Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Ignore PR at Your Peril!

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Net word count is 770 including guidelines and resource box. Robert A. Kelly © 2003. Ignore PR at Your Peril!If you do, it means: you don’t value tracking the perceptions of important outside audiences whose behaviors could sink y. . .

So, Why Don't You Tell Me About Yourself?

"So, why don't you tell me about yourself?" is the most frequently asked interview question. It's a question that most interviewees expect and the one they have the most difficulty answering. Though one could answer this open-ended question in a myriad of ways, the key to answering this question or any other interview question is to offer a response that supports your career objective. This me. . .

“The ‘Matrix’ Is Real: 5 Ways to Pull Yourself Free and L...

As millions of people flood cinemas to see the new “Matrix” movie, most of them will have no idea that in fact they’re plugged into a real-life matrix.However, the real life matrix is not run by power-hungry computers; it has everything to do with the way people have been programmed since they were babies.Before virtually everyone learns to talk, they become plugged into the Matrix of Fear and . . .

How to pay less and get more: Discount broker vs professi...

How do you invest? What do you really pay? At the end of the day, what are your real results? These are questions smart investors should be asking themselves (but usually don't). In this era of more fees, misc. charges, holding periods and back end redemptions, even at discount brokers, how are you really making out? Working with a new client brought this all to my attention. I know what I fou. . .

Your Worst Enemy To Successful Investing - The Media

How do you make your investment decisions and where do you get your information? If you're like most of the people I know, you look to the experts. That's fine, however it's important to be aware that for every expert, there's an opinion and for every opinion there's an expert. I have a friend who says that opinions are like noses: everyone has one but you wouldn't live in anyone else's nose! . . .

How to Take Advantage of Public Relations

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Net word count is 760 including guidelines and resource box. Robert A. Kelly © 2003. How to Take Advantage of Public Relations Decide once and for all to do something about those outside audiences whose behaviors affect your . . .

Build Confidence & Credibility: First-person Pronouns Get...

Irritating speech habits destroy our professional credibility. Examples of irritating speech habits are sentences that end with dangling prepositions (Where did you hang your coat at?) and conversations peppered with “ums,” “uhs,” “like,” and other space-filler noises. We’ll be focusing here on another speech habit—one that sends a subtle message to listeners that it’s okay to abdicate responsi. . .

How To Build a Profitable Business

It’s never too soon to start saying thanks to your clients, vendors and referral sources for what they contribute to your business. Everyone loves to be appreciated and acknowledged, so start now and do something every month.Keep in contact with your clients and vendors by sending articles you have written or that would be of interest to them. Add a little "How are you?" note to these people a. . .

PR Buyers Beware!

It can bite you and waste your public relations budget when the program emphasizes communications tactics instead of how to make certain your key outside audiences understand who and what you are. Especially sad when tactics are placed in motion before you really know how your key target audience views your organization, and exactly at whom those tactics should be directed. Things can reall. . .

"Own" Your Workspace

CONTACT:Cassandra BlackYuwanda BlackEthnicHomeDecor.com676A Ninth Avenue, #363New York, NY 10036Tel: 212-626-9038Fax: 646-557-0039http://www.EthnicHomeDecor.commedia@EthnicHomeDecor.comFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"Own" Your WorkspaceATLANTA, GA - May 21, 2003 - Many full-time employees spend 40 to 50 hours per week in a cubicle or small office environment. When a person spends that much time in one. . .

Home-Based Business Start-Up: 7 Tips For Lowering Your Fe...

Instead of thinking about your start-up fears, let's focus on something more interesting like; free home-based business opportunities, and free advertising. This new thinking will greatly increase your confidence in being the boss. By Bruce Scher All of us who tell the truth will admit to having fears. Many people live their entire lives with one fear or another, but Anne Block, discovered how . . .

The Demise of Buy & Hold

Based on consistent results I think Buy & Hold should be renamed Buy, Hold & Bye-Bye. It sounded great for a while, especially for the huge majority of investors who don't have the time or interest in really doing due diligence on investments. Investing, for some, might be just a hobby, but it can sure be an expensive one. Yet, if you're like many of us, you know there are opportunities for put. . .

A Well-Oiled Strategy Machine

Yes, that’s what public relations really is when it tracks important external audience perceptions and follow on behaviors. And again when it does something about those perceptions and behaviors by reaching, persuading and moving to actions you desire, those people whose behaviors affect your organization the most.All of which makes it much more likely that you will achieve your operating objec. . .

PR Failure Defined

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Net word count is 745 including guidelines and resource box. Robert A. Kelly © 2003. PR Failure DefinedI define public relations failure this way: key audience perceptions are not monitored a realistic, corrective goal is not set . . .

PR Is Just Smart Business

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Net word count is 775 including guidelines and resource box. Robert A. Kelly © 2003. PR Is Just Smart BusinessThe name of the game is doing our part to achieve manage- ment’s objectives. And public relations best practice – proper. . .

Rules of the Game

We're talkin' about the game of being an expert at what you do. These rules are unforgiving. Break them and a remorseless force simply sweeps you off the board, clicks you off the screen—and you're not even history. You're nuthin', baby.Abide by these rules and you smile all the way to the bank. I started out not even knowing there were rules. Within 4 years I'd lost my little all. $235,000 eat. . .

Adding Art to Business Spaces

Larger companies have learned that collecting art adds something special to its overall corporate image. An art collection may include art on display in waiting, or general areas. Larger collections may focus on education programs for the employees of the company and partnerships with area museums or art spaces. Unfortunately the kind of art programs and collections afforded by multi-billion do. . .

Who Is Running Your Business?

How many times have you heard, "I couldn't make the meeting. My customer needed me." On the other hand, one of my favorites is, "I jump through hoops for my clients."-and then after four months of jumping, the client doesn't call back. I often hear "The client will not return my calls" from vendors. What is the answer? It may come from the question "Who is running your business?" Would th. . .

So What's Wrong With Strategic?

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Net word count is 825 including guidelines and resource box. Robert A. Kelly © 2003. So What’s Wrong With Strategic? Some folks see the word “strategic” as a needlessly tiresome and complicated notion. But anything that shows . . .

How To Find An Investment Advisor

Do you think you need an Investment Advisor? Hold on before you answer because this is sort of a trick question. Also, I am definitely biased because I am an Investment Advisor. Nonetheless, I think I can assist you in looking at this issue in a way that will serve you. Working with a fair number of investors over the last nearly 20 years, I have observed that while most are intelligent people. . .

The Inside Scoop on Mutual Fund Rip Offs

The bear market that showed up at the end of 2000 has every brokerage house-as well as the entire mutual fund industry-scrambling to find creative ways to boost both their image and bottom line. Unfortunately, this is often at the investors' expense. Fund managers are ever on the lookout for ways to spin the stats to hide lousy track records and to find ways to obscure fees. To add insult to (f. . .

The Secret To Beating Tiger Woods At Golf … And, Its Corr...

The game of Golf, although difficult to master, can nevertheless be narrowed down to three fundamental disciplines: 1) The Power Game [Driving & Iron Play], 2) The Short Game [Finesse / Shots within 100 Yards] and 3) Putting. Success in golf is largely focused on mastering each skill ‘to the best of one’s ability’ and in so doing, a player’s talent or the lack thereof, becomes evident.Ask any g. . .

Trade Show Tactics Revealed

Being part of a trade show gives small business a chance to experience economies of scale and to mix around with the big guys. This may also be the most stressful period for the PR Dept. head as he will hope that R & D people will be able to bring out the latest prototype of the company’s new and “hot” product to a large audience. Top management may plan to use the trade show to increase profit. . .

PR: How Sweet It Is!

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Net word count is 800 including guidelines and resource box. Robert A. Kelly © 2003. PR: How Sweet It Is! The public relations goal and strategy make sense; the message is persuasive and compelling; the communications tactics. . .

Create a Blueprint For YOur Success

Having a strong foundation enables you to build a thriving,profitable life and business. A simple method to create this foundation is with Discovery, Vision, Planning and Benchmarking, the four cornerstones of your life as well as your business.Discovery is defined as examining where are you now and where are you going. It helps to look at everything as if you were a beginner. Always know why y. . .

Is Network Marketing Easy??

I personally believe we do a dis-service to the industry and ourselves if we openly state...or even allude...that NWM is easy. It's not. Nor is any business....WAH or brick & mortar. Anyone who does say different is not being wholly truthful. I find that to be a shame. NWM requires 3 main ingredients....time, effort, and yes - money. Time is just a matter of redirecting your habits. Not easy bu. . .

Find a Methodology and Minimize Investment Madness

There are many reasons to be investing these days, and too much opportunity to not have your money working for you. However, I believe the majority of people dread having to deal with investment matters, and tend to jump into purchases and then hold their breath hoping for the best. After a long day at work and taking care of the family, it's hard to get excited about reading up on your 401(k) . . .

Useless Resume Objectives

What’s wrong with an objective on a resume? The problem with objectives on resumes is that a typical objective is self-centered and self-serving; therefore, it is useless. Instead of an objective, use a power statement. Let me illustrate what I mean by giving examples of both objectives and power statements. Here is a typical objective, one that HR personnel see on top of resumes all the . . .

How To Get $1,000 From A 1,000-Subscriber Ezine

I still wonder why some people can make only $100-$300 per month from their own ezine. Personally, I strongly believe that anyone who have more than 1,000 subscribers in his ezine should make at least $1,000 a month.However, what I have said is possible for the one who want to make serious money on ezine. When we talk about how to make money from your own list, most people think about selling e. . .

Moving From A Weekend Hobby To Career In The Arts

Building a career as an artist takes hard work. Because the field attracts so many talented people, jobs in this field remain competitive. If you major in an art program at the university level, the focus is not on business, but in studio art, graphic design or humanities. So it’s wonderful that you learn about how to perfect your skills in art – you need these skills. And, if you w. . .

Reaping The Amazing Benefits of Writing E-zine Articles

Marketing on a budget is tough. This is a universal truth that all small business owners face. The most effective small business frugal marketing strategy available is writing and submitting articles to web sites, e-zines, magazines and newsletters. Listed below are some of the amazing benefits you can gain by using this technique.1) Article creation and submission is a totally free marketin. . .

Tired Of Being Broke?...Learn How To Force Banks To Give ...

Imagine...obtaining credit that's incredibly easy...opening doors of opportunity you never even considered being possible. Credit which will allow you to take the dream vacation of a lifetime, drive luxury cars, dress in the latest fashions, achieve the American dream of owning your own home, or even start your very own business. With these time-tested proven step by step strategies, all of thi. . .

12 Free Tools For Starting a Home Business With No Money

Want to start your own home business but short on cash? These proven and expert 12 free tools can help you make the move from corporate life to calling the shots.By Bruce Scher Home business ownership is the best way to start any business especially with no money. With no money to put up, and no money to lose, it's a risk free proposition. Your expenses are already fixed. There are no additiona. . .

Get a Job! Tips for Organizing Your Resume

Whether you're a Vice President of Marketing or a recent college grad, your resume is the 'key' to opening the doors of employment. It is an employer's first impression of you and believe it or not, many hiring officials spend less than thirty seconds reviewing it. With only fleeting moments to make a first impression, it is imperative that your resume be organized. Polish your shoes, practice . . .

How To Profit From Initial Consultations

"I'd love to work with you, but…" How many times have you heard these words? As a professional service provider looking to grow your business, isn't it sometimes frustrating to hold an initial session with someone who you'd love to work with but the potential client has a whole list of reasons why s/he would love to work with you, but…?As in, "I'd love to, but.."-"I can't afford it." Or "I'm no. . .

The 6 Stages of Modern Career Development

Career experts say that people will change careers (not jobs) 5-7 times in a lifetime. This being true, career management is an important life skill to develop and cultivate. There are six stages of modern career development: Assessment, Investigation, Preparation, Commitment, Retention, and Transition. Learning the characteristics of each stage will empower you to navigate through each sta. . .

Defining Your Goals

Probably one of the most important things we do with our Partnering For Your Success students is to help them define their goals. We discuss their need for both short and long term goals. This might sound trite to you, or you might say, Yeah, everyone says to define my short term and long term goals. Well, this is said and emphasized for a very important reason. These short term and long term g. . .

Take It To The Customer

In the past, purchasing ad space was the solution to every entrepreneur's marketing challenge. Then it was direct mail, followed by telemarketing. But with advertising and postage costs on the rise, these tactics have lost some of their appeal. Today the competition is fierce for a customers' attention. In order to compete, you need to employ take-it-to-the-customer techniques. Some of these t. . .

Becoming A Solution To Your Customers Problems

Those of us in home based and small businesses are in effect selling our product. So becoming an effective salesperson is very important. Remember, however, that selling is not the only thing you do. Don’t forget to use your time wisely. What you want to do to help you move forward is to:Plan and prioritize. If the majority of your day is spent with your customers, you will need some down time.. . .

The Conflict of Interest Game

Disgruntled investors are going after Wall Street once again, this time accusing one of investment bank Morgan-Stanley's high-tech mutual funds of making biased stock picks. Recent lawsuits allege the Morgan Stanley Technology fund was influenced to buy and hold stocks of companies that delivered huge investment banking fees - or could potentially bring big business - to the investment bank. . . .

Negotiating and Sales Skills Are Critical

When I first started getting active in creative real estate, my skill set at negotiating was very weak. I had done the telemarketing thing for American Express as a financial planner and had studied and learned a few techniques. On the surface one might think that would be a perfect tie-in to talking to sellers about their properties and their financial situation. I can promise you it wasn't. Y. . .

Why Selling on Lease Options is Glorified Landlording

I might upset some folks with this one, but that's okay as I think it's important to get some of my experiences into the light of day. If you fully believe the hype that you won't have any landlording responsibilities by selling on a lease option, go ahead and stop here. Or perhaps you should read on as this article is specifically written for you.Let's review one of the common misconceptions. . .

Generating Publicity: Will The Media Be Interested In My ...

When it comes to launching a new business or product, some marketing consultants might say that EVERY product is appropriate for a publicity or media exposure campaign. That is true to a degree, but as a PR/publicity professional and former media person, I would qualify that statement by saying that although new products would benefit from a solid publicity campaign, not all businesses or produ. . .

Anxious About Your Public Relations?

Shooting from the hip always creates anxiety. Especially when managers order a communications tactic here, another there, but fail to base them on a realistic public relations goal and strategy. One that could increase the chances they’ll get the results they want. Why waste resources this way when a little more effort can bring public relations success? I mean, firing off communications ta. . .

How To Stay Motivated When Business Is Slow

Let's say you get sick of the rat race, and decide to start your own business. You do your research and set up the business. now the only problem is that orders are not coming as quick as you would like, and you begin to wonder if you made the right choice. You begin to have doubts. here's what I have found that can help you through the tough times when you have what social scientist refer to a. . .

The Seven Deadly Sins of Web Business Design

Before you take a road trip it is usually a good idea to know where you are going. It is the same when you are building a business, creating a marketing plan or building your web site. Know what your end result will be when you are planning and designing your site will help you to build it properly from day one. Here are the 7 Deadly Sins that most web business owners commit when designing thei. . .

Recessions Don't Last Forever!

Recessions Don’t Last Forever! It could, but what if it doesn’t? Will you be prepared? Will those key external audiences of yours, whose behaviors REALLY affect you, look favorably at you and your business? Because, once the economy emerges from recession, if they don’t, you’ll have one arm tied behind your back. Don’t let that happen. Instead, decide now which groups of people outside your . . .

What Is "Best Practice" Public Relations?

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Net word count is 845 including guidelines and resource box. Robert A. Kelly © 2003. What Is “Best Practice” Public Relations? Why, public relations that stays true to its fundamental premise, of course. In a nutshell, “Peopl. . .

How to Get Fast Cash without Breaking the Bank

Many of us rack our brains for the perfect job or business opportunity to bring in extra cash. We think that we need to come up with some brilliant plan to earn the money for a nice vacation, down payment on a car or some extra cash for our kid’s tuition. Sometimes the perfect money maker is right beneath our very noses. Here are some quick tips to receive extra cash with the least amount of ef. . .

According To Sellers, Silence Isn'T Always 'Golden’

When trying to sell a home, silence isn't always golden especially when you're expecting your real estate agent to call. In fact, it's one of the leading complaints among sellers in the real estate market. Often times you find an agent who is more than willing to take on your listing, but once the relationship is made, the seller enjoys getting a call at least once a week.A seller should esta. . .