Words are a powerful tool that many people take for granted. But in the business world using the right words when addressing certain groups of people can not only help you to build your brand, it can also help to increase your sales as well. If you need an example just look at the internet. Google Adwords, and SEO are perfect tools and examples of the true power of words. Both when used correctly can increase your sales and traffic to your site at the same time. That’s why I recommend learning as much as you can about them if you want to implement them into your sales and marketing plans.
There are so many ways to make money using words so why then do people fall for the old make millions of dollars while sitting on the couch eating chips scam? Or the latest “free report” that turns out to be nothing more than a sales page created to capture your email address and your money at the same time. Why do these type of schemes even work? Simple because of what I like to call a power word. The word is free!! There are always those looking for a shortcut when it comes to making money. The fact is most if not all of these so called “gurus” who claim to know the secret or trick to making money are doing nothing more than trying to make money themselves. The programs, ebooks, and membership programs they offer are usually just things originally sold to them.
They do nothing more than just add their name to the material and offer it to the next guy while trying to make a profit. But don’t take my word for it. The next time you are sent an offer from one of these money making masters ask them to prove that they in fact make most of their money from the information they offer and not from selling info-products. I will bet that over 50% of their profits come from the sale of what are known as info-products (ebooks, software, and membership programs). To further prove my point ask yourself this question, Why would you waste time creating a program or ebook when you are making thousands of dollars a month? You wouldn’t would you? You would be to busy making money and enjoying being financially secure and debt free.
Time and time again these people target the same groups of people with the same promise of quick and easy wealth. That is why I have started using my own power word also known as Truth! My definition of the word is to tell or speak to others things that are factual and have been proven or can be proven. This basically means that if I promise you that you can make money by joining an affiliate program or by reading an ebook you should be able to right?
Well the truth is when you buy many of these programs they leave out many important details such as the cost of buying list building software, website hosting fees, or even monthly fees to a special club that is the main key to the whole system. When you first buy the program you are given a 30 day free trial. That means if you fail to pay the monthly fee after that then you are out of luck. Of course by that time your 30 day money back guarantee just happens to run out as well. So you are now stuck with either trying to make the system work by paying the monthly fee or just taking a loss and moving on to the next thing. What many people fail to understand is that while knowledge is important it means nothing if you are not willing to put it into action. When you buy one of these programs you are only taking the first step. You must be willing to follow the instructions given to you and put in the time and effort necessary to make the plan work. Contrary to what others may say, nothing in life is free.
At least anything worth having that is! So in conclusion I have shown how words can have certain power over the way we think and what we buy. As an entrepreneur it is important to understand how to choose the right words when creating your own advertising and marketing campaigns. Your word as a businessman or woman is what will gain the trust of your customers. Be honest about who you are and what you have to offer. People are always looking out for those who are trying to cheat them these days so all it takes is a few angry customers to destroy your business. As a small business owner you may feel weak when it comes to competing with larger companies, but with the right words you can show your company has power of it’s own!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
SEO- What is it and how does it work?
Let's face it, with so many websites out there it can be extremely difficult to cut through all the clutter and bring in customers. (SEO) which stands for search engine optimization, can be just the the tool to help. When used properly it can improve your search rankings so that your website shows up more often in search results on Google,Yahoo, and other search engines. SEO is all about attracting quality leads and buyers who are ready to make a purchase. To help you understand how it all works here are a few tips for getting the most out of SEO.
Tip#1
Start early: It can take up to six months for competitive search terms to see results in Google.
Tip#2
Content is king: Make a list of the top 20 keywords relevant to your business and create content that includes one or more of these words. For example if you own a used clothing store then you would use keywords liked low-cost clothing, vintage clothing, or second hand clothing. These keywords can be found using Google's free keyword tool at www.google.com/keywords. Just using the keywords second hand clothing instead of secondhand clothing will put your site in front of 250,000 more potential customers according to the search traffic recorded on Google. If you do not believe me then look for yourself. Go to the site I mentioned and type in the key words and you will see the difference in traffic for the two. Now does this mean that you will get a ton of sales? Maybe or maybe not. It just depends on if you have what the customer is looking for. But by making sure that your site is set up to target certain people you will find that more people will visit your site and may even buy something. After all sales is all about volume. The more people you can reach the better chance you have for selling them something!
Tip# 3
Don't use the same keywords over and over: Many might ask why not use the same keywords if they work for me? While there is nothing wrong with using a certain keyword for a while it is always best to change your keywords about every 6 months or less just depending on how well they are working for you. The reason for this is because some times even though you have added a popular keyword like business or money it does not mean you will recive the amount of traffic you expect. The real trick to SEO is to identify what your target audience wants and how you can provide them with it. If you want to start a business that sells computers then you need to make sure you are in tune with your customers needs. You can do this by using keywords like laptop computers or affordable desktop computers. What this does is allow you to target certain people who maybe looking for cheaper computers than they can find at their local retail store. How do you know this? Simple you can tell by how many clicks you recive for each keyword then either choose a different one or keep using the same keyword if it meets your traffic and click through requirments.
Just remember the old saying work smarter not harder. Time is money and no matter how many hours you try to work in a day you will never get rich unless you have some kind of leverage. Trading your time for money does not work because there are only so many hours in a day which means there is a limit to the amount of money you can make. By using SEO correctly you can create websites or blogs that will work for you non stop 24/7. This will allow you to focus on adding new products and making more money. Don't let others make huge amounts of money while you struggle to make a few dollars! Use knowlege to level the playing field and earn what you deserve.
Tip#1
Start early: It can take up to six months for competitive search terms to see results in Google.
Tip#2
Content is king: Make a list of the top 20 keywords relevant to your business and create content that includes one or more of these words. For example if you own a used clothing store then you would use keywords liked low-cost clothing, vintage clothing, or second hand clothing. These keywords can be found using Google's free keyword tool at www.google.com/keywords. Just using the keywords second hand clothing instead of secondhand clothing will put your site in front of 250,000 more potential customers according to the search traffic recorded on Google. If you do not believe me then look for yourself. Go to the site I mentioned and type in the key words and you will see the difference in traffic for the two. Now does this mean that you will get a ton of sales? Maybe or maybe not. It just depends on if you have what the customer is looking for. But by making sure that your site is set up to target certain people you will find that more people will visit your site and may even buy something. After all sales is all about volume. The more people you can reach the better chance you have for selling them something!
Tip# 3
Don't use the same keywords over and over: Many might ask why not use the same keywords if they work for me? While there is nothing wrong with using a certain keyword for a while it is always best to change your keywords about every 6 months or less just depending on how well they are working for you. The reason for this is because some times even though you have added a popular keyword like business or money it does not mean you will recive the amount of traffic you expect. The real trick to SEO is to identify what your target audience wants and how you can provide them with it. If you want to start a business that sells computers then you need to make sure you are in tune with your customers needs. You can do this by using keywords like laptop computers or affordable desktop computers. What this does is allow you to target certain people who maybe looking for cheaper computers than they can find at their local retail store. How do you know this? Simple you can tell by how many clicks you recive for each keyword then either choose a different one or keep using the same keyword if it meets your traffic and click through requirments.
Just remember the old saying work smarter not harder. Time is money and no matter how many hours you try to work in a day you will never get rich unless you have some kind of leverage. Trading your time for money does not work because there are only so many hours in a day which means there is a limit to the amount of money you can make. By using SEO correctly you can create websites or blogs that will work for you non stop 24/7. This will allow you to focus on adding new products and making more money. Don't let others make huge amounts of money while you struggle to make a few dollars! Use knowlege to level the playing field and earn what you deserve.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Making money online- The truth Exposed (Funding)
This is the second post in my series titled Making money online- The truth Exposed. In this post I would like to discuss the truth behind some of the most common lies being told when it comes to making money online. To often people are told it is simple to make money online if they copy what everyone else is doing. But what worked for one person will not always have the same outcome for everyone else. What is often left out of these heart warming tales are the daily struggles and the overall effort that come with running a business. Many would have you believe that they had a idea, magically came up with the funding needed, and off they went. But for the rest of us the funding process is a slow and involves writing a detailed business plan and many soul crushing trips to meet with bankers who have no intention of loaning you a dime. Then there is the all to often heard story about how the government has billions of dollars in free money grants that anyone can get if they know how to apply for them. While this one is not a total lie, it is only half of the story. The truth is while there are grants available, they are mostly for people who have an established business in a certain field such as health care or technology. Yes there is money for people who want to start a business but, it is not as simple as writing a letter and sending it to a government office and waiting for a check in the mail. Many companies claim to have a "system" or program that will allow you to obtain thousands to fund any idea that pops into your mind, but all you get for their usally high fee is a outdated list of government offices that no longer exist or web addresses and phone numbers that no longer work. Let me save you some time and money with a word of wisdom. Want to start a business? Then save your money and invest in your idea. Seriously take any extra money you have and put it into a savings account or account that allows you to gain some kind of profit. Hold a bake sale, take a extra job, cutback on your expenses ( booze, cigarettes, going to the movies). The point is invest in yourself and others will see your effort and will be more willing to fund your business if they see you have something to offer other than just another million dollar idea.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Making money online- How looking in the right places can make you rich!!
Lately I have received many emails from those who are desperately looking for ways to make money online. They say things like how do I get started when I have little or no money? For them and others out there who are asking the same question I say this. While it is true that you can make money online there are many rumors and false claims being spread around. So I have decided to clear a few of them up so that you my loyal readers and fellow entrepreneurs will finally know the truth. Understand that I speak only from experience as I have been in business for myself for over ten years and have seen many scams come and go. Now when people think of making money online they think all they have to do is create a blog or website and the checks will start rolling in.
Wrong!! As with anything in life, you only get out of your business what you are willing to put into it. I say willing because I often hear people shouting out fantastic claims of how they "discovered" the fastest, easiest method to making money overnight. The way they tell it you can sit on your couch and eat chips while money just pours into your account. This is a total lie! I say it is time to wake up from the dream world and live in a little place called reality. Repeat after me, "I can not get rich for doing nothing"! Say this to yourself ten times slowly taking time to think about what you are saying. By the ninth time it should be burned into your subconscious. Understand that these schemers are looking to cheat you out of every dollar you have or can borrow. They will distort the truth, change their story even when it is in writing, and will flat out lie to your face if they have to. After all they are using your money to finance their dreams of fancy cars and tropical vacations. One of the most common type of scams is the modern infomercial.
They were originally created as a way for people to sell their products to the masses in a way that allowed them to reach millions of potential customers in only half an hour. But over the years many companies have done away with the smiling faced pitchmen with the funny accent. They now hire out of work actors and news broadcasters to conduct fake interviews and even portray themselves as doctors or experts. It seems like in that 30 minutes they not only try to convince you that you have a problem , but that they are the only ones with the solution. If you have never seen one of these mini spectacles do a search on You tube and see for yourself (LOL). My point is they make everything look so easy until you give them your money. Then you find out that they left out certain details which result in you having to pay them even more money. But the funny thing is that if you examine many of this programs you will notice the information they offer can be found in phone books, libraries, or online if a person was willing take the time and do a little research. Take the question of how do you make money on EBay foe example. To find the answer why not go to the source?
The EBay website offers several videos, articles, and even a newsletter that explains how to get started and even free resources that you can use to build your business. So if all this is being offered for free why do people continue to purchase books, attend overpriced workshops, and throw away thousands of dollars on memberships that do nothing to bring in any real money? Simple it is because people are always looking for a shortcut to wealth. They figure that if someone else is making thousands of dollars per month then they should be able to do the same. The problem with this kind of thinking is that many lack the discipline it takes to create and run a successful business. For most people if they do not see money coming in right away then they get discouraged and move on to the next get rich while sitting on your couch scheme. It can be a costly addiction not unlike a person with a drinking or drug problem. They are always looking for something that offers all the rewards and none of the work.
Don't be like them! Understand that while you have to work for what you want in life it does not have to mean long hours for little or no money. Take the time to learn as much as you can. Then use that knowlege to make as much money as you can. Then someday maybe someone will come up to you and ask what your secret is. You can then look them right in the face and say you just have to know were to look!
Wrong!! As with anything in life, you only get out of your business what you are willing to put into it. I say willing because I often hear people shouting out fantastic claims of how they "discovered" the fastest, easiest method to making money overnight. The way they tell it you can sit on your couch and eat chips while money just pours into your account. This is a total lie! I say it is time to wake up from the dream world and live in a little place called reality. Repeat after me, "I can not get rich for doing nothing"! Say this to yourself ten times slowly taking time to think about what you are saying. By the ninth time it should be burned into your subconscious. Understand that these schemers are looking to cheat you out of every dollar you have or can borrow. They will distort the truth, change their story even when it is in writing, and will flat out lie to your face if they have to. After all they are using your money to finance their dreams of fancy cars and tropical vacations. One of the most common type of scams is the modern infomercial.
They were originally created as a way for people to sell their products to the masses in a way that allowed them to reach millions of potential customers in only half an hour. But over the years many companies have done away with the smiling faced pitchmen with the funny accent. They now hire out of work actors and news broadcasters to conduct fake interviews and even portray themselves as doctors or experts. It seems like in that 30 minutes they not only try to convince you that you have a problem , but that they are the only ones with the solution. If you have never seen one of these mini spectacles do a search on You tube and see for yourself (LOL). My point is they make everything look so easy until you give them your money. Then you find out that they left out certain details which result in you having to pay them even more money. But the funny thing is that if you examine many of this programs you will notice the information they offer can be found in phone books, libraries, or online if a person was willing take the time and do a little research. Take the question of how do you make money on EBay foe example. To find the answer why not go to the source?
The EBay website offers several videos, articles, and even a newsletter that explains how to get started and even free resources that you can use to build your business. So if all this is being offered for free why do people continue to purchase books, attend overpriced workshops, and throw away thousands of dollars on memberships that do nothing to bring in any real money? Simple it is because people are always looking for a shortcut to wealth. They figure that if someone else is making thousands of dollars per month then they should be able to do the same. The problem with this kind of thinking is that many lack the discipline it takes to create and run a successful business. For most people if they do not see money coming in right away then they get discouraged and move on to the next get rich while sitting on your couch scheme. It can be a costly addiction not unlike a person with a drinking or drug problem. They are always looking for something that offers all the rewards and none of the work.
Don't be like them! Understand that while you have to work for what you want in life it does not have to mean long hours for little or no money. Take the time to learn as much as you can. Then use that knowlege to make as much money as you can. Then someday maybe someone will come up to you and ask what your secret is. You can then look them right in the face and say you just have to know were to look!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Service Excellence
Service Excellence is the term I use when I think about customer service. The old saying goes " The customer is always right" but things have really changed over the years. These days the people providing a service seem to forget that without their customers they would not have a business, or a job. It seems like everyone from the low paid customer service rep who takes an average of around 60 to 100 calls a day, to business owners, seems to be more focused on making money and less on what a customer really wants. The image of an angry, misinformed, sometimes even down right nasty person who is looking for somebody to yell at, is the new image of what a customer has become. They are now thought of as things that should be ignored, or in some cases deceived in order to bring in more profits. This is not some rare instance or test case but a industry wide cancer that has effected every aspect of our world economy. Need proof? Then look at companies like Enron, Worldcom, Tyco, and of course the one man show Bernie Madoff. What do they all have in common? I would have to say besides ongoing fraud investigations, a lack of respect for their customers and a total disregard for the needs of others.
Like what you have just finished reading then come back next week or subscribe to my blog feed so you do not miss out on any of my new articles on advertising and improving your sales.
Like what you have just finished reading then come back next week or subscribe to my blog feed so you do not miss out on any of my new articles on advertising and improving your sales.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Choosing the Perfect Company Name
As the old saying goes, What is in a name? Meaning what does a name mean to you when you hear it? Is it good taste, strength, or dependability? A name can convey all these things and more but it all starts with choosing one that fits your business. What you call your business -- or your product -- can make a big difference in terms of how the marketplace responds to you. Should you have a family name like Smucker's, a serious name like Econoline, a "meaningless" name like Xerox? Or, should you simply go for good placement in the yellow pages and call your company A.A.A.A. Services?
To effectively name your business, you first need to firmly establish what business you're in. Be cautious though. You don't want to limit opportunities for future growth by being too specific about your company's purpose. For example, suppose you're starting a new business that specializes in lawn care services. You decide to name your company "Lenny's Lawn Care." Now suppose that a few years down the road you wish to expand and offer corporate plant care services. "Lenny's Lawn Care" is no longer a very apt name for your company. It's not a name that would attract the new type of clientele you seek.
Consider the long-term potential of your company and the ways in which your company might grow. Once you've established a name it can be difficult to change that name to provide a new direction -- and costly in terms of the lost recognition you've established for your original name.Is It Narrow Enough? A caveat is in order here though. Don't be so broad with your business name that you fail to establish a market niche for your services. In today's specialized marketplace, the companies that are most successful are those that cater to specific market segments -- and identify, through their company name, the segment that they serve. Your name should be specific enough that it clearly conveys to potential customers that, "yes, this is the company I'm looking for."For example, if you own and operate a boutique, you don't want to simply name the business "Bev's Boutique." You want a name that will indicate to customers the types of products you sell. A name like, "Bev's Botanicals" might be appropriate if you specialized in dried floral arrangements -- and would allow you the option of expanding into other plant-related services, or even the sale of scents or potpourris.
Narrow names can also be effective when you're certain of the niche you wish to serve and confident that you will not want to expand beyond that niche. Consider, for instance, the well-known names of some narrowly-defined restaurant chains: Pizza Hut, and Kentucky Fried Chicken (more on this one later). They've defined their specialty and, as consumers, we know that if we want pizza we go to Pizza Hut -- not Kentucky Fried Chicken (or vice versa). How Does It Sound? The name you choose for your company will be used in a number of ways. It will be used in print -- on your store front sign, billboard, in print advertising, on your letterhead, etc. It may be used verbally in radio or television advertising. It will certainly be used verbally in word-of-mouth exchanges between potential customers or clients. How your name sounds is a critical consideration, even if you never plan to use radio or television to advertise your wares.
When we read, we "hear" in our minds the word we're reading and we respond most to names that "sound" good. Many small businesses decide to use their family name as part of the company moniker. This is often done for ego gratification purposes. Nevertheless, it's not a tremendous downfall -- unless that name is difficult to pronounce or "ill-sounding." For example, a name like "Pfefferneuse, Inc." would be a mouthful. How would customers refer you to their acquaintances if they could barely pronounce the name. Strange sounding or off-putting names can be problematic as well.
Is It Memorable? How do you know when your name will be memorable? Simple, Understand that in order for something to be memorable it has to relate back to the products or services you offer and assuring that your business name clearly reflects the business you're in. A name like "Toys R Us" is memorable -- and appropriate to the product sold. So is a name like "Computerland."Simple names can often be more memorable than more complex, or clever, titles. Don't try to be too "cute" -- or too unique. Use the KISS principle; keep it short and simple.
There are some practical that also come into play when considering a business name. Considerations such as how the name will look on a letterhead, or what type of logo could be designed incorporating your business name. Don't "carve the corporate name in stone" before you've taken the time to consult with a graphic designer. Also, choose a logo or design that will look as good in a black and white newspaper ad as it will in a color layout. The designer will be able to tell you if the name you've selected will lend itself to various layout applications -- signage, letterhead, etc.
If you can't afford an established graphic designer, consider working with a student at a local art or design school. They'll likely be willing to create the design in exchange for using it in their portfolio.Is It Lasting? We certainly can't predict the future, but give some consideration to the longevity of the name you select. Kentucky Fried Chicken recently went through a modification of their name to position their product for a growing society of health conscious consumers.
They've changed the name to simply "KFC" which, long term, may shift some awareness of the fact that the chicken is fried -- for consumers today, however, that acronym still means "Kentucky FRIED Chicken." Try to be somewhat forward-thinking as you name your business, considering the changing climate we're in, and emerging consumer issues. Avoid names that could be controversial, or which may have negative connotations. Let's take a look at an example -- a business that provides communication services for medical personnel, specializing in the development of newsletters for clients. The company decides to name itself "MedLines."
MedLines" suggests information (lines) concerning medicaltopics. If the business has truly chosen the medical profession as its niche, this name will be broad enough to deal with many areas of the medical profession -- from general health services, to HMOs, encompassing any number of medical specialties.
However, if the company were to expand into other areas of communication -- video, for example -- the term "lines" could create some concerns. It doesn't suggest a visual approach to communication and may also limit the company from successfully expanding into electronic communications.
Narrow enough? Implying a specific niche in a business title is appropriate. This business name clearly suggests that the company is specializing in information for audiences concerned with medical topics.
How does it sound?" MedLines" is easy to say, short and to the point.
Is it memorable?" MedLines" would be a memorable name for a communications firm -- it's specific, clearly identifiable, and related to the service provided.
Is it easy to use? This name is short enough to lend itself to creative use ina logo, or business sign. In addition, the name would be listed in the yellow pages near other medical services, an important consideration for this type of company.
Is it lasting? A name such as "MedLines" would appear to be a lasting name for a business, with no short-term controversy apparent.
Additional Considerations:
Don't name your business in a vacuum. Involve a number of people in the process. Ask friends, acquaintances, business colleagues, and members of your professional network for their reactions to the name or names you've selected for consideration. Avoid legal problems. Obviously you can't open a hamburger stand and call it "McDonald's" -- even if that's your family name. Before you hang your business sign, be sure that you've chosen a name that does not duplicate any other existing company name -- or that comes too close to another name. Some easy ways to check for this are the yellow pages, the local library, or an attorney who can help you conduct a name search.
This is particularly important if you're planning to trademark your name. Remember, you want your business name to be uninfringeable as well!
Finally once you've chosen a name, stick with it. If you constantly change your mind -- and your business name -- you'll lose any name recognition that you've established. Take the time to choose a name you can live with, a name that will be memorable and meaningful.
To effectively name your business, you first need to firmly establish what business you're in. Be cautious though. You don't want to limit opportunities for future growth by being too specific about your company's purpose. For example, suppose you're starting a new business that specializes in lawn care services. You decide to name your company "Lenny's Lawn Care." Now suppose that a few years down the road you wish to expand and offer corporate plant care services. "Lenny's Lawn Care" is no longer a very apt name for your company. It's not a name that would attract the new type of clientele you seek.
Consider the long-term potential of your company and the ways in which your company might grow. Once you've established a name it can be difficult to change that name to provide a new direction -- and costly in terms of the lost recognition you've established for your original name.Is It Narrow Enough? A caveat is in order here though. Don't be so broad with your business name that you fail to establish a market niche for your services. In today's specialized marketplace, the companies that are most successful are those that cater to specific market segments -- and identify, through their company name, the segment that they serve. Your name should be specific enough that it clearly conveys to potential customers that, "yes, this is the company I'm looking for."For example, if you own and operate a boutique, you don't want to simply name the business "Bev's Boutique." You want a name that will indicate to customers the types of products you sell. A name like, "Bev's Botanicals" might be appropriate if you specialized in dried floral arrangements -- and would allow you the option of expanding into other plant-related services, or even the sale of scents or potpourris.
Narrow names can also be effective when you're certain of the niche you wish to serve and confident that you will not want to expand beyond that niche. Consider, for instance, the well-known names of some narrowly-defined restaurant chains: Pizza Hut, and Kentucky Fried Chicken (more on this one later). They've defined their specialty and, as consumers, we know that if we want pizza we go to Pizza Hut -- not Kentucky Fried Chicken (or vice versa). How Does It Sound? The name you choose for your company will be used in a number of ways. It will be used in print -- on your store front sign, billboard, in print advertising, on your letterhead, etc. It may be used verbally in radio or television advertising. It will certainly be used verbally in word-of-mouth exchanges between potential customers or clients. How your name sounds is a critical consideration, even if you never plan to use radio or television to advertise your wares.
When we read, we "hear" in our minds the word we're reading and we respond most to names that "sound" good. Many small businesses decide to use their family name as part of the company moniker. This is often done for ego gratification purposes. Nevertheless, it's not a tremendous downfall -- unless that name is difficult to pronounce or "ill-sounding." For example, a name like "Pfefferneuse, Inc." would be a mouthful. How would customers refer you to their acquaintances if they could barely pronounce the name. Strange sounding or off-putting names can be problematic as well.
Is It Memorable? How do you know when your name will be memorable? Simple, Understand that in order for something to be memorable it has to relate back to the products or services you offer and assuring that your business name clearly reflects the business you're in. A name like "Toys R Us" is memorable -- and appropriate to the product sold. So is a name like "Computerland."Simple names can often be more memorable than more complex, or clever, titles. Don't try to be too "cute" -- or too unique. Use the KISS principle; keep it short and simple.
There are some practical that also come into play when considering a business name. Considerations such as how the name will look on a letterhead, or what type of logo could be designed incorporating your business name. Don't "carve the corporate name in stone" before you've taken the time to consult with a graphic designer. Also, choose a logo or design that will look as good in a black and white newspaper ad as it will in a color layout. The designer will be able to tell you if the name you've selected will lend itself to various layout applications -- signage, letterhead, etc.
If you can't afford an established graphic designer, consider working with a student at a local art or design school. They'll likely be willing to create the design in exchange for using it in their portfolio.Is It Lasting? We certainly can't predict the future, but give some consideration to the longevity of the name you select. Kentucky Fried Chicken recently went through a modification of their name to position their product for a growing society of health conscious consumers.
They've changed the name to simply "KFC" which, long term, may shift some awareness of the fact that the chicken is fried -- for consumers today, however, that acronym still means "Kentucky FRIED Chicken." Try to be somewhat forward-thinking as you name your business, considering the changing climate we're in, and emerging consumer issues. Avoid names that could be controversial, or which may have negative connotations. Let's take a look at an example -- a business that provides communication services for medical personnel, specializing in the development of newsletters for clients. The company decides to name itself "MedLines."
MedLines" suggests information (lines) concerning medicaltopics. If the business has truly chosen the medical profession as its niche, this name will be broad enough to deal with many areas of the medical profession -- from general health services, to HMOs, encompassing any number of medical specialties.
However, if the company were to expand into other areas of communication -- video, for example -- the term "lines" could create some concerns. It doesn't suggest a visual approach to communication and may also limit the company from successfully expanding into electronic communications.
Narrow enough? Implying a specific niche in a business title is appropriate. This business name clearly suggests that the company is specializing in information for audiences concerned with medical topics.
How does it sound?" MedLines" is easy to say, short and to the point.
Is it memorable?" MedLines" would be a memorable name for a communications firm -- it's specific, clearly identifiable, and related to the service provided.
Is it easy to use? This name is short enough to lend itself to creative use ina logo, or business sign. In addition, the name would be listed in the yellow pages near other medical services, an important consideration for this type of company.
Is it lasting? A name such as "MedLines" would appear to be a lasting name for a business, with no short-term controversy apparent.
Additional Considerations:
Don't name your business in a vacuum. Involve a number of people in the process. Ask friends, acquaintances, business colleagues, and members of your professional network for their reactions to the name or names you've selected for consideration. Avoid legal problems. Obviously you can't open a hamburger stand and call it "McDonald's" -- even if that's your family name. Before you hang your business sign, be sure that you've chosen a name that does not duplicate any other existing company name -- or that comes too close to another name. Some easy ways to check for this are the yellow pages, the local library, or an attorney who can help you conduct a name search.
This is particularly important if you're planning to trademark your name. Remember, you want your business name to be uninfringeable as well!
Finally once you've chosen a name, stick with it. If you constantly change your mind -- and your business name -- you'll lose any name recognition that you've established. Take the time to choose a name you can live with, a name that will be memorable and meaningful.
How to Investigate a home business Opportunity
Read this article to learn how to make $1,000 in only three days!!
Ok so you will not make $1,000 by just reading this article ,but my headline did grab your attention didn’t it? Let’s face it the web is full of these kinds of ads that promise to know the secret to making huge amounts of cash with little or no effort. The problem is, most, if not all are scams thought up by crooks trying to take your money. Now just so I will not be spammed with angry emails from people who read this article, understand that I did not say all programs are scams. To be honest there are some out there that if used correctly will allow you to make money. Will it be enough to quit your job and by a sail boat? Probably not! But it will allow you to make some extra cash, and with the economy getting worse by the day, who out there could not use some extra cash?
When you purchase a "business opportunity" package you needn't answer to anyone. You are purchasing instructions or some materials to conduct this business, but you are not purchasing a set of rules and regulations that you must follow to the letter.Often, business opportunity packages are called "turnkey operations." The theory is that all you have to do is to launch the business opportunity is buy the package, read the material, study the manual or video, "turn the key" and open your business. Some of these start-up business opportunity packages cost $100 or less. Others cost thousands of dollars. But there is one common denominator: the opportunity should be investigated. Remember, let the buyer beware. There are several ways to investigate a business opportunity.
1। Call telephone information for the city in which the company is based and ask for the number of the local Better Business Bureau (BBB). Call the BBB and ask if they have a "reliability report" filed on the company. This report provides information on the company and will include whether or not complaints have been filed on the company. It will also let you know how the company handled those complaints. Also try calling the National Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060 and the Call for Action Hotline at 301-652-HELP.
2. Call the Chamber of Commerce in the town where the company is based. Just because the company might not be a member doesn't mean they aren't reputable. But ask the Chamber of Commerce if they know of any reason why someone shouldn't do business with them. It doesn't hurt to hear what the word of mouth is about a particular enterprise.
3. Call the Attorney General's office in your state--often located in the State Capitol's office. Also check with the Secretary of State's office to see if there are any complaints filed on the company or if there are investigations pending.
4। Where did you hear about the business opportunity? At a local trade show? Through an ad? If it's in an ad, call the magazine who carried the ad and ask to speak to the advertising department. Do they have information on the company? How long have they been in business? Do they pay their bills on time? Has the magazine or trade sponsor received any complaints about the company?
5। Use your judgment. As you study the ad, ask yourself, "can I figure out what the business opportunity is from this ad?" If not, then run in the other direction. They are trying to be evasive. If you can't contact the company and get more information on what it is you are sending money to receive, then don't send a dime. Remember the old line, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Not in every case, but in many.
6। Ask the company offering the business opportunity package if you can get a list of folks who invested in the package during the last two years. If they are legit, and if they are proud of what they are offering, they will be happy to put you in touch with their satisfied customers. If they won't do this, there very likely is something shady going on with that particular business opportunity program.
7। Companies that have a legitimate business opportunity package for you should not be scared or dismayed if you want to receive some free additional information about the company before you invest in the program. This is a perfectly acceptable request.
8। The Federal Trade Commission offers a free package of information about the FTC Franchise and Business Opportunity Rule. Write to: Public Reference Branch, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580 or call the FTC at 202-326-2222.
9। Use your instincts. If the opportunity doesn't sound or seem just right to you, stay away. Do some more research before you get involved with the company and follow tips one through 8 to conduct your due diligence investigation about the business and the specific opportunity.
10. Don't send money unless you completely understand what you are buying into, and even then, check it out before you send any money.
Let’s face it no matter how informed you may be there is no way to make sure you are 100% protected from being scammed. Why? Well because for every scam artist out there promising you more money than you can count, there are 5 people waiting to take his place. That’s why you need to be cautious, smart, and determined if you really want to be successful in your search for a turnkey business. Armed with these tips and your fav search browser, I am sure you will find what you are looking for.
Good Luck and best wishes
If you are interested in starting your own business and need a place to start looking visit our website at www.freewebs.com/cministry
Ok so you will not make $1,000 by just reading this article ,but my headline did grab your attention didn’t it? Let’s face it the web is full of these kinds of ads that promise to know the secret to making huge amounts of cash with little or no effort. The problem is, most, if not all are scams thought up by crooks trying to take your money. Now just so I will not be spammed with angry emails from people who read this article, understand that I did not say all programs are scams. To be honest there are some out there that if used correctly will allow you to make money. Will it be enough to quit your job and by a sail boat? Probably not! But it will allow you to make some extra cash, and with the economy getting worse by the day, who out there could not use some extra cash?
When you purchase a "business opportunity" package you needn't answer to anyone. You are purchasing instructions or some materials to conduct this business, but you are not purchasing a set of rules and regulations that you must follow to the letter.Often, business opportunity packages are called "turnkey operations." The theory is that all you have to do is to launch the business opportunity is buy the package, read the material, study the manual or video, "turn the key" and open your business. Some of these start-up business opportunity packages cost $100 or less. Others cost thousands of dollars. But there is one common denominator: the opportunity should be investigated. Remember, let the buyer beware. There are several ways to investigate a business opportunity.
1। Call telephone information for the city in which the company is based and ask for the number of the local Better Business Bureau (BBB). Call the BBB and ask if they have a "reliability report" filed on the company. This report provides information on the company and will include whether or not complaints have been filed on the company. It will also let you know how the company handled those complaints. Also try calling the National Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060 and the Call for Action Hotline at 301-652-HELP.
2. Call the Chamber of Commerce in the town where the company is based. Just because the company might not be a member doesn't mean they aren't reputable. But ask the Chamber of Commerce if they know of any reason why someone shouldn't do business with them. It doesn't hurt to hear what the word of mouth is about a particular enterprise.
3. Call the Attorney General's office in your state--often located in the State Capitol's office. Also check with the Secretary of State's office to see if there are any complaints filed on the company or if there are investigations pending.
4। Where did you hear about the business opportunity? At a local trade show? Through an ad? If it's in an ad, call the magazine who carried the ad and ask to speak to the advertising department. Do they have information on the company? How long have they been in business? Do they pay their bills on time? Has the magazine or trade sponsor received any complaints about the company?
5। Use your judgment. As you study the ad, ask yourself, "can I figure out what the business opportunity is from this ad?" If not, then run in the other direction. They are trying to be evasive. If you can't contact the company and get more information on what it is you are sending money to receive, then don't send a dime. Remember the old line, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Not in every case, but in many.
6। Ask the company offering the business opportunity package if you can get a list of folks who invested in the package during the last two years. If they are legit, and if they are proud of what they are offering, they will be happy to put you in touch with their satisfied customers. If they won't do this, there very likely is something shady going on with that particular business opportunity program.
7। Companies that have a legitimate business opportunity package for you should not be scared or dismayed if you want to receive some free additional information about the company before you invest in the program. This is a perfectly acceptable request.
8। The Federal Trade Commission offers a free package of information about the FTC Franchise and Business Opportunity Rule. Write to: Public Reference Branch, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580 or call the FTC at 202-326-2222.
9। Use your instincts. If the opportunity doesn't sound or seem just right to you, stay away. Do some more research before you get involved with the company and follow tips one through 8 to conduct your due diligence investigation about the business and the specific opportunity.
10. Don't send money unless you completely understand what you are buying into, and even then, check it out before you send any money.
Let’s face it no matter how informed you may be there is no way to make sure you are 100% protected from being scammed. Why? Well because for every scam artist out there promising you more money than you can count, there are 5 people waiting to take his place. That’s why you need to be cautious, smart, and determined if you really want to be successful in your search for a turnkey business. Armed with these tips and your fav search browser, I am sure you will find what you are looking for.
Good Luck and best wishes
If you are interested in starting your own business and need a place to start looking visit our website at www.freewebs.com/cministry
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