I was recently asked the question "How can I get more traffic to my website?" and I thought the question might have a wider audience so here is my answer.
First check to make sure the problem is really traffic (lack of visitors) and not conversion (visitors are not taking the desired action when they visit).
If the problem is indeed traffic, there are three main ways to get more:
1. Work for it (Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Linking and Promotion)
2. Buy it (Google Adsense, or similar programs)
3. Trade it or share it (Joint Ventures)
If your site is new and/or you are new to Internet Marketing, I would suggest concentrating on 1 and 3 as they are either free or not very expensive. Disadvantage is they take work and they take longer to see results. If you need results quickly, have some skills in Internet Marketing, and have a pretty good advertising budget you can try Google Adsense - immediate results, but can be very costly, especially if you don't know what you are doing.
Assuming you would like to try FREE first:
Work for it
SEO - to learn more about SEO go to www.google.com and look for "Webmasters/Site owners help". Don't get caught up in page rankings - concentrate on proper use and placement of keywords, content linked to title and keywords, proper navigation and site map. A good read would be one of the "Dummies" books - "Web Design for Dummies" - if you need more information.
Linking - is getting back links to your site from other (preferably high traffic) websites. Linking is actually also a part of SEO, but it pays to think about it separately as it is one of the most effective ways of getting traffic. Good ways to get links back to your site are by participating in forums and writing articles (check out Ezine Articles and Go Articles as they are two of the best) about the subject or business of your website.
Promotion - more than I can list here, but investigate participation in Twitter, FaceBook, etc. (watch spamming) - Blogging - Writing Articles - participating in forums - teleseminars and/or (my favorite) Blog Talk Radio - and don't forget to think about off-line promotion as well. Perhaps the easiest (but often overlooked) things to do is put the website address on everything you send - or give - out, such as stationary, business cards, email, etc.
Trade it or Share it
Joint Ventures - where you team up with a related (but not directly competing) website to do a joint promotion of some sort. You mail to and get traffic from both lists. I use this technique on teleseminars or Blog Talk Radio where I invite the second party to be a guest on the show. They get to show their expertise and advertise their site while I am doing the same and (hopefully) we get listeners and from both our lists and promotions.
Hope this helps. Good Luck - Here's to you and to your success!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Trouble Ahead For Small Business
In these troubled economic times, most businesses, big and small, are struggling to stay afloat, much less generate the levels of profit needed to make the business a viable investment for their owners and shareholders. Now, three pieces of pending legislation offer more problems especially for small businesses:
Health Care Legislation - Would require employers to offer coverage to their employees and contribute at least 72.5% of the premium cost for single coverage and 65% of the premium cost for family coverage of the lowest cost plan that meets the essential benefits package requirements -or- pay 8% of payroll into the Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund.
There would be reductions in the percentage for smaller employers with ranges of 8% for employers with payrolls of over $400,000., to 0% for employers with payrolls of less than $250,000. My concern is that there is even a percentage at all listed for the smallest employers. Why not just say employers with payrolls of less than $250,000. are exempt?
Cap and Trade (Emissions trading) - This bill would place a limit on emmissions any business could emit into the atmosphere (the Cap). This limit would be issued in the form of credits for the amount of emissions that could be emitted. Business that could not limit emissions to this amount (Cap) would have to reduce emissions -or- could buy credits from a business that did not need to use all their credits (Trade credits).
The concern of course is how costly it would be for a business to reduce emissions -or- buy (trade) credits to emit more. For certain types of industries this could prove very costly, and is just another form of government control over business.
Card Check - The "Employee Free Choice Act"--better known as the Card Check bill--is a proposed law that would change how unions are allowed to organize workers in the United States. Big labor unions like the AFL-CIO, SEIU, and the Change to Win Coalition spent heavily during the 2009 election, and are pushing Congress to approve this law. Union membership has been declining--currently about 7.5 percent in the private sector--and they hope this law will change the rules and reverse that trend.
There are two problems with Card Check:
1. Eliminating the Private Ballot
Card Check would effectively eliminate private voting.
Under the existing law today, workers have a chance to vote for or against unionization in a private-ballot election that is federally supervised. Under Card Check, if more than 50% of workers at a facility sign a card, the government would have to certify the union, and a private ballot election would be prohibited--even if workers want one. By forcing workers to sign a card in public--instead of vote in private--Card Check opens the door to intimidation and coercion.
2. Government Arbitration and Control
Card Check could put government regulators in charge of private business decisions.
Once a union is certified, the business and union would only have 120 days to reach agreement, before facing the prospect of being forced into binding arbitration. This means a panel of government arbitrators who may have no understanding of the business could impose a two year contract deciding all workplace terms--without any vote by the company or its employees. By placing government regulators in charge of a two-year decision, business flexibility is limited--at a time in our history when it is needed most. Very small businesses would probably be exempted - but for how long?
Regardless of your stand - get informed and make your voice heard on these three issues!
- Health Care Legislation
- Cap and Trade
- Card Check
Health Care Legislation - Would require employers to offer coverage to their employees and contribute at least 72.5% of the premium cost for single coverage and 65% of the premium cost for family coverage of the lowest cost plan that meets the essential benefits package requirements -or- pay 8% of payroll into the Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund.
There would be reductions in the percentage for smaller employers with ranges of 8% for employers with payrolls of over $400,000., to 0% for employers with payrolls of less than $250,000. My concern is that there is even a percentage at all listed for the smallest employers. Why not just say employers with payrolls of less than $250,000. are exempt?
Cap and Trade (Emissions trading) - This bill would place a limit on emmissions any business could emit into the atmosphere (the Cap). This limit would be issued in the form of credits for the amount of emissions that could be emitted. Business that could not limit emissions to this amount (Cap) would have to reduce emissions -or- could buy credits from a business that did not need to use all their credits (Trade credits).
The concern of course is how costly it would be for a business to reduce emissions -or- buy (trade) credits to emit more. For certain types of industries this could prove very costly, and is just another form of government control over business.
Card Check - The "Employee Free Choice Act"--better known as the Card Check bill--is a proposed law that would change how unions are allowed to organize workers in the United States. Big labor unions like the AFL-CIO, SEIU, and the Change to Win Coalition spent heavily during the 2009 election, and are pushing Congress to approve this law. Union membership has been declining--currently about 7.5 percent in the private sector--and they hope this law will change the rules and reverse that trend.
There are two problems with Card Check:
1. Eliminating the Private Ballot
Card Check would effectively eliminate private voting.
Under the existing law today, workers have a chance to vote for or against unionization in a private-ballot election that is federally supervised. Under Card Check, if more than 50% of workers at a facility sign a card, the government would have to certify the union, and a private ballot election would be prohibited--even if workers want one. By forcing workers to sign a card in public--instead of vote in private--Card Check opens the door to intimidation and coercion.
2. Government Arbitration and Control
Card Check could put government regulators in charge of private business decisions.
Once a union is certified, the business and union would only have 120 days to reach agreement, before facing the prospect of being forced into binding arbitration. This means a panel of government arbitrators who may have no understanding of the business could impose a two year contract deciding all workplace terms--without any vote by the company or its employees. By placing government regulators in charge of a two-year decision, business flexibility is limited--at a time in our history when it is needed most. Very small businesses would probably be exempted - but for how long?
Regardless of your stand - get informed and make your voice heard on these three issues!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Internet Marketing; The Value of Education For Beginners
No more than you would jump into the deep end of the pool if you could not swim, you should not jump into internet marketing if you don't know how.
Yes, I know that you get offers saying things like "Follow my system and have passive income of $xxx.xx per month while you are lounging by the pool" - or some such nonsense, but trust me, for about 95% of us it doesn't work out that way.
Doing business on the internet is little different than doing business out of a retail storefront. One does business in a neighborhood or city - one does business all over the world. Both have to attract customers to their sales site - both have to have good quality and value products to sell at a reasonable (& competitive) price - both have to convert visitors (shoppers) into satisfied buyers. Starting and doing business is just that - business. If you are the right person for the business, and you know how to do that business, you may succeed - if you don't you are likely to fail.
We know the statistics for the retail storefront. Four out of five fail. Yes, 80% of all new small businesses will fail - will never be profitable, and will not last 5 years in business.
Statistic's for internet businesses are much harder to come by, but here are some numbers that are often tossed around; 97% will fail (yes 97%). Fully 50% of people trying to do business on the internet made no profit in the last month, only 6% made over $1,000. profit in the last month and less than 3% made over $10,000. Are you surprised that the top 3% is largely made up of the people that are selling the "can't fail systems" to people like you and me? Don't get me wrong - there are a lot of very successful internet marketers that are making huge amounts of money but, trust me once again, they know what they are doing and the best ways to do it. And, although many of them have enviable lifestyles, most are putting in a lot of working hours.
So here's what I suggest. Even if you plan to use and follow one of the "systems" I think you should learn the basics of doing business on the internet before you jump into this business. Take it from me. I was a successful corporate executive, had three small businesses of my own and had served as a volunteer Small Business Counselor for SCORE before venturing into internet marketing, and my first attempts at doing business on the internet were a total failure. Where would I learn "the basics", you ask? Well I'd suggest you consider the same program I've used - ProfitLance. I have investigated (and in one case tried) programs that were far more expensive but came back to ProfitLance as the best educational value available.
Now to be fair, ProfitLance also has ready made programs you can use to make some money fairly quickly, but the real value is the educational content. It's a complete internet marketing education - lessons, videos, online tools and more.
Bottom line, please get some smarts before you jump in. It will save you a lot of grief and heartache, and maybe your life savings as well. If you like, you can learn more about ProfitLance at my website; http://smallbusinessyesyoucan.com/Featured_Product.html
Yes, I know that you get offers saying things like "Follow my system and have passive income of $xxx.xx per month while you are lounging by the pool" - or some such nonsense, but trust me, for about 95% of us it doesn't work out that way.
Doing business on the internet is little different than doing business out of a retail storefront. One does business in a neighborhood or city - one does business all over the world. Both have to attract customers to their sales site - both have to have good quality and value products to sell at a reasonable (& competitive) price - both have to convert visitors (shoppers) into satisfied buyers. Starting and doing business is just that - business. If you are the right person for the business, and you know how to do that business, you may succeed - if you don't you are likely to fail.
We know the statistics for the retail storefront. Four out of five fail. Yes, 80% of all new small businesses will fail - will never be profitable, and will not last 5 years in business.
Statistic's for internet businesses are much harder to come by, but here are some numbers that are often tossed around; 97% will fail (yes 97%). Fully 50% of people trying to do business on the internet made no profit in the last month, only 6% made over $1,000. profit in the last month and less than 3% made over $10,000. Are you surprised that the top 3% is largely made up of the people that are selling the "can't fail systems" to people like you and me? Don't get me wrong - there are a lot of very successful internet marketers that are making huge amounts of money but, trust me once again, they know what they are doing and the best ways to do it. And, although many of them have enviable lifestyles, most are putting in a lot of working hours.
So here's what I suggest. Even if you plan to use and follow one of the "systems" I think you should learn the basics of doing business on the internet before you jump into this business. Take it from me. I was a successful corporate executive, had three small businesses of my own and had served as a volunteer Small Business Counselor for SCORE before venturing into internet marketing, and my first attempts at doing business on the internet were a total failure. Where would I learn "the basics", you ask? Well I'd suggest you consider the same program I've used - ProfitLance. I have investigated (and in one case tried) programs that were far more expensive but came back to ProfitLance as the best educational value available.
Now to be fair, ProfitLance also has ready made programs you can use to make some money fairly quickly, but the real value is the educational content. It's a complete internet marketing education - lessons, videos, online tools and more.
Bottom line, please get some smarts before you jump in. It will save you a lot of grief and heartache, and maybe your life savings as well. If you like, you can learn more about ProfitLance at my website; http://smallbusinessyesyoucan.com/Featured_Product.html
Monday, July 13, 2009
Review - "ClickBank for Newbies" by Harvey Segal
'ClickBank for Newbies' is must reading for anyone thinking of doing affiliate marketing on the internet using ClickBank. And, one of the best things about it is that it is FREE!
This short 17 page E-booklet by ClickBank guru, Harvey Segal, introduces you to ClickBank and shows you how to succeed using ClickBank to market affiliate products - or your own vendor products. ClickBank is one of the easiest and most reliable ways of marketing digital products on the internet, and Affiliate Marketing of digital products is one of the most common and easiest ways of making money on-line. You are given an affiliate link identifying you, and which leads the customer to the sales site. If a purchase is made, you get a commission on the sale. You do not have to have your own products, make the sale, process the order or provide customer support. Your job is just to direct potential customers to the vendors sale site (and do a little pre-selling if you are wise).
ClickBank makes setting up your account and getting affiliate links to products you can sell easy. And ClickBank marketplace has over 12,000 products you can link to. The average commission on products listed in ClickBank is 55%, but they have many vendors with products that pay up to 70%. Founded in 1998, ClickBank still advertises that they have paid member commissions "on time - every time".
Having said all those good things, there are two problems buried in the Accounting Policy section of the client contract that have caused many new affiliate marketers to quit affiliate marketing with ClickBank before they really got started. Those policies have to do with initial payout of commissions, and charges on balances in dormant accounts.
GOOD NEWS - in his free report "ClickBank for Newbies", Harvey Segal shows you how to solve these problems - and more, much more.
You can get YOUR free copy of "ClickBank for Newbies" by clicking this link; http://www.supertips.com/reports/?id=1076&b=6
Here's to your success in Affiliate Internet Marketing.
This short 17 page E-booklet by ClickBank guru, Harvey Segal, introduces you to ClickBank and shows you how to succeed using ClickBank to market affiliate products - or your own vendor products. ClickBank is one of the easiest and most reliable ways of marketing digital products on the internet, and Affiliate Marketing of digital products is one of the most common and easiest ways of making money on-line. You are given an affiliate link identifying you, and which leads the customer to the sales site. If a purchase is made, you get a commission on the sale. You do not have to have your own products, make the sale, process the order or provide customer support. Your job is just to direct potential customers to the vendors sale site (and do a little pre-selling if you are wise).
ClickBank makes setting up your account and getting affiliate links to products you can sell easy. And ClickBank marketplace has over 12,000 products you can link to. The average commission on products listed in ClickBank is 55%, but they have many vendors with products that pay up to 70%. Founded in 1998, ClickBank still advertises that they have paid member commissions "on time - every time".
Having said all those good things, there are two problems buried in the Accounting Policy section of the client contract that have caused many new affiliate marketers to quit affiliate marketing with ClickBank before they really got started. Those policies have to do with initial payout of commissions, and charges on balances in dormant accounts.
GOOD NEWS - in his free report "ClickBank for Newbies", Harvey Segal shows you how to solve these problems - and more, much more.
You can get YOUR free copy of "ClickBank for Newbies" by clicking this link; http://www.supertips.com/reports/?id=1076&b=6
Here's to your success in Affiliate Internet Marketing.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Small Business Recordkeeping
Important Notice to All New Business Owners
If you don’t organize your records from the start, and stay on top of your record keeping chores daily, I can almost guarantee that you will come to grief - probably sooner than later.
Eight Tips CRITICAL to business record keeping success and sanity:
WHAT RECORDS DO I HAVE TO KEEP?
OK, keeping those eight tips in mind, lets get to the nuts & bolts of record keeping. For starters you might ask “what records do I have to keep?” The very simple answer is all records having to do with money flow into and out of your business. Business activities or transactions cause money to flow into - and out of - the business:
Money flowing into the business may be:
Money flowing out of your business may be:
You must also keep records for travel, transportation, entertainment and gift Expenses. For additional information on how to prove certain business expenses, refer to IRS Publication 463, "Travel, Entertainment, Gift and Car Expenses.”
Assets are another set of records you must keep. Assets are the property, such as machinery and furniture, that you own and use in your business. You must keep records to verify certain information about your business assets. You need records to complete the annual depreciation and the gain or loss when you sell the assets.
Employment Taxes are another set of records. There are specific employment tax records you must keep. Keep all records of employment for at least four years after resignation or termination. For additional information refer to “Record keeping for Employers” in the irs.gov website.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP THESE RECORDS?
In a heartbeat my answer is QuickBooks.
Why? My answer to that could be summarized into the following seven points:
If you would like to learn more about QuickBooks, visit my website Http://www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com and see “My Recommendations - Record Keeping.”
If you don’t organize your records from the start, and stay on top of your record keeping chores daily, I can almost guarantee that you will come to grief - probably sooner than later.
Eight Tips CRITICAL to business record keeping success and sanity:
- Never mix business and personal paperwork. For instance, by using one checkbook or credit card for business and personal use.
- Make sure your records can be understood by anyone, not just yourself. I strongly suggest you use one of the widely accepted automated software record keeping systems. My personal recommendation is QuickBooks Pro.
- Always use the memo section of your checks to record the specifics of the expense.
- Record transactions as they occur, or at least on a daily basis. Reconcile bank statements the day you receive them. Retain all bank statements.
- Get help before things get out of control. Your Accountant, or Business Counselor should be able to help, or at least point you in the right direction when help is needed.
- Develop and maintain a good back up system. If you are using computer software back up daily onto disk or jump drive (my preference) and store the disk or drive in a fire resistant cabinet or other safe place. All permanent records of the business like licenses, contracts, organization filing papers, leases, etc. which are paper documents, should be copied or scanned electronically, and stored the same way.
- Unless you have a tax accounting background, plan to have your taxes prepared by an Accountant (at least the first year). Check with the Accountant to make sure you understand what records will be required, and that you will be able to supply them.
- Prepare and carefully review a Profit and Loss Statement and a Balance Sheet monthly. Flaws in your record keeping system (or mistakes) will show up there, and can be corrected in a timely manner before they get overwhelming.
WHAT RECORDS DO I HAVE TO KEEP?
OK, keeping those eight tips in mind, lets get to the nuts & bolts of record keeping. For starters you might ask “what records do I have to keep?” The very simple answer is all records having to do with money flow into and out of your business. Business activities or transactions cause money to flow into - and out of - the business:
Money flowing into the business may be:
- Money from selling goods or services.
- Money from selling business assets.
- Money you (or a partner) have contributed to the business.
- Money from other sources such as borrowed from a bank.
Money flowing out of your business may be:
- Payments for products (inventory) to be re-sold.
- Payments for services or expenses (including salaries).
- Payments to buy or replace business assets.
- Payments to yourself (or partners) in the form of a draw.
You must also keep records for travel, transportation, entertainment and gift Expenses. For additional information on how to prove certain business expenses, refer to IRS Publication 463, "Travel, Entertainment, Gift and Car Expenses.”
Assets are another set of records you must keep. Assets are the property, such as machinery and furniture, that you own and use in your business. You must keep records to verify certain information about your business assets. You need records to complete the annual depreciation and the gain or loss when you sell the assets.
Employment Taxes are another set of records. There are specific employment tax records you must keep. Keep all records of employment for at least four years after resignation or termination. For additional information refer to “Record keeping for Employers” in the irs.gov website.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP THESE RECORDS?
In a heartbeat my answer is QuickBooks.
Why? My answer to that could be summarized into the following seven points:
- Ease of use. You don’t have to be a Bookkeeper, even I can do it.
- Tremendous reduction in hard copy paper storage.
- Speed. Once you enter products or services and prices into your Chart of Accounts, or a name and address of a customer or vender onto a List, you never have to type it out again. Most entry can be done using your computer mouse, and things like dates and prices are automatic entry unless you change them.
- Hassle free Tax Time. Turn a disc or jump drive over to your Accountant and you’re pretty much done.
- Back-up, retention and storage of records. Keep a years worth of records on a CD-RW disc or a one inch x 3 inch jump drive that fits in your pocket.
- Ease of reconciliation and great financial reports to help you track the bottom line. Click an any figure on a report and it tracks back to the source entries.
- QuickBooks (I’m not sure about related software programs) has a Point of Sale software program that will upload directly into QuickBooks.
If you would like to learn more about QuickBooks, visit my website Http://www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com and see “My Recommendations - Record Keeping.”
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Small Business Money Available - Need Some?
The Small Business Administration has announced a new loan program for established small businesses, with a good track record, that are having financial difficulties in this tough time. The funds are part of the Economic Recovery Act. The loan is an ARC (America's Recovery Capital) loan.
And here is the good part:
To qualify you must be an established small business with a history of good performance, but currently suffering immediate hardship and financial difficulty because of the poor economy. For more details I suggest you contact your local SCORE representative. SCORE is an affiliate of the Small Business Administration and the chapter closest to you will have a volunteer Small Business Counselor who can provide more details, steer you to local banks who are participating in the program, and even help you with an application. There is no fee for this service. To contact SCORE go to www.score.org then click on "Find SCORE Locations Near You"
The SBA has announced they will be ready to accept loan packages from lenders by June 15th so if you fit the criteria, and need some money to help save your small business, act now!
And here is the good part:
- The loan is 100% guaranteed by the SBA so the bank will be more willing to loan.
- There is no SBA fee involved.
- This is a no interest to the borrower loan.
To qualify you must be an established small business with a history of good performance, but currently suffering immediate hardship and financial difficulty because of the poor economy. For more details I suggest you contact your local SCORE representative. SCORE is an affiliate of the Small Business Administration and the chapter closest to you will have a volunteer Small Business Counselor who can provide more details, steer you to local banks who are participating in the program, and even help you with an application. There is no fee for this service. To contact SCORE go to www.score.org then click on "Find SCORE Locations Near You"
The SBA has announced they will be ready to accept loan packages from lenders by June 15th so if you fit the criteria, and need some money to help save your small business, act now!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Free Business Information - Give and Take
At the risk of spreading "Information Overload" I want to point out a tremendous source of business information that you may have overlooked or are not aware of.
Ezine Articles
EzineArticles.com is a program targeted at writing articles for publication or marketing, but anyone has access, through the directory, to thousands of articles. EzineArticles has 175223 (& counting) expert writers sharing information on just about every subject under the sun. Since you know me as "Small Business Blogger", as you might suspect, my main interest is in business. "Business" has 43 categories listed under it in the EzineArticles Directory.
Here are a few questionsthat can help your business (or other areas of life, for that matter):
1. What are you an expert in - what is your passion?
2. Could you write a short article about it?
3. Do you have a website?
4. Would you like to have that article read by hundreds of thousands of people?
5. Do you think that might lead some of them back to your website?
6. Would you like to see what other expert writers have written about the subject?
7. Would you like to write better sales letters or information articles? Here is a quote from the EzineArticles Blog by Robert Nugent (who writes great articles himself by the way) "Ezine Blog provides good advice for anyone who writes info. articles, sales copy, etc."
Write to help your business. Read for education. Both are FREE!
Check it out at http://www.ezinearticles.com/
And don't forget - FREE consultation & teleseminars - http://www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com/
Ezine Articles
EzineArticles.com is a program targeted at writing articles for publication or marketing, but anyone has access, through the directory, to thousands of articles. EzineArticles has 175223 (& counting) expert writers sharing information on just about every subject under the sun. Since you know me as "Small Business Blogger", as you might suspect, my main interest is in business. "Business" has 43 categories listed under it in the EzineArticles Directory.
Here are a few questionsthat can help your business (or other areas of life, for that matter):
1. What are you an expert in - what is your passion?
2. Could you write a short article about it?
3. Do you have a website?
4. Would you like to have that article read by hundreds of thousands of people?
5. Do you think that might lead some of them back to your website?
6. Would you like to see what other expert writers have written about the subject?
7. Would you like to write better sales letters or information articles? Here is a quote from the EzineArticles Blog by Robert Nugent (who writes great articles himself by the way) "Ezine Blog provides good advice for anyone who writes info. articles, sales copy, etc."
Write to help your business. Read for education. Both are FREE!
Check it out at http://www.ezinearticles.com/
And don't forget - FREE consultation & teleseminars - http://www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com/
Friday, May 22, 2009
Success for Teens
While I normally write about success in business - and in life - for adults, I've just finished reading a short book that should be read by every teenager. It's called "Success for Teens" and if you are a parent of a teenager - or preteen - you should get a copy and try to make sure your teen reads it.
This little gem of a book covers things like Dream-building, Goal-setting, Self-esteem. Self-motivation, Habits, Purpose and all of the things that shape successful people. Things they can't teach in school. And, it is written in language that teens understand and filled with examples of teenagers who used "the slight edge" to shape their lives for the better. I've been a student of self-motivation and success principles since my 20's and credit these studies with turning my life around and becoming the person I am today. If I had come across a book like this (and been motivated to read it) in my teens I would have started 10 years earlier and who knows what I could have accomplised. If you have a teen - or pre-teen - I urge you to get a copy of this book & see of you can get your son or daughter to understand it can make the difference between success or failure in everything they do, or want to do.
The book is by the editors of the Success Foundation. It can be obtained by logging onto www.successfoundation.org and clicking on "get involved". A single copy of the book is only $6.00 shipping included. A great investment in your child's future (and a good guide to parenting as well).
To learn more about me - and my book "Yes You Can Start And Run A Small Business" log on to my website www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com
Here's to you, and your success,
Dick B.
This little gem of a book covers things like Dream-building, Goal-setting, Self-esteem. Self-motivation, Habits, Purpose and all of the things that shape successful people. Things they can't teach in school. And, it is written in language that teens understand and filled with examples of teenagers who used "the slight edge" to shape their lives for the better. I've been a student of self-motivation and success principles since my 20's and credit these studies with turning my life around and becoming the person I am today. If I had come across a book like this (and been motivated to read it) in my teens I would have started 10 years earlier and who knows what I could have accomplised. If you have a teen - or pre-teen - I urge you to get a copy of this book & see of you can get your son or daughter to understand it can make the difference between success or failure in everything they do, or want to do.
The book is by the editors of the Success Foundation. It can be obtained by logging onto www.successfoundation.org and clicking on "get involved". A single copy of the book is only $6.00 shipping included. A great investment in your child's future (and a good guide to parenting as well).
To learn more about me - and my book "Yes You Can Start And Run A Small Business" log on to my website www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com
Here's to you, and your success,
Dick B.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Effort
Why do 4 out of 5 new small businesses fail ?
Over the years I've come to realize there are far more reasons than typically quoted in most writings and business books.
One reason not often quoted, is lack of one degree more effort. The going gets tough and many would be business persons just give up and quit. Sadly, when you examine the situation and circumstances, you will find they stopped just short of the finish line. A little extra effort would have made all the difference in the world.
Some time back I came across a very short 3 minute movie from Nightingale Conant called "The Extra Degree Movie" which did - I thought - a very good job of showing what one degree of extra effort could make. I just came across some notes I made on the subject and checked the feed to see if it was still live.
It is - to view it, www.nc212movie.com
If you would like to see more of Nightingale Conants great motivational - and educational - programs try www.nightingale.com or, if you want to do me a favor, check out the Nightingale Conant page on my website; www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com
Here's to you - and to your success !
Over the years I've come to realize there are far more reasons than typically quoted in most writings and business books.
One reason not often quoted, is lack of one degree more effort. The going gets tough and many would be business persons just give up and quit. Sadly, when you examine the situation and circumstances, you will find they stopped just short of the finish line. A little extra effort would have made all the difference in the world.
Some time back I came across a very short 3 minute movie from Nightingale Conant called "The Extra Degree Movie" which did - I thought - a very good job of showing what one degree of extra effort could make. I just came across some notes I made on the subject and checked the feed to see if it was still live.
It is - to view it, www.nc212movie.com
If you would like to see more of Nightingale Conants great motivational - and educational - programs try www.nightingale.com or, if you want to do me a favor, check out the Nightingale Conant page on my website; www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com
Here's to you - and to your success !
Friday, April 24, 2009
FREE Teleseminar - Start Your Own Business
My next free one hour teleseminar "Starting your Own Business" (Small Business 101) will be on Wedensday May 6th at 7:00 PM Eastern. If you are thinking of starting your own business, or in the process of starting your own business, you should not miss this one. To learn more or to register visit my website www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com
Thursday, January 15, 2009
MLM Saturation Point ?
I've been venturing a little off my usual small business coaching role to respond to questions about internet marketing and multi-level-marketing. What I'm wondering is how can you even estimate market saturation point when it comes to multi-level-marketing?
It seems that the people who enter first (after the bugs are worked out of the program) have the best chance of success ? but as the width and depth of downlines grow there is some point where the market becomes saturated and newcomers have little or no chance for success. As far as I've been able to tell, no one other than the organizers know how many people are really involved, or how much product or service is really being sold.
And, while I suppose it varies greatly by the product or service involved, has anyone had any experience in measuring or estimating saturation point ?
Another thing that bothers me is determining if the program really sells product to actual consumers, or is the program really about selling - and making money off - distributorships or new members to the program.
My research goes on, but if someone can help or offer some thoughts on the subject, please chime in. Respond here or to my website; www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com (use the "contact me page), or if you prefer a private Email; smallbusiness@tampabay.rr.com
Thought of the day; "Jump for Joy - It's good exercise!"
Have a good one,
Dick B.
It seems that the people who enter first (after the bugs are worked out of the program) have the best chance of success ? but as the width and depth of downlines grow there is some point where the market becomes saturated and newcomers have little or no chance for success. As far as I've been able to tell, no one other than the organizers know how many people are really involved, or how much product or service is really being sold.
And, while I suppose it varies greatly by the product or service involved, has anyone had any experience in measuring or estimating saturation point ?
Another thing that bothers me is determining if the program really sells product to actual consumers, or is the program really about selling - and making money off - distributorships or new members to the program.
My research goes on, but if someone can help or offer some thoughts on the subject, please chime in. Respond here or to my website; www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com (use the "contact me page), or if you prefer a private Email; smallbusiness@tampabay.rr.com
Thought of the day; "Jump for Joy - It's good exercise!"
Have a good one,
Dick B.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS - at this time of year many of us have set new goals and objectives for 2009. Some may be achieved, some will be forgotten (maybe already?) and die before many days pass in this new year. Making resolutions and setting goals and objectives is important. It has been said that a person without goals is like a ship without a rudder, and that person will drift with the winds and tide of life and wind up at a destination probably not of their choosing, while the person with a goal will sail straight to their destination of choice.
One of the basics I learned long long ago while studying management applies to goal setting. "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it".
I would urge you to take a hard look at the goals and objectives you have set for yourself, and make sure they pass the basic test - ARE YOUR GOALS SPECIFIC AND MEASURABLE? Is the goal specific? It is not enough to say "I'm going to increase my income" or "I'm going to lose weight". These are not specific enough. By how much will you increase your income? How much weight will you lose? How will you measure the result? How often will you measure?
Your goals should be BIG. Big enough the challenge you, and big enough to inspire you. But, having said that, here are two lessons this goal oriented person has had to learn the hard way:
1. Break that BIG goal down into a series of smaller goals which can be achieved in a reasonable length of time. Without a meaningful result in a reasonable period, you will find it hard to maintain the drive and focus needed to stay the course. Make sure you prioritize these sub-goals so that you work steadily towards the bigger goal.
2. Reward yourself every time you achieve one of the smaller goals. You need to recognize your accomplishment and reward yourself for your achievement in order to maintain the momentum and enthusiasm needed to work steadily towards the bigger end goal.
Remember "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it". Be a Manager. Manage your life !
PS If one of your goals for 2009 is starting your own small business, check my website - www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com - for some help.
One of the basics I learned long long ago while studying management applies to goal setting. "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it".
I would urge you to take a hard look at the goals and objectives you have set for yourself, and make sure they pass the basic test - ARE YOUR GOALS SPECIFIC AND MEASURABLE? Is the goal specific? It is not enough to say "I'm going to increase my income" or "I'm going to lose weight". These are not specific enough. By how much will you increase your income? How much weight will you lose? How will you measure the result? How often will you measure?
Your goals should be BIG. Big enough the challenge you, and big enough to inspire you. But, having said that, here are two lessons this goal oriented person has had to learn the hard way:
1. Break that BIG goal down into a series of smaller goals which can be achieved in a reasonable length of time. Without a meaningful result in a reasonable period, you will find it hard to maintain the drive and focus needed to stay the course. Make sure you prioritize these sub-goals so that you work steadily towards the bigger goal.
2. Reward yourself every time you achieve one of the smaller goals. You need to recognize your accomplishment and reward yourself for your achievement in order to maintain the momentum and enthusiasm needed to work steadily towards the bigger end goal.
Remember "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it". Be a Manager. Manage your life !
PS If one of your goals for 2009 is starting your own small business, check my website - www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com - for some help.
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