November 30, 2004

Sidestep The Risk Of Independent Contractors Who Aren't

By: Marc J. Lane

Whatever the parties believe or contract, the IRS has the final word about whether or not a worker is really an employee

Considering he's the richest man in the country, not all has been going Bill Gates' way. The Justice Department is after him on Antitrust grounds; he recently took a pie in the face; and his senior managers at Microsoft Corp. learned that workers can be company employees even after they sign agreements that they're independent contractors.

Whatever the parties believe or contract, the IRS has the final word about whether or not a worker is really an employee - and whether his or her boss can be saddled with all kinds of penalties for violating federal law. What's more, the employer might well face a slew of new and unexpected costs - FICA, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, overtime pay and employee benefit plan contributions among them. The IRS decides who is an employee and who isn't by reference to a 20-factor test, but it all really boils down to control. If the company has the right not only to decide what job is to be done, but exactly how it is to be done, the worker is probably an employee and enjoys all the rights of employment.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you try to stay on the safe side of any controversy: Insist that your independent contractor invoice you for services rendered. Billing is a clear indicator of self-employment.

Stay away from words connoting employment. Your contractor should be "retained," not hired; and he or she should be paid a "fee," not a "salary" or "wage".

Make sure your contract denies the worker any and all benefits, including health insurance.

And, finally, shift some entrepreneurial risk to the worker, who should pay all job-related expenses. As any self-employed person would, he or she should then build those costs into the fee your company is charged. Follow the rules and, in at least this one small way, you'll have a better year than Bill Gates is having.

About the Author

Marc Lane is a business and tax attorney, a Master Registered Financial Planner, a Registered Financial Consultant, and a Certified Investment Specialist. Marc is the author of 30 books on business organization, taxation, and personal finance. His newest book, "Advising Entrepreneurs: Dynamic Strategies for Financial Growth" draws from his experience working with those who have successfully built their businesses. Marc is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Northwestern University and an Adjunct Professor of Business at the University of Illinois. His practice areas include Individual Taxation, Corporate Tax Planning, Business Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Investments, Retirement Planning,Elder Law, International Trade, Business Law, and Wills, Trusts and Estates. Additional articles, case studies, and a free email newsletter are available at www.marcjlane.com.

Posted by Editor at 08:28 PM

Do You PLAN to Succeed?

By: Janice Byer, MVA

Running a business is non-stop planning. No matter what type of business you operate, your success is influenced by how well you plan every move you make.

Running a business is non-stop planning. No matter what type of business you operate, your success is influenced by how well you plan every move you make.

Even before you begin your business, you are making plans for it s start-up phase, and for it s long-term growth.

A Business Plan is the first big plan you make for your business. Written in the third person, the business plan outlines (described here in basic terms) what you have when you start and what you think you will have after certain amounts of time. It also includes what influences each step along the way. Now, that s not to say that it is a guessing game, although it can feel like it sometimes. A business plan requires an abundance of research and good old-fashioned planning.

Each individual aspect of a business plan also requires some forethought and continues to need ongoing attention throughout the life of your business.

From choosing who will be your target market to recognizing who your competitors are, the plans for approaching these factors begin and determine how you will proceed and succeed.

Another essential plan that will help contribute to your business success is your marketing strategy. Planning how you will spread the word about your business is an ongoing necessity, which can sometimes be easy, and other times it can be a challenge. You need to take into account who you are targeting and what they will respond to. Consequently, you will have to decide when is the right time to put each plan into action.

Sales planning is also an important aspect contributing to your business success. Knowing and tracking sales numbers should be something that every business owner should follow. By this I mean that you need to be aware of the five primary numbers required to help you achieve your annual sales forecast. These 5 primary numbers are:

1. The number of leads it takes to find a potential client (prospect).

2. The number of prospects it takes to get an appointment.

3. The number of appointments it takes to secure a presentation.

4. The number of presentations you need to make to close a sale.

5. The number of sales you require to reach your sales goal.

Time management is one of the most important plans you should follow in your business and it should be a daily task. Keeping track of meetings and such is important, but in order to make every day productive, you need to decide what you are going to do and, if possible, when you are going to do it.

Most business professionals rely on a day-timer in which they schedule their meetings. But, day-timers are also an excellent place to jot down your other daily activities. For instance, designate 9am to 10am to read your mail and email and respond to those that require immediate attention. Then, from 10 to 12, you may want to pencil in making cold calls, from 12 to 1 is a great time to take your assistant to lunch, and so on until your day is planned.

There are other areas of your business that need to be planned ahead as well. Meetings you are involved in and presentations that you need to perform should always be thought out first in order to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently.

Attending networking events should also be planned. Just showing up isn t going to cut it and won t help bring in new business. I am amazed at how many times I have been to a networking event and when I asked someone for their business card they said, Oh, I forgot to bring any . Why bother showing up to a specified networking event if you don t have the tools to network? Always, always bring a stack of business cards. Also, plan to bring some of your brochures and/or other marketing materials. Some events will have tables set up to display your marketing materials. And, remember to bring enough to hand out freely to everyone you see and talk to.

One of the most effective plans for ensuring the success of a networking event is to develop a mini-appiteazer. This is your 10-second infomercial of your business and how your product or service can benefit the person you are talking to and others that they know. If you are unsure of the protocol of the event, contact the coordinator to find out if this is simply an opportunity to chat and network one-on-one with others or if there is a designated timeslot that you have to highlight yourself and your business.

As you can see, planning is an integral part of any business success. Putting into action as many plans as possible can contribute to your organization s growth and will create positive exposure of your business.

Now, you need to remember that not everything will go according to plan. Things will pop up, unforeseen problems may occur that need immediate attention, and projects may take longer than expected. Sometimes, it may even be necessary to ask for help. Hiring a Virtual Assistant can help ease these unplanned circumstances allowing you to stay with your other, more important plans.

All in all, if you plan your work and do your best to work your plan, success will not be far behind.

About the Author

Janice Byer is a certified Canadian Virtual Assistant & Master Virtual Assistant, owner of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net), and winner of several prestigious awards. She writes "been there, done that" articles to help small business owners become successful. And, her award winning monthly newsletter, Virtual TidBits, allows her to share tips, links and articles to her subscribers in an effort to make their business and online presence more successful. As a contributing writer to several online publications and an occasional contributer to numerous print publications, she is now being sought to be the subject of various profiles. Her passion for her business and her desire to help all small business owners has lead her to be an expert, of sorts, in her field. She knows what it feels like to search endlessly for information and run up against brick walls. Her website, newsletter and articles are her way of trying to alleviate that frustration for those that are now looking for answers.

Posted by Editor at 08:28 PM

Dealing With Stress in Our Overworked Lives

By: Janice Byer, MVA

We need to alleviate some of our stress and find solutions for the reasons that we are so overworked.

As small business owners, we often take on more than we can handle. Wearing all the hats running our businesses, as well as the other commitments we have (i.e. volunteer work, family, etc.), can sometimes leave us feeling overworked, frustrated, and stressed out.

Being under so much stress is not good for anyone and it can definitely have an effect on our businesses.

So we need to alleviate some of our stress and find solutions for the reasons that we are so overworked.

1. Take a step back from everything and decide which tasks are needs and which tasks are wants . Which tasks are more important than others? We consider everything that we do in our lives, especially when running our businesses, as important. However, which tasks can you postpone long enough without producing a negative effect on ourselves and our success. Which tasks can wait?

2. Learn that you cannot say yes to everything. For most people and for most businesses, saying no to anyone can be like pulling teeth. It can be very painful and have a lasting effect. But again, you need to think of yourself, your success, and your well-being. Decide which tasks you have been asked to do that can be better accomplished by someone else or that will have a negative effect on yourself and make a point to politely decline to assist.

3. Prioritize your life. In step #1 above, we learned to decide between important and can wait tasks. But, even the important tasks can add up. So, you need to break down that list of important tasks even farther and prioritize them. In business, ensure that those tasks that will enhance your business and your reputation with your clients are the first tasks on your list.

4. Focus on the task at hand and not so much the long-term outcome of the task. All to often, as small business owners, our heads are working in overdrive as we imagine the possibilities that can occur because of certain tasks that we do. Now, that doesn t mean we shouldn t imagine the outcome of accomplishing tasks and any rewards or ramifications that may result from it, but just don t obsess or over-dream about it and make it your sole purpose in thriving.

5. Remember to pat yourself on the back when you have accomplished a task, especially the important ones. Take a break away from it and refresh yourself before beginning your next task. I ve always found going and looking out the window at the wonders of nature while I wait for the kettle to boil for my hot chocolate can have a brightening and rejuvenating effect on my day.

6. And last, but not least, ask for help. No matter how much we think we can take on the world we are not all super human and to ask for assistance with something is a part of being normal human . When running your business, generating revenue and increasing your customer base is your most important needs so why not get some help with the non-core tasks (i.e. correspondence, maintaining your website, designing your newsletter, etc.) in order to keep up. There are many, many qualified professionals out there that specialize in helping others stay on the right track and grow their businesses.

Stress is an all too common word in our society but it doesn t have to be something that rules our lives. Learn to manage your time and prioritize your life (and all of it s aspects) and you will find that you not only feel better inside, people will notice the new relaxed you which, in turn, will be another benefit for yourself and your business as they are more comfortable dealing with you.

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Posted by Editor at 08:28 PM

Shameless Self-Promotion

By: Janice Byer, MVA

The opportunity to talk about your business should be the root behind every marketing effort you undertake.

Hi! My name is Janice Byer and I am the owner of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net). I am the winner of several prestigious awards (information is on our website) and have a slew of happy customers, as the testimonials on our site will attest to. My services are professional, creative and in demand.

Now, wasn t that easy? In one small paragraph, I have shamelessly self-promoted my business and it s success.

I ll admit it, I am addicted to shameless self-promotion, and why not? Who better to promote myself and my business than me? And, the opportunity to talk about your business should be the root behind every marketing effort you undertake.

Networking utilizes shameless self-promotion almost constantly. After all, when you visit a networking event, why are you there? To promote your business of course! And, when you are at a designated networking event, it is not the time when you should hold back. Be shameless yet professional, and also be considerate of your fellow networkers. They are there for the same reason you are. So, give them the opportunity to shamelessly self-promote themselves.

Networking is the right time to shamelessly self-promote. But, there are times when it is not appropriate. There is a time and a place for everything, including promoting your business.

For instance, if you are a member of a news or discussion group, there are generally rules against promoting your business, unless that is what the list is for. So, don t take advantage of the captive audience or break the rules. That can actually be bad for business.

However, some lists have designated days of the week or month when you can shamelessly tell the world about what you do and what you have to offer. This is the time to show them what you ve got.

Opportunities arise at various times when it is good to promote yourself and your business. For instance, I was with my daughter at the library yesterday and the woman there asked if I was excited about my daughter going into grade one and the fact that she will be in school all day. This was the perfect opportunity to tell her that I run my own home-based business and what I do.

Also, a few weeks back we had our water supply guy here filling up our well and we talked about his father s business. Well, I didn t give up the chance to say, Does your father have a website? I can design one for him. Well, the conversation went from there and I ended up giving him several of my business cards.

My husband is also the owner of a small business; a tow truck and storage business. Well, the other day we had a fellow here delivering gravel for our driveway and, as he is always on the road, I asked him if he sees accidents and such. So, my husband gave him some of his cards and it has paid off already. Yesterday this dump truck drive called to tell my husband about an accident that he had just seen.

And, don t forget your existing clients. Do they know everything that you offer? I have a wonderful steady administrative client that I told a few times about some of the websites I am designing. Well, he was impressed and now we are in talks to design his website. He didn t know I did website design until I told him. And, this may be true for you as well. Your clients won t know everything that you can do for them unless you tell them. They may not need any of your secondary services right away, or at all, but they may know someone who does.

My administrative client, which I mentioned above, has now given my name to some of his customers who need help with their office tasks and web design needs.

As I said before, there is a time and a place for shamelessly self-promoting yourself and your business. Be careful not to sound arrogant and don t be pushy. But, as a small business owner, you are the best person to tell others about what you offer and you should take advantage of situations that will allow you to do so.

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Posted by Editor at 08:28 PM

Virtual Assistance = Higher Productivity

By: Janice Byer, MVA

The best solution to help ease your office overflow, without breaking your budget or having to provide space and equipment, is to hire a virtual assistant (VA).

Running any office can be challenging, even in the best of circumstances. Whether the company is a small business or a large corporation, as it grows so does the amount administrative tasks that need to be carried out on a daily basis.

For some companies, all that is required to alleviate the overload is to empty the in-boxes, file the paperwork and clean off the desks. For others, prioritizing assignments can help to get most of the work performed in an organized fashion. However, some of the projects may still remain unattended to.

Bringing in part-time or temporary employees is one way to get these assignments done, but only feasible if there is a steady flow of work, enough to accommodate an extra staff member and the additional wage. Not to mention, you would have to supply space, equipment and training time for this additional person. You could also try doing the administrative chores yourself but this would interfere with spending more time on your revenue generating activities.

The best solution to help ease your office overflow, without breaking your budget or having to provide space and equipment, is to hire a virtual assistant (VA).

These highly trained professionals work from their own offices. Most have had many years of administrative experience and can usually take on any assignment with little or no training from you. VA's specialize in various fields, from word processing and resume preparation to database management and website development. But, generally, an off-site assistant can help with almost any office task that requires completion.

Hiring a VA provides you with numerous benefits, not just the fact that they are already trained and that they have their own equipment to work with, but also that they are available whenever you need some help. This allows you to save money by not having an office member that is being paid to sit and wait for work to do. You pay the VA on a 'time on task' basis.

They also take care of their own expenses, which again saves you the money that you would normally have to spend on benefits, source deductions and lost time wages.

Most VA's are self-employed entrepreneurs, and unlike a staff member, they have a vested interest in the success of your business. They work with you to help you keep up and to grow. To most, it isn't simply a 9 to 5 job, but a career choice that they take great pride in.

Most VA's have local client lists, but are also able to assist 'from afar'. By using any of the communication devices available today (ie. phone, fax, email, etc), projects can be accomplished without ever having to meet face to face. And, with the growing ease of the Internet, finding a VA almost anywhere in the world is quite simple to accomplish as well. By simply typing 'virtual assistant' into any search engine, you can locate the one person who can take some of the load off of your shoulders. Whether you are a home-based business who needs a website developed, a small business that is looking for a way out from under the paperwork or are part of a large corporation that has an extra assignment that no one seems to have time to do, a Virtual Assistant can be the answer to your problems. They can be your sounding board and offer feedback and advice when a fresh perspective is needed.

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Posted by Editor at 08:28 PM

Let's Blow The Lid Off Public Relations

By: Robert A. Kelly

When everybody benefits like this, blowing the lid off public relations is not only justified, it's necessary!

And show it for what it is a well-oiled strategy machine using cutting-edge communications tactics that lead directly to program success. And all because perceptions were altered, behaviors modified and the employer/client satisfied with the end result.

When everybody benefits like that, blowing the lid off public relations is not only justified, it s necessary!

Do you take the core strengths of public relations into account as you manage those communications tactics?

Because if you don t, you re missing the sweet-spot of public relations. The communications tactics you use must work together to create the behavioral change you want in certain groups of people important to the success of your business.

But NO organization business, non-profit, association or public sector can succeed today unless the behaviors of its most important audiences are in-sync with the organization s objectives.

For your business, that means public relations professionals must modify somebody s behavior if they are to help hit your objective all else are means to that end.

Which is why, when public relations goes on to successfully create, change or reinforce public opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action those people whose behaviors affect the organization, it accomplishes its mission.

How can we be so certain? Question: how can you measure the results of an activity more accurately than when you clearly achieve the goal you set at the beginning of that activity? You can t. It defines success.

Public relations is no different. The client/employer wants our help in altering counterproductive perceptions among key audiences which almost always change behaviors in a way that helps him or her get to where they want to be.

Now, to achieve that goal, public relations practitioners must be skilled in many tactical disciplines. Everything from media relations, public speaking and a dozen kinds of writing to financial communications, special events, issue tracking and crisis management, to name just a few.

But too often, the employer/client s tendency is to see little beyond a tactic s immediate impact. For example, a speech and how it was received, a news release and how it was picked up and presented in a newspaper or on TV, or a special event and the audience s reaction.

Of course those concerns are understandable and shouldn t be lightly dismissed. But the question also must be asked, to what end are we applying those tactics?

Well, WHY do we employ public relations tactics anyway? Could it be for the pure pleasure of doing surveys, making speeches or editing company magazines? Not likely. We employ public relations so that, at the end of the day, somebody s behavior gets modified.

That leads us directly to the core strength of public relations: people act on their perception of the facts; those perceptions lead to certain behaviors; and something can be done about those perceptions and behaviors that leads to achieving an organization s objectives.

To assess those behavior changes and, thus, the degree of success the core public relations program has achieved, look for evidence that your tactics have actually changed behavior. Signs should begin showing up via Internet chatter, in print and broadcast news coverage, reports from the field, letters-to- the-editor, consumer and customer reactions, shareholder letters and comments from community leaders.

Consider doing informal polls of employees, retirees, industrial neighbors and local businesses as well as collecting feedback from suppliers, elected officials, union leaders and government agencies.

The point of this article is that the core strength of public relations places a special burden on each tactic selected to carry the message to a target audience: does it/will it make a tangible, action-producing contribution towards altering target audience perceptions and behaviors? If not, it should be dropped and replaced with a tactic that does.

That way, only the strongest tactics will be used allowing public relations to apply its core strength to the challenge at hand: create, change or reinforce public opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action those people whose behaviors affect the organization.

What do I believe the employer/client wants from us? I believe s/he wants us to use our expertise in a way that helps achieve his or her business objectives. But regardless of what strategic plan we create to solve a problem, regardless of what tactical program we put in place, when all is said and done, we must modify somebody s behavior if we are to earn our keep.

So, not one, not two, but three benefits result when the behavioral changes become apparent, and meet the program s original behavior modification goal: First and most important, the public relations effort is a success.

Second, by achieving the behavioral goal you set at the beginning, you are taking advantage of a dependable and accurate public relations performance measurement.

Finally, when the reach, persuade and move-to-desired-action efforts produce a visible, and desired modification in the behaviors of those people you wish to influence, you are using public relations core strength to its full benefit.

end

Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks about the fundamental premise of public relations. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net Visit: http://www.prcommentary.com

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Posted by Editor at 08:27 PM

The PR Commitment to Small Business

By: Robert A. Kelly

Let's talk about a small business that ignores the very people who hold the future of that small business in their hands.

We re birds of a feather, public relations and small business. Wonderfully compatible and a perfect fit. Usually makes it easy to commit resources to small business success.

But, sometimes I wonder about those small businesses that ignore the perceptions and behaviors of the key audiences with the most immediate impact on their businesses the very people who hold the future of that small business in their hands!

To me, it s a matter of dollars and cents, even of survival!

So, what are we to make of small business failures? Especially one where it s obvious that enough well-placed publicity might have altered the behavior of sales prospects in a positive way allowing the business to prosper and avoid a Chapter Eleven filing?

What a waste!

Truth is, the folks who make up these key audiences, like the rest of us, act on THEIR perception of the facts before them. If a small business overlooks this crucial reality, and fails to prepare by monitoring how these people view it, who is to blame if misconceptions flower leading inevitably to negative behaviors?

Of course, the small business itself.

The title of this article speaks of a commitment to small business. While I believe that public relations is indispensable to small business success, our commitment must be conditional.

Here s why.

We are committed to your small business, and will help you every step of the way:

IF you take the time to meet with members of your key audiences and evaluate their feelings and beliefs about you;

IF you are committed to move into action when you discover troubling perceptions;

IF you accept that what people BELIEVE to be true, versus the truth, defines your public relations problem;

IF you are willing to raise your profile by regularly speaking before business and fraternal clubs, by meeting with the media, and by promoting your business as appropriate, thus building the kind of good will you will need should things go awry.

IF you prepare carefully written, persuasive messages that directly address the misconceptions you discover during your fact finding;

IF you select effective communications tactics that will carry your messages to those key audiences in a timely manner. Tactics such as meetings, speeches, luncheons, facility tours, promotional events, emails, media interviews and many more.

And IF you track your progress by speaking regularly with members of those key audiences, and monitoring both the media and the reaction of community residents and other businesses, adjusting your strategy and tactics accordingly.

A lot to ask in return for our commitment to a small business? Perhaps, but without such a commitment in return, a positive result is unlikely.

Public relations and small business ARE wonderfully compatible and a very good fit.

That s why my commitment remains on the table.

end

About the Author

Posted by Editor at 08:27 PM

What Is A Virtual Assistant & Why Do You Need One?

By: Janice Byer, MVA

A VA works WITH their clients to help alleviate some of these tasks, allowing them to free up some of their time to concentrate on generating revenue and building their businesses.

Virtual Assistants (also known as VAs) are home-based entrepreneurs who take pride in providing fellow small business professionals with a wide range of office tasks, from administrative support to web design & maintenance. VAs are able to provide professional, creative assistance without ever having to go into the client s office.

Being small business owners themselves, VAs understand that success comes to entrepreneurs when they provide the best possible customer service. But, great customer service can sometimes be hard to upkeep when you are spending valuable time trying to stay on top of the non-core tasks that are a part of running a business.

A VA works WITH their clients to help alleviate some of these tasks, allowing them to free up some of their time to concentrate on generating revenue and building their businesses.

But, how do you know when you really need the services of a Virtual Assistant?

1. Your inbox pile just seems to be getting higher, and each day you fall farther behind. 2. Your day timer just doesn t seem to be able to keep you organized. 3. The important tasks are getting lost in amongst everything else and, when you do locate them, you find yourself rushing to meet a deadline. 4. You don t feel comfortable taking on an administrative task that requires a specific professional appearance. 5. You find you aren t delivering to your clients as fast as you would like to as you have too many other things on the go. 6. You have a project that you need to get done but you aren t sure how to accomplish it. 7. Your administrative tasks have you so overwhelmed that you just don t seem to have time for anything else. 8. You spend so much time working that your family says it s like living with a stranger. 9. Your business is booming by you have no one to share it with or draw on for support. 10. Your website looks the same as it did two years ago, or

11. Your website is just a figment of your imagination. 12. You dread looking at the piles on your desk and wondering when you will get everything accomplished. 13. Running your business just doesn t have that same fulfillment as it used to because you re spending too much time doing the non-core tasks and not doing what you love the most. 14. You wonder where your life has gone. 15. FREE TIME? WHAT S THAT?

Operating a business should not have you stressed out and wondering how you are going to make it a success when you are so busy doing everything yourself. You started your business because it involves what you love to do. But, the non-core tasks that are involved with running a small business should not be a discouragement.

Virtual Assistants are in business to help you alleviate some of that added pressure by taking some of it off of your shoulders. They want you to succeed and will do everything possible to see that happen.

From general word processing to graphic design to website design, a VA s specialties can be just what you need to allow you to get back to running your business instead of it running you.

About the Author

Posted by Editor at 08:27 PM

How To Give Your Business Credibility So People Feel Safe Buying From You

By: Dave Coyne

Steps you can take to give your business credibility and customers feel safe buying from you.

Let s face it. Buying products and services from the Internet can be a bit intimidating.

You may have no idea where the online merchant is located. You may not know how safe your personal and credit card information will be.

You may be unsure if you ll even get the product or what to do if the product is broken when it arrives at your door.

These types of concerns are what you are up against when you sell products from a website.

Here some tips to build credibility with potential customers.

1. Include all your contact information on your homepage. Your phone and fax numbers, e-mail address, etc. List the hours you re available to take customers phone calls.

2. Offer a money-back guarantee. This is a must, especially if you re selling higher price items. Mention your guarantee at least a couple of times in your copy.

The more details you give about your guarantee the more comfortable your prospect will feel. Your guarantee should be valid for at least 30 days after the purchase and it s best to have a no-questions-asked return policy.

Be prompt in refunding the customer s money

3. Tell your site visitors how their credit card and personal information will be protected if they buy from you.

Do you use a secure,encrypted server to process their transaction? Tell them. I have this info spelled out right below the Buy Now button on my website.

If you use a online credit card processing company like PayPal, be sure to include the credit card buyer protection policy and merchant verification process. People want to know how they ll be protected against credit card fraud.

My credit card processing company, PaySystems (http://www.revecom.com) has a 100% guarantee against credit card fraud. Customers can click on hyperlink to read the guarantee before they actually fill out any credit card and personal information.

4. Use testimonials from satisfied customers. Nothing helps sell a product like a happy buyer. The more detailed the testimonial the better. Be sure to get your customer s permission before you quote him or her in your marketing material.

Always use the customer s first and last name, company name and title (if applicable) and their location.

I think you re less likely to believe a testimonial if it s just signed J. Doe instead of John Doe, President, XYZ Company, Houston, Texas.

5. List your credentials or experience on your website or in your ezine. Again, the key is the more a customer knows about who they are dealing with, the more assured they going to feel doing business with you.

By putting these suggestions into action, you re bound to have a happy group of customers. And good word-of-mouth is the cheapest, and most effective form of advertising.

About the Author

Dave Coyne is a copywriter and marketing consultant. Visit his website and get the FREE E-BOOK "Marketing Secrets Of The Ages" ($19 value) You can sell this book to customers and keep 100% of profits.

Posted by Editor at 08:27 PM

THANK-YOU NOTES

By: Eileen McDargh

Learn about the lost art of thank-you notes and how you can use them in your business.

I've watched hula hoops, "Father Knows Best," and Dick Tracy watches vanish into the pages of history with nary a whimper. I've stood by and shed not a tear for the demise of beehive hairdos, outsized cars, and sexual stereotypes. But now I must protest. What has happened to all the most gracious of gratitude's -- the thank-you note?

I must admit, I grew up thinking it was mandatory to jot a short note for any party, or gift, or particularly thoughtful gesture. I was forced to write the thank-you note.

And then I really grew up. I think it was when Mother found some old letters in Nana's dresser drawer. Yes, included in that musty bundle were a few thank-you notes in a childish scrawl. Could it be that such a scruffy, short expression of gratitude carried such meaning? Could it be that putting pen to paper meant more than a brief response over telephone lines? I decided the answer was "yes."

But with the passage of time, it appears that those of us who scribble acknowledgements on anything from memo paper to gilt-edged informals are moving into the same category as the passenger pigeon and dodo bird. Surely it must be true.

Why else would friends and colleagues make such a fuss and exclaim with astonishment, "You wrote a thank-you note!" Why would I be so pleased and amazed when one out of 20 guests takes the time to slip a message in the mailbox? Granted, I also learned long ago that true giving expects no thank-you in return. But maybe it's a rule that we should learn to bend. Aren't we more willing to go that extra mile the second time around for someone who appreciates the effort? In this hurly-burly, pressure-cooker world of ours, perhaps we need the touch of parchment, the permanence of ink, and the one-of-a-kind words that let us know we have counted at all. The thoughtful thank-you note would move from pending extinction to a value-added gesture that could reap untold benefits.

Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE, is an international speaker, author and seminar leader. Her book Work for A Living and Still Be Free to Live is also the title of one of her most popular and upbeat programs on Work/Life Balance. For more information on Eileen and her presentations, please call 949-496-8640 or visit her web site at http://www.eileenmcdargh.com.

About the Author

Eileen McDargh is founder of McDargh Communications, a consulting and training company specializing in inner and interpersonal skill development for the purpose of improving the life of a business and the business of life. Visit Eileen at http://www.EileenMcDargh.com or http://www.theresilientspirit.com.

Posted by Editor at 08:27 PM