Build Your Marketing Muscle

Build Your Marketing Muscle

by: Sopan Greene, M.A.

During a saxophone lesson the other day I realized how much regular practice can help a part time internet marketer. My teacher taught me a long time ago to just play for 15 minutes a day to progress. I was shocked when I first started doing it, but it works. And it works fast.

As Iกve applied that theory to my business Iกve seen the same rewards. If you have a tight schedule, itกs actually better to work on marketing for 15 minutes a day than it is to come up with a block of hours to get a lot done.

The reason why is that a habit to make a little time a day to focus on your business keeps the ideas flowing and consistently builds your marketing muscle. Itกs also a lot easier to find 15 minutes every day than it is to find an hour or more.

Think about it. In 15 minutes you can send out some articles, work on an article or send some emails for ad swaps. All of these activities are building your exposure and your list.

Most internet marketers are part timers for at least 6 months to year depending on how much time they spend on their business. If you can go for a half hour or an hour or more a day go for it. But most newbies are struggling to put in 5 hours on weekdays while juggling a full time job and a busy family life.

The key is to pick an amount of time you know you can do. Commit to spending that amount of time every weekday with longer times on the weekend. If you can do it at the same time every day it works easier. Treat this time like itกs an important appointment with an important person. (You are an important person aren’t you? No one else will build your business.) Don’t let anything break your date with your business.

Too many folks fail because they simply don’t treat their business like itกs a business. A hobby is something that costs you money and you work on when you feel like it. A business is something that makes you money and you work on it even when you don’t feel like it. You deserve to reap the rewards that an online business brings.

The profits are bigger down the road, but treating your business with a business attitude will get you there faster. A 15 minute a day habit can build your marketing muscle and accelerate your progress.

Give it a whirl. What have you go to lose?

About The Author

Sopan Greene, M.A. is a marketing & life coach & editor of the Net Profits newsletter. Grab Your 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 mail to: [email protected]

http://www.NetMarketingMastery.com

This article was posted on December 05, 2003

by Sopan Greene, M.A.

Selling Yourself to Reach Online Success

Selling Yourself to Reach Online Success

by: Brian Moore

Usually, success in an online business depends upon selling outstanding products or representing really good affiliate plans. But just as important in getting people to buy from you is your business image. In this article we will look at how to define that image and sell yourself to help your potential customers decide to buy your products.
There are several things to think about when developing your online image. But itกs no different from preparing a resume or a personal history. Youกll want to look at your education or training, work experience, and your life experiences, and how all of this defines you as an individual in such a large marketplace.
We start with education, because thatกs the point where our lives began to take a definite shape. Think about what part of your education relates to who you are. Is it the favorite grade school teacher who unlocked your ambition to learn? Or is it special talents your high school studies or extra curricular activities revealed?
Remember, your personal level of education not so important. Itกs how your educational background helps define who you are and how well you can help others online.
Next, start thinking about your life experiences. What large events in your life like being married or single, raising children, and maintaining longtime friendships helped shape you? What would you change or keep the same assuming youกd have control over such matters? What have you gained from your experiences in life?
Then examine your work history. What occupation did you start out in? (This includes what has been traditionally known as "home maker", or household manager, if you will.) What various skills did you obtain? What other occupations have you had? What things about traditional employment brought you to the Internet looking for income?
Now try to decide how your education, life experiences, and work experience translate into your online goals. In general, how much income do you expect to replace with income from online? What do you think your niche market is? (This is defined by what type of customer you focus your business on.) How does your business fit into the large scheme of Internet marketing?
Okay, you say, now I have a handle on who I am. I have an image. What do I do with it? How is it going to help me sell products?
Well, announce it to the world. * Tell * people who you are.
Work up an online resume or an "About Us" page for your site. Include key points from your selfsearching. Make yourself into a real, live human being with whom your customers can do business and enjoy visiting again and again.
Publish your name, address, phone number, and email address. You needn’t worry about being swamped by phone calls and letters. In five years online Iกve had one customer ever call me, and it was not to complain. Iกve had one letter, and it was for more information. Emailing is so much easier and it saves long distance rates and postage. (I don’t have a toll free number yet, so itกs their nickel to call me.)
Provide a selfphoto. Without undue cost, "put your best foot forward" by having it taken professionally. It should be the "real you", not some computer enhanced alter ego that portrays you better than you actually are. Don’t be afraid to update the photo regularly to show you developing in your career.
Finally, letกs talk a little about being professional. Iกm not referring to how you phrase your sentences or how fancy your vocabulary is. Instead, Iกm recommending you try to be realistic confident without hype and humble without putting yourself down. In short, be yourself.
In your comments and publications avoid sarcasm. Some people may catch the humor while others may be offended by it. Don’t issue ultimatums like, "If you’re not willing to [so and so], then you don’t belong in this business." These folks are your prospects or have signed up under you. They are expecting your help and example, and you wouldn’t want to push them away from making a decision to buy.
When all is said and done, what you say and do online brands you to those with whom you come in contact. It would be far better to take time to brand yourself in a positive light than to leave your image to chance by neglecting your online presence.

About The Author

Brian Moore publishes กBizOps Secretsก, a complete ezine resource for online success. Subscribe and receive a free 5 line classified ad. AllPro BizOps, Proven Business Secrets That Work Online http://www.allprobizops.com.

This article was posted on January 16, 2002

by Brian Moore

Are You Made To Run An Internet Business

Are You Made To Run An Internet Business

by: Michel Richer

Many people would like to have their own internet business. They like the idea of being their own boss. They like the idea to work from their home office. They like the idea of making a substancial income of around $10 000 + a month.

Does this sound tempting to you ?

If yes, it is important to ask yourself some though question before thinking about running an internet business.

Do you really want to work from your home office ?

Many like the benefits of an internet business, but few take into account the hard work that must be made to succeed with a business. Please don’t make this mistake yourself.

Are you able and willing to invest time and effort even when you don’t see direct result for maybe some months? Are you the type to discipline yourself to work every day ? Are you willing to learn and to follow training? Can you motivate yourself every day for month and years to come ?

SELF DETERMINATION

You need to possess the ability to push yourself ahead. Your drive and determination will be reinforced with every new sale.

To really succeed with your internet business you need to have clear goals and a business plan. You need to know where your business is going. You also need to put lotกs of time and effort to excelerate your business growth.

Running an internet business demand a lot of skills like computer knowledge of course. Marketing (copywriting, advertising). Website design & development etc.

By learning and experimenting you will gain lotกs of experience. When you have a lotกs of experience you become an expert in your field, wich is a great thing for your business.

YOU ARE THE MASTER OF YOUR DESTINY NOW

Isn’t it great to be your own boss ? Working for yourself and taking all the decision. You are the master now.

You have the drive, you have the determination. You have the patience to see your business grow day by day, month after month.

If something bad happen, you have the humility to see whatกs wrong and learn from your error. You are the only one now responsible for your self.

Treat your business as a serious, fulltime business, and it will become one.

IN CONCLUSION…

Think of your first six months primarily as a training period. Don’t expect large earnings until after youกve educated yourself.

Don’t be a negative thinker and don’t let the negative attitudes of others (even if they’re family members, friends, or peers) influence you.

All the great men and women in history had to overcome the naysayers who said it couldn’t be done—and then went out and did it. Think for yourself!

As long as you think positive and focused on your business target you’re on the right way to a rich life, which is directed by you and it will lead you to tremendous success.

PERMISSIONS TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in its entirety free of charge, electronically or in print, provided it appears with the included copyright and author’s resource box with live website link.

Courtesy of: http://hombyz.com

About The Author

Michel Richer is the Business Manager and Webmaster of http://Hombyz.com

With over 10 years experience in home based internet business and a SOLID REPUTATION in the industry. He is dedicated to helping you SUCCEED on the Internet.

You can take a look at his website at: http://hombyz.com for Your HOME BUSINESS SUCCESS !!!

This article was posted on February 05

by Michel Richer

Developing an Opportunity Mindset

Developing an Opportunity Mindset

by: Kevin Purfield

Starting a home based business is a fantastic way to earn additional income part time or full You can build a six figure or higher cash machine using you home computer and a few hours of your spare time each week. It is estimated that each day nearly 200,000 new people log on to the Internet for the first time. Many of these people looking for a home based business.

Many of these people will go on to create a full time income equal to or exceeding their current income from their jobs. You need very little capital to start a home businesses and you can work the hours that are best for you.

Developing an opportunity mindset is key to your business success. Your business is success is largely determined by your thoughts. If you believe that you can be successful in your business you will. Henry Ford once said ข if you believe you can or you can’t your probably right.ข

Selfmotivation and keeping an optimistic perspective is vitally important. You must possess the desire to succeed and take action everyday regardless of what obstacles you encounter along the way.

Your level of success depends on the time and effort you are willing to put into your business. To reap the greatest return on the time you invest you must keep a positive outlook and maintain the belief that you will eventually succeed.

The author Norman Vincent Peale once said, ขWe tend to get what we expect.ข Are your expectations for your business ones of abundance fruitful reward for work well done?

Everyday you must plant mental seeds of prosperity into you mind and nurture them. We become what we think, therefore develop the thoughts that will create the life you want to live. The key difference between a successful person and an unsuccessful person is their habits.

Develop the habit of being a power of intelligence and positive expectancy in your business and interactions with others. Cultivate patience and practice the work habits that will get you the results you desire.

The mind is goalseeking mechanism. Set large goals for yourself and others and work daily on achieving them. The purpose of setting goals is for you to decide exactly what it is that you want. You must clear understand where you want to go before you can expect to set on the journey and arrive there.

The philosopher Aristotle wrote that all behavior is ขteleologicalข or purposeful aimed at a goal. The one factor that governs each of your actions is your desire that you would be better off than you would be in the absence of your actions.

Stay positive and focused on your home business continually reminding yourself of your purpose. What ever we focus on becomes our reality.

Continually focus on where you want to be and that is the direction you will go.

Copyright 2004 Kevin Purfield

About The Author

Kevin Purfield owns the Wealth System Online Resource Directory where you can find everything youกll ever need to start, run and grow a home based business at: http://www.wealthsystemonline.com

Kevin Purfield has been involved with network and affliliate marketing since 1997. He enjoys helping others and is active in several online affiliate programs. He enjoys reading, hiking, and computers. He lives in Northern California

This article was posted on March 25, 2004

by Kevin Purfield

7 Tips for Testing Your Sales and Marketing

7 Tips for Testing Your Sales and Marketing

by: Angela Wu

One marketing technique may work wonders for someone, but that doesn’t guarantee that itกll do the same for you. The only way to really know what works for YOUR products and YOUR target audience is to experiment. Testing and experimentation are crucial to increasing your profits.
1. Try using the occasional popup window to get more subscribers to your newsletter. Some people *really* hate these, so use them sparingly. For example, you could have a window pop up only the first time someone visits your site … or you could have one appear whenever someone leaves your site. Try different scenarios to see what works best.
2. Change the price of your product and see what impact it has on sales. Even if your sales drop, you may still come out ahead when it comes to profits. Note: your sales may not drop at all; I increased the price of my own booklet from $12.95 to $19.95 and sales stayed the same. You never know until you try.
3. Test different sales copy on your website and in your autoresponder. Should you come on strong, be subtle, be extremely detailed? Does long sales copy do better than short copy, or vice versa? Do you get more sales by spreading your sales copy on multiple pages, or by putting it all on one page? Be sure to make backups of your previous work; if you find the new copy kills sales, you can always restore the previous version.
4. Track your advertising. There are a number of commercially available ad tracking packages that can help you see which ads are working well and which aren’t. Discard anything that doesn’t work, and try to improve on ads that appear to work well.
5. Experiment with the navigation of your website. For example, change the number of clicks required to get to your ordering page, or change the flow of navigation so that your visitor always ends up at an ordering page.
6. Test different types of links. You might try short ads in the margins of your web pages vs. text links within the context of an article, for example.
7. Test response rates between direct links to your sales page and the use of a followup autoresponder. Sometimes people just need an extra กpushก or a reminder to order. (make sure your autoresponder has an easy way for your prospect to unsubscribe)

About The Author

Angela runs several successful sites dedicated to helping beginners profit from the Internet. Her new web magazine, Online Business Basics, features stepbystep tutorials for eBusiness กnewbiesก. To take the guesswork out of starting and building an Internet business, click over to http://www.onlinebusinessbasics.com/

This article was posted on February 4, 2002

by Angela Wu

Making Your Purpose Your Business, Step#4

Making Your Purpose Your Business, Step#4

by: Heather J. Tait

Step#4 – Organizing & Developing Online Content

If you have done your homework then you are ready to organize and develop what will be your online content. Your content is very important as it will be used for promoting you, your work, and your website. Content serves a variety of purposes; it displays public relations, target marketing, and general information to build a platform for your product (your purpose).

One of the main items that need attention would be your biography. If you are an artist or writer, you will get asked for this pertinent information every time you make a submission or apply for competitions. Your biography is an essential piece of information that often can get viewed prior to your work. Even if your target audiences are publishers, agents, or clients, you have only one chance to intrigue them and make a good first impression.

There are several ways that you can address your audience. If you would like to be up front and personal, you can write in first person, using ขIข in your sentence structure. For example, ขI was born in Silver Springs, Maryland.ข If you want to have a general sound or professional structure, you can write in the third person, referring to yourself as stated in this example, ขHeather J. Tait was born in Silver Springs, Maryland.ข

It’s really up to you on how you would like to address your audience. I personally prefer writing in third person when referring to my work mainly because I feel it conveys a sense of professional etiquette. It creates a press release persona that can maintain your audience’s attention. However, if you prefer to write in first person you can do that and still have strength to your sentences. Either way you want to spark your audience’s interest in you and your work.

The difference between a how a hobbyist or a professional artist or writer can be determined simply on how they are conveyed through content. You want your sentences to have strength and power to them. Each word and phrase counts because they are performing a difficult task, representing you, when you are not there to do so. For example you could say, ขI’m an artist from Erie, PA. I am trying to make a living doing art. Hope you will look at my work.ข This sentence hardly provides any credibility to my name or my art. It conveys that I am not really serious about what I’m doing, but I still would like you to look at my work. That’s a lofty expectation to have of my audience when I lack taking myself serious.

A professional sentence structure as an example, ขHeather J. Tait was raised in Erie, PA and began her career as a professional artist in 1997.ข You want to state who you are, where you come from, and what it is you do. You want your opening sentence to really state a few basic facts about you and your work. This is not an easy task and perhaps one of the reasons why many artists and writers procrastinate completing a biography. Perhaps one of the reasons why, just as Alan Wilson Watts states, ขTrying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth.ข

It’s quite the challenge to write about yourself and really expand on your talents. You have to convey your work and yourself from almost another person’s perspective. Imagine yourself as a Public Relations Specialist and you were just hired to write about an artist or writer. What are some things you would need to know about that person? What strong points do you want to enunciate about this person’s life and accomplishments? What active role does this person assume now?

You don’t have to be overly personal but you really want to give your audience a sense of who you are. Let them know how you began your career. Write about your technique or your style. It is possible to be personal but also professional. You may have to work on several drafts until you get a nice flow of words and a functional biography. The time you put into writing this valuable piece of information will pay off by getting people to take notice in something very dear to you, your purpose. So share your passion with your audience. You just may notice that your enthusiasm might be contagious.

You want to have a short version (100150 words) of your biography and then a long version (5001,000 words). It’s advisable to work on your long version first so then you can easily copy a short version by taking excerpts. As an example you can view my biography online: http://www.silencespeaks.com/artist/artist.html. I had a shorter version posted several months back, but because of numerous requests to know more about me, I had to rewrite it. You may experience similar feedback from your viewers. The long version will be for your website and the shorter version will be used for promotional websites that commonly limit your biography to 100150 words.

You can also write a statement about your work. A statement simply is a personal claim about your work or perhaps on what inspires your work. Get creative here and really just type what you feel you need to express about your creativity. I was asked for an artist statement back in 1999. I had no clue what that was but I wrote one down. I’ve used the same statement ever since. You can view it online to get an example: http://www.silencespeaks.com/artist/artist.html

Take time to really write down your talents and accomplishments and don’t be afraid to express them in your content. The more people learn about you, the more they will be able to relate to you.

Your challenge for this month is to create a full length and short version of your biography. As a bonus create an artistic statement if you would like. Read other artists’ or writers’ biographies and ask yourself which ones interested you and then explain why. Which biographies had strong statements, which ones were weak? Then take that information and apply it to yourself. Evaluate what traits you want to express, organize an outline, and then write your biography.

By Artist & Inspirational Writer Heather J.Tait

About The Author

Silence Speaks http://www.silencespeaks.com

read more articles from this author at Silence Speaks Inspirations

Artist and inspirational writer Heather J. Tait began her career as a professional artist back in 1997 in Morgan Hill, CA. Her style combines simplicity and complexity. She uses bold lines with the aid of her Sharpie Marker and completes the process with splashes of bright watercolors.

Her work can best be described in its entirety as inspirational. She has over 160 pieces of all original works with inspirational quotes that correspond to each piece.

Her art as well as articles are syndicated internationally. Her work has been featured in the Spire Press (New York, NY), the Gutenburg Litegraphic Society (Salt Lake City, UT), Tony Awards (Atlanta,GA) and the FOX Theater (Atlanta,GA) to name a few.

She was also recently inducted into the Who’s Who of American Women 20042005the definitive biographical resource featuring the most accomplished women in all areas of human endeavor.

She is also the founder of Silence Speaks International Artist Association and Intrigue Magazine which works to promote artists and writers.

[email protected]

This article was posted on September 13, 2004

by Heather J. Tait

Tap the Ultimate Source of Abundance: How to Put M

Tap the Ultimate Source of Abundance: How to Put More of YOU into Your Business

by: Amanda Murphy

Corporations ignore consumers’ real needs…Company leaders engage in questionable business practices…Business owners and employees do work they don’t enjoy simply to pay the bills…such is the state of today’s business world.

The key to bringing the world back to life will also bring you abundance in your business. The world needs people who are vibrantly alive and ready to build a new kind of business. We need businesses that express our missions as human beings and make a contribution to the planet – and thrive in the process.

You will create a magnetic attraction when your vision, your values, and your vocation are perfectly aligned. When planning a business, very few people take the time to look inside, to align their unique natural gifts, talents, and desires with the product or service their business provides.

Answering the following questions will help you attract abundance through your business. When you have done this, you will thrive in ways you cannot imagine.

1. Why do you do the work you do?

Most owners are in businesses because they saw an opportunity or because they have some professional experience they can conveniently sell. Their business is simply what they do and does not necessarily reflect their greatest talents or passions.

However, if you take the time to examine your gifts, your talents, and the particular message you have for the world, you will discover inspiring ways to earn money by sharing those talents. When your business expresses who you are, clients instinctively recognize that you are sincerely and personally committed to their happiness and success. No one can fake true concern.

2. With whom do you want to work?

Most business owners have customers or clients they dread dealing with, yet they continue to do business with them month after month. Whether you realize it or not, your customers know what you’re thinking about them.

Therefore, it is in everyone’s best interest for you to be proactive and ขfireข clients who are not a good fit for your business. This will free you to focus on the people you care about. When you do business with people you like, they will naturally bring out your best work and inspire you to become better at what you do. Your better efforts will attract more perfect customers who will inspire you further. From there, your ability to thrive is unstoppable.

When the right prospective customer crosses your path and you can clearly and simply describe exactly what they are feeling, they are captivated. They feel understood and validated, and they will trust you to take care of their concerns.

3. What do you do for your clients?

Generally speaking, a customer’s primary concern is to find someone who can solve their problem and make their pain stop. Therefore, you need to see your business from your customer’s perspective.

For example, instead of saying, ขWe provide accurate, professional bookkeeping services,ข say, ขWe make sure you have the precise financial information you need, when you need it.ข Rather than making a statement of fact, such as, ขWe are attorneys who specialize in small businesses,ข present your service through their eyes, as in, ขWe take the mystery out of protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build.ข Make a list of the benefits your customers will receive as a result of working with you or buying your products. Make sure each one is stated in specific terms a client can identify with, and then market this to your customers.

4. How do you set yourself apart?

Becoming an expert in your field is the best longterm way to attract abundance. You don’t need to have all the answers to be an expert; in fact most experts rely on many other professionals in and out of their field. What makes you an expert is your will, your drive, your passion, your confidence, and your ability to create solutions for your customers’ needs.

Remember, people draw conclusions about things and about each other within a matter of seconds. You may have 20 seconds to convince a potential client or customer that you are the solution to his or her problem. After that, you become lost in a current of information overload. So set yourself apart from the crowd, and watch your business soar.

5. The Final Key To Building an Abundant Life: What Permission Do You Need To Give Yourself?

You already know deep down what you want to do. You have an idea what changes you need to make in your business. You know what’s not working.

You may be holding yourself back from taking the actions you know you need to take. Somewhere in your subconscious you may be following harmful ขrulesข you’ve made for yourself. You may believe you don’t deserve wild success. You may believe that work can’t be fun. You may believe that you owe it to those around you to maintain the status quo.

When you identify your restrictive beliefs, you can decide to let go of them. Be truthful with yourself. What permission do you need to give yourself to make all of your dreams a reality? Some examples may be: ขFire (or hire) those three people,ข ขTake only the jobs/assignments that I would enjoy,ข or ขMake more money than anyone I know.ข Be specific.

The Sky is the Limit

You now have the tools to develop a business strategy that capitalizes on your unique abilities and interests. Since many people are unable to objectively observe themselves, if you have difficulty answering any of these questions, brainstorm ideas with a business partner or a business coach. This is important, because the sooner you incorporate these abilities into your business presentation, the more prosperity you are able to attract. You will know what you have to share with the world, and this knowledge is your single most powerful wealthattraction tool.

Any of your competitors can read the same business books and articles you do, but none of them can duplicate your heart and soul. Find the right answers to these five questions and you can be certain your prospects will say, ขI have GOT to work with you!ข

‘reprinted from Create the Business Breakthrough You Want: Secrets and Strategies From the Worldกs Greatest Mentors © 2004 Mission Publishing, a division of The Mission Marketing Mentors, Inc., www.missionpublishing.net or www.missionmarketingmentors.com.ก

About The Author

Amanda Murphy is coauthor of the new bestseller กCreate the Business Breakthrough You Want: Secrets and Strategies From the World’s Greatest Mentors.ก To find out how Amanda can help you create the breakthrough you want, visit www.AmandaMurphy.com

This article was posted on August 26, 2004

by Amanda Murphy

Microsoft Blues

Microsoft Blues

by: Tony Dean

With the advent of กService Pack 2ก for Windows XP operating system, Microsoft have really made the forums hum.

Every forum on computer problems is replete with complaints that since downloading and installing กSP2ก, many ‘third partyก applications don’t work.

This service pack was needed to keep viruses and trojans out of peopleกs computers when they are on the internet, but it has caused a world wide backlash against the software giant because peopleกs favored applications won’t work, or the computer crashes when they try to open them. Many people have said they will buy a Mac or try Linux instead.

What causes all this fury against Microsoft who are only trying to make surfing the internet safer?

Maybe there was an almighty rush to release this service pack before it had been thoroughly beta tested on all applications to see what the issues would be.

The complexity of this service pack is such that you really need to have a degree in I.T. just to set itกs parameters, instead of relying on itกs default settings, before you can successfully use it. It really needed a dvd movie to accompany it to visually show what you had to set before starting up any ‘third partyก applications, but this was not thought necessary because Microsoft were offering free technical support via a free phone number.

Some applications require that you open ports manually, but who would know that without clear instructions?

Some of the applications that need ports to be opened for them include the following: กVisual Studio.Netก, กSQLก, กBackup Exec 9ก, กGhost Server Corporate Edition 7.5ก, กSymantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition 8.0ก, กSMS 2003 Serverก, กCuteFTP 5.0 xpก, กExceed 7.0 and 8.0ก, กKea! 340 5.1ก, กView Now 1.05ก, กMicrosoft Operations Manager 2000ก, กAutoCad 2004ก, กBackup Exec 9.1 4691ก, กWindows Scanner and Camera Wizardก, กCold Fusion MX Server Edition 6ก, กeTrust 6.0.100ก, กNetshield 4.5ก, กIBM Tivoli Storage Managerก …and the list goes on.

Many games won’t work. Games that need กDX9.0cก to run, are not supported by the กSP2ก, so games don’t run.

Virus scanning software by McAfee, Sourcenet, Sonic Wall, Command AntiVirus, either give error messages, or crash the computer.

Most scanners including Umax scanners may not work and give error messages, or continually reboot the computer.

Some of the features of Ebay Toolbar will cease to function. Users of Ebayกs Enhanced Picture Service are locked out.

Applications which may not work are programs that have to contact a server to work at all, some ftp, multimedia streaming software, กnew mailก notifications in some email applications. Some programs reported not working are webservers such as กInternet Information Servicesก (IIS), ‘remote Desktopก, กFile Sharingก.

Many large companies are so concerned about the applications incompatability issues that IBM have notified all staff not to install กSP2ก.

Complaints to ‘third partyก software suppliers are soaring as if it is their fault applications don’t work.

Even ebooks downloaded from the internet are refusing to fully open.

The only way to get these applications to work is to uninstall กSP2ก by going to กStartก then กControl Panelก then กAdd Remove Programsก.

Microsoft, as if to shove the blame on users, have warned that installing กSP2ก on a กspywareก infested machine is a กbad ideaก.

Summing up the proกs and conกs of installing กSP2ก, one forum poster stated it simply:

กWindows XP is incompatable with SP2ก.

About The Author

Tony Dean is a published author and runs a web site selling ebooks and software for immediate download:

http://www.ebooksales.com

To subscribe to his weekly ezine กEbookSales Ezineก send blank email: [email protected]

This article was posted on November 06, 2004

by Tony Dean

Is a Home Business Right for You?

Is a Home Business Right for You?

by: Jeff Casmer

Every morning as people wake up and make the commute to work, many dream of the day when they will finally work for themselves. Every time the boss lets someone know that they must give up their weekend plans for the good of the company, people contemplate the benefits of being the owner of their own business.

Are you one of these people?

If you are, it is important to ask yourself some very important questions before you make the uncertain leap into selfemployment.

Many dream of the benefits of home business ownership, but few take into account the sacrifices that must be made to bring the dream to fruition. Please don’t make this mistake yourself.

You must approach home business ownership with your eyes wide open. Ask yourself the important questions, and more importantly, answer your own questions openly and honestly.

AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION

Are you the type of person who relishes every chance to gather around the water cooler for social interaction?

If so, then home business ownership may not be the right decision for you.

Instead, if you feel that you can be quite content sitting alone at your desk; speaking only to clients and really minding your own home business, then you might have what it takes to succeed as a home business entrepreneur.

If you feel at ease with your own company and don’t need a dozen coworkers milling around your desk, then you, too, could savor the freedoms that will allow you and your family, to live the lifestyle you know you want and deserve.

THE KEY TO HOME BUSINESS SUCCESS

Selfmotivation is the key to success when you start a homebased business. You need to possess the ability to push yourself ahead. Your drive and determination will be reinforced with every new sale.

The level of success that you will achieve greatly depends on the time and effort you are willing to plow into your new home business. Your organization, planning and marketing skills, will all be put into practice when you embark on your liberating journey from employee, to being your own boss. In fact, you will be the wearer of many hats and gain a wealth of business experience along the way, when you finally make that commitment to work at home.

YOUR SUCCESS RESTS ENTIRELY UPON YOUR OWN SHOULDERS

You will now be the boss. Are you truly able to work independently? Do you have the drive; the tenacity, to persevere with your home based business? Will you be able to invest the necessary time to nurture it, to watch it grow and see it through, from germination to full, glorious bloom? When you’re the boss, you are responsible for the success of your home business, from A to Z, from disappointments to victory.

When you work at home, it will empower you to achieve many things you were unable to do when you were stuck working for that tyrant boss. Remember him? Heกs the guy that wouldn’t let you take time off when your baby was sick…the same guy that called you in to work on Thanksgiving Day.

A home business means that you can take good care of your family and make money from home, simultaneously. You will have the best of both worlds! Just thinkno more dirty laundry piling upyou can do it while you work. No more scurrying around at the last minute searching for a babysitter either. And no more worrying about getting fired; youกll be the boss!

IN CONCLUSION…

Stay positive and focused on your home based business, even if, when sales aren’t up to par, you get occasional negative remarks or derogatory comments from people with stuffy, deadend jobs. Ignore their cutting words and bear in mind that success is the best revenge! Keep your admirable, positive attitude at the forefront and show them what you’re made of!

About The Author

Jeff Casmer is a successful online business coach and the owner of www.24hourwealth.com

Jeff Casmer, The Wealth Guy can help you launch your very own money making website today thatกs 100% ready to take orders and pull in massive profits for you right now…guaranteed! Visit: http://www.www.24hourwealth.com/pluginprofitsite.html

[email protected]

This article was posted on July 13, 2003

by Jeff Casmer

The กNot So Secretก Secrets of Success

The กNot So Secretก Secrets of Success

by: Terri Seymour

Have you ever heard of the กsecrets of successก? Many times people are trying to sell you these กsecretsก for a very high price! Well, in my five years of Internet marketing experience, I haven’t learned any กsecretsก.

These socalled กsecretsก are mostly common sense and hard work. We all know these กsecretsก. We just have to apply them and use them consistently.

กSecretก #1 People

Dealing with people can be hard, but we all know we must be courteous and professional. You need to accept the fact that you cannot please everybody. When you come across one of these people you cannot please no matter what you do, just deal with them firmly, but courteously and professionally. Not a กsecretก!

MOE Motto Treat people as you would like to be treated!

กSecretก #2 Passion

We all know that we need to like we do in order to be really successful at it. If you are interested in pets do not start a business dealing with cars! 😉 Building an online business will take a lot of passion to get through the frustration, obstacles, and other difficulties. There will be many times when we will need our passion to get us through! Not a กsecretก!

กSecretก #3 Customer Service

Another กsecretก is to treat the customer with respect and courtesy. It will not be easy to deal with difficult customers this way, but it can be done. I have worn down some of the nastiest customers by a continuing campaign of courtesy, politeness and professionalism!

Each time I dealt with this one lady, she was less and less rude and upset and more relaxed and easy to deal with. Eventually, she was thanking me and praising me for being so helpful and nice. Don’t be condescending and don’t let yourself get upset. Remain calm, yet be firm and respectful. Not a กsecretก!

กSecret #4 Promotion

To build a business, people must know that you and your business exist. Advertising, promotion and networking are how this is done. Set up a promotion schedule and stick with it. Be consistent. This may get tedious at times, but it must be done!

Write and submit articles, publish an ezine, get listed all over the web, do link exchanges, swap ezine ads, compile a fr~e ebook for viral marketing, subscribe to announcement lists, visit message boards, get involved in discussion groups……..there are hundreds of ways of promoting yourself and your online business! Not a กsecretก!

กSecretก #5 Hard Work

Despite what many people have said, it is not easy to กget rich overnightก and กmaking thousands a week, while doing nothingก just doesn’t happen. To be successful you will need to work and work hard. This is where passion for your work comes in! Not a กsecretก!

กSecretก #6 Commitment

Expanding on the hard work กsecretก, you will need to make a commitment to success. You must be willing to make sacrifices and work long hours. This will not happen overnight….it could take years. Are you prepared for years of frustration, hard work, ups and downs, dealing with people (good and bad), rejections, and everything else that comes along with building a business? Not a กsecretก!

กSecretก #7 Pride

Take pride in your work. Your work and your business will be a reflection of you. Build your reputation for a solid foundation of success. Be true to yourself and your business. Not a กsecretก!

กSecretก #8 Goals

Be aware of what you want and how you want to get it. Do not go blindly into business without some planning of your goals and accomplishments. Use short term smaller goals to eventually reach your long term ultimate goal of success. Not a กsecretก!

So we know in order to start and build a business, we must plan our goals, be prepared for the work and commitment of building that business, and that we must build a reputation of trust and professionalism.

I know we all knew that. It just helps to be reminded once in awhile! 😉

About The Author

Terri Seymour owns and operates MyOwnEzine.com

Learn to publish and promote your own ezine. mailto:[email protected]

Signup for the FR~E MOE Ezine Publishing Ecourse mailto:[email protected]

You can contact Terri at mailto:[email protected]

This article was posted on February 22, 2003

by Terri Seymour

Self Employment In The Age Of The Computer

Self Employment In The Age Of The Computer

by: Richard Moore

SelfEmployment in the Age of the Computer, or: Using the computer to create your own income.

I believe that there is a huge market that is not widely recognized but, available right now for people to create their own careers. I approached Human Resources, E.I., and Canada Manpower in Canada, and Government Unemployment and Employment agencies about advertising this particular avenue of selfemployment, but they will have nothing to do with it.

It seems odd to me that with the number of people out of work that these government agencies (supposedly geared to helping people find new careers) will only deal with employers that deduct taxes from an employeeกs wage, and will not work with employers that pay by commission or allow their employees the benefits of claiming selfemployment. I feel that someone has to inform people in need of help that there are alternatives out there.

My name is Richard Moore. I own and operate an online business aimed at and designed to teach people how to start, build, run, maintain, advertise, manage, and market an online business. I see a trend towards more and more people getting away from having to go out of their homes to work or have a career. I predict that within 20 years, close to half of the working population will be working from their own homes.

O.K, I am not a psychic but I definitely talk to more and more people every day who have made this transition or are thinking about doing it. I have talked to employers who have realized the benefits of allowing their employees or associates to work from the comfort of their own homes, or are considering doing this. They tell me that in most cases they get better productivity and have people stay with them longer by letting them work from home. There is a very high turn around of employees these days, more than we have ever seen before. There are many factors to consider when dealing with this high turnover problem.

*It costs employers extremely high amounts of money to have an employee work in a building that is owned or leased and have them spend 8 hours a day there doing their job.

*Consider the overhead. Mortgages, utilities, taxes etc. All of which are higher than ever before. Everything costs more, but we bring home less money. Even if you rent or lease an office, store, or building of any type for your business, rents are constantly increasing. Then you have all the other expenses; benefits (if you offer them), advertising, packaging, shipping, and the list goes on and on. For an employer it makes sense to get rid of the high overhead costs and let people who can, such as office staff, sales, personnel, payroll, secretaries, or data entry as a few examples, work at home.

*As far as employees go, I am told there are many factors that contribute to better productivity. The main reasons being that when they are working from home there are fewer distractions and they are more comfortable, therefore they can get more work done in less time.

*Also, they do not have the expense of transporting themselves from home to work and back again. Messing around in traffic these days has got to be the most stressful part of anyoneกs day. Do you really feel you can get the best performance as an employer or give your best as an employee after fighting your way to work through an allout war zone? I don’t care if you drive, ride the bus, take the subway, or fly to work, I do not believe you can give it your best when you start your day off with stress.

*And you can eliminate the need for and cost of babysitters. People have been asking for years how they can earn a good income and not have to give up precious time with their children. (This used to be impossible. Well, not any more)

A trend I have noticed coming on like gangbusters is the selfemployed approach to earning income. More and more people are being laid off, let go, or cannot find work, than ever before. There are massive numbers of people that seem to be stuck in a gray area or a void and can’t seem to get out of it. Everyday I talk to someone who gets laid off due to lack of work or gets replaced by high tech machines, or, more often then not, their employer has to close the doors. They try to collect the little bit of Government dole which they may or may not be entitled to, and, when that runs out, then what do they do?

I do know how tough it can be to find a job, any job, at any age these days, however, try to find a job at forty or fiftysomething. It is all but impossible. One choice you have, is to set yourself up in a business and be selfemployed. A lot of people either do not think of this or cannot see themselves as being their own boss.

Some people that try selfemployment have an extremely hard time doing so. Again, there are all the costs and time and effort involved with setting up and starting a business. So, we talk ourselves out of something that all of us have probably dreamed about at least once in our lives. Being selfemployed. Being our own Boss. Being able to say those immortal words ‘take this job and…ก

Hereกs a fairly new idea that is catching on very quickly, and it is an inexpensive and relatively easy answer to the problem. The Online Business. If you have a computer and are hooked up to the internet you are half way home to being your own business owner/operator. If you do not have a computer you can purchase a good used one for about $800 to $1200. A new one will run you about $1800 and up depending on how much power or how many toys you want, or need, to have. But, this is a lesson for another article.

Hereกs my story. I had never used a computer before in my life until about a year ago. I got hurt at work and had been off for about a year when the company let me go. You see, I had only been with the company for about three weeks when I got hurt and apparently they had the legal right to lay me off. There I was getting a small disability claim. Not knowing how long that would last and not being able to do the physical type of work I was used to any more. I had to think of some way to earn a living. I bought a used computer, paid $900 for it. I had never used a computer in my life and it scared me to death. I thought if I did something wrong, I might destroy Japanกs economy with one hit of a key! BOOM!

But, the more time I spent on the internet, the better I got at it; and the easier it became to navigate. Soon I was seeing that having a business on the net (an online business) was making a lot of people very rich. I know that just because you start a business you are not going to get rich, but I did see a chance to make a good living working from home and being my own boss. I learned everything I could, and am still (and will always) be learning, but I learned what I needed to know to get started as quickly as possible.

Ask my wife. I think she got jealous of my computer.

I got hooked and spent more time with the machine than I did with her. (Iกve since made up for that!). Within two months I was on the net and had launched my business. I now earn money from selling on the internet with my own web site. I decided that this could be done by anyone, so I developed a company that teaches people to be in business for themselves, and you use an existing business to do it while you learn the ropes.

I found that there are a few other companies on the net that offer affiliate or associate programs however, one has to be very, very careful about who you sign up with or give your money to. I have started many programs, one of them is a program called the Guardian Online WatchDog. I help to keep an eye on the scams and investigate.

In spite of this, an online business can be a very satisfying and rewarding career move for anyone. Finding the right business to be associated with and getting the best support possible is crucial to learning how to start your own online business. With the proper help and good information you can be up and running in a day. Like anything else though, don’t expect to get rich overnight. Although it can be a fairly simple matter to start your business it takes effort, motivation, and dedication to succeed. I recommend finding a business that you can sign up as an Affiliate, Associate, or Partner to start with. It might cost you a small up front fee, or monthly partnership or membership fee (a whole lot less expensive than a franchise), but this will give you an existing business to learn with and, if you work at it, make some money.

Once you are comfortable with the whole process of marketing and advertising on the web, and you feel you have a good idea for your own business, Go For It!

Great Success to you all!

About The Author

Richard D. Moore is the President and Founder of IncomeNow! Marketing Masters. We were established to provide information, tips and reviews relevant to all things pertaining to online business. We are quickly growing and becoming one of the most popular internet and home business resource sites available. We give you new and innovative, up to date real and honest information and techniques to start and/or grow your online business. Everything from advertising to marketing to search engine optimization. Free ongoing one on one support for all subscribers to IncomeNow! Can We Help You? You Bet We Can! http://www.incomenow.9k.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on August 07, 2005

by Richard Moore

Virtual Assistant – Questions Answered

Virtual Assistant – Questions Answered

by: Shannon Davidson

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant is a person or persons with whom businesses and individuals outsource administrative and technical tasks. Virtual Assistants work from their home office. Virtual Assistants are entrepreneurs.

A Virtual Assistant is a qualified, skilled individual who makes your business their business.

Why should I outsource to a Virtual Assistant?

Virtual Assistants provide their own hardware and software. Virtual Assistants are not paid for vacation days, sick days, or holidays. Virtual Assistants do not receive benefits such as insurance and profit sharing. Virtual Assistants are paid only when you have work for them to do. Virtual Assistants are skilled professionals who generally have the most uptodate hardware and software.

How do I choose a Virtual Assistant?

Every reputable Virtual Assistant should have his or her own web presence. You should be able to view a portfolio of work on your Virtual Assistant’s website. Ask your potential Virtual Assistant if they provide any free trial period work, generally they do. Ask if satisfaction is guaranteed. Create a ‘profile’ for your Virtual Assistant to complete. Ask questions that are pertinent to your needs. For example, if you require a lot of transcription work ask, ขHow many years have you provided transcription servicesข and ข What is your typing speedข and ขWhat is your turnaround timeข.

How do we communicate if we do not live in the same area?

Virtual Assistants have many ways of communication including fax, telephone (usually multiple lines), email, and postal service.

Don’t worry, your Virtual Assistant has most likely been providing this service for many years. Virtual Assistants are individuals who only succeed if their clients succeed. Virtual Assistants grow with their clients not without them.

About The Author

Shannon Davidson has been a virtual assistant for over 13 years. She provides transcription, data entry, logo design, web creation, and many other services to businesses and individuals. Shannon currently owns and operates www.officesetting.com.

[email protected]

This article was posted on August 03

by Shannon Davidson