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<title>MLM_TVa_152</title>
<description>MLM The Easy Way - TVa Update</description>
<link>http://www.blogmoneymiracle.com</link>
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<item>
<title>Fast-Track Your Home Business Success Using One Simple Word</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
by Laurie Hayes<br />
<br />
One of the most powerful words that can help you save time, increase productivity, feel better about yourself and reach your goals faster and easier is only two letters long! The problem is, it’s almost the most difficult word to use.<br />
<br />
Discover how to put this little powerhouse to work for you without guilt or fear.<br />
<br />
A common characteristic shared by successful home business owners is the steadfast, almost fanatical way in which they guard their time.<br />
<br />
Large corporations and businesses hire people and spread the responsibilities and, although I highly urge you to leverage your time by surrounding yourself with people who will take care of lower return activities, there is still no escaping the many interruptions and distractions that are a part of home business life.<br />
<br />
People who play at the top of their game, whether in business, sport or life, have learned how to either eliminate or reduce distractions by mastering the use of one simple word ...  "No."<br />
<br />
The inability and fear around using these two little letters has caused more home business failures, tears, stress, frustration and relationship troubles than any other.<br />
<br />
And, although many new home business owners insist their greatest weaknesses are lack of marketing and sales skills, the biggest obstacle that is blocking their ability to develop these skills is the fact they are not saying "no" to time-robbing activities, so they can focus on building and growing.<br />
<br />
Lack of time is the number one challenge every one of my clients brings to the table when we begin working together.<br />
<br />
Learn to say "no" to doing everything yourself. <br />
<br />
Oftentimes I'll hear, "But I'm in start-up, I have to guard my spending," and I respond with, "You can't save yourself into profitability. You have to focus on making money."<br />
<br />
This mental block will never allow you to grow, especially at an accelerated rate.<br />
<br />
Low pay-off activities can be delegated, bartered, given to volunteers, students and family members. Do some creative brainstorming with your coach, mastermind group or trusted colleague.<br />
<br />
Learn to say "no" to the demands of daily living. <br />
<br />
How many times have you said "yes" to the following, even though you either didn't want to or knew it would take you away from your own priorities?<br />
<br />
-         taking care of your neighbor's kids after school because she had a hair appointment<br />
<br />
-         volunteering to cover the refreshments table at your child's high school dance<br />
<br />
-         loaning out equipment or items you know you won't get back unless you ask for them several times<br />
<br />
-         agreeing to listen to your friend rant for the third time this week about how his wife is trying to ruin him in a nasty divorce battle<br />
<br />
-         taking your mom to visit her friend across town every week because your brother and sister are too busy<br />
<br />
-         making Johnny and Sally's beds because they have to rush to school in the morning and don't have time<br />
<br />
-         going to every birthday and holiday dinner a family member hosts<br />
<br />
-         reading every single e-mail and taking every single call that comes in ...<br />
<br />
By not saying "no" to the hundreds of non-critical demands that are placed on you every month, you will not create the business success or freedom you want and deserve.<br />
<br />
The two biggest obstacles in mastering the skill of saying "no" are fear and guilt.<br />
<br />
Fear that you will be loved less or rejected and feeling guilty that you may have hurt someone's feelings.<br />
<br />
Saying "no" doesn't have to hurt anyone or cause you to be rejected and the way you deliver the message can make all the difference for you.<br />
<br />
To refuse a request, be honest and assertive in your reply by stating, "I'm sorry, however I have to turn down your offer/request at this time because I've been so busy with obligations, I've neglected my own priorities and have to give them my attention right now."<br />
<br />
If others get angry with you or try to make you feel guilty for wanting to give yourself the attention you deserve, it's time to decide whether or not they're the kind of people you want in your life.<br />
<br />
Start small. Build your "no" muscle slow and easy and work your way up to the larger demands. Like any skill, you can develop it, and once you become a master, you'll enjoy quantum leaps  in your happiness levels and business success.<br />
<br />
2007 © Laurie Hayes - The HBB Source<br />
<br />
Laurie Hayes, founder and Director of The HBB Source, helps freedom seekers cross the bridge from employee to home-based entrepreneur. Subscribe to her FREE E-zine for valuable tips and resources designed to create business success, at http://www.thehbbsource.com<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/MLM/MLM_TVa_152/user/index.php</link>
</item>

<item>
<title>Link Building - Big Payoffs for Small Companies</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
by Chiun Masters<br />
<br />
It's the 21st century, and you're already aware of the rapid changes and development that your industry is going through, almost on a daily basis. It's becoming more and more competitive, and you need to grab every advantage that you can possibly get over your competitors.<br />
<br />
The Internet seems like a good way to reach out to more customers and close bigger sales, but how would your small company stack up against the hundreds, or even thousands of companies selling products and services similar to yours online?<br />
<br />
If you want to grab yourself a piece of real estate on the Web, you basically start by creating your company's Website. Your Website serves as your company headquarters, in a virtual sense, and just like in the real world, it is where your potential customers go to visit and learn more about your company and what it has to offer.<br />
<br />
It's also commonplace for businesses to closely monitor their competitors' Websites, to see what they're up to and to learn anything they can.<br />
<br />
In short, it's all about information. The Internet isn't called the "Information Superhighway" for nothing, you know.<br />
<br />
But, having a company Website is one thing; promoting your business and marketing your products and/or services is a whole different matter. People need to know that your company is on the Internet; otherwise your Website would be pretty useless. Even so, you need to remember that almost everyone, from billion-dollar Fortune 500 conglomerates down to a tiny florist in Idaho, is bent on making its presence felt on the Web.<br />
<br />
So -- how can a small company like yours compete?<br />
<br />
One of the most widely-used and most effective methods that Webmasters and Net-savvy businessmen use is link-building. Used effectively, it can be one of the single best techniques you can have for getting people to your Website, and thus promoting your company's products and/or services.<br />
<br />
First, it's important to know that 85% of the people looking for a particular type of business look for it using a search engine like Yahoo!, MSN and Google. It's like the equivalent of a phone directory. And -- those people usually don't bother looking for companies beyond the first three to four pages of the search results. That's why it is most critical for a company to be listed in the first few pages following a keyword search.<br />
<br />
Because major search engines now consider link quality and link popularity as part of their ranking algorithms, link building has become more critical than ever. Simply put, if you don't have links, you won't rank well for competitive keywords.<br />
<br />
Links are one of the most useful, and therefore one of the most important ways, for visitors and potential customers to find your site. With quality and efficient link building, the search engines can find your company faster and rank you higher on their search results, so people can find you easier.<br />
<br />
It's all about getting traffic to your Website. By traffic, I mean people.<br />
<br />
If a Website is new and needs immediate traffic, they can get advertising with one of the three biggest search engines, Google, Yahoo! or MSN. Each search engine offers a unique program in which Websites appear in search results for specific keywords. This is the fastest way to get immediate traffic.<br />
<br />
But, just getting advertising on these search engines won't be enough to get you the results you need. If you're serious about getting the most out of link building, it's recommended that you find a good, reliable SEO or link building company to handle these jobs for you. These companies already have the experience and the expertise to produce quality links for your Website, and some of them also provide advertising for the major search engines as part of their package, so you'll be getting the most out of your money.<br />
<br />
Another good reason to outsource this part of your online business is the savings. Companies routinely outsource payroll processing, accounting, sales and marketing tasks -- just to name a few -- in order to cut costs. Outsourcing converts fixed costs into variable costs, releases capital for investment elsewhere in your business, and allows you to avoid large expenditures in the early stages of your business.<br />
<br />
Aside from reducing labour and training costs, companies can also get new projects started faster with outsourcing. Experienced businessmen already know that companies who do everything themselves -- research, marketing, manufacturing, distribution -- have higher expenses, all of which have to be passed on the customers.<br />
<br />
To sum it up, link building is one of the better and more reliable methods of getting traffic to your Website. However, more traffic doesn't necessarily mean more sales. It all depends on the quality of the links you have. Outsourcing link building jobs to reputable and experienced companies will help your company get permanent, legitimate and relevant links for your targeted traffic, and will also help your site achieve higher search engine rankings.<br />
<br />
All this for a fraction of the cost it will take for your company to handle the job on its own, plus the obvious benefits of having knowledge and expertise on the job. If you're serious about putting your smaller company on a more even stage with the big guys, this is one great way to go.<br />
<br />
Chiun Masters is a contributing writer and researcher for MaxWeb, www.HelpWeNeedGifts.com, and other assorted Websites. He loves searching the Net for unusual gifts, aside from spending time with his other interests such as blogging and lurking around in forums.<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/MLM/MLM_TVa_152/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>The Secret to Attracting More Abundance</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
by Judith A. Wentzel<br />
<br />
Do you have all the money you desire? Are you just making ends meet, living from paycheck to paycheck?<br />
<br />
You can have a life of abundance. It can easily come to you, if you know how.<br />
<br />
Having a job I adore, a loving relationship, and the life I desire allows me to lead through example. It enables me to show you how to attract what you desire into your life, just as I am doing in mine.<br />
<br />
My life wasn’t always this great. I have had a lot of hard times and experienced more than my share of tragedy and heartache. It wasn’t until after my children had grown and moved away that I would discover what many other people already knew.<br />
<br />
If you desire abundance, you must see abundance already in your life. Sound a bit ridiculous? It really isn’t. Let me explain.<br />
<br />
In order to attract abundance, you must first have an abundance mindset. If you change your thoughts, you can change your life.<br />
<br />
You may be thinking that you have an abundance mindset and have been focusing on more money, landing a better job, etc. Have you been thinking about having enough money to pay your bills off or get out of debt? If that has been your focus, it’s no wonder you haven’t attracted the money you desire. I’d bet you have continued to struggle with bills and incur debt. By simply placing these two negative thoughts (bills, debt) into your focus, you have subconsciously attracted more of the same types of issues/events to you.<br />
<br />
An abundance mindset focuses on the lifestyle you would have living with abundance. Instead of thinking about the lack, focus on having plenty of money to manage all of your needs. Focus on having more than enough money for the things that you want.<br />
<br />
Perhaps one of your desires is to be able to take a vacation. Focus on taking that vacation. Feel how wonderful it would be to do the things you desire. By thinking about taking a vacation and having more than enough money for the entire trip, you are focusing on what you truly want and developing a mindset that is in harmony with your desires.<br />
<br />
Developing an abundance mindset may not be easy at first, but with a little practice, it will become your normal way of thinking. You will soon begin to see little signs of abundance coming into your life.<br />
<br />
I suggest you take note of everything you experience, no matter how small, and be appreciative of it. For example, finding a penny on the sidewalk or getting a great parking space would be two examples of abundance. Having someone treat you to lunch is another.<br />
<br />
When you begin to notice and appreciate the small things in your life, it will also help place you in a more receptive and allowing mindset. Keeping an abundance or gratitude journal is a great way of reminding yourself of all the abundance in your life.<br />
<br />
Besides, if all of us would take just a few minutes out of our day to reflect on the nice things we have experienced, we would soon realize the abundance already present in our lives. It would brighten our outlook, raise our emotions, and allow us to be more of a magnet for attracting more of the same things to us.<br />
<br />
Having a life coach can be extremely beneficial when it comes to learning how to attract your desires -- especially if they are trained in the Law of Attraction. Even Tiger Woods has a coach. Many coaches, myself included, offer complimentary consultative sessions so that people can experience the many benefits that working with a life coach has to offer.<br />
<br />
Why not take that next step? Discover for yourself how easy it is to change your thoughts and change your life. You won’t be disappointed.<br />
<br />
©2007 Judith A. Wentzel – Law of Attraction Coach, Life & Business Coach, EFT Practitioner & Image Smarter Marketing Specialist. Assisting individuals and small business owners to unleash the power within and skyrocketing their lives and business since 1997.<br />
http://www.JudithWentzel.com<br />
http://www.UsingLawOfAttraction.com<br />
http://www.ImageSmarterMarketing.com <br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/MLM/MLM_TVa_152/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>3 Elements to a Deal-Sealing Classified Ad</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
by Donald Lee<br />
<br />
Have you ever wondered why your perfectly fine classified ad fails to attract the attention you desire? There should be dozens -- no, hundreds of perspective buyers swamping your E-mail inbox with offers. After all, you are offering a mint baseball card, a vintage coat, pristine used car, those wholesale-priced sporting goods, and whatever other attractive items are in your inventory.<br />
<br />
Instead, you only have a slow trickle of questions, a handful of sales.<br />
<br />
What gives? More than likely, your sales are slow because you have not mastered the three techniques of writing a classic classified ad.<br />
<br />
Give yourself credit for recognizing one important facet of today's selling world. You decided to sell your stuff at an online classified site. As anybody in the business knows, online classified ads get you more privacy, a broader selection of buyers, and a wealth of tools to help you keep tabs on your transactions.<br />
<br />
When compared to a newspaper, cyberspace is also a wee bit more spacious. There are billions of pages on the Web, and only a few dozen in your typical neighborhood rag. For you, that means a lot more space for your ad to say the least.<br />
<br />
With that space, however, comes great responsibility and great potential. The extra room gives you the freedom to include as much product description and sale copy as you want. You can't just slap together a whole bunch of information, though. You need to use the three special ad writing techniques that will attract buyers and seal the deal: attention, interest, and action.<br />
<br />
Attention<br />
<br />
Make sure the buyer stops at your ad instead of the thousands upon thousands of others out there in cyberspace. Your ad's title is the first lure to grab his or her attention, and the first component of a catchy title is the item's best feature, whether it's the price, the item's rarity, or its popularity.<br />
<br />
Next, be sure the title includes keywords or other synonyms for your item that a buyer might use in a search. For instance, a buyer could search for "automobile" instead of "car," "pullover" instead of "sweater."<br />
<br />
Interest<br />
<br />
Once you have the buyer's attention, hook them with details. There is a direct relationship between the amount of information you provide and the number of sales you'll make. Describe the item as completely as possible -- size, color, material, designer, model -- and provide a clear, digital photo to finish the job where your words leave off.<br />
<br />
Offer your prospective customer the item's history, if possible.<br />
<br />
Also, try to list as many possible benefits that your sale item could offer the buyer. Come up with some that the buyer probably wouldn't think of on his or her own. And zone in on specific benefits.<br />
<br />
Use what you already know about your target. For instance, if you were selling a car, you know that whoever is looking at your ad is in need of a vehicle. If your car is compact, perhaps the buyer is in search of great gas mileage. Or perhaps it's power he or she wants, if your car is a sports model.<br />
<br />
Action<br />
<br />
Finish your ad strongly. Don't just suggest to the buyer that you offer a great deal. Tell them it's a fantastic offer that they can't pass up. Use phrases like "Call me now, before someone else does" or "Buy now, this opportunity won't last long."<br />
<br />
Be cordial while you're pressing the issue. Thank them for reading your ad and make sure they know you appreciate their business.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, your customers will also value your honesty throughout the whole ad. Whether it's the attention, interest, or action you're shooting for, never lie or exaggerate. Go so far to include any defects, if your product is not in mint shape.<br />
<br />
Your honesty will build trust, and trust, above all else, makes an ad work. What's more, it makes for repeat customers.<br />
<br />
Remember, if you use all three of these elements -- or four, if you include honesty -- when you're finished with it, it should read something like the two examples below.<br />
<br />
Example 1:<br />
<br />
Discover the beauty of a Forest Hill Home<br />
2500 sq. ft. home, 4 bedroom, 3 baths, double garage, upgraded kitchen, 12 ft. ceilings<br />
This open concept house is situated in a historical landmark district of Rhode Island. It's a wonderful neighborhood to raise your family, with nearby schools and amenities.<br />
<br />
(Insert your image or photo here.)<br />
<br />
Call for an on-site appointment. Thanks for looking!<br />
<br />
Example 2:<br />
Looking for an inexpensive used car that drives well? Only $4,950.<br />
2003 Honda Civic, Limited Edition, 65,000 miles, manual transmission, CD, AM/FM radio, power steering, low maintenance. Great on gas - this car will save you $$$ on high gasoline prices.<br />
<br />
(Insert your image or photo here.)<br />
<br />
Send me a message now. Thanks for looking!<br />
<br />
Donald Lee is the public relations manager for Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified listing services for individuals and businesses to market their products and services online. For global and localized classifieds, please visit http://www.buysellcommunity.com -- Free Buy and Sell Classifieds.<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/MLM/MLM_TVa_152/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>Postcard Power! How To Instantly Generate More Business With Powerful & Inexpensive Postcards</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
by Robert Boduch<br />
<br />
Postcards can be valuable marketing tools for any business. Here are a few ideas that will help you get the most from your own postcard marketing campaign.<br />
<br />
The magic of these eye-catchers is that they deliver short, concise messages in the minimum amount of time -- perfect for the "time-poor" society we live in today. They get the important information across rapidly, with a quick and easy flip of the wrist.<br />
<br />
You can take your idea from concept to distribution within just days. Since they can be produced in any quantity to suit any budget, postcards are great for businesses of all sizes. You could save a bundle on your marketing expenses by utilizing these simple two-sided pieces, instead of other more costly tools.<br />
<br />
Currently - at least in the U.S. - postage costs are considerably lower for postcards vs. first-class mail. Unfortunately, this advantage is not available to marketers in other countries such as Canada. Full rates apply. Even still ... these attention-grabbers offer tremendous marketing opportunities to entrepreneurs and small business owners -- at any rate.<br />
<br />
Postcards are most effective and profitable when used to:<br />
<br />
    * generate new leads<br />
    * follow-up with prospects as part of a campaign<br />
    * make an announcement to your existing mailing list<br />
    * thank customers for their patronage and invite them back with a special offer<br />
    * draw traffic to your Website<br />
<br />
The key to success is to deliver instant impact. You've got to make your piece command immediate attention in your prospect's crowded mailbox. Catch the eye ... pique curiosity ... and unload your magnetic marketing message as quickly as possible.<br />
<br />
Every card has two sides -- a front and back. Use the front side as leverage with maximum appeal to compel your prospect to flip the card over and get the full impact of your complete message.<br />
<br />
Use the back of the card to unveil all the key benefits of your product or service... provide an strong offer to trigger action... and list prominently your contact information. You've got to make it lightening quick and unquestionably easy to respond. Eliminate any obstacles that might be in the way to getting the results you want.<br />
<br />
As with any type of advertising, be sure to include a powerful headline. Your headline is key. It's the most important part of your postcard and should be featured prominently on the front side.<br />
<br />
When you're sure you've got a headline that works, try enhancing it visually to make it figuratively jump off the card. One method is to use reverse-type (white text on a dark-colored background). Always use a larger font size, preferably in a bold typeface. Make it clear and unmistakable ... so prospects are sure to understand the message.<br />
<br />
Consider employing graphic options such as cartoons only if they assist you in getting your message across. Use topnotch color photographs (like popular tourist postcards) when you can clearly tie the visual to the message in your headline.<br />
<br />
The text of your postcard should be benefit-laden. Communicate to your prospect in clear, vivid detail all the advantages that s/he will enjoy by taking advantage of your offer TODAY. Stress the unique benefits unavailable elsewhere.<br />
<br />
Include a few testimonials -- even if you have to shoehorn them in. Actually, this can be extremely effective as the eye is naturally drawn to anything on the page that is a little out of the ordinary.<br />
<br />
Testimonials act as proof of your claims and help build your credibility as a reliable supplier. They also help overcome the fear many people have in trusting a vendor they haven't done business with before.<br />
<br />
One absolutely essential ingredient of successful postcards is the offer. It must be promising and compelling. Give the reader an incentive to act now. Be clear and specific. Make responding a simple, one-step process.<br />
<br />
If your postcard is sent as a "thank-you" to new customers after their first purchase, entice them back with a 17% discount on the next purchase. This approach transforms your postcard into a valuable coupon that's worth something in terms of redeemable value. Since recipients have already bought from you, most would be happy to do it again at a substantial discount.<br />
<br />
The mission of your postcard is to inspire a positive response. Always keep that objective clear in your mind as you plan your strategy.<br />
<br />
To maximize results, craft a targeted message and make it easy for recipients to take action. This means providing clearly legible contact information -- whether it's a telephone number, fax, mailing address, or Website.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that everyone has a preferred method - people like to respond in different ways.<br />
<br />
Providing various response options eliminates another cause of inaction. The more of these objections you address, the more likely it is your postcard campaign will be a rousing success!<br />
<br />
Interested in lauching your own profitable postcard campaign? Drop me a line right this minute and I'll help you get the results you want - guaranteed!<br />
<br />
More resources at www.makeyoursalessoar.com<br />
<br />
Robert Boduch is an author of dozens of best-selling books, reports and articles on the art and science of selling. A free newsletter targeted at anyone interested in selling more of anything is available at www.makeyoursalessoar.com .<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/MLM/MLM_TVa_152/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>The MOST Powerful Marketing and Advertising on the Planet!</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
by Matthew Hesser<br />
<br />
It sounds too simple to be true, but it really is ... A well-targeted and timely PRESS RELEASE to the media is the most powerful form of marketing and advertising on the planet!<br />
<br />
A high quality press release, with the proper targeting and distribution to reach the correct media members, could have many businesses sailing on a sea of new sales and profits. Just one feature or a mention in a popular or targeted business publication has the potential to cause some business's phones to literally be ringing off the hook!<br />
<br />
The next big question that arises, "How do you go about writing a quality press release that will grab the attention of the media and your particular audience?"<br />
<br />
Here are some tips to help you succeed:<br />
<br />
* Pick a "Newsworthy" Angle.<br />
<br />
Press releases are not an advertisement. Do not try to sell your product or service. Do not use "hype" in press releases. Instead, give the media what they want and they will give you what you want.<br />
<br />
What the press and media really want is a story! Just provide the "Who, What, When, Where" and "How" with regards to the uses of your products and/or services in a story format. Show examples of ways that people have used your products and services to their benefit. If you can include some emotions in your story, all the better.<br />
<br />
Ask yourself: "Would this be something that I might read in a newspaper?"<br />
<br />
* Get a Good Start.<br />
<br />
The headline and the first few sentences of the first paragraph are the absolutely most important part of the press release. If you don't catch the reader's interest here, you will lose your audience. The best way to do this is to use your most hard-hitting information FIRST rather than build to a climax. This may be opposite to what you would normally do when writing other material - but it does work! What follows in your press release are the details that SUPPORT your story or theme.<br />
<br />
* Write to the Media.<br />
<br />
Remember, a journalist, editor or reporter, not necessarily a client, is reading your press release. It's not your job to sell them your product or service. It IS your job to give them an interesting story or piece of news that they will be happy to share and announce to their audience.<br />
<br />
* Keep your release short and to the point.<br />
<br />
It should contain no more than about 500 words and no more than two pages. <br />
<br />
Include your contact information. Provide full contact name, company name, full address, phone number, E-mail address and Web site URL. The contact name should be someone who is knowledgeable and available to answer any questions by media members, such as editors, reporters and journalists.<br />
<br />
Targeted press releases to the media have helped thousands of companies succeed. They are the most powerful form of marketing and advertising on the planet!<br />
<br />
Remember: One article is all it takes!<br />
<br />
For more information on how you can get a quality targeted press release written or have your press release distributed to the targeted media contacts in our 600,0000 press and media contact database, please visit our Advanced PR department at Majon International.<br />
<br />
Matthew Hesser is President and CEO of Majon International, one of the most popular Internet marketing and advertising companies online, located at: http://www.majon.com . To get a high-quality targeted press release written and/or distributed to the press and media, as well as get GUARANTEED media and press coverage for your business please visit: http://www.advanced-pr.com<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/MLM/MLM_TVa_152/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>Show Me The Money!</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
By Paul Taylor<br />
<br />
The title of this article is not just the newest TV show staring William Shatner, or a great line from a Tom Cruise movie. These four words should be the motto of small business owners everywhere. Without money, your business has very little chance of succeeding. This statement can be taken several ways.<br />
<br />
First and foremost, is finding financing for your business idea. Each business owner has to decide where to find financing. The obvious choices include banks, finance companies, money brokers, etc. Another place to look for funding is friends and family members. That is not what this article is really about.<br />
<br />
Second, is to price the items in your business so that it insures that your business endeavor is a success. You want your prices to be in line with your competition. Price is usually a consideration with most people. However, you do not have to have lower prices on every item; you must, however, be in the same ballpark with the competition. There are other items that customers consider when purchasing an item from you, but price is the main one.<br />
<br />
And finally, the reason for this article is start&ndash;up costs.<br />
<br />
What are start-up costs? Start-up costs, as the name implies, include all the expenses that you have during the process of opening your business. Simple enough. But many times, entrepreneurs underestimate the amount that it will take to open the doors. Each business start-up costs vary, depending on the type of business that you plan to open.<br />
<br />
Many of the costs associated with opening a business are obvious, however, I will list many of them so that when you are planning your budget, it may refresh your memory.<br />
<br />
&middot; Location for your business. Of course, this is the most obvious. Initial maintenance problems or remodeling should consider a start-up cost.<br />
<br />
&middot; Advertising is often overlooked or underestimated. You should check with various media about prices to advertise. This can be a major expense. Having a sign made for your building is also necessary for your business.<br />
<br />
&middot; Insurance is a necessary evil. Do not open the doors without it.<br />
<br />
&middot; Office equipment such as computer, printer, scanner, copier, fax, adding machine, calculators, filing cabinet, desk, and a bookcase are all necessary in an office.<br />
<br />
&middot; Office supplies are also overlooked; these include paper, pens, computer disks, notebooks, file folders, tape, stapler, and so on.<br />
<br />
&middot; Business licenses are required and should not be forgotten, although the cost is usually minimal.<br />
<br />
&middot; Utilities such as electricity, water, and phone; also an Internet connection and mobile phone should be considered.<br />
<br />
There may be other costs that can be associated with start-up that are not listed here. This is only designed to get you to think about what it really costs to open a business. Many start-up costs are one time costs such as a deposit on a utility connection or having a sign designed and placed on the building or marquee. However, many are recurring such as insurance premiums and monthly utility expenses.<br />
<br />
One business owner that I know said this about start-up costs &ldquo;you should add up everything that you think it will cost to get open and then at least double it, and you will come close to what it costs.&rdquo; The lesson here is do not underestimate your initial expenses. It costs more than you think.<br />
<br />
Paul Taylor is a business owner that helps other business owners and entrepreneurs locate wholesale distributors and drop shippers. Visit his website http://www.WholesaleMap.com for information about wholesale sources or opening a business.<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/MLM/MLM_TVa_152/user/index.php</link>
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<title>Sam Walton's Success Story</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
By Evan Carmichael<br />
<br />
&quot;There is only one boss - the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.&quot;<br />
<br />
Growing Up<br />
<br />
Sam Walton's career in retail began in 1940 when he became a sales trainee in Des Moines, Iowa at a J.C. Penney store. Despite his enthusiasm to serve the customers, Walton was not a model employee. His desire to make his customers happy was so great that he often let other responsibilities like paperwork and keeping the books fall by the wayside. He was almost fired by his boss who told him that he was not cut out for a career in retail. Walton kept his job, however, because of his ability as a great salesman.<br />
<br />
In 1942, Walton was drafted into the United States Army. He worked in the communications division of the Army Intelligence Corps and remained on home soil throughout the Second World War. When he left the army three years later, Walton was married, had a child, and decided to start his own business to support his new family. With the $5,000 that he had saved along with a $20,000 loan from his wife's father, he purchased a Ben Franklin variety store in Newport, Arkansas. Walton was 27 years old.<br />
<br />
Starting The Business<br />
<br />
By putting in many hours at the store and implementing a pricing strategy far below what his competitors were charging, Walton's new business took off. By 1950 he had the top performing Ben Franklin store in the area. Walton's landlord, seeing his success, decided that he wanted Walton to sell the store to his son. When Walton refused, the landlord decided not to renew Walton's lease and he was forced to shut down.<br />
<br />
Walton's 10 commandments for business success were: 1) Commit to your business.<br />
2) Share your profits with your associates and treat them like your partners. 3) Energize your colleagues. 4) Communicate everything you possibly can to your partners. <br />
5) Appreciate everything your associates do for the business. 6) Celebrate your success. 7) Listen to everyone in your company. 8) Exceed your customers' expectations. <br />
9) Control your expenses better than your competition. 10) Blaze your own path.<br />
<br />
Determined as ever to succeed in his venture, Walton looked for other rural Arkansas towns for a new place to set up shop. He came across a small village called Bentonville and opened the Walton's Five and Dime in 1950. He made sure to get a 99-year lease this time on the property. The two local competitors in Bentonville did not want to discount their prices and Walton's business began to flourish.<br />
<br />
Realizing he had a recipe for success, Walton began looking for other areas of expansion. He borrowed money and used the profits from his first stores to acquire more. By 1960, he owned 15 stores but he was not getting the kind of return on investment that he thought he would be making. He then made the decision to follow a heavy price cutting strategy and hope to get much higher volume to turn a larger profit. This was not a new idea. The problem at the time was that most discount stores were small, located in urban areas, and focused on specialty items. Walton's plan was to change the way retailing was done across the country.<br />
<br />
Building An Empire<br />
<br />
Walton's revolutionary plan was to have large superstores in rural towns that discounted a wide variety of products. His initial approach was to Ben Franklin. They turned him down, as they did not like the idea of operating with lower margins. Without a large company behind him, Walton opted to go it alone. In 1962, he mortgaged his home and borrowed against everything he owned to open his first Wal-Mart in Rogers, Arkansas, and a neighboring town of Bentonville.<br />
<br />
Excited about the prospects of getting discounts and selection that were previously only obtainable in the cities, rural customers came out in droves to his store. The success of his first store allowed him to expand and by 1969 he had 18 Wal-Marts in Arkansas and Missouri.<br />
<br />
Funded solely through debt and reinvested profits, Walton decided that in 1970 he would take the company public. The IPO raised $5 million and Walton retained 61 percent of the company. The money was used to settle the company's debts and fuel further expansion. By 1980, 276 Wal-Marts were operating.<br />
<br />
An integral component of Wal-Mart's success was it&rsquo;s leveraging of new technologies to improve efficiencies and save costs. Walton knew that the key to success in a low margin business was to rigidly control his costs. Wal-Mart was, for example, one of the first major retailers to use electronic scanners at the registers which tied to an inventory control system so they could know immediately which items were selling well and needed to be re-ordered.<br />
<br />
The success of his Wal-Mart stores led Sam to another idea - Sam's Wholesale Clubs. These would be discount stores that sold to small business owners in bulk. The idea was another big hit for Walton and by 1985 he was considered by Forbes magazine to be the richest man in America with an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion.<br />
<br />
Similar to Ray Kroc, Sam Walton did not invent retailing, he simply changed the business model and way of doing business to make it a much more profitable venture.<br />
<br />
Evan is an entrepreneur and international speaker. At the age of 19, he became an owner and Chief Operating Officer in Redasoft, a biotechnology software company. The company quickly grew to over 300 organizations as clients, including NASA and Johnson &amp; Johnson, in 30 countries. He started Evan Carmichael &amp; Associates with the goal to give entrepreneurs the Inspiration to follow their passion and the strategies they need to succeed. Evan has delivered over 100 keynote presentations to entrepreneurs in North America, Europe, and Asia. He has been interviewed by newspapers, radio stations, and television stations including The Globe and Mail, CHUM FM, CityTV, Global TV, OMNI TV, Enterprise, and the Toronto Sun. Evan's website, http://www.evancarmichael.com, is the world's #1 website for small business inspiration and strategies.<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/MLM/MLM_TVa_152/user/index.php</link>
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<title>MySpace And Other Social Networking Marketing Web Traffic Tips</title>
<description><![CDATA[by Randal Williams<br />
<br />
Social networking sites have increased in popularity over the past few years. More people than ever before now use sites such as "MySpace" and "YouTube" to get their message across to the rest of the world. While sites like these are mainly used for meeting new people, they can also help you to sell your product or service if you advertise yourself properly.<br />
<br />
What to Remember With Social Networking and Advertising<br />
<br />
The main thing to keep in mind if you are looking to advertise on social networking sites is that you should not make your message too pushy. People do not want things sold to them online, especially not on social networking sites. It is fine to mention what you do and what you sell but do it in a way that does not make your product too desperate. For example, you could say something like:<br />
<br />
"Hi, my name's John and I own a company known as ‘John's Fitness Equipment'. It's taken me a few years to build up my business but I love providing a service that people need. My hobbies are..."<br />
<br />
You should not say something like:<br />
<br />
"Hi my name's John and I run a fantastic company known as ‘John's Fitness Equipment'. My products can really help you to get harder, firmer bodies whilst helping you to have fun at the same time. No other products act quite like these ones, so check them out now if you haven't already!"<br />
<br />
You can really tell the difference between the two descriptions. People want to know more about you. What is your passion other than your products? If you have a sincere reason for selling your products then you can mention that in a blog on the site, but other than that just mention things about you. If you drop your product/business into conversation then people will be more interested in what you do than if you went on and on about it constantly.<br />
<br />
The main way in which you can get yourself noticed on social networking sites is by actively taking part. By making new friends and posting comments on their profiles, you can get noticed as other people see the comments and visit your profile, too. Joining groups is another good idea, especially on MySpace. There are all kinds of different groups to suit all of your needs. Whether you want to join a group about religion, food, pets or hobbies, there are thousands of groups to choose from. Just remember that whatever groups you do choose to join will show potential clients what your tastes are. You do not want to come across badly and so you really need to think about what you say and what groups you join.<br />
<br />
Social networking sites can be a fantastic way to bring new business to your company. However, it needs to be done properly and you need to spend the time and effort making new friends and posting new comments and blogs wherever possible.<br />
<br />
Learn more about Social Networking visit: <a href="http://www.FriendsWin.org" target="_blank">http://www.FriendsWin.org</a> Randal Williams aka 500KMentor is a Expert Internet Marketer, MLM and Direct Sales industry leader who’s business spans 10+ countries. Randal specializes in Lead Generation, Advanced Internet Marketing, No Cost Prospecting and SEO. To learn more about Social Networking and MLM visit <a href="http://www.FriendsWin.org" target="_blank">http://www.FriendsWin.org</a>.]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/MLM/MLM_TVa_152/user/index.php</link>
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