http://gala-news.com/ ru Marketing - Gala-news.com- all aspect of business http://gala-news.com/yandexlogo.gif http://gala-news.com/ DataLife Engine http://gala-news.com/marketing/14-direct-mail.html Do you have a website? A Web Newsletter? A mailing list of e-mail addresses for customers? Do you track and test everything? You can use the web to get sales in lots of exciting ways which are dependant on technology that's available at the time. Whether you budget is £600 or £6000, I can show you how it's done effectively time after time after time! Marketing galaxer Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:10:00 -0600 Do you have a website? A Web Newsletter? A mailing list of e-mail addresses for customers? Do you track and test everything? You can use the web to get sales in lots of exciting ways which are dependant on technology that's available at the time. Whether you budget is £600 or £6000, I can show you how it's done effectively time after time after time! So here's what I do when I start working with clients and I would like to offer it to you as a gift now. Have a look at this list of ten great ways of marketing. I guarantee, that nearly all web site owners will not have every one of these simple methods in place right now. Please pick at least two that you're either not doing, or not doing that well - and MAKE A DECISION to add them to your marketing mix in the weeks ahead: Direct Mail Internet Marketing Email Marketing Advertising Telephone Marketing Direct Sales Strategic Alliances Referral Systems PR Additional Products/Services We will tackle these in order Direct Mail Direct mail is often overused and badly done. It's got a bad reputation over the years, mainly due to spammers, used instead of the telephone or by con artists seeking their next victim. There are a lot of myths and nonsense about mailings. You may want to print this out, because in my continuing efforts to help you reach success ? I am about to share the secrets of direct mail - I'd be surprised if the contents of this mail does not save you thousands of pounds over the next 12 months. By the way, if you are totally new to Direct Mail - "It's anything sent by post, sales letters, electronic mail or brochures etc" I want to dispel some things about DM to you. "Direct Mail doesn't work" . This ingenious conclusion is arrived at by the fact that most people throw most of the mail we get directly in the bin - therefore the thinking is that it's a waste of money. The truth is that 90 out of 100 people might throw your mailing in the bin, but if 5 people look at it, 5 more read it and one of those 5 buys from you - you may well have a highly profitable mailing. Last week I sent 400 emails to potential clients, and got 37 replies. That's to say that 37 people actually read my mail, and I got exactly 9 new clients as a result. Now what would happen if I doubled my mailings next week? I could expect from 800 mails, about 80 replies and maybe 20 sales! And that's easily doable by the way, because I've done it. But saying that, your mailing may not work ? it depends on what you say, price involved and some products may just not be suited to an email campaign. It's very much a numbers game, but one thing is certain, email is free! You have to enter this knowing that most of your mailings will go unread, but at least it's cheaper than other advertising methods. Large companies like Capital One, know their mailings DO work ? they've spent a fortune fine tuning and testing these campaigns. But just to warn you ? direct mail can fail, and they are the ones, usually, small to medium businesses send out, because they don't understand what they are really doing. If it's done right, it will make your profits increase dramatically, and when it's done badly ? it can eat into a budget, so be very careful! There are 2 types of mailings: Potential Customers Existing Customers If you don't do much mailing ? start doing some now. It's easy to not email out of fear of upsetting clients, scared of bombarding them with too many mails, thus losing a sale. That's crazy and it's to nobodys advantage. Actually, most sales emails are helpful and quite genuine. I was once told "You've got to be mad to not listen to a salesman ? they might have something you need!" So next time you receive a mail or telesales call, consider that it could well be in your favour. And there really is nothing wrong with sending out 2 mails each week.. So don't worry. I have noticed that many clients are sitting with 1000's of email addresses ? yet they aren't contacting these clients. That's like throwing money down the drain. They could say NO, then again they could say YES to your product. Imagine if a further 10 bought your services next week ? how do you feel about not emailing those customers now? Try it today?.. Think of something you can offer these customers, you must have something you can offer! Even something for free. Send them a letter and measure the response. If it works, mail them and measure the results. If it keeps on working, keep on doing it! The best email is a personal communication with a customer you know. It may read as follows: Dear----------- I wanted to follow up after your purchase of (your product) on (date) to see how it's working out for you and to thank you for your continuing business. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know by return email, or feel free to call my private phone number. Many Thanks Regards Mr X Your customer is going to open, read and appreciate an email like this. They may even respond to it, and even if they don't, it doesn't look like spam or bug anyone. And they probably will appreciate that. http://gala-news.com/marketing/13-turning-the-casual-scanner-into-a-buyer.html The world is full of scanners. Most people simply scan the page to see if anything piques their interest, rather than reading the ads, sales letters, or web copy. That's why you should ensure that your copy is scanner friendly. That means placing headlines, subheads, and other devices throughout your copy that's compelling enough to sell your customers on your business. How can you turn the casual scanner into an active reader? More importantly, how can we turn a scanner into a buyer? First, ensure that your headlines can stand alone, without the support of other sentences. For most, that means getting rid of those one-word headlines. Headlines should include the benefit of your offering, evoke curiosity, or compel the scanner to read the main copy. Marketing galaxer Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:09:00 -0600 The world is full of scanners. Most people simply scan the page to see if anything piques their interest, rather than reading the ads, sales letters, or web copy. That's why you should ensure that your copy is scanner friendly. That means placing headlines, subheads, and other devices throughout your copy that's compelling enough to sell your customers on your business.How can you turn the casual scanner into an active reader? More importantly, how can we turn a scanner into a buyer? First, ensure that your headlines can stand alone, without the support of other sentences. For most, that means getting rid of those one-word headlines. Headlines should include the benefit of your offering, evoke curiosity, or compel the scanner to read the main copy.Don't forget the subheads. They also should be compelling, preferably complementing the headline, giving enough power to nudge your reader from scanning to reading mode. Keep in mind good subheads support the main promise of your copy. If your headline, for example, promises to help your customers lose weight, your subheads could briefly explain that your product is clinically proven or has a secret ingredient. Subheads are also a great place to introduce your offers.Another way to be a scanner's friend is to use short paragraphs. Rule of thumb: Keep paragraphs between 3 to 5 sentences. If you must use a long sentence, place a short snappy paragraph after it.The most popular way to generate interest: Use underlines, boldface, highlights, and italics throughout your copy, carefully. Too much can leave your customers overwhelmed and likely to stop scanning and move on. When using these tools remember, the purpose is to emphasize certain points. Some ideas on what you should highlight in your copy:* Call-to-actions phrases, like buy now, subscribe here, or receive your special offer today.* Contact information, including toll-free numbers, emails, and web-sites.* Major benefits supporting the promise of your copy* Your rates and fees and how they compete* Your business or product's name.Adding a second color to your copy boosts retention and readability. Especially, when using a medium that's typically black and white like newspapers. What colors are best? Typically, the most used and most effective colors are red and blue. Try placing offers or premiums in different colors to emphasize and pull your customers in.P.S. Don't forget the P.S. An important aspect, most readers read the end, first. It's a great spot to recap your offer and restate your benefits. This may also be a good spot to add a bonus, premium, or guarantee http://gala-news.com/marketing/12-five-mistakes-absolutely-guaranteed-to-drive-away.html We all work hard to attract even one paying client. In fact, we work hard to attract serious inquiries. Yet amazingly, many business owners seem determined to drive away business! Every example cited here is based on true, thoroughly documented experiences, with both newbie business owners and five-star marquee players. Marketing galaxer Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:08:00 -0600 We all work hard to attract even one paying client. In fact, we work hard to attract serious inquiries. Yet amazingly, many business owners seem determined to drive away business! Every example cited here is based on true, thoroughly documented experiences, with both newbie business owners and five-star marquee players.1. Defensive plays. Client tries to order a product, only to be thoroughly buffaloed by a confusing form. Client writes a complaint, expressing frustration. The business owner writes back, "I have written five best-selling books on customer service, so I know what's reasonable. Nobody else has complained. And we can't do anything anyway."A twenty-five dollar CD isn't a big deal, right? But you probably make these offers to entice big-ticket clients. And if they're testing the waters, they want to see how you operate.Better: Skip excuses and accept responsibility, even if your client seems to be a complete techno-idiot. He's paying, right? "I am so sorry you were inconvenienced when you attempted to order from us. Thank you for making us aware of this problem. We will discuss the situation with our web designers in our next meeting. Meanwhile, please download a complimentary Special Report on a related topic."2. Stealing home with disguised sales pitches. Clients sign up for a teleclass hyped as "Secrets of helping you make thousands of dollars with low effort. A content-rich teleclass that will change your life." After dialing to the other end of the planet, and maybe paying a fee, they hear an hour-long sales pitch for a book, coaching program or four-figure seminar.Better: Nothing wrong with a brief sales pitch. But if you're adding value during the class, you may not need one! Prospective clients listen to the way you answer questions. They want to see if you're really delivering creative solutions or serving up recycled content that's about as tempting than soggy fries reheated in a microwave.3. Throwing a curve ball. You're supposed to throw curves to your opponents ? not your teammates. And your clients ultimately join your team. So why would you toss a teammate a curveball?Throwing a curve ball means offering the client a service he had no reason to expect ? and probably never wanted. Client wants a marketing plan ? so you ask about negative thoughts, fears and self-defeating beliefs. Client wants a sales strategy ? so you ask a lot of "what do you think" questions and talk about accountability.Clarify outcomes and deliverables the client can expect to obtain. Be especially clear on the difference between consulting, coaching, mentoring and spiritual guidance. Expecting one and getting another can feel like a ball's landed right between your eyes.4. Holding out your foot to trip the runner. Ouch! You'd never do this, I hope!"I sent Coach Elrod a draft of my website copy to see if I was on the right track. He told me he would charge my credit card an extra $35 for editing. When I said no, he shrugged and said he'd keep the editing to himself. I never asked for editing! I just wanted a quick overview ? I was still drafting copy. "Better: This one's a no-brainer! Ask what the client wants. Warn about charges ahead of time. . And once he blundered ahead, refusing to show the client the edited work suggests that he and the client are opponents, not teammates.This is a true story. Up to then, Elrod's client thought Elrod walked on water. Never mind who generated the misunderstanding. That thirty-five dollars cost Elrod the client's goodwill, future coaching calls and countless referrals. And let's hope Elrod didn't go ahead and put the charge through. We don't want to go there.5. Getting the players mixed up.When clients pay for one-on-one consultation, they expect you to remember their names, their positions and their quirks."X kept talking about building my confidence. Confidence isn't my problem. If I were any more confident, I'd be more arrogant than Don Rickles." "Y suggested I complete an assignment before our next meeting. When we got together, she'd forgotten the whole thing." "Z kept referring to 'your experience in advertising.' I never worked in advertising! That must have been another client!"Better: When you can't keep your clients straight, you need fewer clients or a better filing system. And just because most of your clients have confidence problems, this one doesn't mean this client does!Bottom line: We could come up with dozens of examples of client-killing errors. The bad news is that mistakes are inevitable, simply by the nature of service delivery. The good news is that correcting a mistake can create a new bond with your client, firmer and longer-lasting than the original.Example: When you miss the mark on a call, you can say: "Thanks for sharing your feelngs so honestly. I want to give you real value. We can schedule a make-up to focus on whatever you need." The make-up might be only half an hour, rather than the original full hour. The client may even say, "Don't bother ? I expect an occasional mismatch." http://gala-news.com/marketing/15-how-to-recover-your-almost-customers.html You'll always need to find new prospects for your business. But don't overlook the prospects you already attracted. Many are close to buying. Use these four simple procedures to convert those "almost customers" into paying customers. Marketing galaxer Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:11:00 -0600 You'll always need to find new prospects for your business. But don't overlook the prospects you already attracted. Many are close to buying. Use these four simple procedures to convert those "almost customers" into paying customers.1. Make A Memorable ImpressionCreate a reason for prospects and customers to notice you ...and to think of you when they encounter a competitor.Many prospects who do not buy from you the first time will come back to buy later. Existing customers will also remember you. They'll come back to buy again -- and they'll send pre-sold referrals to you.One easy way to establish a memorable identity is to create an important reason for customers to do business with you instead of with your competitors.The advantage you offer doesn't have to be dramatic to be memorable IF you promote it aggressively. It can be as simple as delivering faster results, more personalized attention or a better guarantee than your competitors.Tip: Combine several small advantages like those described above to create a big (and more memorable) advantage over your competitors.2. Follow Up ConsistentlyMost prospects do not buy the first time they see or hear about you. But they will if you follow up with them.Your follow up can be as simple as contacting them occasionally with a new offer. Or it can be more complex such as publishing a weekly newsletter with useful information and articles.If you don't already have a way to collect their address, you can get it by offering a valuable gift that you deliver only by email or postal mail.For example, offer a special report, a list of sources or some other valuable information they cannot get anywhere else. These are valuable to customers and prospects -- but they won't cost you much to provide.3. Make Sure You Answer These 7 Buyer's QuestionsProspective customers will not buy from you until all 7 of the following questions are answered. Customers may not consciously think about these questions. But they will not buy until all 7 are answered in their minds:1: Exactly what are you offering?2: Why do I need (or want) it?3: How can I believe your claims?4: Why should I get it from you?5: How fast can I get it?6: What if I don't like it after I get it?7: What do I need to do to get it?Make sure you answer all 7 of these buyer's questions in your web site, sales letters and other selling tools.Tip: Present everything in term of the benefit it provides to customers. For example, don't just list testimonials from satisfied customers (your answer to question 3). Point out that those testimonials prove you really do deliver what you promise.4. Keep Your Ordering Procedure SimpleUse an uncomplicated and fast ordering procedure. Every additional action you ask customers to perform and every additional decision you ask them to make after they already decided to buy can cause them to reverse their decision.For example, many online marketers use a shopping cart to process their orders when they could use a simple online order form. Each unnecessary step in the shopping cart process is an opportunity for customers to abandon their order ...a sale lost needlessly.Tip: Don't ask for unnecessary information during the ordering process. Instead, send a personalized "thank you" message after the sale and include a brief request for the additional information.Don't overlook the easy sales you can get from old prospects that are almost ready to buy? Use these 4 simple procedures to cultivate your "almost customers" and turn them into paying customers. http://gala-news.com/marketing/11-customer-lifetime-value-the-key-to-maximizing.html  The greatest asset to your business is your Customer, specifically, your Customer Lifetime Value. In my many years in Sales and Marketing, I've met many CEOs and business owners who don't have much clue as to what Customer Lifetime Value is, much less its importance and the impact it has on their bottomline. To most of them, what matters most is to increase revenue by continuously acquiring new one-shot customers. This is one of the fatal mistakes that many business owners make; it's a sad scenario, but it's also the reality. Let me tell you something: it'll cost you 5 times more to attract a new customer than it is to bring one of your past customers back to you. I don't know you personally, but if you're a smart business owner, you'll understand that every cent you invest in advertising is going towards acquiring new customers. You'll also realise that once you've acquired the customers, you just can't afford to let them go. Marketing galaxer Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:50:00 -0600  The greatest asset to your business is your Customer, specifically, your Customer Lifetime Value.In my many years in Sales and Marketing, I've met many CEOs and business owners who don't have much clue as to what Customer Lifetime Value is, much less its importance and the impact it has on their bottomline. To most of them, what matters most is to increase revenue by continuously acquiring new one-shot customers.This is one of the fatal mistakes that many business owners make; it's a sad scenario, but it's also the reality. Let me tell you something: it'll cost you 5 times more to attract a new customer than it is to bring one of your past customers back to you.I don't know you personally, but if you're a smart business owner, you'll understand that every cent you invest in advertising is going towards acquiring new customers. You'll also realise that once you've acquired the customers, you just can't afford to let them go.----------------------------------So what's Customer Lifetime Value?----------------------------------Customer Lifetime Value is defined as the total value, in monetary terms, of your average customers spanning the entire period that these customers are likely to do business with you. It's the potential contribution of your customers to your business over a period of time.Here's how to calculate your Customer Lifetime Value:1). Let's say you've 2,000 steady customers and these customers remain with you for an average of two years; for the past two years, your net profit was $700,000.The Customer Lifetime Value can be calculated as: $700,000/2,000 = $350.What this means is that over an average customer lifespan of two years, each new customer you could acquire and keep is worth $350 to you in profits.2). If you do not have the actual figures, you'll have to estimate. As the Customer Lifetime Value will have a significant impact on your bottomline, my advice is that you be prudent and conservative in your estimation.----------------------------Why is it so important to you and your business?----------------------------Lifetime Customer Value is important to you and your business for the following reasons:1). Knowing the Lifetime Value of your customers is crucial to you and your business as it serves as a benchmark without which you'll be groping in the dark.When you know the Lifetime Value of your customers, you can determine how much time, effort and money you can afford to invest to acquire that customer in the first instance.In other words, you can invest more today to reap a much larger profits later down the road as long as your cashflow is healthy and can support it.Every marketing campaign that you undertake costs you money as well as reaping you benefits such as increased sales, enhanced corporate image, etc. But how can you be sure that the benefits would outweigh the costs or investments? This is where knowing the Customer Lifetime Value is so powerful - it helps you to determine this even before you launch your marketing campaign.2). When you realize that customers are actually an ongoing stream of revenue as opposed to a one-shot sale, you can re-focus your marketing efforts.Instead of contantly struggling to acquire more and more new customers, you can now begin to focus on keeping your existing customers longer and selling to them repeatedly, in other words, repeat sales.You may spend more like making stronger and more attractive offers than your competition in acquiring new customers now who will be your money spinners tomorrow.This makes sense because you now know that on average you'll more than make it back over the years that the customers are with you and therefore you could afford to break even or even lose money now in acquiring the new customers.Start shifting your focus to Customer Lifetime Value and maximise your profits today!Start to have a proper understanding of Customer Lifetime Value because it's key to the success of your business. It'll allow you to acquire more customers than your competition through better and more attractive offers; it'll dramatically increase your bottomline through more repeat sales and shoot your profits through the roof. http://gala-news.com/marketing/10-10-most-powerful-marketing-tips.html Building your business can truly be a costly to you. Each time you turn around you could be spending every dollar you have on advertising and not seeing any results in your business to justify the expense.  You really can't get ahead in your business if you have to spend a lot of money on advertising and list building, especially when you are first starting out. Wouldn't it be nice if someone could show you basically step by step how you can build your business without spending a lot of money while doing it? Marketing galaxer Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:05:00 -0600 ] Building your business can truly be a costly to you. Each time you turn around you could be spending every dollar you have on advertising and not seeing any results in your business to justify the expense. You really can't get ahead in your business if you have to spend a lot of money on advertising and list building, especially when you are first starting out.Wouldn't it be nice if someone could show you basically step by step how you can build your business without spending a lot of money while doing it? 1. Print your best small ad on a postcard and mail it to prospects in your targeted market. People read postcards when the message is brief. A small ad on a postcard can drive a high volume of traffic to your web site and generate a flood of sales leads for a very small cost.2. No single marketing effort works all the time for every business, so rotate several marketing tactics and vary your approach. Your customers tune out after awhile if you toot only one note. Not only that, YOU get bored. Marketing can be fun, so take advantage of the thousands of opportunities available for communicating your value to customers. But don't be arbitrary about your selection of a variety of marketing ploys. Plan carefully. Get feedback from customers and adapt your efforts accordingly.3. Use buddy marketing to promote your business. For example, if you send out brochures, you could include a leaflet and/or business card of another business, which had agreed to do the same for you. This gives you the chance to reach a whole new pool of potential customers.4. Answer Your Phone Differently. Try announcing a special offer when you answer the phone. For example you could say, "Good morning, this is Ann Marie with Check It Out; ask me about my special marketing offer." The caller is compelled to ask about the offer. Sure, many companies have recorded messages that play when you're tied up in a queue, but who do you know that has a live message? I certainly haven't heard of anyone. Make sure your offer is aggressive and increase your caller's urgency by including a not-so-distant expiration date.5. Stick It! Use stickers, stamps and handwritten notes on all of your direct mail efforts and day-to-day business mail. Remember, when you put a sticker or handwritten message on the outside of an envelope, it has the impact of a miniature billboard. People read it first; however, the message should be short and concise so it can be read in less than 10 seconds.6. Send A Second Offer To Your Customers Immediately After They've Purchased Your customer just purchased a sweater from your clothing shop. Send a handwritten note to your customer thanking them for their business and informing them that upon their return with "this note" they may take advantage of a private offer, such as 20% off their next purchase. To create urgency, remember to include an expiration date.10 methods of sale promotion7. Newsletters. Did you know it costs six times more to make a sale to a new customer than to an existing one? You can use newsletters to focus your marketing on past customers. Keep costs down by sacrificing frequency and high production values. If printed newsletters are too expensive, consider an e-mail newsletter sent to people who subscribe at your Web site. 8. Seminars/ open house. Hosting an event is a great way to gain face time with key customers and prospects as well as get your company name circulating. With the right programming, you'll be rewarded with a nice turnout and media coverage. If it's a seminar, limit the attendance and charge a fee. A fee gives the impression of value. Free often connotes, whether intended or not, that attendees will have to endure a sales pitch.9. Bartering. This is an excellent tool to promote your business and get others to use your product and services. You can trade your product for advertising space or for another company's product or service. This is especially helpful when two companies on limited budgets can exchange their services.10. Mail Outs. Enclose your brochure, ad, flyer etc. in all your outgoing mail. It doesn't cost any additional postage and you'll be surprised at who could use what you're offering. http://gala-news.com/marketing/9-marketing-on-a-budget-a-successful-marketing-plan.html A successful marketing plan doesn't have to include an athletic superstar, prime-time placement, state-of-the-art computer graphics or a massive budget. Being resourceful and smart can be just as effective. Marketing galaxer Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:42:00 -0600 A successful marketing plan doesn't have to include an athletic superstar, prime-time placement, state-of-the-art computer graphics or a massive budget. Being resourceful and smart can be just as effective. Business promotion doesn't have to cost a fortune. Often, it's the personal touch that seals the deal. Here are ideas gathered from marketing experts to help you make the most of a slim marketing budget: Use Press Release PowerYou might not realize it, but reporters sometimes need you as much as you need them. The key to getting their attention is coming up with a newsworthy item that is concisely written. * Peg your release to real events, such as fundraising drives or a new service your business offers. Don't be witty to amuse yourself the idea must have a concrete purpose. * If you can't figure out why your company might be newsworthy, ask your friends what they find interesting about your company. * You can also utilize your built-in research tool your customers. If you have an offbeat idea, bounce it off them or have them fill out a short questionnaire. Ask them why they use your business.Think DifferentlyConcoct an event to draw media coverage. For instance, a Japanese restaurant could create the world's largest sushi roll and advertise its record-breaking "sushi queue." Put A Face On ItPlacing your photograph on your business card creates a personal relationship, even if they don't know you. Not only will people remember your name, they'll remember your face. Print The PraiseIf someone says, "You do a great job," say, "Thanks, very much, that means an awful lot to me. I would appreciate it if you would write a testimonial letter." Then make the testimonial part of your promotional package. 10 methods of sale promotionBorrow A MessageWhen you see an article on a subject that might interest your clients, send them a photocopy with a note that says, "I thought you might be interested in this." You're making a personal connection with a client and associating yourself with the authority quoted in the article in the process. Think Outside The BoxYou don't have to outspend your competition, you just have to outthink them. Some examples: Buy a billboard ad every other month for a year. Chances are, the billboard won't be replaced on the off months, so you'll get more exposure at no extra cost. This concept also relates to how you run your business: Always try to figure out how to give your customers something they can't find elsewhere, such as a children's play area at a restaurant. Try The Old FaithfulsDon't dismiss time-honored solutions that increase your company's community profile, such as sponsoring a charity event or outfitting a local little league team. You'll get your name out there, and that's what counts. http://gala-news.com/marketing/8-in-sickness-and-in-health-ensure-that-your.html Take the following steps today to ensure that your business will still be working when you are not able to. Marketing galaxer Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:39:00 -0500 Take the following steps today to ensure that your business will still be working when you are not able to.1. AUTOMATE YOUR BUSINESS:Automate as much as you can in your business so that you can not only make money while you sleep, but also when you are sick and can't operate the business.You can automate follow-ups using autoresponders, and the sales process using a shopping cart.Think of other areas of your business that are vitalto its success, and automate the processes if you can.2. CREATE SYSTEMS:Think about your daily routines in your business.Which routines are vital to the success of your business?Turn these routines into systems by documenting the stepsnecessary to complete them. Create binders for your systems so that your assistantor partner can complete certain projects in your absenceusing the steps in the binders.3. PLAN AHEAD NOW:Will you hire an assistant or temporary manager tooperate your business in your absence?Then do the research now to make it possible.Write down all the attributes you want for your assistant.What duties will they perform during your absence?What resources will be available to them to carry outtheir duties?Choose your assistant now so they will be prepared to come aboard when you need them to.You don't have to hire them now, but make it easy on yourself by already having someone ready to help youoperate your business when you are not able to.Let this person know what your goals are and givethem a binder containing your standard operatingprocedures and the resources for them to completetheir duties.4. CREATE MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME:If you are the only one able to operate your business,you definitely need to ensure that your cash flow willnot stop when you have to stop working.Create infoproducts now to generate more revenue for your business.If you are not able to physically generate revenue foryour business, your infoproducts will be able to.Automate the sales process so that you don'thave to worry about the cash flow when you arenot present.Cash flow may be the lifeblood of a business, but makesure it doesn't stop flowing when you are not ableto operate your business. If it seems that there are some problems you can try using 10 methods of sale promotion to increase profits of your business. http://gala-news.com/marketing/7-basic-brand-building.html A brand is the essence of who you are. The more powerful the brand the more memorable you will become. Think about brands that you can identify with. What impresses you about them and what attributes make you remember them? Brand icons didn't get that way over night and many of them have failed because they couldn't "connect" with their audience. Strong brands will stand the test of time. Marketing galaxer Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:11:23 -0500 A brand is the essence of who you are. The more powerful the brand the more memorable you will become. Think about brands that you can identify with. What impresses you about them and what attributes make you remember them? Brand icons didn't get that way over night and many of them have failed because they couldn't "connect" with their audience. Strong brands will stand the test of time. Also i'd suggest reading 10 methods of sale promotion   After you have thought about strong compelling brands that impressed you start building your own brand statement by distilling down your essential core message: Who are you and how do you want people to identify with you? What values do you represent? When people think about you what image do you want them to visualize? Think about what sets you apart from you associates. This is about building your own image so forget the company or business in your personal brand statement. Now that you have started thinking about your core message consider ways that you can reinforce your brand. Remember YOU are the brand, not your product or service, so this is essentially about you. Where and how can you demonstrate your brand message? When and how can you reinforce your brand? Your brand needs to be authentic, from the heart; you can't make a brand statement believable about something you are not. When evaluating your brand message it's important to understand your audience who are you trying to impress with you message? What do you want them to remember? You are creating your own "personal buzz" with your brand so the more you can hone in on your audience the better you can craft your message. It?s important to recognize that you can?t be all things to all people so you want to capture your target audience with your message. Everything you do should have your brand image, whether it?s giving a speech, writing a letter or the message heard on your voice mail. The brand is a living thing, the more you utilize it the more powerful it will become. Building a brand is like using a set of building blocks. One piece doesn't make much of a structure but 20 pieces will. Think about how you can build your brand by adding pieces to enforce the totality of the structure "you." Getting outside opinions helps your cause. When people think about you what assets to they remember? If it?s different than what you are tying to convey then you need to reshape your message. Take a moment to study the brand messages of people you admire or hope to model. Using the Internet is a great place to do this. Type in the name of the person in quotation on any search engine and see what turns up. It should give you ideas on ways to craft your own message. Think about how many places you have your name listed on a piece of paper or the Internet. That?s where you should be building your identity here a short list of places you should be making your brand shine. Voice mail Business cards Stationery Email address & SIG file Personal website Press releases Personal branding will help you stand apart from your competition. Whatever the circumstances your brand can only enhance your identification in the marketplace. Keep on refining and honing your brand message as you become more comfortable with whom you are.   http://gala-news.com/marketing/5-10-methods-of-sale-promotion.html Good sale promotion can give really good results in profit. Every specific good must have its own unique sale promotion programm. So, let's look main of them Marketing galaxer Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:09:20 -0500 From the start i'd like to make you understand what is sales promotion- it includes several communications activities that attempt to provide added value or incentives to consumers, wholesalers, retailers, or other organizational customers to stimulate immediate sales. These efforts can attempt to stimulate product interest, trial, or purchase. Examples of devices used in sales promotion include coupons, samples, premiums, point-of-purchase (POP) displays, contests, rebates, and sweepstakes.Good sale promotion can give really good results in profit. Every specific good must have its own unique sale promotion program.So, let's look on  main methods in sale promotions  on my mind:1) SamplingFree distribution of product sales is one of the classic sale promotion methods that is fully defined in non-counted articles and books about marketing .Usually sampling promotion is spent near sale place of the good.Usually sampling has few specific targets:- to inform society about new product-draw customers from rival's advertising- simply increase sales amont in specific sale-place.If sampling is organized correctly it can increase sales amount on 200+% in the place where it is spent. But in last time sampling lost its efficiency because it became usuall for people.Though in composition with others marketing programes it gives good result in sale promotion.2) TryvertisingAnother way to increase sales is to give a good for a trial(test). But at this case you must understand the difference between sampling. For example, giving software for a 30days trial, is good example of Tryvertising. At this period customer can use software but as 30 days are passed he must buy it or just delete it.In popular Appla Mac Stores you can try all there products: you can surf internet from the PC iMac, listen to a music from iPod or admire beauty of CoverFlow on mobile phone iPhone. At this case you can decide wheather these things are good or bad for you and in final you can get a wish to buy something of Appple's production.In conclusion, Tryvertising means that a customer can try product before buying it. The main target of Tryvertising is make customer to get a wish to buy the product. Also it can be like, that the company make all possible so the tester likes the product and write good testimonial about the product or advise it to his friends(in this case word "advertising" in the Tryvertising gets its sense). 3) TransumerismAnd here we will talk about a bit another model of sales that can be interested for some group of customers. So what is Transumerism ? This is a specific way of distribution of a good where customer don't buy it, but rent it for some time. I.e. instead of buying a car he lease it for a month. And on another month he can lease another car.I'd better say that Transumers are not a group but style of life. This give to people ability not to have a stable goods but have many expressins on different things. For example Transumerism gives an ability for fashion-conscious woman to wear different cloth, bugs jewelry and so on, but not being a wife of oil-magnat.4) DiscountsDiscounts are often used by companies and it seems it is the most effective method for sales promotion. Numerous sells off and price markdowns are able significantly increase sales of a company. The main point is to organase it professionally and not to overdo it. In the long run discounts can't last forever and be using with all range of products.It's important to build strategy for specific product.All knows that discounts are good way for increasing sales but while using it you should keep in mind about dangers that it have.5) Competitions and lotteriesLast years making Competitions and lotteries is very popular.Such companies as Pepsi and Coca-Cola even spent competitions on TV. At this case competitions was targeted to sales promotion. Do you remember a time when you could find a code under the bottle cap that can win some prize?To date Competitions and lotteries lost a bit of relevance, but still it is used very actively.6) CampaignUsually main point of this method is like: "Buy 2 bottles of Coke and you will get 1 for free!!!". It seems primitive, but at real it gives good results.7) A gift in additionReceive a gift after a purchase of a product. why not? Gifts can be used in few targets:- assist on impulsive purchasing- make agiotage, make people interested about itUsually it used for the first target where a gift is used like accelerator of impulsive purchasing. In a moment at my mind comes an example with sales of a tea Lipton. In supermarkets you usually can see a pack of tea with yellow fim cup. Naturally the buyer gets it for free. This cup is able to stimulate many people a purchasing of a tea even if they have a pack of this tea at home. Eventually who will reject getting a gift for free?8) Advertise newspaperThis method usually is used in composition with Discounts or/and Competitions and lotteries. Such newspaper will contain information about discounts on some products or about even on Competitions and lotteries. Very often such newspapers can be seen in supermarkets where you can find a lot of photoes of a product with bright letters about "extreme discounts" or "crazy discounts" and so on.9) Moneyback guaranteeThis is not the last point in sales promotion. It is all known that customer willingly will buy a product in case he can get his money back in case he don't like a product. It's a pity, but not all companies understand this case and it happends different not very good situations that refers to this point.10) Shop assistant motivationIt is the last in our list, but not the last in sale promotion. This method have different ways for using, but the most effective on my case is on shop assistant's sallary. On my mind he must get fixed salary+ % from sale. At this case seller understand why he must do his best in order to sell more and in final get more money for his work.So, it's all the list i wanted to share with. It is not the full list about methods, because in order to write about ALL of them you will need to write hole book. if you have some good ideas you can write them in a comment.Thank you for you attention. :)