December 01, 2004

How Do I Bring Consulting Into My Lease Purchase Business

by: Sue and Chuck DeFiore

As you are making your cold calls on property, you will run into sellers that are having a hard time selling, however, the numbers just don't work for you to take on the deal. Do you just say, "I can't work with those numbers".

Heck, no. In fact, I don't even use that phrasing.

After I get all my information on the house, financing, why they are selling, and what their needs are; I know whether or not the deal will work. I always send a follow-up letter, and a brochure. I follow-up a couple of days later to be sure they got the information, and mention that I could consult with them and help them move the property quickly, usually in 30 days or less.

Remember, the time factor here. You are using consulting because the numbers don't work. The seller, however, needs to move the property within a specific time frame, so you have an additional option and a very good solution for him.

If the seller is not time motivated, you will not get a consultation immediately. Consulting might work later on, but she/he is going to want to think about it. When I cold call on these, I follow-up with a brochure, my phone call that they received the information, and that I will get back to them or they can call me if the traditional methods don't work for them. I always say to them, I just want them to know that there are other options for them to go with.

You have to give value in your consultations. If you don't have some kind of written material for them, which I strongly suggest, you will have to sit down with them, and do a lot of hand holding. This also limits you to only working with individuals in your immediate area, and as we mention in our manuals and e-books, consulting on the web is a dream, and can add substantially to your cash flow.

You also need to have a reasonable price structure. I know some people believe in charging a bundle for consultations (many of these individuals only work in areas e.g. CA they can get away with this; I'd like to see them try this in let's say Indiana, Kentucky, or some areas in the South); however keeping your pricing at a affordable level gets you more business, more referrals, and ultimately more money. Pricing is going to also be very dependent on the area you are working in.

I'd rather have five consultations per week than just one, because I then have five people that can refer me to their friends and colleagues.

What we do is offer several packages to sellers. The consultation is at a basic rate with 30, 60 and 90 day follow up periods. The price is commiserate with the follow-up periods.

So try consulting, it's another income stream for you, that is also a win-win-win situation for you, the seller and the tenant/buyer.

About The Author

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 17 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to our FREE "how to" Home Business Solutions Digest, it's like having your own personal coach: mailto:subscribeHBS@homebusinesssolutions.com

coaches@homebusinesssolutions.com

Posted by Editor at 04:58 PM

How To Create A Better Brochure

by: David Coyne

Having a quality brochure makes a positive impression on a potential customer. It gives the appearance that you re serious about your business.

And it may give you an advantage over competitors who don t use brochures.

Printing technology has made big advancements in the last decade, including high speed, high-resolution color photocopiers and laser printers.

This has reduced the need for using printing presses and allows you to print small quantities with less expense. If you re printing only a few hundred brochures, this is the way to go.

If you re printing in the thousands, you may find it more economical to use a printing press. Your per unit cost can drop significantly.

But print production, especially involving color, is a complex subject and ignorance can be costly.

The most important thing a business person should do is ask a lot of questions, says Phil Lewis of Vancouver s Generation Printing.

Many small businesses try to design their own brochures without consulting with a printer or graphic designer. They don t understand that what you see on your computer screen isn t necessarily what s going to be printed. Inevitably, we end up having to fix many of the customer s mistakes and charging for it. If they had consulted us before they started designing, we could ve saved them time and money.

With thirty years experience as a prepress production specialist and sales rep, Lewis has these suggestions when creating a brochure:

<Hire a graphic designer. It ll cost you more up front, but it ll give your brochure a more professional look and that gives your customers confidence. Shop around. Contact at least three designers and ask to see samples of their work. Get quotes and compare. >Know your market. Would a glossy, color brochure make that much difference to your target market? If you re selling financial services to wealthy investors, then appearance counts. But for most small businesses, it s not worth the extra cost.

<If you can t afford to hire a designer and are creating the brochure yourself, ask questions before you prepare a computer file for printing. Does the printer want the source file or a portable document file (pdf)? Do you need to include fonts and linked graphics? If you re going to create a pdf, be clear what options the printer wants you to select before creating it.

BROCHURE FORMAT Brochures come in a variety of sizes. Probably the most common format is called a slim jim. It s either a letter or legal sized sheet that s folded two or three times vertically. It s a popular format for small businesses because it can fit a display rack or be mailed in a standard number-10 business envelope.

MORE TIPS ON REDUCING YOUR PRINTING COSTS

<Don t include information that can get outdated quickly, such as prices. Instead consider creating a price sheet on your computer that you can quickly update, print from your desktop printer, and insert inside the brochure. That way you don t have to reprint your brochures every time you change prices.

<If your brochure can fit into the same envelope as your invoice or other material you mail to customers, stuff the brochure inside. You save on postage.

<I believe printed brochures are preferable to electronic versions. They re easier to read. However, if you think your prospects are computer savvy, you might consider putting a pdf version of your brochure on a diskette or CD. It s a novel and inexpensive way to distribute it.

If you re not sure how computer literate your target market is, then you should stick to a printed brochure.

You can also buy pre-designed brochures sheets for your desktop printer. You just add the text and graphics. Paperdirect.com has a good selection.

HOW TO GET BETTER CUSTOMER RESPONSE FROM YOUR BROCHURE

Here are some suggestions you should consider.

<Make sure your address, phone and fax numbers, website and e-mail are easy to find.

<Give your reader a reason to open the brochure. Start selling on the cover. And list the benefits your product or service offers.

<Use testimonials. Nothing helps sell a product or service better than reading comments from satisfied customers. (Be sure to get your customer s permission before quoting him.)

<Have a Frequently Asked Questions section. Your brochure should answer common questions a prospect is going to ask about your product or service. If your business does quotes, include a separate questionnaire that the prospect can fill out and fax to you.

<Include information that the prospect would find valuable. He s then more likely to keep the brochure longer. For example, you run a computer repair service, so you include in your brochure a small section called Ten Ways to Boost your Computer s Performance or Little Known Windows Shortcuts to Improve your Productivity.

<Tell the prospect what the next step he or she should take. Call for more information? Call for a free estimate?

Designing your own brochure will save you money. But I still think it s worth the expense to hire an experienced graphic designer. If you don t have a talent for design, your brochure will look amateurish and will reflect poorly on your business.

About The Author

Dave Coyne is a marketing consultant and information publisher. Get his FREE Report: How to Run A Home Based Business And Never Create A Product, Write An Ad, Or Talk To Anyone. Send an email with REF006 in the subject line to dcinfobiz@GetResponse.com

Posted by Editor at 04:58 PM

How We Eluded The Bear Of 2000

by: Ulli G. Niemann

The date October 13, 2000 will forever be embedded in my mind. It was the day after our mutual fund trend tracking indicator had broken its long-term trend line and I sold 100% of my clients invested positions (and my own) and moved the proceeds to the safety of money market accounts. Some people thought we were nuts, but I had come to trust the numbers.

The shake out in the stock market, which started in April 2000, had all major indexes coming off their highs, violently followed by just as strong rally attempts. The roller coaster ride was so extreme that even usually slow moving mutual funds behaved as erratically as tech stocks.

By October, the markets had settled into a definable downtrend, at least according to my indicators. We sat safely on the sidelines and watched the unfolding of what is now considered to be one of the worst bear markets in history.

By April 2001 the markets really had taken a dive, but Wall Street analysts, brokers and the financial press continued to harp on the great buying opportunity this presented. Buying on dips, dollar cost averaging and V type recovery were continuously hyped to the unsuspecting public.

By the end of the year, and after the tragic events of 911, the markets were even lower and people began to wake up to the fact that the investing rules of the 90s were no longer applicable. Stories of investors having lost in excess of 50% of their portfolio value were the norm.

Why bring this up now? To illustrate the point that I have continuously propounded throughout the 90s; that a methodical, objective approach with clearly defined Buy and Sell signals is a must for any investor.

To say it more bluntly: If you buy an investment and you don t have a clear strategy for taking profits if it goes your way, or taking a small loss if it goes against you, you are not investing; you are merely gambling.

The last 2-1/2 years clearly illustrate that it is as important to be out of the market during bad times, as it is to be in the market during good times. Want proof?

According to InvesTech s monthly newsletter it turns out that, measuring from 1928 to 2002, if you started with $10 and you followed the famous buy-and-hold strategy, that $10 would become $10,957.

If you somehow missed the best 30 months, your $10 would only be $154. However, if you managed to miss the 30 worst months, your $10 would be $1,317,803! Thus, my point: Missing the worst periods has profound impact on long-run compounding. There are times when you end up better off by being out of the market.

Interestingly enough, if you missed the 30 best months and the 30 worst months, your $10 would still be worth $18,558, which is 80% higher than the buy-and-hold strategy. This all comes about because stock prices generally go down faster than they go up.

Wall Street and most people tend to overlook the value of minimizing loss, and that is exactly why the bear demolished more than 50% of many peoples' portfolios while I and those who trusted my advice escaped the worst of the beast's rampage.

About The Author

Ulli Niemann is an investment advisor and has been writing about objective, methodical approaches to investing for over 10 years. He eluded the bear market of 2000 and has helped hundreds of people make better investment decisions. To find out more about his approach and his FREE Newsletter, please visit: www.successful-investment.com.

ulli@successful-investment.com

Posted by Editor at 04:58 PM

Are YOUR Toes Bruised?

by: Cathy Bryant

What a question! What's THAT supposed to mean?

I ask the question because so many people today who profess to be interested in operating their own business spend far too much time "tire-kicking."

While I would never underestimate the importance of exercising due diligence when investigating any type of business or income opportunity, there comes a time when you simply have to make a decision and act upon it.

Let's face it...no one business is right for everyone. We all have different interests, different abilities, different financial goals. But one thing's for certain...you'll never get off the ground if you sit on your hands!

Take my own experience, for instance. I started with an idea, a concept. I wanted to help others learn that with a little knowledge and a lot of sweat equity, anyone with the desire can earn an income from home.

This is not the first business I've operated from home; far from it. My first foray into the home-business scene was with a direct sales company called Discovery Toys. At that time it was in its infancy (as a matter of fact, I was the very first representative in my home state of Mississippi). For those of you not familiar with Discovery Toys, it markets educational toys and games through a variety of sales methods. It also provides an opportunity for residual income by building your own sales force. I chose to only do sales, and I did very well with it. Why? Not because I sat around wondering IF it would work; I just did it!

Another business I operated from home was as a tutor for young children whose parents wanted them to learn how to use a computer. I invested in a computer and software and marketed my business to day cares and preschools as an optional service to those parents willing to pay for it. Once again, I took a chance...and it paid off. But it didn't happen by accident, and it didn't happen overnight.

You can spend your time analyzing the daylights out of each and every venture, but I can assure you that if you do, at some point you'll convince yourself that it just won't work! And you know what? It WON'T work unless you are confident in your ability to succeed.

Here's another news flash...when you do start your own business, you're going to make some mistakes. If you're not willing to learn from those mistakes and use that knowledge to improve yourself and your business, then maybe you'd just better stay in that 9-to-5 job.

Operating your own business involves risk-taking and decision-making; no one can tell you exactly how to run your business. If you're looking for someone to answer every question for you, make every decision, and show you EXACTLY what to do every step of the way, you don't need to be in business for yourself.

Getting started is the hardest part, but once you do, don't look back. You'll get discouraged and want to give up, but you have to hang in there. The rewards are many.

Like...not having any more bruised toes!

About The Author

Cathy Bryant has been teaching others how to succeed in their own home businesses since the last century! Visit her website to learn about a wide variety of home-business options, and subscribe to her unique newsletter, the HomeBizJunction Herald. http://www.homebizjunction.com

Posted by Editor at 04:58 PM

Learned Any "Secrets" Lately?

by: Cathy Bryant

I mean, REAL secrets about business success - the ones that will make you rich?

You know as well as I that there really isn't any such thing as a secret - just a truth that you haven't discovered yet. (I read that somewhere and I don't know who said it - but it is profound).

The SECRET is - discover your own truths - the ones that will help grow your business. Use your imagination; it's amazing what the mind can conjure up if we slow down and listen to our natural intuition.

Having been in various businesses over the years, I have learned that opportunities exist everywhere! For example, just recently my daughter signed a lease on an apartment in her college town, only to discover two weeks before she was to move in that major repairs needed to be made. When we asked the landlord about it, he refused to do them - and also refused to let her out of the lease.

Naturally, that prompted good ol' mom to undertake a serious investigation of the options my daughter had to get out from under this lease so that she could find a more suitable place to live.

And guess what I discovered?

That this landlord had violated a federal statute when he failed to provide her with something he is required by law to give her when renting this particular type of rental unit.

But he didn't do it deliberately - he just wasn't familiar with the law. So if he wasn't familiar with it, how many OTHER landlords aren't?

See where I'm going here?

My research further revealed that only about 30% of landlords are complying with this regulation, even though the law has been in effect since 1996. And if it is discovered that they are not providing this information to lessees, they can be subject to substantial fines and penalties - up to $10,000 per violation.

So do you think they might spend $15-$20 on a packet that

informs them of this law,
provides information regarding compliance with the law, and
includes a copy of the form they are to provide tenants?

I think they might.

Just one example of how an everyday occurrence can put the germ of an idea in one's mind about another unique way to earn money.

Finding a need somewhere - no matter how obscure you may think it is - means that someone needs to fill it. Perhaps that someone could be you!

Don't be afraid to let your mind "wander." Although you may think it's a waste of time, daydreaming about business opportunities and ways to generate an income can bring to the surface ideas that may never occur to you otherwise.

And that's what being an entrepreneur is all about!

About The Author

Cathy Bryant has been marketing online since the last century!
Let her show you that an old dog CAN learn new tricks -
subscribe to her long-running newsletter, the HomeBizJuncton
Herald, and learn how you too can become successful from home.
http://www.homebizjunction.com

Posted by Editor at 04:58 PM

10 Tips To Overcome Your Fear Of Selling

by: Dr. Rachna D. Jain

Ahh. Selling. Sometimes, this is a word that is dreaded and feared by all but the most intrepid business owners. It seems that, even though we all know we need to "sell" our products and services, many of us feel fearful or anxious about actually doing so.

These 10 tips are designed to help you shift out of your fear, and into excitement, about sharing your product or service.

1) Know the source of your fear. This tip reminds us that it is necessary, first, to know what we're afraid of. Most often, fears of selling come in several forms. Either we worry about not being liked, or being perceived as pushy, we (secretly) worry that our product or service might not perform as we say, or we struggle with the idea of rejection. Knowing the source of your fear (sometimes it can be a combination) is an important part of overcoming your fear of selling.

2) Take action to address the source. In this way, you are taking action to overcome your fear. In some cases, this might mean that you improve your product or service (you can use customer feedback for this), or you can find ways to share your product/service in a way that feels more authentic and natural to you. You can also find ways to "bounce back" after rejection which is easier to do, by the way, if you don't take "no" personally.

3) Find enthusiasm for what you offer. One of the best techniques I've ever used to overcome my fear of selling has been to tap into my passion and enthusiasm for what I'm offering. I make a list of all the really wonderful benefits and successful outcomes of past customers. I hang this list nearby where I can see it everyday. Try this for yourself - your confidence will skyrocket.

4) Shift your perspective. How would it feel to think of yourself as "sharing information" about what you do? Or "showing benefits" or "sharing your passion?" If you feel uncomfortable or anxious about "selling"- find a way to shift your perspective to one of sharing information rather than "convincing someone to buy."

5) Start small. Very often, people tend to tackle projects much larger than they can comfortably handle. When you want to overcome your fear of selling, start small. Maybe you will share your new business with a few trusted friends first and then gradually find ways to expand your sharing to include a larger circle. The most successful business people are those who interact with others in an authentic, passionate way so find a way that feels comfortable with you and stay with it.

6) Keep track of your successes. Keep a "wins" or success journal nearby and record your achievements in it each day. This will help you stay aware of just how much you do right. We sometimes forget this.

7) Have fun with it. Rather than approaching this from a heavy "have to", "doesn't feel good" perspective find a fun, interesting way to share your knowledge or passion. Some of my clients have thrown parties, offered free giveaways, donated products/services to charities - all of these were easy, fun, and income generating. What would be fun for you?

8) Stay focused on your desired outcome. Most people take actions and reach their goals because they stay focused on the benefits of doing so. Sometimes, reminding yourself what you want, why you're doing this can help you take the next action and the next.

9) Detach from how the outcome shows up. Very often, we get really attached to "making the sale" or having a situation turn out a certain way. Instead, why not focus on efforts "I will give a great, enthusiastic, and passionate presentation" rather than outcome: "They will buy X number of this." Very often, if you stay focused on the effort - doing a great job- the outcome turns out better than you ever imagined.

10) Keep practicing. Like any other business skill, "selling" gets easier the more you do it. So get out there, start small, and keep practicing.

About The Author

Dr. Rachna D. Jain is a sales and marketing coach and Director of Operations for SalesCoachTraining.com. Sign up for her free email newsletter, "Sales & Marketing Secrets" To learn more or to contact Dr. Jain directly, please visit http://www.SalesandMarketingCoach.com

coach@salesandmarketingcoach.com

Posted by Editor at 04:58 PM

10 Ways To Work Through A Business Slowdown

by: Dr. Rachna D. Jain

In running any kind of business, it's inevitable that sometimes business will slow down. This might occur due to an upcoming holiday, seasonal variations, or uncontrollable circumstances. As a small-business owner, you have a choice in terms of how you view the slowdown - it can either be a time of increased stress, frustration, worry - or you can view it as an opportunity to upgrade your business processes or improve the quality of your life.

Here are ten strategies you can use to work through a business slowdown:

1) Market more concertedly. Statistics suggest that new businesses spend (or should spend) about 40-60% of time in marketing and related activities. If you are experiencing a business slowdown, it's always a good time to create and launch another marketing initiative. It is important to continue to promote your business creatively and cost-effectively. What better way to spend a slow period than in taking actions to attract new business? (Plus, taking action will keep worry or stress from overwhelming you.)

2) Relax. This strategy works if you are feeling good about your business and your accomplishments. Use this time to catch up on some sleep, read a few good books, in short, take some time off for rest and relaxation. Sometimes, time away can help spark creative ideas or profitable insights.

3) Get ahead. Use slow time to get ahead on weekly or monthly projects. Look ahead to future months and see if there are any steps you can take, today, that would position you more solidly in the future. This can help you feel more in control as the pace picks up again.

4) Invest in additional training/learning. A business slowdown is a great time to upgrade your knowledge and skills, you have the time and the incentive. Take classes, learn more about your industry, become even more valuable to your customers by adding new products or services based on your new knowledge.

5) Follow up with old/existing customers. Most small businesses focus more on getting new customers rather than retaining old ones. A business slow down is a great time to get back in touch with your customer base to find out what needs they have, to remind them of your service, or to offer them special discounts for reactivating their accounts. It's always easier to sell to someone who has bought from you before - so make the extra effort to stay in touch.

6) Offer free samples or giveaways. If your business needs to attract new prospects, use the "slow time" to offer free samples, hold contests, or offer giveaways to bring new energy and potential customers to your door.

7) Plan. Take time to review your progress so far, checking it against your goals, and making any necessary adjustments. Use "slow time" to plan for how you'll tackle new projects, or expand your business or offerings. This can be really fun.

8) Relate. Use this time to add a little extra to the "bank account" of your important relationships. Spend more time with your spouse, significant other, child, or friends. Put some extra kindnesses into your close relationships - you'll have more to "withdraw" when you need it.

9) Network/socialize. Use "slow time" to get out and meet more people to talk about what you offer, learn what they need, help them connect with appropriate resources. Take this time to increase your contact base, and to attend meetings or events you might not usually have time for. An added bonus to this tip is that you might perceive new trends in your industry which can help you guide your business.

10) Upgrade equipment or processes. During a business "slow down", it's a great time to find easier, more efficient, and better ways of running your business. You might upgrade equipment so you can serve customers more effectively. You might automate parts of your sales process, or invest in additional training for your staff. You might use this time to make sure you are in compliance with all the relevant state laws, or to paint your office space.

While occasional business slowdowns might be inevitable, these strategies ensure that you're making the best use of the downtime - allowing you to attract and keep your ideal customers.

About The Author

Posted by Editor at 04:58 PM

Managing Performance Every Day

by: Lora J Adrianse

The scenario

The company has decided it needs to eliminate costs. Hundreds of jobs are on the line. The executives of each division have been directed to cut costs by 35%. The tension throughout the company is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You know some departments will be totally eliminated because the work can be outsourced to save money.

You are a manager with over 20 years of seniority and you know your department is NOT being eliminated. You breathe a sigh of relief; after all, you do have personal ties to the owners. You show up for a weekly meeting with your boss, and he catches you off guard your job has been eliminated. Your world changes in an instant! You don't understand! Your performance reviews have been good for 20+ years! You've done your job! Nobody has ever told you that you're NOT doing a good job! The shock consumes you in the months to come as you try to make sense of it all.

(What you don't know is that you have long had a reputation of someone who is extremely difficult to work with. Your many internal customers have complained about you all along. You shrugged off the complaints, and your boss chose not to deal with it or reflect it in your performance reviews.)

This scenario is in fact real! Unfortunately, corporations dealt with the same scenario (with a few details changed) over and over again. The lesson learned here "Inadequate performance management systems" damage individuals and companies.

For the past few years' companies have furiously worked to upgrade the effectiveness of their performance management systems. They are establishing core competencies, identifying performance objectives and measures, and even talking about ongoing coaching.

A 2002 study by Mercer Human Resource Consulting reveals that ongoing coaching is still in short supply! The data indicates that 78% of employees surveyed said their managers routinely conduct annual performance reviews. It also indicated that 26% said managers routinely provide ongoing performance feedback and coaching.

Reality Check

Could you be blindsided by a scenario similar to the one mentioned earlier?

My personal belief is that managers (at all levels) don't give feedback or coach on an ongoing basis because they don't know how.

Today, there are a multitude of training programs and support systems for managers who really want to learn to coach on an ongoing basis. They can get their own coach or they can attend a workshop like "The Coaching Clinic ". More info can be found at www.connectionscoach.com.

In the meantime, here are three ways you can begin to manage performance every day through coaching:

Acknowledgement

Make time to acknowledge contributions. Give credit where credit is due. Challenge them to play a bigger game. Inspire them to give the performance of a lifetime.

Development

Partner with them on projects. Do more asking versus telling. Become genuinely curious in their ideas and concepts. Give them the lead role. Support them when they stumble. Encourage them to get up and try again.

Provide Feedback

Be specific about what exactly makes the difference. Teach them how they can make a difference (do more, do less, keep doing). Incorporate "lessons learned" discussions into every project.

If your company is one that says, "Our employees are our greatest assets", now is the time to walk the talk. By providing ongoing coaching, you'll be managing performance every day. And most of all, your employees will feel like they are your greatest assets.

About The Author

Lora J Adrianse is the owner of Essential Connections. She is a Coach, Consultant and Facilitator who specializes in the development managers and business owners. She recently left a long-term corporate career to focus on her passion for helping others bring out the best in themselves through the use of Emotional Intelligence. She can be reached through her website www.connectionscoach.com.

coach@connectionscoach.com

Posted by Editor at 04:58 PM

The 6 Stages of Modern Career Development

by: Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed.

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

In the Assessment Stage, you are getting ready for your life s work. This stage is characterized by unawareness, in that you are not sure what your values, strengths, and weaknesses are. You start to feel like you want to know more about yourself and make a conscious effort to get in touch with who you really are.

Key characteristics:

Taking assessment instruments
Working with a career counselor or career coach

In the Investigation Stage, you are researching what work exists in the world. This stage is characterized by feelings of confusion, in that you are not sure what career options exist for you. You may feel overwhelmed with all of the different jobs and opportunities that exist as you begin the process of researching the modern world of work. But if you approach this stage with a positive frame of mind, you will find that you will learn about many possibilities you may have never considered.

Key characteristics:

Researching the world of work
Conducting informational interviews with people in your chosen field

In the Preparation Stage, you are still getting ready to do your life s work. This stage is characterized by feelings of excitement, as you think of how wonderful it will be to perform meaningful work. However, there is still much work to be done, and in order to be successful, you have to be prepared.

Key characteristics:

Gaining knowledge and experience
Setting goals and adopting a success-oriented mind-set

In the Commitment Stage, you will feel confident, in that you have figured out what you are meant to do. Sometimes people have known all along what they were meant to do, but were not able to commit to the process of making it happen, for whatever reason. At this stage, more than ever, you must focus your energy and keep your eye on the target.

Key characteristics:

Conducting a job search
Negotiating and accepting a job offer

In the Retention Stage, you will feel comfortable in your career field, as you will now have figured out how things work in your industry. You will want to remain committed to your career by continually updating your skill set and staying current with industry standards.

Key characteristics:

Providing first-class customer service skills
Building a professional network

The Transition Stage is characterized by feelings of discomfort, in that you are unsure of what you will be doing next (and/or if you will be happy). In this stage, you will learn to make conscious changes in your career direction.

Key characteristics:

Making career changes
Developing resiliency

No matter what career stage you find yourself in now, you can be sure that you will enter and re-enter through these six stages many times though out your lifetime.

***This article is adapted from the book, Get Smart! About Modern Career Development: A Personal Guide to Creating Your Life s Work by Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed.

About The Author

Michelle L. Casto is a whole life coach, speaker, and author of Get Smart! About Modern Romantic Relationships, Get Smart! About Modern Career Development, and Get Smart! About Modern Stress Management. Her coaching practice is Brightlight Coaching, she helps people come up with bright ideas for their life and empowers them to freely shine their bright light to the world. Contact her for a free 30 minute coaching session: www.getsmartseries.com and www.brightlightcoach.com

coach@getsmartseries.com

Posted by Editor at 04:58 PM

Reaping The Amazing Benefits of Writing E-zine Articles

by: Bonnie Jo Davis

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

1) Article creation and submission is a totally free marketing method! The only cost is a few hours of your time to write an article and offer it for publication.

2) Well written articles position the author as an expert while increasing credibility and educating readers about their business, services and products. Many internet gurus started their careers by writing and publishing articles on the internet.

3) Article authors are granted a by-line with each article that will allow readers to click through to a web site where they can be converted to e-zine subscribers for paying customers.

4) A good article can be used over and over again when customized for different audiences thereby reducing the need for you to write new articles as often.

5) Many publications will archive your article on their web site giving you a lasting method of promotion.

6) Writing and submitting articles will help you obtain incoming links to your web site. These are not link farm quality links these are the highest quality links available and they affect your search engine rankings accordingly

7) Your article can be published on your web site, optimized for search engines and submitted accordingly in order to increase your search engine traffic.

8) The more articles you write and publish on your web site the longer your visitors will stay and explore your site.

9) You can use your published articles to reach potential affiliates or joint venture partners who will, in turn, promote your business for you.

10) In addition to promoting your business, services and products you can write articles to promote your favorite affiliate program to supplement your income.

Even if you have little writing talent you can hire a ghostwriter to create an effective, informative article using your byline and then you can use that article to bring in more visitors to your web site, more subscribers to your newsletter and more paying customers to your business. The key is understanding that a well-written, entertaining and informational article is worth more than a paid advertisement in any publication. As

your marketing budget grows you can add emphasis to your article by purchasing a small e-zine ad in the publication for the same date your article will be published.

Writing and submitting articles is a free promotion tool, but it does take time. It will take several hours to submit an article to every available submission site and it can take six to eight weeks for publication. However, once your article is published it will create a long lasting stream of targeted visitors to your site that no other promotion method can accomplish. With each subsequent submission the process will be faster and easier.

The author grants reprint permission to all venues so long as the copyright and by-line are included intact.

About The Author

Bonnie Jo Davis is an experienced shoestring marketer who has handled article submission projects for herself and her clients for over eight years. For more information about article submission and a free excerpt of her new e-book Articles That Sell visit http://www.ArticlesThatSell.com

Posted by Editor at 04:58 PM