A host is a server which provides a home for your website on the World Wide Web. Just as your computer contains all your files, so a host contains all the files needed to run your website. Why can't you just keep all those files on your own computer? Because that would mean users would have to connect directly to your computer to see your website. Not a good idea--it wouldn't be secure and it would make your machine run like a tired snail. With a host, you can simply upload everything you need to the server and your users can then connect there to see your site. It lets the site run faster and allows it to have all the security and extras it needs.
Selecting a host is the first important step towards building your Internet business.
Hosting services and companies vary from totally free, shared servers to large-scale dedicated machines. You'll have to decide which is right for you and your business. To help you make that decision, study the following:
Free Servers:
Advantages: *No Cost *You manage the server software and network
Disadvantages: *Search engines view free hosting services as inferior and sometimes do not include them in their index. *Some free hosting services do not allow you to use a custom domain name *The bandwidth is restricted and may cause difficulty for visitors attempting to access your site. *Because the service is free, some providers do not strive for 100% uptime which could result in your site being frequently inaccessible. *Software availability is limited, and free hosts do not generally provide database options. *Disk space is sometimes limited; ensure that you are getting all the room you need. *Poor response time for support. *Very limited support.
Cheap Web Hosting:
Advantages: *Server, software and network is managed and supported for you. *You can select a custom domain name. *Search engines don't view you as second class if you have your own domain name. *Improved response time for support. *Uptime is improved. *Technical support is provided, generally 24 hours a day
Disadvantages: *Bandwidth restrictions *Shared processing power *Limited software *Potentially limited disk space
Mid-Priced Web Hosting--Shared Servers:
*Server, software and network is managed and supported for you. *You can select a custom domain name. *Search engines don't view you as second class if you have your own domain name. *Improved response time for support. *Uptime is improved and generally guaranteed *Technical support is provided, generally 24 hours a day. *Generally offer a wide range of software options and configurable bundles, *Improved bandwidth.
Disadvantages: *Shared processing power,
*Expensive, *Dedicated Servers:
Advantages: *Server, software and network is managed and supported for you. *You can select a custom domain name. *Search engines don't view you as second class. *Improved response time for support. *Uptime is improved and generally guaranteed. *Technical support is provided, generally 24 hours a day. *Generally offer a wide range of software options and configurable bundles. *Improved bandwidth. *Processing power is not shared
Disadvantages: *The cost is higher than any other options, but well worth it if you choose wisely.
Your choice of server will depend on how much money you have available at the beginning and how much you plan to grow in the future. In my opinion, for commercial sites, free hosting is a waste of time. Your users are going to get blasted with annoying pop-ups every time they surf to your page, it's going to be impossible to get a decent position in a search engine, and you don't even get a real business URL. No one's going to remember your Web address if they have to type . Also, you won't have to worry about down servers, which can happen frequently with free hosting. But it is possible to choose a cheap host at the beginning and move up as your business begins to bring in money, but I don't recommend it.
If you are serious about your on-line business, then go for the gusto right away and get the best. You can get good, professional hosting for an average of $25 per month. It might seem like a lot, especially if you are just starting out, but it will save you loads of headaches down the road. Here is a first-class, high-quality site that offers professional web hosting: ThirdSphereHosting.com You will find that all my recommendations are of the highest quality. I have been through the mill probably like you have and now my standards are high. Anyway, it doesn't cost to have a look.
To read additional articles about servers and other internet information for your online business go to TAB on Business.
About the author:
Tony Smith is a featured author on TAB Money Group. As an Internet marketer Tony Smith probably like you, has learned some lessons the hard way. He writes to his audience with tips for the most professional, reliable and trustworthy tools that the internet has to offer. This week's feature deals with Web Hosting. Have a look. It's more than just a host: ThirdSphereHosting.com
©2008 TAB Money Group - All Rights Reserved
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Networking: Beyond the Elevator Speech by: Mark Dembo / TAB Money Group
“Networking” has become one the sales bywords in recent years. Many will tell you that the key to building your sales is to “network” effectively. There is no question that building a strong network can be incredibly helpful to your sales efforts. Nevertheless, many people in sales face the same difficulties in networking that they face in cold-calling. It sounds great, yet for some reason they just don’t seem to be able to do it effectively. Let’s look at some of the factors and see if we can debunk some of this.
Exactly what is “networking?” The first thing comes to mind for many salespeople is that networking about finding customers without having to make cold calls! A common perception is that networking means going to a lot of events, meeting as many people as you can (also called “working the room”), handing out your business cards to “qualified” prospects, and then waiting for them to call you. Once you’ve met all these qualified people at an event, the thinking goes, you can call them up the following day or week to instantly secure an appointment to do business with them. When this doesn’t happen, our erstwhile networker gets discouraged, concluding that she is just not a good networker, and that the people she needs to sell to just aren’t going to the same “networking” events she is.
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a network is a “fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross at regular intervals and are knotted or secure at the crossings.” If we rewrite that definition a bit for sales purposes, we could say that a network is a “structure of people and contacts that cross at regular intervals and are secure at the crossings.”
Notice that this definition does not say anything about handing out business cards, giving elevator speeches, or closing business. Does that mean that networking is a waste of time or that you shouldn’t be doing these things?
Not at all. However, to reap the rewards, you do need to rethink your approach and expectations from your networking efforts. Building an effective network means making an ongoing investment in other people, without an expectation of anything in return.
“What”, you say? “That’s blasphemy! How can I spend time networking without getting anything in return?”
No – that’s not what I said. I said not to EXPECT anything in return. Your only goal for networking should be having other people view you as a valuable resource and as a part of THEIR network. Wow – when you start thinking of it this way, you can begin to see and reap the benefits of a strong network. Networks take time to build and nurture. In addition, just as in a direct selling situation, the most effective networkers focus on what they can do for the people they meet without focusing on what the other person can do for them. Over time, you build credibility as someone who truly cares about other people, is trustworthy, reliable, and a good person to know. That’s when the benefits begin to come back to you.
The real power in networking comes from understanding a simple fact; everyone you know and each person you meet knows on average 250 people. Your goal in networking should not be to get the people you meet to become your customers – it should be to become a part of THEIR network, and for them to become a part of yours. Every contact you make puts you at the reach of potentially another 250 people. Think of it as weaving an intricate web with many crossings. Every positive impression you make strengthens that web. As author Bob Burg puts it: “the true strength really comes though when we realize that all the people in our network are also parts of other people’s networks that we ourselves don’t personally know. And that, indirectly, makes each of those people part of our network too.”
So, how do you get started?
Here are some tips:
- Don’t approach networking with the expectation of immediate gratification; your goal is to meet people and to understand as much about them as you can.
- Don’t give people you meet for the first time a “sales pitch.”
- Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see things happen right away; true networks take time to build.
- Do ask questions about the other person.
- Do ask if you can stay in touch.
- Do send a follow-up note, and touch on a few things you discussed.
- Do take active steps on a regular basis to strengthen your network by both staying in touch with people you’ve connected with, and by finding ways to connect with new people.
- Do use networking as one of many tools in your arsenal for effective prospecting.
- Do actively find ways to make connections between members of your network – remember making more and more connections is what it’s all about.
- Do offer to do things for others in your network, even if there’s no immediate promise of reward or reciprocation.
Start changing the way you think about networking and before long you will start to see the positive impact it can have.
You can start networking by placing ads for your business on the Sling Ad Network.
About the author:
Mark Dembo is a featured author on TAB Money Group. He is the President of Lexien Management Consultants (http://www.lexien.com ) Mark has over 20 years of sales, sale management, and business development experience, focused on improving the performance of individuals and organizations. Lexien Management Consultants provides sales training, consulting, and coaching services to organizations and individuals who are motivated to grow their businesses. Each month, Lexien publishes the Sales Success Newsletter. Lexien Management Consultants is an affiliate of DEI Management Group. You can contact Mark at 914-682-2069, or at mdembo@lexien.com
©2008 TAB Money Group - All Rights Reserved
Exactly what is “networking?” The first thing comes to mind for many salespeople is that networking about finding customers without having to make cold calls! A common perception is that networking means going to a lot of events, meeting as many people as you can (also called “working the room”), handing out your business cards to “qualified” prospects, and then waiting for them to call you. Once you’ve met all these qualified people at an event, the thinking goes, you can call them up the following day or week to instantly secure an appointment to do business with them. When this doesn’t happen, our erstwhile networker gets discouraged, concluding that she is just not a good networker, and that the people she needs to sell to just aren’t going to the same “networking” events she is.
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a network is a “fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross at regular intervals and are knotted or secure at the crossings.” If we rewrite that definition a bit for sales purposes, we could say that a network is a “structure of people and contacts that cross at regular intervals and are secure at the crossings.”
Notice that this definition does not say anything about handing out business cards, giving elevator speeches, or closing business. Does that mean that networking is a waste of time or that you shouldn’t be doing these things?
Not at all. However, to reap the rewards, you do need to rethink your approach and expectations from your networking efforts. Building an effective network means making an ongoing investment in other people, without an expectation of anything in return.
“What”, you say? “That’s blasphemy! How can I spend time networking without getting anything in return?”
No – that’s not what I said. I said not to EXPECT anything in return. Your only goal for networking should be having other people view you as a valuable resource and as a part of THEIR network. Wow – when you start thinking of it this way, you can begin to see and reap the benefits of a strong network. Networks take time to build and nurture. In addition, just as in a direct selling situation, the most effective networkers focus on what they can do for the people they meet without focusing on what the other person can do for them. Over time, you build credibility as someone who truly cares about other people, is trustworthy, reliable, and a good person to know. That’s when the benefits begin to come back to you.
The real power in networking comes from understanding a simple fact; everyone you know and each person you meet knows on average 250 people. Your goal in networking should not be to get the people you meet to become your customers – it should be to become a part of THEIR network, and for them to become a part of yours. Every contact you make puts you at the reach of potentially another 250 people. Think of it as weaving an intricate web with many crossings. Every positive impression you make strengthens that web. As author Bob Burg puts it: “the true strength really comes though when we realize that all the people in our network are also parts of other people’s networks that we ourselves don’t personally know. And that, indirectly, makes each of those people part of our network too.”
So, how do you get started?
Here are some tips:
- Don’t approach networking with the expectation of immediate gratification; your goal is to meet people and to understand as much about them as you can.
- Don’t give people you meet for the first time a “sales pitch.”
- Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see things happen right away; true networks take time to build.
- Do ask questions about the other person.
- Do ask if you can stay in touch.
- Do send a follow-up note, and touch on a few things you discussed.
- Do take active steps on a regular basis to strengthen your network by both staying in touch with people you’ve connected with, and by finding ways to connect with new people.
- Do use networking as one of many tools in your arsenal for effective prospecting.
- Do actively find ways to make connections between members of your network – remember making more and more connections is what it’s all about.
- Do offer to do things for others in your network, even if there’s no immediate promise of reward or reciprocation.
Start changing the way you think about networking and before long you will start to see the positive impact it can have.
You can start networking by placing ads for your business on the Sling Ad Network.
About the author:
Mark Dembo is a featured author on TAB Money Group. He is the President of Lexien Management Consultants (http://www.lexien.com ) Mark has over 20 years of sales, sale management, and business development experience, focused on improving the performance of individuals and organizations. Lexien Management Consultants provides sales training, consulting, and coaching services to organizations and individuals who are motivated to grow their businesses. Each month, Lexien publishes the Sales Success Newsletter. Lexien Management Consultants is an affiliate of DEI Management Group. You can contact Mark at 914-682-2069, or at mdembo@lexien.com
©2008 TAB Money Group - All Rights Reserved
Ever Wondered What An eCommerce Merchant Account Is? by: Jeff Usher / TAB Money Group
An eCommerce merchant account can be likened to the cashier of an actual, physical store. They process payments, and eCommerce merchant accounts do the same, albeit, with added flair and whole lot more features.
Much like how an actual, physical store cannot do business with a cashier, an online business would falter without a reliable eCommerce merchant account, sales can be lost and credibility lost.
But what is an eCommerce merchant account, exactly?
An Ecommerce Merchant Account Is The Heart Of Your Business.
An eCommerce merchant account can be likened to the human heart which makes living a reality by pumping blood to every vital organ of the body. An eCommerce merchant account does the same thing for an online enterprise. The operations of an Internet venture depend on the profit that can be made, and an eCommerce merchant account makes this possible.
An eCommerce merchant account can be availed of by choosing the many services that can be found in the World Wide Web. But bear in mind that not all eCommerce merchant accounts are built alike. Some eCommerce merchant accounts are simply better than others.
Choosing The Right Ecommerce Merchant Account For Your Business’ Needs.
There are certain considerations which you must pay attention to when choosing the right eCommerce merchant account for your needs. Let us take a look at them so that we may be guided in determining the most appropriate eCommerce merchant account worthiest of our investments.
* Applicable fees. Some eCommerce merchant accounts charge a monthly rate. Some eCommerce merchant accounts charge a onetime fee. With this regard, your choice of an eCommerce merchant account would depend on how much you are capable of spending.
* Credibility. Ecommerce merchant accounts are your partners for profit. As such, you should select the eCommerce merchant account with a proven history of reliability. You wouldn’t want to entrust your payments to an eCommerce merchant account that would just crumble as soon as you sign up, right?
* Coverage. The perfect eCommerce merchant account should be able to process payments from popular payment sources. This means that such an eCommerce merchant account should be able to accommodate users who would pay with major credit cards. Additionally, it would be ideal if such an eCommerce merchant account would also be able to process payments from other alternative online payment schemes, like PayPal, Stormpay, E-Gold and the likes.
An eCommerce merchant account could also be likened to a ship that would bring your to the Promised Land of online success. The waters may be rough, but if your eCommerce merchant account is made of sturdy stuff, you will reach your destination with flying colors. Other articles are available for you to read on Business Information.
About the author:
Jeff Usher is a featured author on TAB Money Group. He researches and writes articles on all aspects of Internet Marketing and eCommerce.
©2008 TAB Money Group - All Rights Reserved
Much like how an actual, physical store cannot do business with a cashier, an online business would falter without a reliable eCommerce merchant account, sales can be lost and credibility lost.
But what is an eCommerce merchant account, exactly?
An Ecommerce Merchant Account Is The Heart Of Your Business.
An eCommerce merchant account can be likened to the human heart which makes living a reality by pumping blood to every vital organ of the body. An eCommerce merchant account does the same thing for an online enterprise. The operations of an Internet venture depend on the profit that can be made, and an eCommerce merchant account makes this possible.
An eCommerce merchant account can be availed of by choosing the many services that can be found in the World Wide Web. But bear in mind that not all eCommerce merchant accounts are built alike. Some eCommerce merchant accounts are simply better than others.
Choosing The Right Ecommerce Merchant Account For Your Business’ Needs.
There are certain considerations which you must pay attention to when choosing the right eCommerce merchant account for your needs. Let us take a look at them so that we may be guided in determining the most appropriate eCommerce merchant account worthiest of our investments.
* Applicable fees. Some eCommerce merchant accounts charge a monthly rate. Some eCommerce merchant accounts charge a onetime fee. With this regard, your choice of an eCommerce merchant account would depend on how much you are capable of spending.
* Credibility. Ecommerce merchant accounts are your partners for profit. As such, you should select the eCommerce merchant account with a proven history of reliability. You wouldn’t want to entrust your payments to an eCommerce merchant account that would just crumble as soon as you sign up, right?
* Coverage. The perfect eCommerce merchant account should be able to process payments from popular payment sources. This means that such an eCommerce merchant account should be able to accommodate users who would pay with major credit cards. Additionally, it would be ideal if such an eCommerce merchant account would also be able to process payments from other alternative online payment schemes, like PayPal, Stormpay, E-Gold and the likes.
An eCommerce merchant account could also be likened to a ship that would bring your to the Promised Land of online success. The waters may be rough, but if your eCommerce merchant account is made of sturdy stuff, you will reach your destination with flying colors. Other articles are available for you to read on Business Information.
About the author:
Jeff Usher is a featured author on TAB Money Group. He researches and writes articles on all aspects of Internet Marketing and eCommerce.
©2008 TAB Money Group - All Rights Reserved
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