Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Get More Clients: Learn How to Talk About What You Do

One of the main reasons that solo-professionals, service professionals and small business owners fail to build thriving businesses is that they struggle to articulate exactly what they do in this new vibrant, branded and authentic way…and most importantly what specific Invest-able Opportunities they bring to the table. They aren’t compelling and the message comes off as bland and confusing. As . . .

Color Printing on a Tight Budget

The wide array of colors available in printing today offer a lot of option to all people with printing needs. This wide array of choices tempts people to use a lot of colors and some other extras that they don’t really need for the print job. This often leads to excessive spending and waste of money. Hence, in order to save money and create a stylish and alluring print job, it is essential to d. . .

Driven to Success by Digital Business Cards

For years, businesses have been using business cards to entice new customers or to keep contact with existing ones. But as society changes and technology evolves, promotional materials including business cards have become more and more high-tech. Needless to say, it is essential for every business that their advertising materials communicates effectively what is distinctive about their business. . .

Profiles in Branding: The Red Hat Society

Unless you have lived in a cave for the past few years, you have seen them in your community. A group of women over 50 years of age dressed as pimps. Big red hats with feathers, boas draped around their shoulders, purple velvet suits, as gaudy as you can imagine. These ladies are no pimps. They are members of a popular women over-50 group, The Red Hat Society.The Red Hat Society beginnings star. . .

5 Tips For Profiting From Private Label Content

Private Label Content is becoming increasingly popular as people join the rush to fill their websites with high-quality information. Admittedly, you can have articles written by freelance writers at sites like Elance or Rentacoder, but it gets expensive. For those who are not yet generating a high income through AdSense or affiliate sales, Private Label Content (PLC) provides a welcome alternat. . .

General Theoretical Marketing Techniques

For a marketing plan to be successful, the mix of Product, Price, Promotion, and Placement must reflect the wants and desires of the consumers in the target market. Trying to convince a market segment to buy something they don't want is extremely expensive and seldom successful. Marketers depend on marketing research, both formal and informal, to determine what consumers want and what they are . . .

Web Directories Increase Traffic And Profitability

A web directory is cyber yellow pages. It has different categories under which one can locate relevant information. Online businesses increase profitability, web traffic, and search engine ranking by submitting websites to directories.Submitting to web directories is to broaden your horizons. There are many benefits:• Most directories attract considerable traffic. Surfers access specific catego. . .

3 Secrets To Increasing Traffic In The New Year

Now that 2006 has arrived, it is the habit of many people to make a resolution for the New Year. While many people focus on self-improvement, some opt to make resolutions about their business. Usually this involves a resolution to increase their revenue for their online business.But did you know that it is actually quite easy to increase your online revenue?The trick is to drive more traffic to. . .

Pick One

Pick one thing, one focus for this year. That’s right – one. I’ve never been fond of new year’s resolutions, for all the reasons most observers report. However, I am completely in favor of identifying a theme for the year. The theme is a guide for decisions you make throughout the year. It’s not a way to stifle you or shut you down. Some themes for your business could be one specific topic amon. . .

Why Conventional Ads Suck...

If you're in concurrence with over 90% of all business owners—Ads don't work! They're expensive, a low ROI, and all they do is fuel ad agencies to churn out more ridiculous rubbish.So why do most ads fail to bring in sales?Simple. If you browse the ads in your local paper, just about all of them talk about themselves:This is our business name; This is our logo; This is what we do; This is how l. . .

Simplicity And Duplicity In Networking MLM

Ask some of the more successful MLM marketers and they will tell you that the key factor in networking MLM is simplicity.Networking MLM is a very simple business. But keeping it simple does not mean that hard work is not involved. One of the common mistakes is that people try to make it complicated.Even if a complex system achieved great results for you, others will find it difficult to copy. I. . .

Blogs: A New Public Relations Tool

We all know that blogs have taken the internet by storm (if you don’t know what a blog is, skip this article and move on to the one announcing the wheel). Millions of people are posting their thoughts, ideas, dreams, gossip, advertisements, and complaints on the web through personal weblogs. It seems that blogs are taking over. Well they’re not… yet. Weblogs (blogs) are also changing the face o. . .

Secrets Revealed: Triple Your Business With List Building

There are several things that you can do to really boost profits within your business but the real secret is collecting emails.Several companies have already realized huge profit gains by simply adding one simple step to their business...collect your clients name and email address. Doesn't sound very profitable until you realize what you can do with that information. No I am not talking about. . .

Become Fearless Doing the Doing

There are some things in life I’d much rather not be doing and this slightly tongue-in-cheek article is about one of them.This one thing is about getting out there in front of hundreds of thousands of commuters handing out advertising leaflets. How embarrassing! What if someone recognized me?!In the past I held positions of responsibility and always had others who did the doing things for m. . .

So You Want To Be An Affiliate Marketer

If you're like 99% of the population, you have some interest that you are passionate about. Maybe it's travel, or sports or animals. If you have an interest like this, why not make some money from it? Create a website to showcase your interest, join some affiliate programs and add the links to your new website. Now, starting raking in the cash. Simple, right? No, not really. When a new affiliat. . .

3 Necessary Tools for the High Rolling Affiliate Marketer

What does it take to become a successful Affiliate Marketer? What are the ingredients of an affiliate marketing success story? Is there a shortcut to Affiliate Marketing glory? All these questions play around in the minds of affiliate marketers who want to make it big in this business. Although affiliate marketing is touted as one of the easiest and most effective ways to earn money online, it . . .

Here's A Little-Known But Very Serious Mistake Made By Ne...

Here's a very common mistake people make when they're tryingto get new business.And I'm going to use my own foolish screw-up to illustrate it.It goes to show you what I keep trying to drum into yourthick skull, and that is... if you use it right...The Power Of Direct-Response Is That It Positions You As The"Mac Daddy" In Whatever It Is You're Doing, And... It LetsYou "ATTRACT" Prospects, Instea. . .

Profiles Of The Powerful: Advertising Exec Dudley Fitzpat...

In a sense, the entrance to SFGT is a window into the person who leads the company, Dudley Fitzpatrick, CEO. Open the big front door of the old town house on Walnut Street and the first thing you notice is three old stone steps. Couldn't they afford new steps? Then you see the second door. It's all glass and through it you see the modern reception room, the classic furniture, the attractive rec. . .

More Bang For Your Press Release Buck

Free press release distribution sites like prweb.com offer you an opportunity for additional exposure beyond your media list. Not that submitting your release on these sites necessarily gains you more coverage, though that’s a distinct possibility. What these sites really do is act as a rather large pay per click ad--only you don’t have to pay and your release won’t appear with the “Sponsored L. . .

Let Your Posters Tell Your Story

Every poster printing is like a book that tells a story. Simplicity is the key to it. A reader would only take a few minutes to look at the poster that is why there has to be few clutters as much as possible. Instead, informative statements and attractive graphics should be included in it. Less detail should be in the poster. Keep in mind that it will be one of the many in the exhibit area so y. . .

Top Seven Reasons to Publicize your Business with Articles

Do you want to be #1-10 on Google and other search engines? Do you want quadruple your Web sales in five months? Promote your business to the top with these 7 reasons to write and submit how-to articles.1. Reach 10,000 to 150,000 targeted potential customers or clients every week Online that translates to increased sales. These people sign up for the no-spam ezines that you submit your articles. . .

7 Reasons You Need to Market with Articles Now

Looking for a simple way to get an edge on your competition?Successful businesses who are in it for the long haul continually apply innovative marketing strategies and tactics to differentiate themselves and get that edge. Two such killer marketing strategies are positioning and relationship building. And guess what? Article marketing is a proven tactic that just happens to address both of t. . .

How To Build Profitable Mini Sites To Sell eBooks, Softwa...

Mini sites are highly powerful sales tools to promote and sell products be it digital like ebooks and software or physical goods like hardcover books. Mini sites are usually comprised of 5-10 pages and its main purpose is to make a sale. As compared with a content site which can consist of hundreds or even thousands of pages, mini sites don't need that many pages because otherwise that would de. . .

Getting the Help of Printing Companies

In this age of laser and ink jet printers, it is hard to imagine that there has been a time when every printed letter or newsletter had to be arranged and printed in lead type. But the old fashioned way of printing is not yet lost. There are still die-hards who still practice the craft. Perhaps one of the most challenging parts of the printing process is balancing color on press. Most mistakes . . .

Making Yourself Memorable: Create A Stunning Powerpoint P...

Did you know that using a PowerPoint presentation can be one of the most effective ways to address a large group of people? With such a variety of learning styles, using a visual presentation allows you to reach a large group of people – particularly those who need to see it to believe it. What better way than to create a stunning PowerPoint presentation?Have the data, but lacking that polished. . .

So You Got The Sale, Now What?

When you close the sale with a new client don’t you feel great? Did you know that you increase the lifelong value of that new client by doing a few more steps? They aren’t secrets, but when you apply them, they unlock the door to greater returns for you.First, congratulate your new client on their decision and reinforce their commitment to work with you. You want to build that bond so tight, yo. . .

Ideal Customers - What Do They Look Like?

It's such an easy question to ask: "Who's your ideal customer?" And it can be so challenging to answer! After a presentation I gave last night, one of the attendees approached me to say she had two ideal niches she loves to work in and yet because she wants both, she's struggling to reach either one. I'm not surprised. My point is that not all customers are created equal. You must research and . . .

7 Quick And Easy Steps To Manage Your Time More Effectively

The internet is one of those things in life that borders on the verge of a good versus evil battle. It can be the greatest money making tool in existence, or the most malicious time waster. When people venture into the business of internet marketing, they often think it’s going to be a piece of cake. Most people who decide upon internet marketing as a business venture love the internet to begin. . .

Are You Content With Your Web Articles? 5 Ways to Dominat...

Web articles - they're immensely popular these days, for the simple reason that you can broadcast your name and URL all over the web with them. Trouble is, everybody's doing it... and that means major competition in ALL categories! So the question is: How will you keep your reader focused on YOUR article and not the other guy's? Read on for Killer Article-Writing Secrets that Will Bump You Up o. . .

4 Simple Methods To Multiply your Profits!

You got your Order and gained a customer!Congradulations! Your marketing efforts have paid off.What next? Simple.--Leverage it to Maximum!One of the most ignored factors after a sale isNOT to have a STRATEGY to retain the customer and to maintain sustained customer satisfaction!Your customer has trusted you and he has bought from you. Now its time to take it to the next level...which is "Sustai. . .

Internet Marketing Strategy - A Good Way to Start

Internet marketing strategy, why is there a need for this kind of stuff? What can it offer a certain business related individual? How can it affect an individual’s business? Can it increase your sale or decrease it? To begin with, an internet marketing strategy is an elaborate and systematic plan of action made by a businessman in order to gain success in terms of online business. It is also a . . .

There is No Bubble in the Real Estate Market

That’s right – there is no bubble in the real estate market. In fact, there is no real estate market.Many recent articles and stories on whether there is a bubble in the real estate market show a lack of understanding of real estate, real estate investing and real estate markets. There is no one real estate market. Unlike the stock market, real estate is by definition geographically based an. . .

10 Reasons To Include Teleseminars In Your 2006 Marketing...

Did you put off hosting teleseminars and building your business dramatically this year? Make a resolution to start in 2006 and begin increasing your company’s cash flow. Here are 10 reasons to put teleseminars into your budget for 2006.Make money. You can make thousands of dollars in registration fees depending on the size of your audience and the topic’s importance. Great Teleseminars Audio Pr. . .

Free Advertising Among The People You Know

Yes you can do it without being loathsome Parties are times of celebration. They can also be a fun opportunity to network with people you don't often get to meet or be with. This is the season for weddings, graduations, college reunions and family reunions. At these events, everyone knows why you are there. Take advantage of that connection. They know you in connection to the bridal couple at a. . .

CRM: Keeping Customers Loyal

Customers are now in charge. Thanks to the growth of the Web, it is easier than ever to comparison shop and switch from one business to another with the click of a mouse. However, research has found that in the online market, customers yearn for trustworthiness more than ever. Customer relationships are a company’s most valuable asset - worth more everything else combined as no customers = no b. . .

Your Direct Mail Donors Should Be Arrested (By Your Lette...

The first time I was shelled by enemy artillery, I learned a vital lesson that applies to the success of your fundraising letters.I was lying in a slit trench on Mount Wall, about 35 kilometres west of the town of Stanley, in the Falkland Islands. The year was 1982, the Falklands War. The Argentines were lobbing 105mm Pack Howitzer shells around my position, trying to dislodge my Royal Marines . . .

Affiliate Tips For The Top 20% Of Affiliate Marketers

There is a proven path to success on the Internet.Not "make $10,000 in the next 15 days guaranteed" type of success. The only ones who succeed with those programs are the people who own them.What I'm talking about is real success.Owning a site that makes a profit week in and week out ... then duplicating that success until you own a series of sites earning profits every week.And, before you kno. . .

SEO Myths- Value of Page Rank

Much ado about nothing! Google's Page Rank is probably the most hyped non issue that has taken the webmaster down the slippery slope of misinformation I have seen in a long time.The Google Page Rank is a value that is seen in Google's toolbar that evaluates a website based upon the amount of incoming links. The actual formula is a little bit more intensive and capitalizes on each pages value . . .

MLM Success- Secrets of the MLM Holiday Audio

It's the holidays and everyone is wishing each other a Merry Christmas and Happy New year!And I bet you are going to be sending out holiday cards this year to your friends, family, and the like. We all do it during this time of the year, and especially if you are in Network Marketing, as that is natural networking.That is pure MLM Success.Suppose this year, you got something a little different . . .

How to Price Your e-Book

You've written and compiled an e-book. Now you have to decide how much to charge for it. Finding the right price is essential to the success of your product. If you charge too little, people will think it's of little value, and they won't purchase it, or even it they do buy your book, you will have to sell thousands of copies to get to the point where you can begin to see a profit. If you price. . .

Boost the Sales Power of Your Trade Show Exhibit

Your company’s presence at industry trade shows is critical to stay competitive in a global marketplace. A properly managed trade show display can be one of your most effective and powerful sales tools.Here are some pointers to consider as you approach the challenge of maximizing your trade show selling efforts:- To get started, enlist the early interest and participation of your Marketing Dire. . .

Trade Show Success Tip: Train Your Exhibiting Staff

One of the keys to trade show success is the training of your booth staff. Each trade show requires a specific marketing message targeted to a unique prospect and an exhibiting staff that can communicate with that audience. In order to take advantage of your trade show appearance, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable, qualified and highly trained sales staff at your trade show booth.Before the. . .

Nine Tips for Successful Trade Show Exhibit Selection

Your company has made the important decision to make trade show exhibit appearance a part of its marketing program, and you now need to create a game plan that will help you select your appropriate trade shows. You know that exhibiting at the right trade shows can bring successful leads and sales, while the wrong trade shows can waste your company’s time, money and energy. It is essential to ma. . .

7 Keys Strategy to Earn Customer loyalty

The key of your business success is building customer loyalty as well as holding on existing customers is as important as soliciting new customers to keep feeding your list with fresh subscribers. Customer loyalty is the key to your business growth and profit. Because loyal customers generate a continual revenue stream through repeat purchases, they bring your business-increased profitability a. . .

Are You A Negotiating Nightmare?

Years ago I read this quote:The definition of PAIN:"The difference between what you HAVE and what you WANT."Over the many years of being in sales I see 2 kinds of people when it comes to negotiating.1) The person who doesn't budge an inch.2) The person who gives away everything to get the deal.I would much rather you believe in your product/service as compared to giving away discounts/freebies . . .

Fundraising Letters: Questions To Ask Yourself Before You...

I have a brother-in-law who farms and drives a 16-wheeler for a living. When I told him that I start each business day with a blank computer screen that I must fill with at least 1,000 words by noon, he almost fainted. He says he could never do it because he wouldn’t know where to start. But the same goes for me when it comes to pulling the engine out of a John Deere 6020 Series tractor.My brot. . .

Blogging - Free Internet Marketing Method

It's been years since blogging has been practiced. But it's just recently that it has been considered as one of the addicting fads. Many teenagers have resorted to blogging as an outlet for their emotions, a little online nook where they can blurt out whatever just bugs them or whatever makes them feel elated. Savvy marketers have discovered that blogging is one of the best Internet marketing m. . .

What Your Press Release Has in Common with Hurricane Katrina

Hurricanes happen. While you can't predict them, you canprepare in advance for the inevitable. While you can'talways plan your press release when news breaks, most of thetime forethought could be the thing that saves face in thewhirlwind that's the media.1. Prepare for disaster.The best way to get ready for the unexpected is to expectit. When ordained Voodoo & Yoruba priestess Ava Kay Joneshear. . .

Where Have all the People Gone?

When companies advertise their services or goods, they are looking for just one end result – sales. It’s a simple straightforward concept called business. However, as companies expand and conduct more and more trade online the personal touches can all but disappear. It seems these days that every inanimate object can speak to us. Robotic voices are everywhere, from talking elevators instructing. . .

Beer Coasters Will Drive Visitors To You

If you want more traffic on your beer label’s website, the simple, useful and well-accepted beer coaster may be the answer! A recent German market survey describes the beer coaster as one of the consumers’ favorite forms of advertising. Survey participants classified beer coaster ads as entertaining, eye-catching, appealing and non-intrusive. More than 50% would take a coaster home with them – . . .