BUSINESS INFORMATION
Money Group Pros
CLICK HERE FOR FREE BUSINESS ADS
Today I am going to talk about something that seems to be one of those things that people either love or hate. What I am talking about is network marketing, also called mlm or multi-level marketing. Right from the beginning I will say that there is no need to have extreme views about this, it is simply a business model that you can use if you wish.
However, it is crucial that you understand HOW the business model of network marketing works.
I think there are basically two reasons that some people seem to be almost electrocuted, simply by hearing someone mention the word network marketing. Either they have tried it themselves, and because they didn't have a clue on how to do it they failed miserably. Or they belong to the group of people who can't get the idea that mlm = pyramid scheme out of their heads.
This second misconception is easy to debunk. Pyramid schemes are illegal almost everywhere, do you really think large multinational companies could operate year after year on an entirely illegal basis?
Secondly, this view on network marketing shows that the speaker is ignorant. He or she hasn't done an ounce of homework on the various businesses that are available to each of us today, and they are ignorant of the industry itself.
This means they aren't serious. It means they "would like" to make more money, but have no intention of making it happen. They continually "look" for home businesses, which is enough to satisfy their minds that they "did everything they could", but everything they find out there is flawed and are "scams". They are looking to buy "hope", not a business.
There is a Chinese saying that goes something like this:"If you spend too much time thinking about your next step, you will be standing on one leg for the rest of your life". Yes, there ARE scams out there, but mlm is not a dirty word and it is not a synonym for scam. Get over it!
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BREAKING NEWS! Corporate America a Pyramid Scam?
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As for the comparison to a pyramid in general - think of any company that comes to mind. The company will probably have a CEO, president, vice presidents, middle management, a sales force, and hourly employees.
It goes without saying that the guy at the top, the CEO, is going to make the most money, and the compensations continue to decrease down the ladder which starts at his cushy leather chair. The only way to get paid more and move up the ladder is to boot someone else out of their spot - and this is what people call okay and normal!
Not to mention the fact that the corporate slave masters seem to have no problem with working people to the limits...and then kicking them out the door before any of the benefits kick in. (As always there are some exceptions, of course). How is this any less pyramid than network marketing? All people in the company work hard, but ONLY those at the very top has "permission" to make a lot of money.
Now, in network marketing the basic idea is that it will be of great benefit to everyone involved to help people who are new reach the top. In fact the whole business idea hinges on this idea - the only way to become really successful in the long term is to help others. Of course there will always be a mathematical limit to how large a network can become, but with todays global marketplace, and a suitable compensation plan, there is usually plenty of room for everybody.
A network marketing company can diversify and find new markets, just like all companies have to.
But what about the miserable statistics of network marketing, the over 90% drop-out rate etc.?
This is mainly caused by the simple fact that not that many people know how to do network marketing correctly. And I must admit that some network marketing companies are responsible for this themselves, by providing useless ideas like making a "100 list" etc.
You see, this is a somewhat unique industry. Most people don't realize that network marketing is a business of marketing and promotion pursued by people who have NO IDEA how to market and promote.
Read the above paragraph once more and let it sink in...
If you are going to be involved in network marketing you need to develop both the right mind set and acquire the right knowledge (no, they usually don't teach this in college).
You must learn that when you do this business right:
* You don't have to "sell"
* You don't have to ask people to join your business.. They ask you!
* You don't have to post "work at home" flyers!
* People will PAY YOU to prospect them
You should learn that this is not at all about the Vitamins or whatever product your company is selling. In fact, this is one of the single biggest mistakes people make in network marketing.
About the Author: Bjorn Hakans is a featured author on TAB Money Group.
©2008 TAB Money Group - All Rights Reserved Money Group Pros
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Turn Your Email Sign-Off Into Results: Seven-Step Checklist for Success by: Kathy Gulrich / TAB Money Group
BUSINESS INFORMATION
Money Group Pros
CLICK HERE FOR FREE BUSINESS ADS
Okie dokie. The basics. What exactly is an email sign-off?
Your sign-off is the part of your email -- with your name, company, phone, etc. -- that comes right after your text message.
To be honest, I find most email sign-offs pretty boring. (And I find some of them pretty annoying!)
Most often, however, I see lost opportunities.
In this article, we'll be taking a look at how just a few simple changes to your email signature can make a BIG difference to your business.
Let's explore....
1 - NO SIGN-OFF, NO RESULTS
I think it's incredible -- since most of the emails I get are from coaches and small business owners -- but I get at least a couple of emails a day with absolutely no sign-off at all.
That's right. No company name, and no contact information. Emails sometimes even arrive without the sender's last name!
This is not only a waste of a perfect marketing opportunity, it's pretty bad business. There's nothing professional about a business email without basic business information.
2 - START WITH THE BASICS
Every email you send out should include basic information about you and your company:
* Your name (first and last)
* Company Name
* Business phone
* Email address
Tip: Why include your email address here, when the reader can see it at the top of the email? Simply because it's easier for the reader to have all of your contact information in one place -- especially if he decides to add it to his address book or contact manager.
A basic email signature might also include:
* Your title or business designation
* Company logo and/or tag line
* Your photo
* Fax and/or cell phone number
* Website address
Tip: If you include any graphics (photo, logo, etc.) be sure to use small files that will download quickly and easily for the reader. (For me, any file I need to wait for falls into that 'annoying' category.)
3 - WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Here's the deal. Your email signature is the perfect place to include information about your business, your products, or your services. Why?
* You're writing -- or responding -- to someone you know is already interested in you, or your business
* You know your message will be seen
* Email is a natural place to describe something new, or interesting
* It's totally non-intrusive
* It's easy
* It doesn't cost you a thing!
So, take a minute to think about something about your business -- or your products -- that you'd like to tell people about. For example:
* Your upcoming workshop, seminar, or teleclasses
* Your book or audio product
* An improvement you've made to an existing product or program
* New business location, or expanded business hours
* Your new website
Choose one of these ideas now, and take it through the next few steps in this article....
4 - WHAT'S IN IT FOR THEM?
To illustrate, let's say you decide to use your email signature to tell people about an upcoming teleclass.
I can imagine several answers to the question, "What's in it for you?"
* new business leads
* 'live' interaction with solid business prospects
* revenue (if you're charging a fee for the class)
* opportunity to introduce participants to your other products and services
* getting your name out into the business community
* opportunity to shine as an expert in your field
* word-of-mouth advertising from your teleclass participants
If you'd like your email signature to attract new clients -- and sales -- be sure to focus on "What's in it for THEM?"
Going back to the teleclass example, what will participants get out of it? (information, fun, interaction, difficult to find facts or tips, a plan/strategy, etc.)
What problem do they have that this teleclass will help resolve? Where are they struggling? (stress, frustration, ill health, isolation, financial troubles, need more clients, lack of confidence, etc.)
Jot down at least two benefits your reader will get from your product. And then write a sentence or two that simply tells them this -- and shows them how to order or sign up (live links, please!).
Add your contact information, and you've got a powerful email signature!
Tip: To improve your results, add an offer -- or a reason for the reader to take action NOW.
5 - SHORT AND SWEET
Remember I said that email signatures are totally non-intrusive? I was describing clear, concise, well-written email signatures; yours, I hope!
Take a quick peek into your email "Sent" box. If you're anything like me, most emails you send out are 10-20 lines long. Many are probably only 2-3 lines.
Don't write an email signature that's longer than most of your emails!
I'm a member of several email list-serves (coaching, writing, publishing) and not suprisingly, every one of them has rules about email signatures. The maximum 'suggested' length is between 7-8 lines.
Use this length recommendation as a guide when developing yours. Think 3-4 lines to get your marketing message across, and 3-4 lines for your basic contact information. That's all you need.
6 - THE TECH OF IT ALL
Okay, one question that often pops up is whether to use a "text only" or "html" email sign-off (often called 'signature' in your mail program).
In my mind, that totally depends on your audience.
If you work with a fairly tech-savvy group of people, and would like to add the graphics and formatting that are possible with html, go for it. For some audiences, however, html is a mistake -- since it'll show up as an unreadable mass of code if they don't have the software to decode it properly.
Not sure? Stick to simple text email messages and sign-offs.
In the past couple of years, email signatures have become incredibly simple to do (technically, that is!). Here's where to find basic instructions from two of the most popular email programs:
Outlook: Tools > Options > Mail Format > Signatures
AOL: Mail > Set Mail Signatures > Create
For other mail programs, check the Help menu, or write to customer support. These days, virtually every ISP will has a way for you to add an email signature -- with or without a marketing message -- quickly and easily.
Tip: Take a minute or two right now to write a new email signature, and get it into your email account.
7 - KEEP 'EM FRESH
Ever have this experience: You drive past the same billboard day after day, and after while, you literally don't see it at all?
The same holds true for email sign-offs. After several emails with the same sign-off, your readers won't 'see' it any more. So write several sign-offs -- for the same product, or for different products or programs -- to keep them fresh and new.
Each time you write one, ask yourself:
* Does it meet your marketing objective? (What's in it for you?)
* Does it offer a real benefit to your reader? (What's in it for them?)
* Is it clear and concise? (7-8 lines, including your contact information)
Use these three questions as guidelines, and you'll be well on your way to creating email sign-offs that'll attract customers -- and increase sales.
About the author:
Best-selling author Kathy Gulrich is a featured author on TAB Money Group. She helps clients get from idea, to action, to results - more quickly, and more easily - whether they're looking to write a book, develop a new product, or market their product or business. Clients love her direct, no-nonsense approach - and her gentle insistence on great results. Find out for yourself:
©2008 TAB Money Group - All Rights Reserved Money Group Pros
Money Group Pros
CLICK HERE FOR FREE BUSINESS ADS
Okie dokie. The basics. What exactly is an email sign-off?
Your sign-off is the part of your email -- with your name, company, phone, etc. -- that comes right after your text message.
To be honest, I find most email sign-offs pretty boring. (And I find some of them pretty annoying!)
Most often, however, I see lost opportunities.
In this article, we'll be taking a look at how just a few simple changes to your email signature can make a BIG difference to your business.
Let's explore....
1 - NO SIGN-OFF, NO RESULTS
I think it's incredible -- since most of the emails I get are from coaches and small business owners -- but I get at least a couple of emails a day with absolutely no sign-off at all.
That's right. No company name, and no contact information. Emails sometimes even arrive without the sender's last name!
This is not only a waste of a perfect marketing opportunity, it's pretty bad business. There's nothing professional about a business email without basic business information.
2 - START WITH THE BASICS
Every email you send out should include basic information about you and your company:
* Your name (first and last)
* Company Name
* Business phone
* Email address
Tip: Why include your email address here, when the reader can see it at the top of the email? Simply because it's easier for the reader to have all of your contact information in one place -- especially if he decides to add it to his address book or contact manager.
A basic email signature might also include:
* Your title or business designation
* Company logo and/or tag line
* Your photo
* Fax and/or cell phone number
* Website address
Tip: If you include any graphics (photo, logo, etc.) be sure to use small files that will download quickly and easily for the reader. (For me, any file I need to wait for falls into that 'annoying' category.)
3 - WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Here's the deal. Your email signature is the perfect place to include information about your business, your products, or your services. Why?
* You're writing -- or responding -- to someone you know is already interested in you, or your business
* You know your message will be seen
* Email is a natural place to describe something new, or interesting
* It's totally non-intrusive
* It's easy
* It doesn't cost you a thing!
So, take a minute to think about something about your business -- or your products -- that you'd like to tell people about. For example:
* Your upcoming workshop, seminar, or teleclasses
* Your book or audio product
* An improvement you've made to an existing product or program
* New business location, or expanded business hours
* Your new website
Choose one of these ideas now, and take it through the next few steps in this article....
4 - WHAT'S IN IT FOR THEM?
To illustrate, let's say you decide to use your email signature to tell people about an upcoming teleclass.
I can imagine several answers to the question, "What's in it for you?"
* new business leads
* 'live' interaction with solid business prospects
* revenue (if you're charging a fee for the class)
* opportunity to introduce participants to your other products and services
* getting your name out into the business community
* opportunity to shine as an expert in your field
* word-of-mouth advertising from your teleclass participants
If you'd like your email signature to attract new clients -- and sales -- be sure to focus on "What's in it for THEM?"
Going back to the teleclass example, what will participants get out of it? (information, fun, interaction, difficult to find facts or tips, a plan/strategy, etc.)
What problem do they have that this teleclass will help resolve? Where are they struggling? (stress, frustration, ill health, isolation, financial troubles, need more clients, lack of confidence, etc.)
Jot down at least two benefits your reader will get from your product. And then write a sentence or two that simply tells them this -- and shows them how to order or sign up (live links, please!).
Add your contact information, and you've got a powerful email signature!
Tip: To improve your results, add an offer -- or a reason for the reader to take action NOW.
5 - SHORT AND SWEET
Remember I said that email signatures are totally non-intrusive? I was describing clear, concise, well-written email signatures; yours, I hope!
Take a quick peek into your email "Sent" box. If you're anything like me, most emails you send out are 10-20 lines long. Many are probably only 2-3 lines.
Don't write an email signature that's longer than most of your emails!
I'm a member of several email list-serves (coaching, writing, publishing) and not suprisingly, every one of them has rules about email signatures. The maximum 'suggested' length is between 7-8 lines.
Use this length recommendation as a guide when developing yours. Think 3-4 lines to get your marketing message across, and 3-4 lines for your basic contact information. That's all you need.
6 - THE TECH OF IT ALL
Okay, one question that often pops up is whether to use a "text only" or "html" email sign-off (often called 'signature' in your mail program).
In my mind, that totally depends on your audience.
If you work with a fairly tech-savvy group of people, and would like to add the graphics and formatting that are possible with html, go for it. For some audiences, however, html is a mistake -- since it'll show up as an unreadable mass of code if they don't have the software to decode it properly.
Not sure? Stick to simple text email messages and sign-offs.
In the past couple of years, email signatures have become incredibly simple to do (technically, that is!). Here's where to find basic instructions from two of the most popular email programs:
Outlook: Tools > Options > Mail Format > Signatures
AOL: Mail > Set Mail Signatures > Create
For other mail programs, check the Help menu, or write to customer support. These days, virtually every ISP will has a way for you to add an email signature -- with or without a marketing message -- quickly and easily.
Tip: Take a minute or two right now to write a new email signature, and get it into your email account.
7 - KEEP 'EM FRESH
Ever have this experience: You drive past the same billboard day after day, and after while, you literally don't see it at all?
The same holds true for email sign-offs. After several emails with the same sign-off, your readers won't 'see' it any more. So write several sign-offs -- for the same product, or for different products or programs -- to keep them fresh and new.
Each time you write one, ask yourself:
* Does it meet your marketing objective? (What's in it for you?)
* Does it offer a real benefit to your reader? (What's in it for them?)
* Is it clear and concise? (7-8 lines, including your contact information)
Use these three questions as guidelines, and you'll be well on your way to creating email sign-offs that'll attract customers -- and increase sales.
About the author:
Best-selling author Kathy Gulrich is a featured author on TAB Money Group. She helps clients get from idea, to action, to results - more quickly, and more easily - whether they're looking to write a book, develop a new product, or market their product or business. Clients love her direct, no-nonsense approach - and her gentle insistence on great results. Find out for yourself:
©2008 TAB Money Group - All Rights Reserved Money Group Pros
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