Small Business Marketing 101 - Back To The Basics For Entrepreneurs,Writers, & Artists.

Fashion Tid Bits.

2009-02-08T19:22:00.001-08:00

Evening dinner/Chic. - by Yves Marie Danie on Polyvore.com

All About Seth Godin

2009-02-08T02:39:00.000-08:00

Click through to see the plexo

Me, with a white doggie passing by on a sunny day.

2009-02-06T21:40:00.000-08:00

2009-01-20T00:02:00.000-08:00

Register to vote.

2008-08-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

DON'T LET YOUR BUSINESS OWN YOU

2008-07-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

Article by:
Dan Kennedy
=========================================

It's ironic that in order to get what you really want from owning your own company -- wealth, security, freedom, for example -- You must do the most unnatural, difficult thing for an entrepreneur; you must systematically reduce the dependency of the business on you. Don't overlook this. This is the secret to becoming financially independent through entrepreneurship.

Most entrepreneurs have no understanding of this and give it very little thought until it's too late. They wind up being owned by their businesses. To their surprise, they find that they've traded one old boss for a plethora of new ones: stockholders, investors and lenders, employees and associates, customers and clients, vendors and government agencies. Their ideas of independence dissolve against these forces.
There's an old joke about the government bureaucrat descending on the small-business owner. He says: "We've received a report that you have some poor fellow working here 18 hours a day, 7 days a week, for nothing but room, board, meals, all the tobacco he can smoke and all the liquor he can drink. Is that true?" "Yes, I'm afraid it is," admits the owner. "And I'm sad to say, you're looking at him."

You're probably wondering about the security of your business. If the typical entrepreneur leaves the business alone for a week, it does a Jekyll-and-Hyde transformation. You have got to be there! I know many business owners who go years without a vacation. And, those who do go on vacation don't enjoy. One half hopes everything's okay back at the ranch, which he or she checks every few hours by phone, and the other half is disappointed if it is okay; after all, how could it be without his or her indispensable presence?

Too many people get into business only to discover they've acquired a new, tougher, more demanding, more stressful job, and they cannot see any way to change it.

The trick is to let the business mature - and the faster, the better. An immature business is entrepreneur driven. In its early days, that's okay and usually necessary. You are the business. From day one, though, if your business is to provide security, freedom, and wealth, you should be working at weaning the business from dependence on you and creating dependence on systems.

Click here to learn more.

Own A Veterinary Practice? - 5 Costly Marketing Mistakes You Must Not Ignore.

2008-07-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Veterinary practices can significantly increase their number of new customers and referrals if they avoid these costly marketing mistakes.

Here are five mistakes to avoid:

Mistake 1- Advertising to the wrong market. Are you advertising low price? If so, then you’ll attract people who want nothing but low prices. And the problem with this group, ‘price buyers’, is that they’re never loyal to you.

Their loyalty is to low price. The minute your competitor hangs out a sign with a lower price scribbled on it, these price shoppers will leave you in a heart beat and run to your competitor. You have now lost a customer.

If what you want to do is attract people who are price buyers, then, go ahead and have a field day advertising low price. But if your goal is to have a customer base of people willing to pay for the services rendered so you can make, skip advertising price. Instead, advertise value.

Mistake 2 – Advertising “x percentage off” instead of dollars or free. Many potential pet customers don’t know the veterinary regular prices, so they can’t tell how much money they’ll save. Rather, introductory offers should be made in terms your potential clients can relate to.

My recommendation to you is that you advertise in dollars, for example, “$25.00 off your pets’ first exam” or “Free one day boarding pass with exam”. “You save $29.99 off our regular price!” “We know your pet is going to fall in love with our vet care services. We know Fido will beg you to take him back – that’s why his first visit is on us!”

Mistake 3 – Not advertising your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). One of the purposes of marketing is to let your prospective clients know how you’re unique. One of the things that set you apart from your competitor is your USP.

Your first step is to start by pointing out what it is that you do that’s different from everybody else. For instance, the USP for your veterinary business might be superb customer service and a practice dedicated to the wellness and preventive care for pets in which a program is customized for each individual pet and owner’s lifestyle. Be sure to feature your unique selling proposition in the headline of your ads.

Mistake 4 – Failing to distinguish yourself; to share how you are different from all the other veterinary practices competing for business. Pet owners want their animals to have a very good experience when choosing a veterinary operation.

So, it’s your responsibility to let prospective clients know what makes you the better choice. In your ads, if you say, “XYZ Veterinary Center”, you’re not saying anything different from other veterinary centers.

Instead, tell your prospective pet owner clientele why customers choose you instead of running to your competitors. Highlight different services your business offers, Annual exams & vaccination, spaying & neutering, free teeth cleaning for birthdays. It’s crucial that you reassure your potential customers that their pets’ visit to your practice has a satisfaction guarantee.

Mistake 5 – Not staying in touch with your customer base. Your customers are the source of your current business and future referrals. As soon as they feel you don’t care about their beloved pets and their business, they’ll go somewhere else. If you want to stay in business then you will stop everything you’re doing right now and publish a regular newsletter.

This newsletter does not have to be filled with advice on pet care. No. No. On the contrary, I’m giving you permission to make it fun, fun, fun. You can provide your customers relevant information about your veterinary services, of course, perhaps a photo of “Pet Of The Month” with a brief blurb sharing any quirky habits, and even an inspirational quote and a couple of funny stories will do just fine.

By sending out this newsletter you will be establishing trust with your customers and win over their loyalty to your business for many years to come. And this is what you want, right?

For more information on how to powerfully market your veterinary practice and explode your profits, visit: Veterinary Marketing.

The Lazy Writer’s Way to Creating Killer Headlines!

2008-06-28T23:38:00.000-07:00

Sales Letter Article Below:
By Dan Lok
========================================

Dear Friend,

I have a confession to make.

It’s about the title of this article. I stole it and
I’m not ashamed to admit it.

I “modeled” the title after the highly successful ad
headline “The Lazy Man’s Way To Riches.” Contrary to
what you believe,

Top copywriters don’t make up the “killer” headlines
they write, they steal them.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about
word-for-word plagiarizing here. I’m talking about
taking already “proven” headlines and using them as a
basis for writing your headlines.

Here’s an example of how to do it: Let’s use the
famous headline...

" Who Else Wants To Look Like A Movie Star?"

This headline has been ripped-off (ethically) many,
many times by nasty marketers…including yours truly.
Why? Because it works!

Let's say you’re selling a home study kit that teaches
people how to get a job fast. How could you adapt the
"killer" headline above for your ad?

How about this:

"Who Else Wants Their Phone Ringing Off The Hook With
Quality Job Interviews?"

After your headline, you’d go into the story. Tell how
tough it is to get an interview in today’s job market.
Show them some stats. Report how most people just hope
the phone will ring after they send out a bunch of
resumes.

Next, you’d go on to tell how your stuff is different.
How using your stuff can help them ace the interview
and get that dream job and make their career wishes
come true...blah...blah...blah...

Got it? Good.

Let’s try another one. Let’s say you’re selling
natural supplements to baby boomers. How about...

“Who Else Wants To Feel Healthy and Young Again
Without Taking Drugs?”
Baby boomers want to feel good and look young. Push
right on their hot buttons and they'll respond.

Here are a few more examples for different products or
services...

"Who Else Wants To Grow Bigger, Prettier Flowers Next
Spring?"

"Who Else Wants To Be Forever Beautiful Without
Acne...?"

"Who Else Wants To Play Free Golf And Make Up To $ 397
A Week For Playing?"

"Who Else Wants Better Sex All The Time?"

"Who Else Wants To Learn To Play The Piano Without
Years Of Scales, Drills, and Silly Little Songs?"

"Who Else Wants To Build A Million Dollar Practice
Without Cold-Calling, Without Pushy Sales Techniques &
Without Begging People To Do Business With You!"

I think you get the idea. This is how the pros do it.
Not always, but a lot of the time.

This lazy method of using “proven” headlines to base
your headlines on delivers great results -- you have
about a 1,000% better chance of coming with a winning
headline than if you try to dream one up yourself.

A great source for effective headlines are the little
blurbs on the front covers of magazines like Reader’s
Digest, Cosmo, Redbook, Woman’s Day, Men’s Health,
Men’s Fitness and tabloids like The National Enquirer.

Any serious Quick-Turn Marketers should subscribe to
The National Enquirer!

I LOVE The National Enquirer and you should, too. Did
you know The Enquirer has some of the highest paid
writers on the planet? Their amazing "word jockeys"
deserve the BIG bucks because they’re the people who
write the amazingly powerful headlines that give The
National Enquirer its 'edge.'

The writers for The Enquirer are among the best
anywhere in the world. Their headlines and articles
are clean, concise, interesting and most importantly,
easy to understand! That’s what sells the magazines
week after week. And that’s why more people read ANY
single issue of The Enquirer than have read the Bible
since it was first printed! (No joke. It’s true.)

You swore you'd never buy another tabloid "rag", but
time and time again the headlines on The National
Enquirer are so enticing that you feel compelled to
pick it up from the newsstand just to see what the
fuss is all about!

Now that you know the secret to being a "lazy"
headline writer, it's time for you to act. Go to the
bookstore or supermarket and pick up the magazines and
tabloids I referred to above. Start writing down any
good headlines and start creating your own little
"Fort Knox" of golden headlines.

Then when it’s time to start writing your sales letter
or ad, just get out your headline collection and go
through them one at a time.

Pretty soon your mind will start to catch fire and
spark a few headline ideas... maybe even a "killer"
headline that will put you and your product/service on
"The Most Wanted" list.

I know what you're thinking: you want more proven
headline examples that you can "steal" for yourself.

You've come to the right place: I have hundreds of
winning headlines that I’ve collected and used over
the years. Many are unique and you won't find them
anywhere else.

Money can't buy happiness and it can't buy my Killer
Headline List either. BUT…flattery will get you
anywhere! So please, send me an e-mail telling me
that you're enjoying "Dan's Rant".

Stroke my ego a bit and I might feel SO GOOD that I’ll
just “hand you over” a mountain of proven headlines in
one of the future issues of "Dan’s Rant."

Until next time...

Dan Lok

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

A former college dropout, Dan Lok transformed himself
from a grocery bagger in a local supermarket to a
multi-millionaire. Dan came to North America with
little knowledge of the English language and few contacts.
Today, Dan is one of the most sought-after business
mentors on the Web, as well as a best-selling author.
His reputation includes his title as the World's #1
Website Conversion Expert. To find out what Dan is
up to now, visit him at:
Sales Letters

A Good Title Is A Work Of Genius.

2008-06-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

===================================
Article By:
Yanik Silver
Copywriting Secrets

===================================

That's what Emanuel Haldeman-Julius said about changing the
title of a book to increase sales. And he should know, he's
the guy who single-handedly sold more than 100,000,000
"little blue books" during the first part of the 20th
century (Yes, I said 100 million copies).

His book entitled "The First Hundred Million" gives a rare
glimpse into how to use certain tested title words to
increase your sales. In fact, his book is one of the most
scientific studies of what a title change can do for your
sales.

The most remarkable thing is that Haldeman-Julius simply
advertised his books by title alone. There was no selling
copy, only the title of the book. That's it.

So before you decide on any haphazard title for your next
ebook, manual, ezine article or free report, you might want
to take advice from this savvy marketer.

Haldeman-Julius had a policy in his business - if a title
didn't sell over 10,000 copies a year it was sent to a
place in his office called "The Hospital". Inside the
Hospital he went to work coming up with a new title for the
poorly selling book and re-releasing it. If the revised
title didn't sell, the book went into the 'morgue".

He tells about a book originally being titled "The Art of
Controversy" which never really sold until it was changed
to "How to Argue Logically" and then it leapt up to 30,000
copies. The amazing thing is that nothing else was changed
inside the book, just the title.

And from this "in the trenches" research, Haldeman-Julius
discovered certain title words that could increase the
sales of almost any book when applied. For instance the
words "The Truth About" increased sales for one book
starting its publishing life as "Patent Medicine". This
book by Dr. Arthur Cramp only sold 3,000 copies in 1925 but
when the title was changed to "The Truth About Patent
Medicine" it rose up to a respectable 10,000 copies.

Therefore the words "The Truth About" are magical.

Next, he found the words "Life" and "Love" to work well.
Followed by the worn, but still very powerful phrase "How
To". Books with "How To" in the title were almost always
placed at the top of his sales list. Take for example, the
title "How to Psycho-Analyze Yourself" sold 43,000 copies
while a similar title "Psycho-Analysis Explained" sold
5,000 less copies. And the title "How I Psycho-Analyzed
Myself" managed to attract only 13,500 buyers.

What's more, Haldeman-Julius discovered the public was (and
still is) clamoring for facts. So the words "The Facts You
Should Know" proved a big winner.

So how can you apply this information?

Easy! The way you should use this wisdom from the ages is
by applying it to titles, ebooks, ezine articles, free
reports and your headlines. For instance, if I was a
cosmetic surgeon I'd give out free ebooks like this: "The
Facts You Should Know About Liposuction" or "The Truth
About Laser Hair Removal" or "How To Erase The Years With
Laser Resurfacing". Each of these could almost be a
headline by themselves. That's what you want to strive for
because that's what people want!

==========================================================
Yanik Silver is recognized as the leading expert on
creating automatic, moneymaking websites...and he still
doesn't know how to put up a website.

He is the author, co-author or publisher of several best-
selling online marketing books and tools, which can be
found at: Copywriting Secrets
==========================================================

An Analysis Of A Winning Sales Letter.

2008-06-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

========================================

By Yanik Silver
Sales Letters

========================================

Many people say they can spot a good letter when they see
it, but the problem is when it comes down to writing one,
they simply freeze up. That's why I want to take you behind
the scenes of a successful sales letter I wrote and
illustrate the thinking that goes into writing a killer
letter that generated a healthy 3810% ROI. This letter sold
all of the clients overstock merchandise and they even
created a waiting list.

You'll find my comments in the side notes below so let's
get started...

****

Can You Get A New $8,000 Power Table For $417?

------Side Note Comments------
First off, the headline is a grabber and makes people want
to read more. Anyone interested in your product at a
bargain price would certainly continue reading.
------End Comments------

Read The Amazing Facts To Find Out How...

------Side Note Comments------
Next, the subhead tells prospects that the answer is right
inside this letter if they keep reading.
------End Comments------

Dear Friend,

Yes, it's absolutely true. You can really replace your old,
worn-out exam table and only pay $417 out of your pocket
(But only if you are one of the first 2 people to respond
to this letter.)

Let me explain.

------Side Note Comments------
Your first sentence is absolutely critical to your letter.
If your first sentence doesn't make people want to keep
reading, you can expect your letter to end up in the
circular file. So make sure it keeps their interest piqued
and follow up on the headline promise in the first
sentence.

In the first sentence I reiterate the fact that yes they
really can get a brand new power table for such a low
price. The second sentence I throw in a little scarcity
right at the beginning of the letter so they won't just
toss this letter aside for further reading.
------End Comments------

Last April, our little company took a big gamble and signed
up for a power table promotion. In order to get on the
promotion we had to agree to take 3 power tables - nearly
$15,000. (And for a small company like us, that's a lot of
money to be tied up in inventory).

Only one of those 3 tables were sold - so there are still 2
left.

------Side Note Comments------
The next paragraph I begin to explain the story of why
we're selling this product at such a bargain price. I've
discovered that telling people the truth and giving a
reason why is actually one of the most powerful
psychological motivators to action.
------End Comments------

And My Problem Is Your Opportunity

------Side Note Comments------
This subhead turns the letter back around to what's in it
for the reader. Everyone is always silently asking
themselves "So what?" and "Who cares?". You've got to keep
the focus on what the reader will gain from the letter.
------End Comments------

In order to move these last 2 tables I've decided to do
something somewhat bold and a little daring.

First, you should know that the manufacturer's promotion of
these power tables ends June 30th. And any unsold inventory
I have could be sold to another dealer at wholesale.

But instead of doing that, I would rather sell you the
table at a wholesale price and gain your goodwill.

------Side Note Comments------
Here I explain how and why I'm willing to make a
sensational deal.
------End Comments------

The regular price for a XXX power table is $8,000 but
during this promotion they were on sale for $5,375 (which
is a pretty good deal anyway).

But until July 15th (I've extended the offer 2 weeks), you
can buy one of our last 2 tables for just $4,897. That's a
savings of over $3,100.00

------Side Note Comments------
I introduce the special offer and the reason why we're
selling the product at such a discount. That's a key point,
because unless you give people a believable reason for the
reduced price they won't believe you. Nobody thinks you're
lowering the price because you're "such a nice guy" so let
them in on the reason behind your offer.
------End Comments------

What? I promised you could get a power table for only $417
and here's how...

------Side Note Comments------
I answer an anticipated objection here since I promised
they could get the table for only $417.
------End Comments------

Here's How To Get That New Power Table For Almost "Zip" By
buying a power table, you can qualify for a 50% tax credit
under section 44 of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
That's right Fifty Percent! All because a power table will
glide up and down to accommodate disabled and handicapped
patients.

And here's what else. You can also take the amount of the
power table and deduct it off your taxes using Section 179.
(That is if you haven't spent over $18,000 on capital
equipment this year.)

That's not all, here are a few more incentives for you: We
will give you a $150 trade-in for your old table (or you
can donate it to charity for another tax break). And add an
extra 2-year warranty ($1,000 value), plus, we'll pick-up
your old table and deliver the new one all for free!

Pretty good, right? Wait, I have even better news for
you...

------Side Note Comments------
Here I've explained each of the incentives and how they can
really get the table for such a low cost. Plus added in a
few extra bonuses and now I'll another bonus to really
increase their desire.
------End Comments------

You Can Pay In 3 Easy Installments With Zero Interest We'll
break up your payments into 3 easy installments, spread
thirty days apart.

Why You Must Act Before July 15th First, I doubt if these
tables will still be around until July 15th because the
first 2 doctors that put their deposits down will take
them. And when they're gone this offer expires.

But even if they are still here (highly unlikely at this
bargain price) this offer has to expire anyway because we
will be shipping out these tables to other dealers in the
area.

------Side Note Comments------
I bring back the deadline here and scarcity again. So not
only do they have a limit on the number of units available,
but there is also a time deadline. This is a double whammy
to get people to take action immediately.
------End Comments------

Here's What You Should Do Now

Pick up your phone and dial xxx-xxxx and reserve one of
these last 2 tables with your credit card. Or in case,
you're still undecided call us and ask for some more
information to be faxed to you.

Otherwise, you'll be giving up the ease and convenience of
having a power table at this bargain price. I really hope
you're one of the 2 lucky doctors who decide to take
advantage of this golden opportunity.

------Side Note Comments------
In this closing paragraph I give readers a little pain by
mentioning what they'll be missing if they don't act on
this offer.
------End Comments------

Sincerely,
XXXX

P.S. Hurry! This letter is being sent to 1,283 local
doctors and this offer is strictly limited to the first 2
people who respond.

------Side Note Comments------
The P.S. is your last place to help prospects make a buying
decision. People go from the headline in a letter to the
signature to the P.S., so your P.S. should be powerful.

Here I introduce even more scarcity. I let them know
exactly how many people (specifics sell) are receiving this
letter and it makes the limited quantity seem even more
limited since so many other people are getting this same
announcement.

------End Comments------

****

I guarantee by using the same elements, I just illustrated,
you'll see your next sales letter produce incredible
results.

(c) Surefire Marketing, Inc.

==========================================================
Yanik Silver is recognized as the leading expert on
creating automatic, moneymaking websites...and he still
doesn't know how to put up a website.

He is the author, co-author or creator of several best-
selling resources including - Sales Letters
==========================================================

Stop Writing Sales Letters The Hard Way!

2008-06-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Fellow Entrepreneurs:

In Only 2 1/2 Minutes You Can Quickly and Easily
Create A Sales Letter Guaranteed To Sell Your Product
Or Service... Without Writing!"

How much is one good sales letter worth to your business?

Suppose you could sit down, write a simple letter to your
prospects and customers, mail it and then have your phone
start ringing off the hook.

Imagine...one letter could bring you tons of hot leads and
new customers, get them to keep buying over and over again,
reactivate 'lost' customers, and even provide you with a
constant stream of referrals. So anytime you need more
business - you simply turn the tap on... it's like having
the goose that lays the golden egg.

Sounds too good to be true?

Well, it isn't if you have the right tools. You see,
dollar-for-dollar, nothing provides a better return on
investment than direct mail and it doesn't matter what product
or service you sell.

Think about it. A sales letter is the most powerful employee
you could ever hire. For about the price of a cup of coffee -
it will relentlessly go out and deliver your message perfectly,
every time. It will never call in sick. It will never complain.
And it will never quit on you.

Simply put, a powerful sales letter is like having a little
automatic, money-making robot working for you, tirelessly...
day and night.

But Creating That Winning Sales Letter Is The Hard Part...

It could take you years and can cost you a small fortune to
figure out just the right combinations that make some sales
letters work - while others fall flat on their face.

But instead of knocking yourself out trying to come up with
just the right sales letter, you can now have an entire
collection of hard-hitting, profit-generating sales letters
for your business, ready at your beck and call.

To find out all the details click here: Sales Letters

Best,

YMD

P.S. No Matter What Product or Service You Have To Sell -
You'll Find A Sales Letter That's Already Written For You!
Click here to find out more: Sales Letters

31 - derfully Simply Ways To Make Your Ads Generate More Inquiries

2008-06-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

A client recently phoned with a problem I’d encountered many times before.

“Our new ad campaign’s main goal is to create awareness and build image, not generate sales leads,” the ad manager explained. “But my management still tends to judge ads by counting the number of inquiries they bring in. Is there some way I can increase my ad’s pulling power without destroying the basic campaign concept?”

Fortunately, the answer is yes.

There are proven techniques you can use to increase any ads pulling power, whether your main goal is inquiries or image. Here are 31 techniques that can work for you:

1. Ask for action. Tell the reader to phone, write, contact his sales rep, request technical literature or place an order.

2. Offer free information, such as a color brochure or catalog.

3. Describe your brochure or catalog. Tell about its special features, such as a selection chart, planning guide, installation tips or other useful information it contains.

4. Show a picture of your brochure or catalog.

5. Give your literature a title that implies value. “Product Guide” is better than “catalog.” “Planning Kit” is better than “sales brochure.”

6. Include your address in the last paragraph of copy and beneath your logo, in type that is easy to read. (Also place it inside the coupon, if you use one).

7. Include a toll free number in your ad.

8. Print the toll-free number in extra-large type.

9. Put a small sketch of a telephone next to the phone number. Also use the phrase, “Call toll-free.”

10. Create a hot line. For example, a filter manufacturer might have a toll-free hot line with the numbers 1-800-FILTERS. Customers can call the hot line to place an order to get more information on the manufacturer’s products.

11. For a full-page ad, use a coupon. It will increase response 25% to 100%.

12. Make the coupon large enough that readers have plenty of room to write in their name and address.

13. Give the coupon a headline that affirms positive action -”Yes, I’d like to cut my energy costs by 50% or more.”

14. Give the reader multiple response options-”I’d like to see a demonstration,” “Have a salesperson call,” “Send me a free planning kit by return mail.”

15. For a fractional ad-one-half page or less-put a heavy dashed border around the ad. This creates the feel and appearance of a coupon, which in turn stimulates response.

16. In the closing copy for your fractional ad, say, “To receive more information, clip this ad and mail it to us with your business card.”

17. A bound-in- business reply card, appearing opposite your ad, can increase response by a factor or two or more.

18. Use a direct headline-one that promises a benefit or stresses the offer of free information-rather than a headline that is cute or clever.

19. Put your offer of a free booklet, report, selection guide or other publication in the headline of your ad.

20. Offer a free gift, such a slide rule, metric conversion fable, pocket ruler, etc.

21. Offer a free product sample.

22. Offer a free consultation, analysis, recommendation, study, cost estimate, computer printout, etc.

23. Talk abut the value and benefits of your free offer. The more you stress the offer, the better your response.

24. Highlight the free offer in a copy subhead. The last subhead of your ad could read, “Get the facts-Free.”

25. In a two-page ad, run copy describing your offer in a separate sidebar.

26. Be sure the magazine includes a reader service number in your ad.

27. Use copy and graphics that specifically point the reader toward using the reader service number. For example, an arrow pointing to the number and copy that says, “For more information circle reader service number below.”

28. Consider using more than one reader service number. For example, one number for people who want literature, another for immediate response from a salesperson.

29. In a full-page ad for multiple products, have a separate reader service number for each product or piece of literature featured in the ad.

30. Test different ads. Keep track of how many inquiries each ad pulls. Then run only those ads that pull the best.

31. Look for a sales appeal, key benefit, or theme that may be common to all of your best-pulling ads. Highlight that theme in subsequent ads.

-Robert W. Bly

For more information on how to create killer ads
Click Here

How To Write A Good Advertisement.

2008-06-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

Article
By Robert W. Bly

To define what constitutes good print advertising, we begin with what a good print ad is not:

* It is not creative for the sake of being creative.
* It is not designed to please copywriters, art directors, agency presidents, or even clients.
* Its main purpose is not to entertain, win awards, or shout at the readers, “I am an ad. Don’t you admire my fine writing, bold graphics, and clever concept?”

In other words, ignore most of what you would learn as a student in any basic advertising class or as a trainee in one of the big Madison Avenue consumer ad agencies.

Okay. So that’s what an ad shouldn’t be. As for what an ad should be, here are some characteristics shared by successful direct response print ads:

* They stress a benefit. The main selling proposition is not cleverly hidden but is made immediately clear. Example: “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

* They arouse curiosity and invite readership. The key here is not to be outrageous but to address the strongest interests and concerns of your target audience.

Example: “Do you Make These Mistakes in English?” appeals to the reader’s desire to avoid embarrassment and write and speak properly.

* They provide information. The headline “How to Stop Emission Problems—at Half the Cost of Conventional Air Pollution Control Devices” lures the reader because it promises useful information. Prospects today seek specific, usable information on highly specialized topics. Ads that provide information the reader wants get higher readership and better response.

* They are knowledgeable. Successful ad copy reflects a high level of knowledge and understanding of the product and the problem it solves. An effective technique is to tell the reader something he already knows, proving that you, the advertiser, are well-versed in his industry, application, or requirement.

An opposite style, ineffectively used by many “professional” agency copywriters, is to reduce everything to the simplest common denominator and assume the reader is completely ignorant. But this can insult the reader’s intelligence and destroy your credibility with him.

* They have a strong fee offer. Good ads contain a stronger offer. They tell the reader the next step in the buying process and encourage him to take it NOW.

All ads should have an offer, because the offer generates immediate response and business from prospects who are ready to buy now or at least thinking about buying. Without an offer, these “urgent” prospects are not encouraged to reach out to you, and you lose many potential customers.

In addition, strong offers increase readership, because people like ads that offer them something—especially if it is free and has high perceived value.

Writers of image advertising may object, “But doesn’t making an offer cheapen the ad, destroy our image? After all, we want awareness, not response.” But how does offering a free booklet weaken the rest of the ad? It doesn’t, of course. The entire notion that you cannot simultaneously elicit a response and communicate a message is absurd and without foundation.

* They are designed to emphasize the offer.

Graphic techniques such as “kickers” or eyebrows (copy lines above the headline), bold headlines, liberal use of subheads, bulleted or numbered copy points, coupons, sketches of telephone, toll-free numbers set in large type, pictures of response booklets and brochures, dashed borders, asterisks, and marginal notes make your ads more eye-catching and response-oriented, increasing readership.

Why?

My theory is that when people see a non-direct response ad, they know it’s just a reminder-type ad and figure they don’t have to read it. But when they see response-type graphic devices, these visuals say to the reader, “Stop! This is a response ad! Read it so you can find out what we are offering. And mail the coupon—so you can get it NOW!”

* They are clearly illustrated. Good advertising does not use abstract art or concepts that force the reader to puzzle out what is being sold. Ideally, you should be able to understand exactly what the advertiser’s proposition is within five seconds of looking at the ad. As John Caples observed a long time ago, the best visual for an ad for a record club is probably a picture of records.

At about this point, someone from DDB will stand up and object: “Wait a minute. You said these are the characteristics of a successful direct response ad. But isn’t general advertising different?”

Maybe. But one of the ways to make your general advertising more effective is to write and design it as a direct response ad. Applying all the stock-in-trade techniques of the direct marketer (coupons, toll-free numbers, free booklets, reason-why copy, benefit-headlines, informative subheads) virtually guarantees that your advertisement will be better read—and get more response—than the average “image” ad.

I agree with Howard Ruff when he says that everything a marketer does should be direct response. I think the general advertising people who claim that a coupon or free booklet offer “ruins” their lyrical copy or stark, dramatic layout are ineffectual artists more interested in appearance and portfolios than results.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bob Bly is a freelance copywriter with 20 years experience in business-to-business and direct marketing. He has written direct mail packages for Phillips Publishing, Agora Publishing, KCI Communications, McGraw-Hill, Medical Economics, Reed Reference Publishing, A.F. Lewis, and numerous other publishers.

"Who Of You Would Say No To This?"

2008-03-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

Listen up all of you broke small business owners, artists,
and writers.....I thought this was a joke until I woke up
and found $25 in my new account. FREE money, yep. All you
have to do is sign up. They are trying to compete with
Paypal, so, the "Free Money" offer is only for a limited
time. Go get your share of the pie. Get off the couch!

"Presidential Peanut Rolling Contest For Kids."

2008-02-28T21:31:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Presidential Peanut Rolling Contest For Kids To Celebrate Peanut
Butter Lover's Day, March 1st., & Predict Who Will Win The
Primary Elections. Barack Obama Or Hillary Clinton?

Millennium Minds, Inc., Not-For-Profit Organization for kids,
Sponsors 1st Annual Presidential Peanut Rolling Contest To
Determine If Senators Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton Will Be
The Big Winner In The Rhode Island, Texas, & Ohio Primaries,
March 4th.

Saturday, March 1st, 2008
11:00am – 4:00pm
Roy Wilkins Park Family Center
177-01 Baisley Blvd., 177 street
Call 718-450-6453
email: y2kKids [AT] gmail.com

Queens, NY - February 29, 2008, Millennium Minds, Inc. is
sponsoring a Presidential Peanut Rolling contest on "Peanut
Butter Lover's Day", March 1st, to determine who will win the
upcoming primary elections in Rhode Island, Texas, and Ohio.

Kids, ages 3-13, from all over Queens will be participating in
the event starting at 11am and ending by 4pm. The children will
be divided up into 2 teams: those who cast their "votes" for
Senator Obama and those casting their "votes" for Ms. Clinton.

The teams will also be divided up into different age categories
in hopes of winning the title of: "2008 Queens Peanut Rolling
Champ." The team winning the most peanut rolling races determines
who will win the primary election on March 4th. The first place
prize winners will share a peanut butter sandwich with "Mr. &
Mrs. Peanut."

Location: Roy Wilkins Park Family Center
177-01 Baisley Blvd., 177 street
Jamaica, Queens

For more information:

Contact:
Yves Marie Danie Baptiste
Daytime phone #: 347-612-4338

"How To Get Paid For Your Writing."

2008-01-31T10:50:00.000-08:00

Dear readers,

Five minutes is all you need to:

.....to phone a friend ..... peel potatoes for dinner ..... pick the

kids up from school ..... or write a few words that could earn you

anything from a plastic apron or ballpoint pen, regular freelance writing fees, to a dream house in the sun, a top-of-the-range sports car, or a magnificent hoard of cash prizes and luxury goods! You could even earn a full-time this way!

Quite obviously you want to write and you'd like to be paid for your efforts! Becoming a well-paid writer could be a dream you've cherished for years but never quite got round to fulfilling. So why have you left it so long to experience the thrill of being paid for something you really enjoy doing? Like writing!

Maybe you don't know where to start, or you're put off by what special equipment and skills are required (a computer, word processor, fertile imagination, good spelling and grammatical ability, and, perhaps most important of all ..... time!)

You need time, plenty of time, quality time, time to think and concentrate, time to write without interference or distraction. And as everyone knows you'll only make real money as a novelist or playwright, as a writer of children's books, regular columns, or by syndicating dozens of articles to hundreds of worldwide editors and publishers? Isn't that how full-time writers normally earn their living?

Well, actually the answer is 'No', at least not exclusively! There are, in fact, many other ways to earn your living as a writer, not all of which bring real fame and fortune, but provide a steady income nonetheless, and few of which are anywhere near as time-consuming and stressful as those listed earlier.

SIMPLE TRUTH #1

Even if just a few minutes a day is all you can spare, you can still be a well-respected, regularly published writer. You can start now, today, and begin receiving commission payments or fabulous cash and consumer awards in just a few weeks.

SIMPLE TRUTH #2

No special skills are required, you definitely don't need a computer or word processor, a desk or telephone. And you certainly do not need lots of spare time ..... because you are about to enter the fascinating world of .....

THE FIVE MINUTE WRITER!

Five minute writers are in great demand all over the world, by editors and publishers, alongside other high-paying clients you'll hear about later. Let them guide you, study their tips and techniques and you can be a well-paid writer, starting now, and discover why many thousands of people wanting to buy your work are eager for more, in fact as much as you can offer.

Whether you can spare just a few minutes each day, or

several hours a day, prepare to discover a fascinating world of
profitable writing opportunities waiting for you!

Click here to learn more.

"How To Write YOUR Own e-book- - -In ONLY 7 days!"

2008-01-31T10:17:00.001-08:00

Hello readers,

I stumbled across something incredible recently...

And as a valued visitor of my blog I wanted to let you know about it.

As you may know, ebooks are virtually the most profitable way
to make money online. Some authors are making upwards of
$1,000 to $2,000 per week selling their books as electronic
files people download.

They have no printing, postage or shipping costs to speak of
and their profits per ebook sold are positively outrageous!

What does this have to do with you?

If you have ever, even for a brief moment, thought about
writing your own ebook and getting your share of the very
lucrative online publishing market...

Here's *your* chance to become a "best selling" ebook author!

Two men I respect a great deal have just released the most
incredible, step-by-step tool I have ever seen on the subject
of writing your own ebook... and getting it done and published
while you're still *young enough* to enjoy it!

Joe Vitale, a master copywriter and author of the online
classic, "Hypnotic Writing", and Jim Edwards, a syndicated
newspaper columnist, have authored what I believe will totally
revolutionize the online publishing world.

The name of their new book?

"How to Write and Publish your own eBook...
in as little as 7 Days"

Frankly I was shocked when I saw it!

These two master writers hold your hand through the entire
writing and online publishing process!

Between the two of them they have sold literally hundreds of
thousands of dollars worth of ebooks and information products
online -- and they lay everything out for you.

They leave nothing to chance... no stone unturned as they take
you step-by-step through the process of:

~ The fastest and BEST strategy to generate $$$ thousands
of dollars in ebook sales... sometimes in just a few days!
(page 92)

~ How writing about a subject you hate can actually make you
rich! (page 25)

~ How to harness the power of your subconscious mind to
practically write your ebook on total "auto-pilot".
(page 39)

~ 3 *Proven* methods for turning out a highly profitable
ebook in record time... even if you have no idea what to
write about. (page 65)

~ How to quickly avoid the #1 Mistake authors make that
causes them to take months or years to write a book... so
you can finish in just a few days. (page 63)

... and so much more I can't even begin to write about it
here!

Jim and Joe are getting ready to raise the price of their
book... but I practically begged them to keep the price down
long enough to let me send you this email so you can check it
out.

If you have the least bit of interest in getting your own,
highly profitable ebook and all the prestige and
accomplishment that goes with being a "best selling" ebook
author... you owe it to yourself to get more FREE information.

Click Here ====> EbookWOW

I don't want you to miss out on this spectacular opportunity
to not only create your own ebook as quickly as one week from
now... but to take advantage of the tremendous price savings
as well.

Respectfully,

Yves Marie Danie Baptiste

PS -- I know you've been thinking about writing an e-book some
day.

Well, where will you be in a week?

If you get this new e-book, seven days from today you can brag
to your friends that you wrote one of your own---and show
them the money you made, too! For heaven's sake, AT LEAST go
look at the FREE details! Just click here: EbookWOW

P.P.S. -- Here's what just one of the famous and successful
authors who've reviewed the book have to say:

"I've had great success with ebooks-- they've changed my
career, my bank account and, in general, my life!

Doing my first two would have been 10 times easier with Joe
and Jim's step-by-step information, and I would have made even
more money with this information as well.

If you're planning to write your first -- or your next --
ebook, trust me -- this is the information you've been waiting
for!"

David Garfinkel Author, "Advertising Headlines That Make You
Rich"

WOW! With an endorsement like that, a 30 Day Money- Back
guarantee and 4 BONUSES that will knock your socks off...
don't delay in taking a closer look!

Click here now! ===> EbookWOW

"Feed A Florist - Valentine's Day"

2008-01-24T19:23:00.001-08:00

Feed A Florist On Valentines Day 2008- Fools In Love Won't Be The
Only Ones Tooting: The Way To The Heart Is Through Food

Yves Marie Danie Baptiste, of FireWorksLove.com creates "Feed
A Florist" program, an annual event to recognize the hard work
and dedication florists/floral shop business owners undertake
this time of the year on Valentines day.

New York, NY- January 25, 2008 - During the month of February
2008, Yves Marie Danie Baptiste, will be delivering gourmet lunches to random
florists throughout the five boroughs of New York City: The
Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, & Staten Island, in the
events inaugural year.

When asked what inspired her to create such a program, Ms.
Baptiste, replied: "Florists put a lot of their heart into floral
arrangements that keeps us happy and make our day just a little
brighter. And since they give so much to us on Valentines Day I
thought it would be special to let them know that they are
appreciated for all that they do by feeding them".

This will be an annual event recognizing Florists & Flower shop
business owners for their hard work and contribution in keeping
the fires of love burning in the hearts of romantics all over
the world.

All catering is provided by LC Cafe
located in Queens,NYC.

For more information please contact Yves Marie Danie Baptiste at
347-612-4338.

###

"Hot Babes Serving Up Heart-Shaped Pizza Valentines Day"

2008-01-23T22:59:00.001-08:00

For Immediate Release

Hot Babes Deliver Heart-Shaped Pizzas To Hot Men (Fire Fighters)For Valentines Day 2008.

Bikini-Clad Women Delivering Heart-Shaped Pizzas To Randomly
Selected Fire Fighters In The Spirit Of Valentine's Day.

New York, NY - January 24, 2008 - Queens resident - Yves Marie Danie
Baptiste, of FireYourBossMagazine, is sponsoring the 1st
Annual Hot Babes Serving Up Heart-Shaped Pizza event in the spirit of
Valentine's day.

On Monday, February 11th, 2008, Bikini-Clad women will surprise
random and unsuspecting fire-fighters with heart-shaped, hot,
pizza in their own way of saying: Happy Valentines Day and thank
you for all that you do in our community to keep us safe.

When asked what motivated her to organize this community event,
Yves Marie Danie Baptiste replied, "I thought it would be fun.
But even more importantly, I put small businesses in the news so
they can continue providing great services and products to the
community and have a constant flow of customers and instant
money.

"As the local press release marketing expert in the Brooklyn & Queens area, I have the expertise to put any business, non-profit organization or just about any one who want to become famous - in the news, media or television via
distribution of the press releases that I am skilled in writing.

There is no reason a small business such as a restaurant, hair salon, even independent
bookstores should ever have a shortage of customers & money,
including non-profit organizations if they include publicity/press release
marketing in their marketing tool-box. This event will bring smiles for all
involved -in particularly, the owner of the Queens Pizza shop because of
all the new clients he will receive as a result of the free
publicity. The right press release can save a failing business
and charitable cause and make you as rich and famous as Paris Hilton", said
Yves Marie Danie Baptiste, of FireYourBossMagazine.

For more information email Yves Marie Danie Baptiste at:
yvesmariedanie
[AT] gmail.com or at the information below:

Contact:

Yves Marie Danie Baptiste
Daytime phone #: 347-612-4338
YvesMarieDanie [AT] Gmail.com

####

Dr. Martin Luther King Moniker - Man In Georgia.

2008-01-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.startribune.com/nation/13933566.html

ATLANTA -

Martin Luther King Jr. is used to the puzzled looks he gets from people when they learn his name.

The white, long-haired graphics designer and children's book author goes by "Marty" to maintain his anonymity in the suburbs of Atlanta, where the man who made the moniker famous once lived.

His name is just a coincidence, but it made Marty King pay attention to the civil rights movement while growing up in a small Tennessee town during the 1960s.

"In East Tennessee, he may not have had a lot of fans, but there were some people who agreed with him," he said. "I liked his speeches. ... He was only asking for what he was due, but the way he did it commanded respect. He earned my parents' respect."

Marty King, 53, was named for his father, who was named for the German monk and theologian Martin Luther, founder of the Protestant Reformation in the early 1500s.

It's not the only famous name in his family. Marty King's grandfather was named Abraham Lincoln.

Marty King said he is humbled by the association to an icon. "I could cure cancer and still wouldn't be more famous," he said.

The name connection has caused some hassles along the way. There was the time the U.S. Postal Service canceled his mail and marked it "deceased."

Before Coretta Scott King died in 2006, Marty King received the occasional phone calls from confused people asking for the widow of the slain civil rights leader. He also has gotten racial slurs on his answering machine.

"Those you just push the (erase) button," said Marty King, who no longer has voicemail on his phone.

But there are fun parts of having such a ubiquitous name.

"Every town you go into, you can always find a street sign that has your name on it and have a picture taken in front of it," he said. "I send them home to my mother. She gets a kick out of it."

Marty King says he expects to get calls from friends on Monday, the national holiday honoring the slain civil rights leader. It happens every year.

Martin Luther King Day - Free Haircuts, Free Gourmet Meals For Homeless Children. I Have A Dream.

2008-01-14T04:22:00.001-08:00

New Yorker To Sponsor Free Haircut - Free Gourmet Lunch Day
For Homeless Children On Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, the great man
who made famous the I Have A Dream Speech.

Queens resident & Internet Entrepreneur - Yves Marie Danie
Baptiste, of www.DogsDontDrinkCoffee.com, has galvanized area
barber shops, beauty salons, and cafes to open shop on Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day to serve free haircuts and free gourmet lunches to
homeless children. Call her at 347-612-4338.

QUEENS, NY - January 20, 2008, Yves Marie Danie Baptiste,
freelance writer and founder of www.DogsDontDrinkCoffee.com, is
sponsoring a day of free haircuts and free gourmet lunch for children
without homes on Monday, January 21st. Queens barbers and restaurant chefs
will be welcoming the children with open arms to pay tribute in honoring
the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, who lived by the rule of
doing good unto others.

When asked what motivated her to organize this community effort,
Yves Marie Danie Baptiste replied, "I wanted to do my part in
igniting the spark in the hearts of people everywhere in
remembering that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is not a day
off but a day on. A day to meet the needs of those around us who
are less fortunate - a day of unity. Because Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., lived a life of serving other people…what better way
to emulate his actions by reaching out to kids without homes who
don't have much at all. I believe Dr. King would be proud of the
small businesses that are giving back to the community in this
way."

For more information email Yves Marie Danie Baptiste at:
Info [AT ] DogsDontDrinkCoffee.com or at the information below:
Contact:

Yves Marie Danie Baptiste
Daytime phone #: 347-612-4338
http://www.DogsDontDrinkCoffee.com

####

"Want To Know Why Dr. Martin Luther King Would Vote For This Candidate In The Coming 2008 Presidential Elections?"

2008-01-14T03:57:00.001-08:00

For Immediate Release

Local New York artists Yves Marie Danie Baptiste and L.K. will be
unveiling a 17 ft. x 22 ft. wide mural painting of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. casting his vote for the 2008 Presidential
candidate of his choice in observance of his National Holiday.

New York, NY, January 14, 2008 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was
one of the main leaders of the American Civil Rights Movement,
standing for equality, justice and fair representation for all
people and if he were alive today to cast his vote in the
upcoming 2008 elections, he would without hesitation give his
support to the presidential candidate that most closely embodies
these same qualities in the actions they have taken past,
present, and what they have planned for the future.

In celebration of his life, local artists, Yves Marie Danie
Baptiste of FireYourBossMagazine and L.K. of
Art-Rocks! will be unveiling the painting of a larger
than life mural of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. posing arm in arm
with the Presidential candidate of his choice. Here are some of
the deciding factors why this candidate is Dr. King's # 1 choice:

-Possesses these 2 crucial pigmentation variants in their skin
color necessary and fit to be the next President of the United
States Of America.

-Has done these 3 off-the-beaten-path things in their past which
has thoroughly prepared them to successfully end the war in Iraq
and finally bring our troops home.

-Maintains close-knit relationships with 5 key individuals with
the power to finally restore peace in the Middle East.

-Is endorsed by these 4 groups/organizations that will help to
open doors to Universal health care for Americans once and for
all.

-Blessed with these 3 character traits direly needed in order to
successfully keep the United States safe from terrorism.

-Is romantically linked to this powerhouse individual with the
experience to balance the economy.

-Holds 4 magic keys to unlocking the mystery of where Bin Laden
is hiding.

Description of the mural of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - rich,
vibrant, colors are used and coupled with the enormous size of
the mural…it can be seen nearly one block away.

Public viewing, photographs and filming footage of the mural is
allowed by everyone.

For more information on the location, time, and date of the
unveiling of the mural…please contact Yves Marie Danie Baptiste
at 347-612-4338 to be placed on the VIP list for the first
showing.

28 New Versions Of Jingle Bells

2007-12-25T04:26:00.000-08:00

Free Website, www.JingleTKO.com, offers 28 spectacular new versions of Jingle Bells inside fantasy boxing ring. Contenders: Senators Barack Obama & Hillary Clinton.

At www.JingleTKO.com, fantasy boxing ring contenders fashioned after Senators Barack Obama & Hillary Clinton accept the challenge to battle it out by each composing 12 electrifying new and original versions of Jingle Bells to win the coveted *Champion* title for the annual: "Holiday Boxing Match Of The Year" contest.

New York, NY December 25, 2007 -- There used to be a time when people were satisfied just to hear the same old, same old, traditional version of Jingle Bells. But in the "Gimme more, more, more" generation that we live in one just isn't enough.

And when you top that off with the kind of shocking flair seen on shows like "Cops" or VH1 sensational hits: "Flavor Of Love" and "I Love New York", starring Tiffany Pollard, then you've got yourself the makings of a pulse-pounding winner.

In fact, NYU graduate, Yves Marie Danie Baptiste, offers a taste of just that where anyone can listen for free to 28 outrageous new versions of the Holiday Christmas song favorite, Jingle Bells: From 1990's Ballad to Disco; from Dancing Penguins (yes, the flightless bird!) to Classical.

You can even hear the opening of a 'At The Ball Park' game belt out the notes. And then of course there are 23 more imaginative renditions left. All 28 versions of the Jingle Bells Christmas carol song is followed by naughty-NOT-nice-jaw-dropping-theatrical-like spicy commentary that makes for lively conversation by office water coolers everywhere. So, don't be shy. Take a peek and listen in on:

-Hillary Clinton's tongue lashing rants towards Senator Barack Obama, Oprah, and Al Gore. Hear her sound off about Rush Limbaugh's below the belt reference to her age in the run for President. Learn what she really thinks about the 'Jamie Lynn Spears pregnant at 16' scandalous Hollywood buzz and the #1 reason why she thinks Barack Obama should not be elected President ('Hillary Sounds Off' audio & 'Hillary Round 12' audio).

-Barack Obama's explosive comments towards Hillary Clinton and the #1 reason why he believes the state of Iowa continues to slip from her firm grasp. The one thing he is convinced Hillary Clinton smells like (Obama, Round 1 audio) and what he believes the New York Knicks should do with Isiah Thomas. Also, his thoughts on athletes using steroids ('Obama Sounds Off' & 'Obama Round 12' audio).

Go ahead and 'knock yourself out' and visit www.JingleTKO.com (you know you want to!).

All 28 renditions can be played right off the page for free. Oh, and have yourself a Merry, Merry, Christmas Holiday. Zoom! Pow! TKO style, of course.

Contact:
Yves Marie Danie Baptiste
Telephone #: 347-612-4338
www.JingleTKO.com

###

Joey in Astoria: Astorian Weekend Edition 29.11.07

2007-12-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

Joey in Astoria: Astorian Weekend Edition 29.11.07

"Will You Lend A Paw This Holiday Season?"

2007-12-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

Contact: Mildred Firestone 347-612-4338

For Immediate Release

Will You Lend A Paw This Christmas Season?

DogsDontDrinkCoffee.com 1st Annual Queens
Holiday Natural Pet Food Drive

NEW YORK, NY - December 1, 2007 Queens resident and
She-e-O of www.DogsDontDrinkCoffee.com, Yves Marie Danie
Baptiste, is sponsoring the 1st Annual Queens holiday natural
pet food drive to benefit local animal charities.

When asked what inspired her to organize a natural
pet food drive, Yves Marie Danie replied, "The recent pet food recall at the beginning of this year was a major wake-up call for me. I have a sweet boxer at home and I didn't want to accidentally poison her and cause her kidneys to fail from the dog food that I was feeding her. After extensive research I finally learned of all the nutritional foods that promote optimum health in pets. I wouldn't think to feed her anything less. And now, she
thanks me for it in her renewed energy and lots of doggie
kisses."

Leading dog-health author, Ann N. Martin, sums up the state of commercial dog food in a single sentence.."Most commercial pet foods are garbage."

Donations of cans of natural cans of dog and cat food (or mail in cash)can be dropped off at the offices of Animal Haven, a nonprofit organization that provides lifetime shelter for homeless pets. The center is located at 35-22 Prince Street Flushing, NY 11354. The hours of operation
are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays from Noon to 7pm.

We need to do everything in our power to protect our pets from poisons in their meals. I think that is the best Christmas present we can ever give to them - all year round, says Yves Marie Danie Baptiste of DogsDontDrinkCoffee.com

#####

To get a FREE tips on things you can do to protect
beloved pets from common ailments related to the foods they eat send an email
to food@DogsDontDrinkCoffee.com

"Who Says New York Is A Hard Town?"

2007-11-22T04:32:00.001-08:00

Contact: Mildred Firestone

info[AT]MLMOnlineMagazine.com

For Immediate Release

Heroic act of good Samaritan sparks a spirit of Thanksgiving and Goodwill in others.

NEW YORK, NY - November 22, 2007 - New York City is not without it's share of people who care this holiday season.

Just days after seeing Amarjit Singh on the cover of the Daily News,
Yves Marie Danie Baptiste, of MLMOnlineMagazine, swiftly mobilized an energetic group of benevolent sponsors to help kick off a series of 28 VIP tele-seminars.

100% of the proceeds to benefit the Amarjit Singh Fund and other victims of violent crimes - the seminar series is aptly entitled: '28 Days Of Thanksgiving.'

Industry professionals will share their expertise in workshops on safety, health & nutrition, and starting a successful home-based business and more beginning
Dec. 1st - 29th.

"I was both upset and filled with sorrow when I read the horrifying detailed accounts in which this good Samaritan, Mr. Singh, was butchered and unable to work and provide for his four children.

I felt compelled to make contact with the newspapers to find out what I can do. I believe we have the ability - and the responsibility - to give what we can to those in need and New Yorkers are people who care enough to give, says Yves Marie Danie Baptiste.

Amarjit Singh is the 56 year old Manhattan cook who heroically
endangered his own life to save a stranger from a psycho intent on killing.

For more information on the upcoming workshops and how you can
register or become a co-sponsor send an email to:

info [AT] MLMOnlineMagazine.net

####

How To Ease Your Thanksgiving Day Stress

2007-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here's to easing your stress on Thanksgiving. See how.

Free business cards.

2007-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

Free business cards.

FREE Business Cards! WOW! Click here.

Internet Infopreneur Tips

2007-11-14T17:51:00.000-08:00

Become an internet infopreneur.

Legitimate Work From Home Jobs Are Good But This Is Better.

2007-11-14T01:34:00.001-08:00

Legitimate Work From Home Jobs, you think?

Make Money This Holiday Season – Instead of Just Spending…

2007-11-13T01:04:00.000-08:00

What better time of year, than the present, to start your own Santa Letter Business. Not only can you make money during the holidays, but if you like, you can make money with Bizyletters all year long. The Bizyletter program will give you everything you need to get Your business started right away, including a website. We’ve made this program very personalized. You can receive one on one support to help you get this business up and running. Our #1 goal is for you to become a successful business owner. The sooner you buy this program the sooner you can be making. Don' put this off another day.

Click here for complete details!

Bizymoms Offers New Business Opportunity, Just In Time for the Holidays!

2007-11-13T00:58:00.000-08:00

Bizymoms
Offers New Business Opportunity, Just In Time for the Holidays!

Christmas is
right around the corner and you know what that means…you get
to make some holiday cash. Yes, you heard me right. I know during
the holidays most of us have quite the talent for spending money,
but this year it can be different. You’re not the only one running
around trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone. Matter
a fact you’re going to help a lot of frustrated shoppers out
there who want to purchase several gifts for the little ones in their
lives.

So what am I
talking about exactly? There’s an incredibly rewarding business
you can start at home -- today. You can decide if you want to run
it only during the Christmas Holidays or if you do it throughout the
year with letters from the Easter Bunny, the tooth fairy and The Great
Pumpkin just to name a few. You might have heard of it as a Santa
Letter Business or maybe you haven’t heard of it at all. But
can you imagine the excitement on a child’s face when they first
get something in the mail addressed just to them? Kids LOVE mail.
Then to get a letter from someone they admire and think is the best
thing since peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?

Not only will
they just get a letter from Santa, but Santa talks about their family,
friends and pets by name. He can even mention something they are wanting
for Christmas and you know they are going to get. This is just a fun
business to get into for the Holidays and throughout the year.

There are several
Santa Letter Business Opportunities out there you can pick from so
why should you go with a Bizyletter Opportunity? Not only do we provide
you will all the information you need to start this business, you
also receive a lifetime website for your business. No monthly charges
for the website either. Once you pay for the program, that’s
it. You can also have one on one support to help you get this business
off the ground and running smoothly. We want to see you succeed. So
don’t wait any longer.

To get more information
and to sign-up today visit CLICK HERE!

"Does Your Traffic Pass The Test?"

2007-11-10T23:34:00.001-08:00

"e-Goods Make Money."

2007-11-10T23:32:00.000-08:00

"Ebay Gotcha By The....?"

2007-11-10T23:30:00.000-08:00

"Real Estate - Done Right."

2007-11-10T23:28:00.001-08:00

"Turn Your Knowledge Into Money."

2007-11-10T23:24:00.001-08:00

"Start A Business From Home - The Smart Way."

2007-11-10T23:21:00.000-08:00

"Get More Customers!"

2007-11-10T02:55:00.000-08:00

How To Know Who Your Massage Therapy Clients Are - Finding A Target Market

2007-11-09T02:53:00.001-08:00

Article by: Amy Roberts

One of the greatest challenges to being a sole trading massage Therapist is getting clients. In fact it’s painful when you have trouble doing it. So now I’m going to share some valuable info with you.

One of the secrets to getting clients is to understand who your target market is. The reason you must know who your type market is, simply put, is so that you can find your potential clients. You see half of the battle is over when you actually know who you are marketing to. Many massage therapists actually think that every body is their target market, why is this? Because we are under the impression that because massage is good for every body and every body needs it then obviously this is a target market.

This is so further from the truth! You see in order to gain clients you first have to know who your clients are. Once you know who your clients then you can market to them and increase the level of clients the come through your massage business. This is the sole purpose of knowing who your target market is.

When you think of it like this it makes sense.

Lets me back track a bit. You see what we have to understand as massage therapists/business owners is that are clients will not magically come to us when we open the door for trading. This is a common misconception when we go from freshly graduating, to becoming business owners. Don't let the term ‘business owner’ put you off, it is simply what you are.

As soon as you make the decision to go out on your own you have become a ‘business owner’ who works in the business as Massage Therapist. And as a responsible business owner you must know about getting clients. The objective of business is to gain clients. So we must know where to start.

Your ‘target market’ is simply describing the people that you are targeting to do business with. It describes the key element that you must do in your business. And that means really knowing who your target market.

Your target market can be found by do in a breakdown of all the people that you think or do currently come to use a massage. You need to do a breakdown your clients in the statistical way. Once you do this you will find a lot easy out to know who you’re actually marketing to and it will make it easier to actually find them.

This process of breaking down your type of person who comes to you and you will be able to find them a lot easier than guess work that you may have done in the past.

Always proceed in this fashion and you will find marketing, networking and generally getting clients a lot easier than the ‘normal’ way- which is guess.

Getting More Massage Therapy Clients, Without Expensive Advertising - Part 2

2007-11-09T02:42:00.000-08:00

Article by: Amy Roberts

In Part 1, I discussed how you can get more clients without expensive advertising by what not to do. And that is not doing general advertising to ‘everyone’, I was talking about getting specific to marketing to people who want massage, and that the secret lies in your own practice.

It’s easy to see what groups of people want massage therapy by looking at your own business, and by looking at complimentary practices in the community apart from yours.

To get more clients without spending hundreds of dollars have a look at who else in your community might treat people a similar way to you. This means people who are serving others to help with muscle soreness, fatigue and other reasons.

You see it’s not about who you think needs massage, its more about looking at who is looking for massage. So if you make a list of all the practitioners in your local area who treat people to alleviate their muscle problems, then you are onto a good start.

Or, perhaps you do massage that focuses more on stress reduction. So ask yourself who else in my community helps people relax? There might be people such as Yoga Teachers, Hypnotherapists, health products, Naturopaths etc. You must ask yourself if these people have the people who will seek massage therapy. If the answer is yes, then you are more likely to have successful results than if you stuck an ad in the paper and hoped for the best.

Success never, ever comes from hoping. It comes through specific action with good solid planning.

Start today to write down a list of all the people that have the people who also seek massage to help them and their health issues, whether mental or physical. You are seeking the same group of people, and yes, it must be specific.

Good luck to you.

Getting More Massage Therapy Clients, Without Expensive Advertising - Part 1

2007-11-09T02:34:00.000-08:00

Article by: Amy Roberts

Many times a Massage Therapist will feel as if, in order to get clients, they need to do expensive advertising in the newspaper. When I first stated, I had no money to do advertising with, so I had to find another way to market myself. It took longer, but the clients I got as a result stayed with me for years, and they in turn referred me their friends.

You see marketing yourself to other sources, that’s not newspaper advertising, does take a little longer, and you will need a bit more patience, but if you market yourself to the right areas you’ll get more solid and lasting results. Its not how ‘big’ you advertise, in fact it’s the opposite.

Not having any money to do expensive advertising when I first started was good in this way. It taught me to be creative and as a result I learned something no college or massage school could ever teach me. I learned that it was not about exposure to ‘everyone’ it was about exposure to certain groups of people who were looking for massage specifically. And after time, I found out how to find exactly how was looking for massage and how I could market myself to those people. As a result I was busier than I had ever been, had more clients than I imagined I would in one go, and worked more than I had in months, in just one month….that is, after I knew what to do.

You see marketing your practice is not just about ‘getting your message out there’. It’s about getting your message out there to people who want massage. And you can even take it one step further; getting your message out there to people who want your particular type of massage. And the secret of finding this is in your own practice. How fantastic is that!

So the best thing to remember is that it’s not about general advertising, it’s about specific advertising to people who want massage therapy as a treatment/maintenance/prevention/solution. The key is to get into this mindset and work it from there. On part two, I’ll explain more!

Massage Therapists! - How To Market Your Business

2007-11-09T00:47:00.000-08:00

"How Often Should I Market My Massage Therapy Business?"

Article by: Amy Roberts

This is a question that I get asked on a regular basis. You know that you should do marketing- that’s established but the frequency is not always known. And, to be, honest with you, it sometimes depends on where your massage business is.

I’ll explain.

Clinics who have been established for several years or more often find that the majority of business either comes from word of mouth or the signage out the front- depending on where they are. The Therapists who have a good number of clients get most of their clients through word of mouth and advertising they do. Starting Therapists usually get their clients from word of mouth as advertising is not a financial option at this stage.

Did you notice what they have in common? They all have to market themselves. Regardless of what stage you are in you must always continually market yourself.Even the most regular clients don’t stay forever. Sometimes this is because of moving out of the area, death, and sometimes they just don’t need us anymore. The latter is great for them because if that happens we have done our jobs and helped them with their problem. But don’t get too comfortable with your client numbers. And even the most established of clinics have hired me to do their marketing for them.

You simply must market your massage business all the time. I would suggest if you are starting out then at least dedicate half an hour a day to doing something. If it’s just a phone call or placing your fliers in a health food store, at least it is something. If you are fairly established and don’t need an influx of clients then every couple of months should be a good start.

What happens if you don’t?

If you don’t you’ll find you hit quiet times more suddenly and without warning. Your marketing will sustain your client numbers for a while but not forever which is why you need to address it on a regular basis.

Marketing is a form of communication and it is that communication that enables people to feel comfortable about coming to you. When people feel that, then you will find that the frequency of new clients will be higher and more solid over the longer times.