The Push Movie
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Happy Holidays To Everyone
We at How To Perform Beyond The Genius Level would like to wish all of our subscribers and visitors a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
A Friends of Gevalia Offer Awaits You
"Gevalia Premium Coffee has been in business for 150 years. I am sure you will agree, to say the least, they are definitely doing something right. Remember, you receive a gift every time you refer some one. "
Join us for our special Friends of Gevalia offer and enjoy a premium coffee kit including a stainless steel coffeemaker, scoop and a pound of Gevalia coffee-Just $12.95 (a $100 value!) Gevalia’s guarantee-you’ll love your coffee or it’s free!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Blog Marketing (Blogvertising)
A new blog appears every second, with there now being tens of millions of blogs worldwide. In the UK alone there are over 700,000 blogs.
Research by Technorati revealed that 13% of blogs that they track are updated every week, and over half of new bloggers are still writing posts three months after they started. Blogging has grown so rapidly that one in every 200 web visits is now to a blog.
Whilst many blogs have a very small readership as a collective force they can have significant influence. They often amplify certain stories or messages, and occasionally uncover new stories.
For example, in July 2005 bloggers exposed Guardian trainee reporter Dilpazier Aslam’s membership of a radical and anti-Semitic Islamic party Hizb ut-Tahrir. Being able to tap into the power of blogs can be very beneficial, a term now named Blogvertising.
Blogvertising
Using bloggers as marketing tools is tricky because many are opposed to being used as an advertising medium. However, the growth of pay per post is threatening to change this, with companies able to submit ‘opportunities’ about which bloggers can write about for a monetary reward. This form of marketing is controversial amongst the blogging community, not least because it threatens the impartiality and credibility of blogs, but it can work very well when looking to create buzz or even for search engine optimisation.
The power of blogs can also be harnessed to seed viral videos or games as well as link building. This is an advertising channel that is likely to grow very rapidly over the next few years. Blogs are increasingly becoming more mass market and early adopters will gain invaluable insights into the emerging channel, as well as cost effective sales. It can be expected that the cost of advertising on blogs will grow rapidly as it becomes more mainstream.
In the UK, the number of blogvertising opportunities is still limited, but some of the larger players such as MSN Spaces have huge volume potential. MSN Spaces are offering untargeted text links and banners for £1 CPM and £7 CPM, respectively.
It’s estimated that around two-thirds of consumer product sales are now directly influenced by word-of-mouth but increasingly companies are realising that it’s not enough just to wait for satisfied customers to recommend your company. More so than ever ‘fuel has to be added to the flames’ and companies are utilising blogs, forums, and communities to build awareness and drive traffic to their sites.
One form of blogvertising is to become actively involved and start a business blog. There are many benefits to doing this but it’s certainly not for everyone, especially as maintaining an interesting and insightful blog does take time. For more information see our guide to business blogs.
"This notion of self-publishing, which is what Blogger and blogging are really about, is the next big wave of human communication. The last big wave was web activity. Before that one it was email. Instant messaging was an extension of email." Eric Schmidt
The area of blogging has even given rise to a new industry of media companies who survey the Internet, especially the blogging community, to uncover the nature of feelings towards a certain brand. Blogs link to each other and as a result negative comments can have far reaching effects. By monitoring these online communities any bad feelings and opinions towards a company can be identified and dealt with quickly.
This is essential when you consider that many people do research online before purchasing a good or service, often by typing a company name into search engines. Unfavourable comments made on forums can often rank highly in search engines, putting off potential customers.
Surveying blogs and forums and responding to any negative comments is an excellent way to show that you are a company that is responsive and cares about its users.
This article was written by Marketing Minefield
Research by Technorati revealed that 13% of blogs that they track are updated every week, and over half of new bloggers are still writing posts three months after they started. Blogging has grown so rapidly that one in every 200 web visits is now to a blog.
Whilst many blogs have a very small readership as a collective force they can have significant influence. They often amplify certain stories or messages, and occasionally uncover new stories.
For example, in July 2005 bloggers exposed Guardian trainee reporter Dilpazier Aslam’s membership of a radical and anti-Semitic Islamic party Hizb ut-Tahrir. Being able to tap into the power of blogs can be very beneficial, a term now named Blogvertising.
Blogvertising
Using bloggers as marketing tools is tricky because many are opposed to being used as an advertising medium. However, the growth of pay per post is threatening to change this, with companies able to submit ‘opportunities’ about which bloggers can write about for a monetary reward. This form of marketing is controversial amongst the blogging community, not least because it threatens the impartiality and credibility of blogs, but it can work very well when looking to create buzz or even for search engine optimisation.
The power of blogs can also be harnessed to seed viral videos or games as well as link building. This is an advertising channel that is likely to grow very rapidly over the next few years. Blogs are increasingly becoming more mass market and early adopters will gain invaluable insights into the emerging channel, as well as cost effective sales. It can be expected that the cost of advertising on blogs will grow rapidly as it becomes more mainstream.
In the UK, the number of blogvertising opportunities is still limited, but some of the larger players such as MSN Spaces have huge volume potential. MSN Spaces are offering untargeted text links and banners for £1 CPM and £7 CPM, respectively.
It’s estimated that around two-thirds of consumer product sales are now directly influenced by word-of-mouth but increasingly companies are realising that it’s not enough just to wait for satisfied customers to recommend your company. More so than ever ‘fuel has to be added to the flames’ and companies are utilising blogs, forums, and communities to build awareness and drive traffic to their sites.
One form of blogvertising is to become actively involved and start a business blog. There are many benefits to doing this but it’s certainly not for everyone, especially as maintaining an interesting and insightful blog does take time. For more information see our guide to business blogs.
"This notion of self-publishing, which is what Blogger and blogging are really about, is the next big wave of human communication. The last big wave was web activity. Before that one it was email. Instant messaging was an extension of email." Eric Schmidt
The area of blogging has even given rise to a new industry of media companies who survey the Internet, especially the blogging community, to uncover the nature of feelings towards a certain brand. Blogs link to each other and as a result negative comments can have far reaching effects. By monitoring these online communities any bad feelings and opinions towards a company can be identified and dealt with quickly.
This is essential when you consider that many people do research online before purchasing a good or service, often by typing a company name into search engines. Unfavourable comments made on forums can often rank highly in search engines, putting off potential customers.
Surveying blogs and forums and responding to any negative comments is an excellent way to show that you are a company that is responsive and cares about its users.
This article was written by Marketing Minefield
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Truth About Free Classified Websites
Classified websites, despite having limited technical sophistication, have grown to become some of the most popular websites on the web. Gumtree, for example, receives tens of thousands of visitors each day, with each visitor looking for or offering a service or product.
Although posting ads on classified websites is not going to turbo-boost your sales, it can be a useful advertising channel in the early stages of a new business.
In general, advertising on classified websites can take one of 3 forms:
Advertising your Business -
if you offer a service such as building services, home removals, tax services, and so on, you can post ads directly advertising your company, what you can offer, and in many cases include a link to your website. It’s free advertising and, whilst thousands of people won’t see the ad, some people will and it is often a useful way for small businesses to receive an early boost.
Advertising Individual Products -
free classified websites can be likened to eBay, just without the fees. E-commerce start ups can boost their early sales through posting ads in various categories, providing a URL containing additional information to those who reply to the ads.
Lead Generation -
posting free ads on classified websites can lead to a loss of credibility and certainly doesn’t create the best brand image. To counteract this you can use these websites as a lead generation tool, encouraging potential customers to email you through an online form, thereby only revealing your company name and website to potential customers. The best way to counteract this is to never lie and always offer very good products and services with sincerity and no hype.
The result is that browsing Internet users don’t see that it’s your company that’s advertising, only interested customers. Once they’ve responded to the ad you can then send over additional information to convince them to choose your product or service. This is also a good way of avoiding the problem of the classified sites not always liking companies to advertise their products or services in certain categories, as you don’t include your website address in the ad.
To get started take a look at our list of free classified advertising websites.
Although posting ads on classified websites is not going to turbo-boost your sales, it can be a useful advertising channel in the early stages of a new business.
In general, advertising on classified websites can take one of 3 forms:
Advertising your Business -
if you offer a service such as building services, home removals, tax services, and so on, you can post ads directly advertising your company, what you can offer, and in many cases include a link to your website. It’s free advertising and, whilst thousands of people won’t see the ad, some people will and it is often a useful way for small businesses to receive an early boost.
Advertising Individual Products -
free classified websites can be likened to eBay, just without the fees. E-commerce start ups can boost their early sales through posting ads in various categories, providing a URL containing additional information to those who reply to the ads.
Lead Generation -
posting free ads on classified websites can lead to a loss of credibility and certainly doesn’t create the best brand image. To counteract this you can use these websites as a lead generation tool, encouraging potential customers to email you through an online form, thereby only revealing your company name and website to potential customers. The best way to counteract this is to never lie and always offer very good products and services with sincerity and no hype.
The result is that browsing Internet users don’t see that it’s your company that’s advertising, only interested customers. Once they’ve responded to the ad you can then send over additional information to convince them to choose your product or service. This is also a good way of avoiding the problem of the classified sites not always liking companies to advertise their products or services in certain categories, as you don’t include your website address in the ad.
To get started take a look at our list of free classified advertising websites.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Guerrilla Business Cards
In the early days of doing business in North America, most people thought that business cards were designed to tell people your name, address, and telephone number. In the age of the guerrilla this is no longer so.
Here are some factors to consider:
· Your business card is now a marketing piece or, at least, it should be.
· Your company slogan and your important customer benefits should also be listed. If customers need to find you, maybe a simple map should be there. Do you have a FAX, an email address, or a web site. Are they listed? ·
· Do you have an 800 number? Customers, even those living in your county, are six to seven times more likely to call you if you have a toll-free telephone number. Get it on your card!
· Have you considered a fold-over card? The front is more like a traditional card, but the inside is like a mini-brochure. Customer response to these cards is very positive. We appreciate having a complete description in one easy place.
· Make sure that we, including us mid-life plus-ers, can read your card. Keep the print large enough.
· Make your card a "keeper." That is, give some important information on the back that your customers will want to keep with them.
· Make sure there's some room to write a message if you need to. You should always write some kind of personal message even if it's only "Best Wishes!" and your first name.
Take your guerrilla business cards to the big game. When we score a home run or a touchdown, throw about twenty of them into the air as you shout "hurrah!" Big dividends will follow
Where and How to Place Your Cards
· Give them to well-dressed strangers with your compliment on their appearance.
· Put your lavish 20% tip on top of your business card whenever and wherever you tip.
· Pass them out in the elevators where everyone is a bit too close and uncomfortable.
· Staple them to a dollar and pay for that car behind you on the bridge, the turnpike, or the parking lot. The response will be terrific.
· Use your cards. Put a quarter in the meter for that BMW over there about to get a ticket. Write, "U O Me" on the back. Watch what happens.
· Spend a lot of time on your business card. Make it a guerrilla business card. Now, pass them out to everyone. They should be in your shirt pocket, in your purse, in your wallet, in your attaché case. Refill daily. Pass them out on every greeting, every introduction, every service, every meeting to everyone.
Give them out with purpose and intent. You have a serious business. It is important and it is designed to really support your customers. Do not pass them out casually, except at sport's events. Give your cards to others with two hands. Yes, hand them to others with both hands. Notice the difference it makes.
Business cards are marketing cards. Don't forget it!
Written By Bill Gallagher, Ph.D.
Here are some factors to consider:
· Your business card is now a marketing piece or, at least, it should be.
· Your company slogan and your important customer benefits should also be listed. If customers need to find you, maybe a simple map should be there. Do you have a FAX, an email address, or a web site. Are they listed? ·
· Do you have an 800 number? Customers, even those living in your county, are six to seven times more likely to call you if you have a toll-free telephone number. Get it on your card!
· Have you considered a fold-over card? The front is more like a traditional card, but the inside is like a mini-brochure. Customer response to these cards is very positive. We appreciate having a complete description in one easy place.
· Make sure that we, including us mid-life plus-ers, can read your card. Keep the print large enough.
· Make your card a "keeper." That is, give some important information on the back that your customers will want to keep with them.
· Make sure there's some room to write a message if you need to. You should always write some kind of personal message even if it's only "Best Wishes!" and your first name.
Take your guerrilla business cards to the big game. When we score a home run or a touchdown, throw about twenty of them into the air as you shout "hurrah!" Big dividends will follow
Where and How to Place Your Cards
· Give them to well-dressed strangers with your compliment on their appearance.
· Put your lavish 20% tip on top of your business card whenever and wherever you tip.
· Pass them out in the elevators where everyone is a bit too close and uncomfortable.
· Staple them to a dollar and pay for that car behind you on the bridge, the turnpike, or the parking lot. The response will be terrific.
· Use your cards. Put a quarter in the meter for that BMW over there about to get a ticket. Write, "U O Me" on the back. Watch what happens.
· Spend a lot of time on your business card. Make it a guerrilla business card. Now, pass them out to everyone. They should be in your shirt pocket, in your purse, in your wallet, in your attaché case. Refill daily. Pass them out on every greeting, every introduction, every service, every meeting to everyone.
Give them out with purpose and intent. You have a serious business. It is important and it is designed to really support your customers. Do not pass them out casually, except at sport's events. Give your cards to others with two hands. Yes, hand them to others with both hands. Notice the difference it makes.
Business cards are marketing cards. Don't forget it!
Written By Bill Gallagher, Ph.D.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Cost of Advertising in Online Directories
The cost of advertising in one of the popular online directories, such as Yell.com or Thomson Local, varies depending on the location of the advert and the various extras, which include a link to your website, uploading a logo, and an-depth description.
As a cost estimate an advert in one of the main directories can cost anything from $150 to in excess of $1,000.
Many of the directories that are purely useful for link building purchases also charge fees, although these are significantly less. For a directory with a high PageRank you could expect to pay anything up to $30, and significantly less for directories with lower PageRanks.
Take a look at our comprehensive list of online directories that you can submit your website to.
Also, don't forget about classified advertising websites. The vast majority can be used to advertise your business for free, and are particularly suitable when used as a lead generation tool.
Check out our list of free classified advertising websites.
Visit Marketing Minefield for more related articles.
As a cost estimate an advert in one of the main directories can cost anything from $150 to in excess of $1,000.
Many of the directories that are purely useful for link building purchases also charge fees, although these are significantly less. For a directory with a high PageRank you could expect to pay anything up to $30, and significantly less for directories with lower PageRanks.
Take a look at our comprehensive list of online directories that you can submit your website to.
Also, don't forget about classified advertising websites. The vast majority can be used to advertise your business for free, and are particularly suitable when used as a lead generation tool.
Check out our list of free classified advertising websites.
Visit Marketing Minefield for more related articles.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Keys To Developing Sincere, Effective, Sustainable Marketing
If you want to market your business in a way that brings in a steady stream of ideal customers without burning yourself into a crispy critter, sincere, heart-centered marketing is the way to go.
Keys to Developing Sincere, Effective, Sustainable Marketing
#1. Ask yourself, "what's my highest intention for my business?"
What's the best possible outcome for you, for your business, and for your customer?
Example: the highest intention for Highly Contagious Marketing is when we help clients create marketing that grows their client base and their bottom line.
When that happens, satisfied clients send us referrals which helps Highly Contagious Marketing succeed financially and there are more successful businesses in the world making a positive difference.
#2. Look at how your intention is reflected in your marketing?
Thinking of the many different ways you market your business, how is your intention showing up?
Example: In all the activities to promote Highly Contagious Marketing, I want to:
(1.) Provide information, a how-to, or a resource that gives the person who gets the marketing a little added value.
(2.) Provide an offer and a clear call to action for anyone wanting to take the next step and get more help from us.
#3. Ask what one change can you make to your marketing to express your sincere desire to serve customers and make a difference?
Some specific actions you can take to show more sincerity in your marketing include:
(1.) Make your marketing message truly focused on your customer and their current problem. The first half of your message should be about your customer and their situation. If you're talking about yourself--your solutions and qualifications, your marketing is not focused on the customer.
(2.) Look for ways to leave anyone who encounters your marketing a little better off than they were before the encounter. Marketing that informs, coaches, inspires, even entertains all leave recipients a little better off.
(3.) Make sure your marketing reflects your values and if not, make changes. If you loathe hype in other marketing but use hype because "that's what everybody says I have to do," stop using hype. Create marketing that gets results without making you feel like you sold your soul.
Bottom Line
Remember, marketing is all about cultivating trust-based relationships so prospects can buy. And sincerity is a critical factor which enables trust to grow.
Can you market your products and services without sincerity? Sure. But you will have to work a lot harder to sustain sales because you won't be creating the quality relationships that give your marketing real momentum.
To create marketing in which sincerity shines through, take some time to remember what your business is in service for and take action so that your marketing better reflects what matters to you.
About The Author
Judy Murdoch helps small business owners create low-cost, effective marketing campaigns using word-of-mouth referrals, guerrilla marketing activities, and selected strategic alliances. Download a free copy of the workbook, "Where Does it Hurt? Marketing Solutíons to the problems that Drive Your Customers Crazy!". You can contact Judy at 303-475-2015 or judy@judymurdoch.com.
Keys to Developing Sincere, Effective, Sustainable Marketing
#1. Ask yourself, "what's my highest intention for my business?"
What's the best possible outcome for you, for your business, and for your customer?
Example: the highest intention for Highly Contagious Marketing is when we help clients create marketing that grows their client base and their bottom line.
When that happens, satisfied clients send us referrals which helps Highly Contagious Marketing succeed financially and there are more successful businesses in the world making a positive difference.
#2. Look at how your intention is reflected in your marketing?
Thinking of the many different ways you market your business, how is your intention showing up?
Example: In all the activities to promote Highly Contagious Marketing, I want to:
(1.) Provide information, a how-to, or a resource that gives the person who gets the marketing a little added value.
(2.) Provide an offer and a clear call to action for anyone wanting to take the next step and get more help from us.
#3. Ask what one change can you make to your marketing to express your sincere desire to serve customers and make a difference?
Some specific actions you can take to show more sincerity in your marketing include:
(1.) Make your marketing message truly focused on your customer and their current problem. The first half of your message should be about your customer and their situation. If you're talking about yourself--your solutions and qualifications, your marketing is not focused on the customer.
(2.) Look for ways to leave anyone who encounters your marketing a little better off than they were before the encounter. Marketing that informs, coaches, inspires, even entertains all leave recipients a little better off.
(3.) Make sure your marketing reflects your values and if not, make changes. If you loathe hype in other marketing but use hype because "that's what everybody says I have to do," stop using hype. Create marketing that gets results without making you feel like you sold your soul.
Bottom Line
Remember, marketing is all about cultivating trust-based relationships so prospects can buy. And sincerity is a critical factor which enables trust to grow.
Can you market your products and services without sincerity? Sure. But you will have to work a lot harder to sustain sales because you won't be creating the quality relationships that give your marketing real momentum.
To create marketing in which sincerity shines through, take some time to remember what your business is in service for and take action so that your marketing better reflects what matters to you.
About The Author
Judy Murdoch helps small business owners create low-cost, effective marketing campaigns using word-of-mouth referrals, guerrilla marketing activities, and selected strategic alliances. Download a free copy of the workbook, "Where Does it Hurt? Marketing Solutíons to the problems that Drive Your Customers Crazy!". You can contact Judy at 303-475-2015 or judy@judymurdoch.com.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
What Is People String?
PeopleString 'Where You Own the Web'. It is the new wave in relationship and social communities; it has the Creativity, Culture, Expressive Forums and places to meet new people and network; but now it combines all that with giving you a share in the revenues that are created by the users of the website.
The 'other' social sites keep all of the money for themselves and never give any to their users. They are making millions off of your actions and keeping it all. PeopleString shares the revenues that are generated by its members. This is unique for online social communities. Who other than PeopleString gives its members back 70% of the revenues? (Find Out More)
In additions to the online community, what do you get? Self-Destructing Email, Email Tracking and you can aggregate your other Email Accounts. Video Emails, Contact Management. Web based IM: AOL, YAHOO. GTALK &MSN with Self Destructing feature, 1 on 1 Video Conferencing, Cash Back Shopping, Share Ad/ Search Revenue, Mailbox Cash.
How do you get started? Sign Up for your PeopleString account for free and take a short survey. This will position you to share in revenue. PeopleString members get higher payouts when they upgrade to the entrepreneurs package. As long as you are an active member, which means all you need to do is login once a month, you get Paid!!!
Oh, if you refer your friends and family and they make money. You make money! The PeopleString technology creates a digital link for life between users.
So, are you online interacting on social sites, sending emails, clicking on ads? Then why not get paid for what you are doing? So, go ahead and join PeopleString and start making money on the internet. Whether you want to make a few friends, extra money or a second income you can find it all at PeopleString.
For more detailed information click here.
The 'other' social sites keep all of the money for themselves and never give any to their users. They are making millions off of your actions and keeping it all. PeopleString shares the revenues that are generated by its members. This is unique for online social communities. Who other than PeopleString gives its members back 70% of the revenues? (Find Out More)
In additions to the online community, what do you get? Self-Destructing Email, Email Tracking and you can aggregate your other Email Accounts. Video Emails, Contact Management. Web based IM: AOL, YAHOO. GTALK &MSN with Self Destructing feature, 1 on 1 Video Conferencing, Cash Back Shopping, Share Ad/ Search Revenue, Mailbox Cash.
How do you get started? Sign Up for your PeopleString account for free and take a short survey. This will position you to share in revenue. PeopleString members get higher payouts when they upgrade to the entrepreneurs package. As long as you are an active member, which means all you need to do is login once a month, you get Paid!!!
Oh, if you refer your friends and family and they make money. You make money! The PeopleString technology creates a digital link for life between users.
So, are you online interacting on social sites, sending emails, clicking on ads? Then why not get paid for what you are doing? So, go ahead and join PeopleString and start making money on the internet. Whether you want to make a few friends, extra money or a second income you can find it all at PeopleString.
For more detailed information click here.
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