How do you design a top money making website. It's very simple really. There are a few basic rules of these websites which you have to understand in order to generate revenue through your own top money making website.
The site owner earns because of the traffic generated on the site and the clicks done on the site. These business models maybe based on earning through clicks, ads etc.
There are a few websites on the internet. Not all of these can qualify to be top money making websites. Different sites run different promotion packages.
As a part of such packages, these websites often lay out a certain form of electronic currency which can be used on the site only. Often this currency is also known as web money.
There are other forms of web money too. There are reward programs being run by these websites. This is just another form of web money. These sites have a decent earning model which has helped them stay in business.
These maybe in the form of sound or only graphics. Whatever be the type of the ad on this site, the basic earning model of the site remains the same ads on the sites are often pay per click ads. . Whenever a person clicks on a particular ad, he or she is led to a different page wherein he gets to see the ad in fullest.
There are also others ads which are present on the website. A person who wants to earn through top money making websites has to consider the following things before he actually gets on to the work.
Web sites are good money making tools. These sites are often the best money making tools available to the users. Sites help you not only to create your site but also to get the work done and the money earning on your site. These are called design web sites also.
You can make money through the help of these sites. You can take the help of these sites for the purpose of setting up your own site or you can make a web design site yourself ad give your services to the people.
There are sites which also help you get your articles posted therein. You can always look forward to such sites for the purpose of turning you site into a top money making site. So when you start your own top money making site, take care of these things mentioned above.
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Movies On The Internet - Good For Us, Bad For Them?
You're watching TV one evening scanning through the reruns thinking it's pathetic how little there is to watch anymore when a fantastic movie trailer comes on. It's everything you love - the right actors, the wit, the action - and your heart beats a little faster in anticipation - if only you could watch it RIGHT NOW!
Well, the film industry has heard you. Along with the speed of the internet, consumers have now come to a new stage of demand. It used to be that we WANTED everything immediately - now we EXPECT it.
This is not the sort of thing that goes unnoticed by industries that cater to public reception. And now it has been announced that we may not be far away from simply walking over to our computer and downloading the newest releases.
During a meeting at the Cannes Film Festival, Culture Ministers from across Europe, film industry representatives and Internet Service Providers were among those who met to discuss the possible policies needed to distribute movies online.
BBC news reports European Union media commissioner Viviane Reding as stating: "In Europe, as in other continents, the opportunities for people to enjoy films online are set to increase tremendously over the next few years".
Naturally there are still many issues to be resolved before movies are readily available to the public online. Piracy and broadband capabilities are still being questioned.
Piracy became the prominent issue when music files were being illegally shared over the internet. While the music industry fought against such services as Napster, they are still far from recovering their market revenue and the film industry is not anxious to join them.
What can't be debated is that there IS a market, and no industry likes to bypass that because of possible problems.
Right now European broadband may not be up to the task of downloading such large files but has plans to proceed with distribution soon.
In America there has already been movie distribution with the inevitable legal proceedings against individuals facilitating unauthorized downloads.
Although the fight against piracy is being taken very seriously by the industry, it is still parents who are at the forefront of setting the example and instructing children on the ethics of downloading such material. Responsibility is learned.
In any event, the next time you see a great movie advertised and you are handy to the internet, perhaps you should stay in, avoid the lines and the traffic and check it out online!
Well, the film industry has heard you. Along with the speed of the internet, consumers have now come to a new stage of demand. It used to be that we WANTED everything immediately - now we EXPECT it.
This is not the sort of thing that goes unnoticed by industries that cater to public reception. And now it has been announced that we may not be far away from simply walking over to our computer and downloading the newest releases.
During a meeting at the Cannes Film Festival, Culture Ministers from across Europe, film industry representatives and Internet Service Providers were among those who met to discuss the possible policies needed to distribute movies online.
BBC news reports European Union media commissioner Viviane Reding as stating: "In Europe, as in other continents, the opportunities for people to enjoy films online are set to increase tremendously over the next few years".
Naturally there are still many issues to be resolved before movies are readily available to the public online. Piracy and broadband capabilities are still being questioned.
Piracy became the prominent issue when music files were being illegally shared over the internet. While the music industry fought against such services as Napster, they are still far from recovering their market revenue and the film industry is not anxious to join them.
What can't be debated is that there IS a market, and no industry likes to bypass that because of possible problems.
Right now European broadband may not be up to the task of downloading such large files but has plans to proceed with distribution soon.
In America there has already been movie distribution with the inevitable legal proceedings against individuals facilitating unauthorized downloads.
Although the fight against piracy is being taken very seriously by the industry, it is still parents who are at the forefront of setting the example and instructing children on the ethics of downloading such material. Responsibility is learned.
In any event, the next time you see a great movie advertised and you are handy to the internet, perhaps you should stay in, avoid the lines and the traffic and check it out online!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
How to Start Your Own Small Business
Opening your own business can be a real big gamble. If you do not do your research well, you will wind up like most small businesses, and that is out of business in less then 6 months.
The most important thing to remember when opening up new business is the location. When doing your research for your new business you want to make sure you are the only business of your time in the area. If you are opening a video store you do not want to open near another video store. Remember if you are exclusive to the area, you will automatically get the business of those living in that area.
The next most important thing about opening a small business is you supplier. Do not have just one place to get supplies from, you should have several. By having more then one you can assure yourself that you are getting the lowest prices from them. And if they know about each other they will try to outdo each other to get your business.
Make sure that the products or services that you will be offering are desired, do not just decide to open up a store with out doing any market research is like playing craps, dangerous unless you really know what you are doing.
Advertising is important. Remember just like a casino you are trying to make money and not lose it. By spending some money on advertising you will increase your sales from your opening day. It is best to have a professional help you with your advertising rather then dong it yourself, there is no point in spending money on advertising if no one in your target demographic is going to see it. An example of this would be like using facial expressions to bluff in a poker game against blind players.
When picking your stock it is sometime better to have a better selection of items and maybe not so many of each item, this way you can see which items sell best and order more of those more popular items, and less of the less desired ones.
In business you should not try to open a business unless you already have experience running a related business. You may think you know how to, but to do it correctly you really need experience, after all if you were in a casino and looking to play poker you would not want a roulette dealer who is trying to figure out the rules as he goes would you? Chances are you would want an experienced poker dealer.
Depending on the type of business you are opening try keep your staff as small as possible, and if it is possible try to get friends and family to help you out. This will allow you to keep your costs low until you can really get a good idea of if you are making money or not. Once you are making money you can go out and hire people.
The most important thing to remember when opening up new business is the location. When doing your research for your new business you want to make sure you are the only business of your time in the area. If you are opening a video store you do not want to open near another video store. Remember if you are exclusive to the area, you will automatically get the business of those living in that area.
The next most important thing about opening a small business is you supplier. Do not have just one place to get supplies from, you should have several. By having more then one you can assure yourself that you are getting the lowest prices from them. And if they know about each other they will try to outdo each other to get your business.
Make sure that the products or services that you will be offering are desired, do not just decide to open up a store with out doing any market research is like playing craps, dangerous unless you really know what you are doing.
Advertising is important. Remember just like a casino you are trying to make money and not lose it. By spending some money on advertising you will increase your sales from your opening day. It is best to have a professional help you with your advertising rather then dong it yourself, there is no point in spending money on advertising if no one in your target demographic is going to see it. An example of this would be like using facial expressions to bluff in a poker game against blind players.
When picking your stock it is sometime better to have a better selection of items and maybe not so many of each item, this way you can see which items sell best and order more of those more popular items, and less of the less desired ones.
In business you should not try to open a business unless you already have experience running a related business. You may think you know how to, but to do it correctly you really need experience, after all if you were in a casino and looking to play poker you would not want a roulette dealer who is trying to figure out the rules as he goes would you? Chances are you would want an experienced poker dealer.
Depending on the type of business you are opening try keep your staff as small as possible, and if it is possible try to get friends and family to help you out. This will allow you to keep your costs low until you can really get a good idea of if you are making money or not. Once you are making money you can go out and hire people.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Fun Email Quiz
Are you creating a positive, professional impression when you email your co-workers and customers? Or, is Miss Manners shrieking in horror every time you hit the send button? Are you being efficient and effective when you send messages, or are you wasting time? To find out, take this fun quiz.
1. The tone of a professional email message should be:
a. Conversational.
b. Formal.
c. Casual – like the tone you use with friends.
d. “Yo, dude! Whassup?”
Answer: A. You may be as casual as you like with friends, breaking all the grammar and punctuation rules you want. But, that isn’t true for communicating with clients and colleagues. Business correspondence should be professional. In email, professional translates into conversational – not too casual and not too formal.
2. One method to achieve a conversational tone is to:
a. Use slang terms and jargon.
b. Use contractions.
c. Use acronyms.
d. Stand up and yell across the office. See if you can start “the wave.”
Answer: B. When you speak in a conversation, you use contractions. So, it’s acceptable to use them in email to create a conversational tone.
3. When beginning to type an email, start with:
a. The addressee’s email address.
b. The message.
c. The addressee’s name.
d. “Yo, dude or dudette!”
Answer: C. Starting a message with the addressee’s name is not only more personal, it will help avoid miscommunication and confusion. If you begin a message without the addressee’s name, the person won’t know if the message is intended for him/her.
4. When writing an email message, paragraphs should:
a. Be long.
b. Be short.
c. Be indented.
d. Be invisible – no one can mess it up that way.
Answer: B. People aren’t willing to invest time reading messages that appear too long or tedious. Short paragraphs appear easier to read because there is more white space. There is also less chance that the reader will miss a point.
5. The best way to make several points in an email is:
a. Include all the points in the first paragraph.
b. Include all the points in the last paragraph.
c. Use lists with bullets or numbers.
d. Put it on a banner and rent an airplane to fly over the office pulling the banner.
Answer: C. If you put more than one point in a paragraph, it may be overlooked. Lists and bullets make your points stand out. They are also easier for the person to see.
6. At the end of an email message, you should include:
a. Only your name.
b. Only your name and company.
c. All your relevant contact information.
d. A picture of your pet python and twin tarantulas.
Answer: C. Provide people with all the information they need to contact you – in whatever way is most convenient for them. They may prefer the telephone or regular mail over email.
7. If you know the recipient reads emails quickly and is often in a hurry, the best way to send a supporting document is:
a. Paste it into the body of the message.
b. Attach it as a separate document.
c. Type slowly.
d. Have it delivered by carrier pigeon.
Answer: A. When the recipient is in a hurry, he/she will be less likely to open an attachment because it takes extra time. The person is more likely to read something that’s pasted right in front of him/her.
8. When sending a message, you should copy (“cc”):
a. Everyone in the department – just in case.
b. Your boss and your boss’ boss – so they know that you’re working hard.
c. Only those people who absolutely need to know.
d. The whole world. Why not? Everyone else does.
Answer: C. The “cc” function is the most abused function in email. Don’t be a pain!
9. When writing a Subject Line:
a. Use something general, such as “Greetings” or “Hello.”
b. Be specific, but brief.
c. Use several sentences.
d. “If you don’t respond, I’ll send Uncle Guido to break your knee caps.”
Answer: B. A generic Subject Line doesn’t tell the recipient anything. The
more specific you are, the better chance you have of getting the recipient to
open the message.
10. To write a concise email message:
a. Omit wordy phrases.
b. Use very small font (8 point).
c. Type fast.
d. Omit every other letter. “Oi eey ohr lte.”
Answer: A. An effective method for concise writing is to omit unnecessary
words. For example, use, “now” instead of “in the immediate future” and
“twice” instead of “on two different occasions.”
11. When possible, email messages should be:
a. Extremely detailed, even if the message is quite lengthy.
b. Kept to one screen.
c. Forwarded to the author of a cartoon for future material.
Answer: B. Most readers won’t take time to read more than one screen. The shorter the message is, the better chance you’ll have of getting it read.
12. How much space can typically be viewed in the Subject Line?
a. 25 - 35 characters.
b. 25 – 35 words.
c. 50 – 75 characters.
d. 50 – 75 words.
Answer: A. Characters are defined as every letter or space. In other words,
every time you move the space bar, it counts as one character. The subject
line that appears in most people’s email will display approximately 25 – 35
character.
13. When responding to a message regarding the best time for a meeting, you should select:
a. Reply All.
b. Reply.
Answer: B. The “Reply All” button will send a response to everyone who was
sent the original message. They don’t need to know your schedule. You
should “Reply” only to the meeting coordinator. Then, he/she can select the
best time and notify everyone.
Score:
13 = You’re perfect. (But, you knew that already.) Keep emailing!
10 -12 = You’re okay. Be a little more cautious, though. You could learn a few tips from my book, Email Etiquette Made Easy (see link in resource box).
7 - 9 = You could use some help. Try my book, Email Etiquette Made Easy (see link in resource box).
Less than 7 = Ugh! Call me now! We’ll schedule your intense therapy immediately.
1. The tone of a professional email message should be:
a. Conversational.
b. Formal.
c. Casual – like the tone you use with friends.
d. “Yo, dude! Whassup?”
Answer: A. You may be as casual as you like with friends, breaking all the grammar and punctuation rules you want. But, that isn’t true for communicating with clients and colleagues. Business correspondence should be professional. In email, professional translates into conversational – not too casual and not too formal.
2. One method to achieve a conversational tone is to:
a. Use slang terms and jargon.
b. Use contractions.
c. Use acronyms.
d. Stand up and yell across the office. See if you can start “the wave.”
Answer: B. When you speak in a conversation, you use contractions. So, it’s acceptable to use them in email to create a conversational tone.
3. When beginning to type an email, start with:
a. The addressee’s email address.
b. The message.
c. The addressee’s name.
d. “Yo, dude or dudette!”
Answer: C. Starting a message with the addressee’s name is not only more personal, it will help avoid miscommunication and confusion. If you begin a message without the addressee’s name, the person won’t know if the message is intended for him/her.
4. When writing an email message, paragraphs should:
a. Be long.
b. Be short.
c. Be indented.
d. Be invisible – no one can mess it up that way.
Answer: B. People aren’t willing to invest time reading messages that appear too long or tedious. Short paragraphs appear easier to read because there is more white space. There is also less chance that the reader will miss a point.
5. The best way to make several points in an email is:
a. Include all the points in the first paragraph.
b. Include all the points in the last paragraph.
c. Use lists with bullets or numbers.
d. Put it on a banner and rent an airplane to fly over the office pulling the banner.
Answer: C. If you put more than one point in a paragraph, it may be overlooked. Lists and bullets make your points stand out. They are also easier for the person to see.
6. At the end of an email message, you should include:
a. Only your name.
b. Only your name and company.
c. All your relevant contact information.
d. A picture of your pet python and twin tarantulas.
Answer: C. Provide people with all the information they need to contact you – in whatever way is most convenient for them. They may prefer the telephone or regular mail over email.
7. If you know the recipient reads emails quickly and is often in a hurry, the best way to send a supporting document is:
a. Paste it into the body of the message.
b. Attach it as a separate document.
c. Type slowly.
d. Have it delivered by carrier pigeon.
Answer: A. When the recipient is in a hurry, he/she will be less likely to open an attachment because it takes extra time. The person is more likely to read something that’s pasted right in front of him/her.
8. When sending a message, you should copy (“cc”):
a. Everyone in the department – just in case.
b. Your boss and your boss’ boss – so they know that you’re working hard.
c. Only those people who absolutely need to know.
d. The whole world. Why not? Everyone else does.
Answer: C. The “cc” function is the most abused function in email. Don’t be a pain!
9. When writing a Subject Line:
a. Use something general, such as “Greetings” or “Hello.”
b. Be specific, but brief.
c. Use several sentences.
d. “If you don’t respond, I’ll send Uncle Guido to break your knee caps.”
Answer: B. A generic Subject Line doesn’t tell the recipient anything. The
more specific you are, the better chance you have of getting the recipient to
open the message.
10. To write a concise email message:
a. Omit wordy phrases.
b. Use very small font (8 point).
c. Type fast.
d. Omit every other letter. “Oi eey ohr lte.”
Answer: A. An effective method for concise writing is to omit unnecessary
words. For example, use, “now” instead of “in the immediate future” and
“twice” instead of “on two different occasions.”
11. When possible, email messages should be:
a. Extremely detailed, even if the message is quite lengthy.
b. Kept to one screen.
c. Forwarded to the author of a cartoon for future material.
Answer: B. Most readers won’t take time to read more than one screen. The shorter the message is, the better chance you’ll have of getting it read.
12. How much space can typically be viewed in the Subject Line?
a. 25 - 35 characters.
b. 25 – 35 words.
c. 50 – 75 characters.
d. 50 – 75 words.
Answer: A. Characters are defined as every letter or space. In other words,
every time you move the space bar, it counts as one character. The subject
line that appears in most people’s email will display approximately 25 – 35
character.
13. When responding to a message regarding the best time for a meeting, you should select:
a. Reply All.
b. Reply.
Answer: B. The “Reply All” button will send a response to everyone who was
sent the original message. They don’t need to know your schedule. You
should “Reply” only to the meeting coordinator. Then, he/she can select the
best time and notify everyone.
Score:
13 = You’re perfect. (But, you knew that already.) Keep emailing!
10 -12 = You’re okay. Be a little more cautious, though. You could learn a few tips from my book, Email Etiquette Made Easy (see link in resource box).
7 - 9 = You could use some help. Try my book, Email Etiquette Made Easy (see link in resource box).
Less than 7 = Ugh! Call me now! We’ll schedule your intense therapy immediately.
Free Entertainment Is Easy To Find
There are many forms of entertainment available when you want to spend a night on the town. Dinner and a movie is always a popular choice. Live theatre is fun and exciting, as you don’t know what is going to happen. Karaoke and piano bars are becoming more popular as well, as you can laugh and relax to some good music (or not so good singing!) in a casual atmosphere. However, all these forms of entertainment can be rather pricey! Movie tickets are getting higher and higher, and nicer restaurants charge a lot for their quality and service. Live entertainment like plays and musicals can be extremely expensive, and plans may need to be made well in advance or you won’t get in! And bars…well, face it…you will be dealing with others’ loud conversations, second hand smoke, and high liquor
prices.
If all you’re looking for is a relaxing evening to ease your stress, why not look for some free entertainment for you and your family. Not only will you have fun, but you will save money in the process!
Below are some common choices in free entertainment:
1. Movies, music, books and programs at your local public library! Libraries are wonderful places to entertain adults and children alike. Many public libraries offer free storytimes for your children. Not only will they have free entertainment, but they will learn important skills and see that reading is fun! For the adults, most public libraries now offer a wide selection of DVDs, videos, music CDs, books on tape and CDs, and, of course, lots and lots of books! The nice thing about the movies you find at the library are they don’t cost you anything (unless you return them late)! Adult programming is becoming more popular in most larger library systems, as well. Classes on arts and crafts, computers, world events and locations and book discussions are a great form of entertainment.
2. Local parks are a nice way to spend an afternoon or evening. Take a picnic lunch or dinner and relax in the fresh air. Most parks have lovely playgrounds for your kids to explore and enjoy. There are even some local parks that have outdoor games adults and children can play together.
3. Annual or Semi-Annual Art Shows make for an exciting outing. You will get to see the best of local artists, while also enjoying the fresh air and festive atmosphere. The kids will love the art shows because many have clowns wandering around making balloon animals and doing face painting.
Although this is a relatively short list, you can inevitable find great entertainment for free in your area. All you have to do is look for it.
prices.
If all you’re looking for is a relaxing evening to ease your stress, why not look for some free entertainment for you and your family. Not only will you have fun, but you will save money in the process!
Below are some common choices in free entertainment:
1. Movies, music, books and programs at your local public library! Libraries are wonderful places to entertain adults and children alike. Many public libraries offer free storytimes for your children. Not only will they have free entertainment, but they will learn important skills and see that reading is fun! For the adults, most public libraries now offer a wide selection of DVDs, videos, music CDs, books on tape and CDs, and, of course, lots and lots of books! The nice thing about the movies you find at the library are they don’t cost you anything (unless you return them late)! Adult programming is becoming more popular in most larger library systems, as well. Classes on arts and crafts, computers, world events and locations and book discussions are a great form of entertainment.
2. Local parks are a nice way to spend an afternoon or evening. Take a picnic lunch or dinner and relax in the fresh air. Most parks have lovely playgrounds for your kids to explore and enjoy. There are even some local parks that have outdoor games adults and children can play together.
3. Annual or Semi-Annual Art Shows make for an exciting outing. You will get to see the best of local artists, while also enjoying the fresh air and festive atmosphere. The kids will love the art shows because many have clowns wandering around making balloon animals and doing face painting.
Although this is a relatively short list, you can inevitable find great entertainment for free in your area. All you have to do is look for it.
Entertainment and Media Production for your Business. Why?
You are a business. You do well. Why do you need to worry about what Entertainment and Media Production companies can do for you? Why would you need to hire some weird artist to make your company’s exposure to the public more attractive? Let’s get to the bottom line. Revenue! You can actually increase your revenue through the way that you expose yourself in the media. This is not a new idea it’s just advertising.
Entertainment media production is a powerful tool in helping generate revenue. Let me close with and example. A few years ago BMW took an interesting approach to advertising. They produced a few of short films that featured their cars. These were actual films but every drove BMW cars. They offered these for free to whom ever wanted one and on the DVD was a brochure for their cars. The films were a great way to promote their cars. Be creative when you work with media and it will serve you well.
Entertainment and Media Production companies can do a lot for your business. They can make you literature more visually appealing and easy to read and understand. They can make your TV and radio commercials for you. They can even make great designs your internal newsletter. How does this affect the bottom line? It draws people in to what you want them to read, see or hear. That generates more sales leads, which in turn generate more revenue.
Good and attractive media helps your company look professional. Looking professional helps customers trust you. These customers can be individual buyer or business to business customers. People are more likely to buy from you if the trust you. Many times all the customer sees is your literature. In many businesses they don’t see you office building, or your factory, all they see is your literature and your product. Make your product look great. Then, make you literature look great too.
Good entertainment media, like ads and TV spots can actually work hard for you. A good ad can raise the top of mind awareness for your company or product. As it does this it also positions your company in their mind. Let’s say you own a bank and you ask your entertainment media production department to come up with a TV spot promoting your bank. If they create a TV spot that looks like it was done in a garage, then your bank will be positioned in the minds of the consumers as an unprofessional banking firm. However, if they do an excellent job and make a TV spot that has the feeling of solidarity, then the consumers will position you as a secure bank. In short, find your position then let your ads, TV spots and literature exemplify that position.
Be careful with entertainment media. Vulgarity, offensiveness and even humor can get you in to trouble. You media should never be vulgar or offensive. You are trying to entice people to trust you not turn them away. Humor can be a great tool but it can also be a stumbling block. When you use humor, make sure that it has a purpose (i.e. sell a product or position you company in the mind of the consumers). If it is funny but unrelated. Don’t do it! It won’t help.
Here are a few guidelines about how to use entertainment media.
- Make it look professional
- Don’t be uptight. It is okay to have fun as long you don’t forget your purpose
- Be Fresh but tight. Make all of entertainment media productions clean and appealing
- Make it memorable
- Make it friendly (this applies to most businesses
- Don’t put anything in that is vulgar or offensive
- Make it fun. Remember that it is called entertainment media production, there should be an element of entertainment.
- Make your views feel like you are a long-time friend
- Make it speak your company values. Make your media speak volumes about your company by their layout and design not just the type.
- Get it done professionally!
Entertainment media production is a powerful tool in helping generate revenue. Let me close with and example. A few years ago BMW took an interesting approach to advertising. They produced a few of short films that featured their cars. These were actual films but every drove BMW cars. They offered these for free to whom ever wanted one and on the DVD was a brochure for their cars. The films were a great way to promote their cars. Be creative when you work with media and it will serve you well.
Friday, January 8, 2010
9 Ways to Gain Expert Recognition
No matter what business you are in it always helps to be seen as an expert. If you were calling someone to fix a drain or sell your house you would approach the person you saw as most credible and reputable in that area of expertise.
To become an expert takes hard work and experience. It can involve study or the honing of practical skills. It demands high standards of work. But after all this effort will you be perceived as an expert? If you feel you've earned the mantle of expert but are not recognized as one, here are eight ways to start establishing your reputation.
Publish a book or series of reports
The internet has made this much easier. You can now create an ebook that can be downloaded without having to involve a publisher. A well-written book or series of reports will establish your reputation as an expert in your field.
Publish a newsletter
Set one up on the internet and distribute it to your customers. This is an excellent way to regularly keep your name in front of your prospects as an authority on your subject.
Write press releases
Used correctly these can gain you a lot of positive publicity. Make sure the press release looks like newsworthy information and not like an advertisement.
Write Articles
By publishing information packed articles, you'll soon enjoy the status of being seen as an authority on your topic. This can lead to joint ventures and many other exciting opportunities that you would have never enjoyed otherwise!
Create a website
Set up a user-friendly website that will appeal to customers and you have expanded the reach of your reputation. Keep it timely and informative, and people will continue to return to your site. If you don't know how to set up a website there are plenty of web designers who do. Alternatively enquire at a college teaching web design. Some students might want to build a portfolio.
Join associations
If you are a member of an association it will enhance your credibility. But don't just be a member. Be an active member. This will build your reputation among your peers and lead to useful introductions. Membership can have many benefits, and it will certainly keep you up to date in your field.
Networking
You can boost your reputation and influence by speaking to the right people. Keep your name in front of your prospects. Organize mutually beneficial ventures. You cannot predict what may come from a contact so make as many as you can.
Public Speaking
Even speaking to a local group of people can establish you as an expert and get you referrals that may lead to a wider audience. If you are not sure you can speak in public, preparation and rehearsal are the keys to success. Make sure your presentation is aimed at the right level, follows a sensible sequence and will not sound like a dry textbook-like monologue. Write your main points on small cards so you are not relying solely on your memory and start in front of a small audience.
Teach workshops or seminars
If you have knowledge that people would like to tap into you can pass on your expertise. If your presentation is well planned you will be seen as an authority in your subject. You will also meet people who are likely to recommend you to others. If you are teaching a hot topic you will also be gaining a useful income stream.
Any of these methods will start building your reputation as an expert. Use them all correctly and you will gain the sort of reputation that will have potential clients approaching you without having to seek them out.
To become an expert takes hard work and experience. It can involve study or the honing of practical skills. It demands high standards of work. But after all this effort will you be perceived as an expert? If you feel you've earned the mantle of expert but are not recognized as one, here are eight ways to start establishing your reputation.
Publish a book or series of reports
The internet has made this much easier. You can now create an ebook that can be downloaded without having to involve a publisher. A well-written book or series of reports will establish your reputation as an expert in your field.
Publish a newsletter
Set one up on the internet and distribute it to your customers. This is an excellent way to regularly keep your name in front of your prospects as an authority on your subject.
Write press releases
Used correctly these can gain you a lot of positive publicity. Make sure the press release looks like newsworthy information and not like an advertisement.
Write Articles
By publishing information packed articles, you'll soon enjoy the status of being seen as an authority on your topic. This can lead to joint ventures and many other exciting opportunities that you would have never enjoyed otherwise!
Create a website
Set up a user-friendly website that will appeal to customers and you have expanded the reach of your reputation. Keep it timely and informative, and people will continue to return to your site. If you don't know how to set up a website there are plenty of web designers who do. Alternatively enquire at a college teaching web design. Some students might want to build a portfolio.
Join associations
If you are a member of an association it will enhance your credibility. But don't just be a member. Be an active member. This will build your reputation among your peers and lead to useful introductions. Membership can have many benefits, and it will certainly keep you up to date in your field.
Networking
You can boost your reputation and influence by speaking to the right people. Keep your name in front of your prospects. Organize mutually beneficial ventures. You cannot predict what may come from a contact so make as many as you can.
Public Speaking
Even speaking to a local group of people can establish you as an expert and get you referrals that may lead to a wider audience. If you are not sure you can speak in public, preparation and rehearsal are the keys to success. Make sure your presentation is aimed at the right level, follows a sensible sequence and will not sound like a dry textbook-like monologue. Write your main points on small cards so you are not relying solely on your memory and start in front of a small audience.
Teach workshops or seminars
If you have knowledge that people would like to tap into you can pass on your expertise. If your presentation is well planned you will be seen as an authority in your subject. You will also meet people who are likely to recommend you to others. If you are teaching a hot topic you will also be gaining a useful income stream.
Any of these methods will start building your reputation as an expert. Use them all correctly and you will gain the sort of reputation that will have potential clients approaching you without having to seek them out.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Fun Email Quiz
Are you creating a positive, professional impression when you email your co-workers and customers? Or, is Miss Manners shrieking in horror every time you hit the send button? Are you being efficient and effective when you send messages, or are you wasting time? To find out, take this fun quiz.
1. The tone of a professional email message should be:
a. Conversational.
b. Formal.
c. Casual – like the tone you use with friends.
d. “Yo, dude! Whassup?”
Answer: A. You may be as casual as you like with friends, breaking all the grammar and punctuation rules you want. But, that isn’t true for communicating with clients and colleagues. Business correspondence should be professional. In email, professional translates into conversational – not too casual and not too formal.
2. One method to achieve a conversational tone is to:
a. Use slang terms and jargon.
b. Use contractions.
c. Use acronyms.
d. Stand up and yell across the office. See if you can start “the wave.”
Answer: B. When you speak in a conversation, you use contractions. So, it’s acceptable to use them in email to create a conversational tone.
3. When beginning to type an email, start with:
a. The addressee’s email address.
b. The message.
c. The addressee’s name.
d. “Yo, dude or dudette!”
Answer: C. Starting a message with the addressee’s name is not only more personal, it will help avoid miscommunication and confusion. If you begin a message without the addressee’s name, the person won’t know if the message is intended for him/her.
4. When writing an email message, paragraphs should:
a. Be long.
b. Be short.
c. Be indented.
d. Be invisible – no one can mess it up that way.
Answer: B. People aren’t willing to invest time reading messages that appear too long or tedious. Short paragraphs appear easier to read because there is more white space. There is also less chance that the reader will miss a point.
5. The best way to make several points in an email is:
a. Include all the points in the first paragraph.
b. Include all the points in the last paragraph.
c. Use lists with bullets or numbers.
d. Put it on a banner and rent an airplane to fly over the office pulling the banner.
Answer: C. If you put more than one point in a paragraph, it may be overlooked. Lists and bullets make your points stand out. They are also easier for the person to see.
6. At the end of an email message, you should include:
a. Only your name.
b. Only your name and company.
c. All your relevant contact information.
d. A picture of your pet python and twin tarantulas.
Answer: C. Provide people with all the information they need to contact you – in whatever way is most convenient for them. They may prefer the telephone or regular mail over email.
7. If you know the recipient reads emails quickly and is often in a hurry, the best way to send a supporting document is:
a. Paste it into the body of the message.
b. Attach it as a separate document.
c. Type slowly.
d. Have it delivered by carrier pigeon.
Answer: A. When the recipient is in a hurry, he/she will be less likely to open an attachment because it takes extra time. The person is more likely to read something that’s pasted right in front of him/her.
8. When sending a message, you should copy (“cc”):
a. Everyone in the department – just in case.
b. Your boss and your boss’ boss – so they know that you’re working hard.
c. Only those people who absolutely need to know.
d. The whole world. Why not? Everyone else does.
Answer: C. The “cc” function is the most abused function in email. Don’t be a pain!
9. When writing a Subject Line:
a. Use something general, such as “Greetings” or “Hello.”
b. Be specific, but brief.
c. Use several sentences.
d. “If you don’t respond, I’ll send Uncle Guido to break your knee caps.”
Answer: B. A generic Subject Line doesn’t tell the recipient anything. The
more specific you are, the better chance you have of getting the recipient to
open the message.
10. To write a concise email message:
a. Omit wordy phrases.
b. Use very small font (8 point).
c. Type fast.
d. Omit every other letter. “Oi eey ohr lte.”
Answer: A. An effective method for concise writing is to omit unnecessary
words. For example, use, “now” instead of “in the immediate future” and
“twice” instead of “on two different occasions.”
11. When possible, email messages should be:
a. Extremely detailed, even if the message is quite lengthy.
b. Kept to one screen.
c. Forwarded to the author of a cartoon for future material.
Answer: B. Most readers won’t take time to read more than one screen. The shorter the message is, the better chance you’ll have of getting it read.
12. How much space can typically be viewed in the Subject Line?
a. 25 - 35 characters.
b. 25 – 35 words.
c. 50 – 75 characters.
d. 50 – 75 words.
Answer: A. Characters are defined as every letter or space. In other words,
every time you move the space bar, it counts as one character. The subject
line that appears in most people’s email will display approximately 25 – 35
character.
13. When responding to a message regarding the best time for a meeting, you should select:
a. Reply All.
b. Reply.
Answer: B. The “Reply All” button will send a response to everyone who was
sent the original message. They don’t need to know your schedule. You
should “Reply” only to the meeting coordinator. Then, he/she can select the
best time and notify everyone.
Score:
13 = You’re perfect. (But, you knew that already.) Keep emailing!
10 -12 = You’re okay. Be a little more cautious, though. You could learn a few tips from my book, Email Etiquette Made Easy (see link in resource box).
7 - 9 = You could use some help. Try my book, Email Etiquette Made Easy (see link in resource box).
Less than 7 = Ugh! Call me now! We’ll schedule your intense therapy immediately.
1. The tone of a professional email message should be:
a. Conversational.
b. Formal.
c. Casual – like the tone you use with friends.
d. “Yo, dude! Whassup?”
Answer: A. You may be as casual as you like with friends, breaking all the grammar and punctuation rules you want. But, that isn’t true for communicating with clients and colleagues. Business correspondence should be professional. In email, professional translates into conversational – not too casual and not too formal.
2. One method to achieve a conversational tone is to:
a. Use slang terms and jargon.
b. Use contractions.
c. Use acronyms.
d. Stand up and yell across the office. See if you can start “the wave.”
Answer: B. When you speak in a conversation, you use contractions. So, it’s acceptable to use them in email to create a conversational tone.
3. When beginning to type an email, start with:
a. The addressee’s email address.
b. The message.
c. The addressee’s name.
d. “Yo, dude or dudette!”
Answer: C. Starting a message with the addressee’s name is not only more personal, it will help avoid miscommunication and confusion. If you begin a message without the addressee’s name, the person won’t know if the message is intended for him/her.
4. When writing an email message, paragraphs should:
a. Be long.
b. Be short.
c. Be indented.
d. Be invisible – no one can mess it up that way.
Answer: B. People aren’t willing to invest time reading messages that appear too long or tedious. Short paragraphs appear easier to read because there is more white space. There is also less chance that the reader will miss a point.
5. The best way to make several points in an email is:
a. Include all the points in the first paragraph.
b. Include all the points in the last paragraph.
c. Use lists with bullets or numbers.
d. Put it on a banner and rent an airplane to fly over the office pulling the banner.
Answer: C. If you put more than one point in a paragraph, it may be overlooked. Lists and bullets make your points stand out. They are also easier for the person to see.
6. At the end of an email message, you should include:
a. Only your name.
b. Only your name and company.
c. All your relevant contact information.
d. A picture of your pet python and twin tarantulas.
Answer: C. Provide people with all the information they need to contact you – in whatever way is most convenient for them. They may prefer the telephone or regular mail over email.
7. If you know the recipient reads emails quickly and is often in a hurry, the best way to send a supporting document is:
a. Paste it into the body of the message.
b. Attach it as a separate document.
c. Type slowly.
d. Have it delivered by carrier pigeon.
Answer: A. When the recipient is in a hurry, he/she will be less likely to open an attachment because it takes extra time. The person is more likely to read something that’s pasted right in front of him/her.
8. When sending a message, you should copy (“cc”):
a. Everyone in the department – just in case.
b. Your boss and your boss’ boss – so they know that you’re working hard.
c. Only those people who absolutely need to know.
d. The whole world. Why not? Everyone else does.
Answer: C. The “cc” function is the most abused function in email. Don’t be a pain!
9. When writing a Subject Line:
a. Use something general, such as “Greetings” or “Hello.”
b. Be specific, but brief.
c. Use several sentences.
d. “If you don’t respond, I’ll send Uncle Guido to break your knee caps.”
Answer: B. A generic Subject Line doesn’t tell the recipient anything. The
more specific you are, the better chance you have of getting the recipient to
open the message.
10. To write a concise email message:
a. Omit wordy phrases.
b. Use very small font (8 point).
c. Type fast.
d. Omit every other letter. “Oi eey ohr lte.”
Answer: A. An effective method for concise writing is to omit unnecessary
words. For example, use, “now” instead of “in the immediate future” and
“twice” instead of “on two different occasions.”
11. When possible, email messages should be:
a. Extremely detailed, even if the message is quite lengthy.
b. Kept to one screen.
c. Forwarded to the author of a cartoon for future material.
Answer: B. Most readers won’t take time to read more than one screen. The shorter the message is, the better chance you’ll have of getting it read.
12. How much space can typically be viewed in the Subject Line?
a. 25 - 35 characters.
b. 25 – 35 words.
c. 50 – 75 characters.
d. 50 – 75 words.
Answer: A. Characters are defined as every letter or space. In other words,
every time you move the space bar, it counts as one character. The subject
line that appears in most people’s email will display approximately 25 – 35
character.
13. When responding to a message regarding the best time for a meeting, you should select:
a. Reply All.
b. Reply.
Answer: B. The “Reply All” button will send a response to everyone who was
sent the original message. They don’t need to know your schedule. You
should “Reply” only to the meeting coordinator. Then, he/she can select the
best time and notify everyone.
Score:
13 = You’re perfect. (But, you knew that already.) Keep emailing!
10 -12 = You’re okay. Be a little more cautious, though. You could learn a few tips from my book, Email Etiquette Made Easy (see link in resource box).
7 - 9 = You could use some help. Try my book, Email Etiquette Made Easy (see link in resource box).
Less than 7 = Ugh! Call me now! We’ll schedule your intense therapy immediately.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Superior Mind -- Man vs. Mouse
I’ve never thought of myself as a brave man, but it’s nice to know if you’ll be able to handle yourself in a dangerous situation. One morning on my drive to work such an occasion occurred. I was cruising down the road and singing off-key to the radio when I suddenly had the gut wrenching feeling that I wasn’t alone. I could sense the presence of evil even before I saw the black, beady eyes and the long, fang-like teeth that would have chilled the blood of a navy seal.
I swerved the car like a madman, not caring about my own well-being or the safety of others as I tried to disgorge from my car this demonic creature from the depths of hell. But the brute held on! Clinging to my wiper blades like a trapeze artist was a mouse. And I’m not talking Mickey Mouse here, this mouse was mean, evil and cunning. I could see it in his eyes.
Once I’d gotten over my initial panic I knew I had nothing to fear. I had the superior mind. Besides, he was on the outside while I was safe, entombed within a metal fortress. I locked the doors and prepared to do battle.
If I couldn’t shake him off, perhaps I could flood him out. My fingers wrapped around the control to the window washer and I chuckled softly to myself, knowing that this mouse had met his match. I plunged the button down and water cascaded over him in a furious waterfall while I laughed the laugh of the victorious.
But then the creature lifted first one leg and then the other, and I swear he slowly washed under each armpit. Then, with a final twist of his tail, which I knew in rodent language had to be an obscene gesture, he slithered under the hood and out of sight.
My morning at work passed slowly as I waited for lunch to arrive so I could continue my bout with the creature. Armed with an ice scrapper and an umbrella, I popped the hood and prepared to do battle. The cowardly beast had fled. In his haste he had left behind a scattering of acorn shells, leaves and pine needles. I took great pleasure in brushing his meager possessions off of my engine and onto the cold, dark pavement. This rodent hotel was closed. We both knew who had the superior mind - until I got home that night and cast a final glance at the battlefield, that space between the hood and windshield where the wipers come to rest. There, staring up at me with demonic lust, were those black, beady eyes.
We both knew he was looking for a fight. For him, it would be revenge; for me, vindication. Showing absolutely no concern for my own safety, I grabbed my weapons of choice, my trusty ice scrapper and umbrella, threw open the hood and prepared to confront the monstrous beast.
Oh, how that ninja mouse led me on a merry chase! Jumping and scrambling from engine part to engine part, the cowardly fiend was afraid to stand still and fight me like a man. Meanwhile, I followed always a second behind, banging from air filter to carburetor, my weapons a blur of angry motion. I worked myself up into a frenzy and couldn’t have banged any faster had I been playing a drum solo in a rock concert. In desperation, the beast dove down a small crevice and disappeared into the bowels of my car.
A lesser man might have gloated over his victory, but I had a more important task before me. In a total disregard for the Geneva Convention’s ban on chemical warfare, I forced mothballs into every crack and opening I could find. I crammed five pieces down the crevice into which the coward had fled.
It’s been two days now and there has been no further sign of the evil beast. He has met his match and instinct has taken him to haunt a new location. I was free of the rodent, the only reminder the pungent smell of mothballs every time I turn on the heater. I didn’t mind, it was the smell of victory.
This morning the little boy who lives next door came by to visit. He was sad. It seems that a couple of days ago his pet gerbil got loose and ran away.
I swerved the car like a madman, not caring about my own well-being or the safety of others as I tried to disgorge from my car this demonic creature from the depths of hell. But the brute held on! Clinging to my wiper blades like a trapeze artist was a mouse. And I’m not talking Mickey Mouse here, this mouse was mean, evil and cunning. I could see it in his eyes.
Once I’d gotten over my initial panic I knew I had nothing to fear. I had the superior mind. Besides, he was on the outside while I was safe, entombed within a metal fortress. I locked the doors and prepared to do battle.
If I couldn’t shake him off, perhaps I could flood him out. My fingers wrapped around the control to the window washer and I chuckled softly to myself, knowing that this mouse had met his match. I plunged the button down and water cascaded over him in a furious waterfall while I laughed the laugh of the victorious.
But then the creature lifted first one leg and then the other, and I swear he slowly washed under each armpit. Then, with a final twist of his tail, which I knew in rodent language had to be an obscene gesture, he slithered under the hood and out of sight.
My morning at work passed slowly as I waited for lunch to arrive so I could continue my bout with the creature. Armed with an ice scrapper and an umbrella, I popped the hood and prepared to do battle. The cowardly beast had fled. In his haste he had left behind a scattering of acorn shells, leaves and pine needles. I took great pleasure in brushing his meager possessions off of my engine and onto the cold, dark pavement. This rodent hotel was closed. We both knew who had the superior mind - until I got home that night and cast a final glance at the battlefield, that space between the hood and windshield where the wipers come to rest. There, staring up at me with demonic lust, were those black, beady eyes.
We both knew he was looking for a fight. For him, it would be revenge; for me, vindication. Showing absolutely no concern for my own safety, I grabbed my weapons of choice, my trusty ice scrapper and umbrella, threw open the hood and prepared to confront the monstrous beast.
Oh, how that ninja mouse led me on a merry chase! Jumping and scrambling from engine part to engine part, the cowardly fiend was afraid to stand still and fight me like a man. Meanwhile, I followed always a second behind, banging from air filter to carburetor, my weapons a blur of angry motion. I worked myself up into a frenzy and couldn’t have banged any faster had I been playing a drum solo in a rock concert. In desperation, the beast dove down a small crevice and disappeared into the bowels of my car.
A lesser man might have gloated over his victory, but I had a more important task before me. In a total disregard for the Geneva Convention’s ban on chemical warfare, I forced mothballs into every crack and opening I could find. I crammed five pieces down the crevice into which the coward had fled.
It’s been two days now and there has been no further sign of the evil beast. He has met his match and instinct has taken him to haunt a new location. I was free of the rodent, the only reminder the pungent smell of mothballs every time I turn on the heater. I didn’t mind, it was the smell of victory.
This morning the little boy who lives next door came by to visit. He was sad. It seems that a couple of days ago his pet gerbil got loose and ran away.
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