as I had tried something like this before and it did not result in any traffic… let aside QUALITY and TARGETED. But then I had nothing to loose, so I said…heck why not!

Let me start by saying that this is not a banner exchange program, so you don’t have place any banners on your website to get traffic…so how on earth will u get free traffic? Let me show you.

After you have registered with TrafficSwarm, which would take less then 5 min, you get to their members page, this is where all the action is happening. You are asked to set your browser page to TrafficSwarm random link page. After you do this, for every link that you click through the homepage you can get anywhere between 11000 credits YES!! Although most of the link I clicked gave me 35 Credits which is not bad considering that my site is displayed to targeted visitors for only 2 credits each. If you want more credits you can place their search box or link box to your website where you will make more credits when your visitors click. On activation of your account, which happens after you make the first 50 credits, TrafficSwarm add another 100 for free.

Now if all this does not interest you, then I am sure this will. TrafficSwarm also runs a daily Lottery where you can trade in some of your credits to enter in the daily luck draw of 1000กs of credits. yay!!

You can go a step further and this is what I did. After I registered and set my browser page to TrafficSwarm I searched for similar products and contacted those webmasters and asked for a link exchange. Believe it or not…almost everyone responded to my request, so now my programs works twice as good…I have text link on other similar content websites which makes me rank higher on Google and I got quite a few credits searching for all those similar websites.

Last but not the least. TrafficSwarm has a excellent referral system which will help you get more traffic, so click here and register through this link so I too can get some referrals.. Thanks. hope you enjoyed reading this article.

http://www.trafficswarm.com/go.cgi?199736

About The Author

Prashant Parikh has been a webmaster for 6 years and specializes in low / no cost website promotions. Webmaster of www.ishopindia.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on December 29, 2003

by Prashant Parikh

Wimpy Google and Michael Jackson: Birds Of A Feath

Wimpy Google and Michael Jackson: Birds Of A Feather

by: Dean Phillips

Google Inc. is suing a Houstonbased company for allegedly clicking on sponsored links to fraudulently boost advertising revenues.

Google filed a lawsuit two weeks ago in Santa Clara County Superior Court in California against Auctions Expert International LLC. Google is accusing Auctions Expert of abusing the Google AdSense program, in which web publishers display Googleกs payperclick ads and receive a share of the revenues.

Auctions Expert joined AdSense in August 2003, according to the lawsuit. Google later discovered the alleged misconduct, terminating the contract between the companies and refunding advertisers, Googleกs complaint states.

‘these clicks were worthless to advertisers but generated significant and unjust revenue for Defendants who were paid by Google as if the clicks were legitimate,ก the lawsuit states.

Google is seeking an unspecified amount of damages and restitution for the revenueshare payments it had made to Auctions Expert, according to the lawsuit.

Google spokesman Steve Langdon said that the Mountain View, Calif., company uses fraud detection technology to combat click fraud and protect advertisers.

‘this lawsuit against Auctions Expert demonstrates the success of our antifraud system and that we will take legal action when appropriate,ก he said in a statement.

Talk about your alltime wimpy statements. Iกm not impressed. All Google did was exercise its right to file a lawsuit. The same right any of us have. Somebody shoot off the fireworks. Woo hoo! Thatกs some scary stuff right there!

Iกm still waiting for Google to flex its considerable muscle. I want to hear a powerful statement from a powerful company. Something to the effect:

กNothing is more important to us than our customers. They helped make us who we are today, and we will not let them down. We are determined to meet and defeat click fraud head onno matter how how long it takes or how much it ultimately costs!ก

But it will never happen. Why? Because despite its considerable power, Google is a lot like Michael Jackson in some ways. Let me explain:

At one time Michael Jackson was the biggest, most powerful star on the planet. However, as we soon discovered, he was also a wimp who was out of touch with reality.

I view Google the same way. Google is the biggest, most powerful search engine on the planet. But the way its handling click fraud is wimpish and shows itกs out of touch with reality also. These are criminals we’re talking about here. They’re not afraid of a silly lawsuit.

Google needs to get with the program and develop a กgangstaก attitude. Hold a worldwide press conference and tell these punk click fraud thieves in no uncertain hip hop terms:

กYo, dog, let me holla at you for a second. We are Google, yo. We are the biggest, baddest, most powerful search engine on the planet, yo. Peep this: Do NOT steal from us or our homeyกs, fool. Me and my posse have the means, the resources and the resolve to hunt you down like the punks you are 24, 7 and bust a cap in your ass! Peace…we out!ก

About The Author

Dean Phillips is an Internet marketing expert, writer, publisher and entrepreneur. Questions? Comments? Dean can be reached at mailto: [email protected]

Visit his website at: http://www.letsmakemoney.net

This article was posted on December 02, 2004

by Dean Phillips

How to Star in your Own Promotional Video

How to Star in your Own Promotional Video

by: MarieClaire Ross

Well, it’s official. You are going to star in the company marketing video (or commercial) and you will have a part talking to camera. After ringing your mother, to let her know about your newly found fame, reality hits in. How are you going to pull this off?

The good news is a charismatic business leader can add tremendous impact and clout to a marketing video or commercial. The bad news is that few leaders have the right skills to talk to the camera in a natural manner.

But before you get put off, talking to camera is a skill. And any skill can be learned.

Here are some tips to help bring the sparkle into your ‘moment of glory’.

1. Wear the right clothes. If you are the CEO, a suit is the right way to go. Opt for conservative colours and stay away from checks, stripes and reds. They do not film very well and serve as a distraction to the viewer.

2. Go for makeup (whether you’re male or female). A nice even skin tone, neat hair and a quick brush with powder can help keep the shine away. Once you get under the bright lights of a film set, it will be hard not to perspire (even more so, if you are nervous). A professional make up artist will also make you feel special and more confident in front of the camera.

3. Trust the director. Forget that you are the client and realise that you are now the talent. Let the professionals do their work and let go. While this might be difficult for most people, it can be a refreshing change. Let yourself get bossed around and don’t worry about how it’s all going to work.

4. Relax. Forget about the pressing amount of work piling up on your desk. Focus on the most important task for the day – your cameo. If you are relaxed you are more likely to be easygoing and friendly. This will enable the director to elicit the best performance from you.

5. Rehearse. Always have your lines prepared and don’t expect that you can wing it on the day. It’s amazing how a big camera in your face can make you forget what you wanted to say. Rehearse your lines over and over again in front of a mirror. Make sure you look and sound natural. Practise speaking clearly and with a smile on your face. Rehearse as many times as you can. The more confident you are in giving an appealing speech, the better you will be and the less takes will needed. This will help reduce costs. If you don’t feel comfortable with your performance, hire a media trainer beforehand to coach you on talking to camera.

6. Have fun! The shoot will be much slower than you anticipated. Lights and audio equipment can take a while to set up. If you are shooting outside, waiting for the sun to make an appearance on a cloudy day can also be painstakingly slow. Take a book with you and any work you can do in downtime. And just bask in the glory of being part of an exciting film shoot!

About The Author

(c) MarieClaire Ross 2005. All rights reserved.

MarieClaire Ross is one of the partners of Digicast. Digicast works with organisations who are not satisfied that their marketing and training materials are helping their business grow. She can be contacted on 0500 800 234 (Australia wide) or at [email protected]. The website is at www.digicast.com.au.

This article was posted on April 06

by MarieClaire Ross

7 Powerful Tips on Creating Good Content for your

7 Powerful Tips on Creating Good Content for your Website

by: Jan Peterson

7 Powerful Tips on Creating Good Content for your Website

So what is all the talk about having a lot of กcontentก on my website? And what is กcontentก exactly? And how will it help my business grow and prosper? I get these questions from my internet students all of the time. Let me say this…Having a lot of great content is one of the key ingredients to those websites that are successful and profitable.

Once I explain the value of content to my students they almost always chime back with กbut I can’t write!ก Never fear, there is always an answer for the creative mind.

1. Don’t Like to Write Find Those that Do

One of the simplest solutions if you don’t like to write is to find those that do.

Where? Elance.com is a good place to start. They have all kinds of writers that write on all subjects. Sign up for an account and post a job. Try to be as specific as possible as to your writing needs. For example, topic, style, word count and so on. You will receive back bids from a numbers of authors. Read what they have to say and read their sample works. A little tip: if you go with the cheapest guy on the block, you will probably get poor work. So it is better to at least go middle of the road in terms of pricing. Expect to pay a minimum of $15 an article for about 400 words or so. Another little tip is to give 2 authors the same project and see which one produces the better work.

2. Press Release Hear all About It!

There is a fine company called PRWeb.com that will distribute your press releases. Itกs not free and depending upon what kind of กcontributionก you want to make, it will cost anywhere from $10 to $80. The key here is to study their website and learn. A Press release is not a sales letter and they post guidelines and even have a teleconference to let you know how to get the most out of your press release campaign. I highly recommend it. I would recommend doing a $10 press release to get started as a way of walking before you run. The first time I used the service I made a few blunders unknowingly and was glad I hadn’t spent the $80! This tool can be invaluable to get your information out to thousands of resources with your website address on it.

3. OPA Other Peopleกs Articles

You can go to any number of article directories and use their articles for FREE. But remember to use the authorกs resource box at the end of the article or you are violating copyright laws. A resource box has the authorกs name, small bio and their website address. Go to Google, type in กArticle Directoriesก and a whole slew of them will appear. I like to go with the better known ones that have quality content. I have all of my articles at tops directories like www.articlecity.com and www.ezinearticles.com. Those are two good resources and of course, there are about two dozen more or so. Most article directories are organized by subject matter or expert authors and you can do your searches quite easily. If you find an author you really enjoy, it would be wise for you to make contact with them. Let them know you would like to be on their update list when they produce new articles.

4. Clubs, Organizations and Trade Magazines

Letกs say that you need content for your gardening website that specializes in perennial gardens. There are probably thousands of gardening clubs, organizations and trade magazines that have newsletters or materials you can reprint. Contact them and let them know you are looking for quality articles, newsletters, tips, secrets, ideas on perennial gardens. You might just be surprised how much information they would be willing to share as long as you give them credit for their work and publish their website address in return.

5. Start a Blog Neverending content

Try blogspot.com and set up your free blogger on your website. If you don’t know how to do it, just get your favorite webmaster to set it up. It isn’t that complicated but it can be invaluable. You can get it going by making your own posts. You can share your own information like ก 3 Easy ways to keep your gardens bug free this summerก or you may have read something in a magazine that says ก Ortho has come out with Zappit bug spray that will keep your gardens beautiful all summer long…I have used it and here is what I found that maybe useful to you.ก You can comment, question, inform on a blog. Keep your blog useful and people will come to visit and hopefully contribute regularly.

6. Testimonials Why people should do business with you?

The more testimonials you can get the better. You may have to offer an incentive for people to take the time to write you a testimonial longer than a sentence or two. Letกs say you sell custom made cowboy hats. You know people love them because they come back and buy more than one. You could offer an incentive such as กIf you love our cowboy hats, we would love to hear about it. When we receive your letter telling us why you love our hats so much, we will send you a coupon for 20% off your next hat purchase.ก And then you have a testimonials section flooded with letters from your customers. If you can scan them in so people can see the originals, all the better for credibility.

7. Reviews Your opinion counts!

Letกs say you sell high end power tools to the custom furniture builder. You could write reviews on the different products pointing out the positive and negative features. Trade journals in this field probably have reviews of products as well and the companies who manufacture them. You can reword them to fit accordingly. Or better yet, if you have used the tools, you are skilled enough to let people know what features are great and why they should buy it.

Hopefully, you now understand how to get great content on your site without picking up a pen or pounding away on the keyboard. Our next article will discuss why content is so important and how it can help you with your search engine rankings and ultimately result in sales.

About The Author

Jan Peterson founder of www.goldstarreview.com researches and reviews business opportunities including internet marketing, real estate investing, affiliate marketing, financial investing and more. Over 400 FREE reports available.

This article was posted on August 08

by Jan Peterson