Archive for November, 2008
November 30th, 2008 at 10:33am
Under Web
Are you a small business owner looking to setup a website? Maybe you own a freelance writer, an newsagency, or work as a art gallery from home? Whatever type of business you have, if you are wondering in what way you can use the Internet to boost your business profile and gain more customers, then read this article prior to going out and spending money on a website designer to put together a site for you.
Whilst it may not be your core business, it’s worthwhile to educate yourself a little first before you spend any $$. This article will give you a grip on the basics of web marketing before you hire someone to put together a website for your business so that you are not flying blind. It will also guide you about some things you can do yourself, which you may choose to do on your own to save you the cost of outsourcing.
Web 2.0 Content Sites
Another way to get the word out about your business without having to create a website, is to put together a free page on one of the many Web 2.0 content sites such as Squidoo and Hubpages. The following is an example Squidoo lens detailing the Success University story.
These are even easier to setup than a blog as they don’t require any technical knowledge whatsoever, leaving you to concentrate on your content and saying what you want to say to your target audience. Pages on Web 2.0 sites also often appear towards the top of the search engine results pages, further boosting the means by which greater numbers of people can discover your business.
Social Networking Sites
MySpace, Lincked In and Facebook are amongst the three most trafficked social networking sites. As with Hubpages and Squidoo, social networking sites are also based on pre-coded templates and styles, removing the need to have any knowledge of html and enabling you to save the money you would have otherwise invested with a web design company and invest that somewhere else.
A Word About Blogs
If you have the inclination to provide regular updates and news relating to your business, you could consider establishing a blog in lieu of a website. A blog works like a diary. Each entry has a date and time stamp. Here is a blog about finance as an example. See how each post is dated and note the optional Corner Peel Away Script in the top right hand corner of the page. You don’t need to know any html or programming to use a blog.
Once your blog is installed, you just login to a control panel, write out what you want to say into a box, and click the publish button.
Blogs can be quite simple to setup. You might even try your hand at creating one yourself. You can get very affordable cPanel webhosting nowadays starting from $4.95 per month. cPanel hosting includes a system called Fantastico, which allows you to install a blog with just a handful of mouse clicks. A good webhosting company should be able to assist you to install your blog as well, even if you are a novice. After all, they want your business.
SEO - Search Engine Optimization
Having now installed either a blog, or setup a Social Networking or Web2.0 page, the next thing is to make sure that your page obtains a high profile in the search engine results, and therefore sending greater traffic and increasing the number of people who become aware of your business. This is where Search Engine Optimization, comes into play. Don’t be scared! You can get a handle on search engine optimization by borrowing a book from your local library or spending a bit of time researching it online.
There are a tonne of free websites containing search engine optimization information, in addition to paid membership websites such as Portal Feeder who can allocate you a mentor to assist you in your search engine optimization knowledge and site creation endeavours. There are some really simple things you can do that will heighten the profile of your site and send visitors to it.
By joanne
November 30th, 2008 at 04:41am
Under Business
For those looking to open a franchise, there is none better than AlphaGraphics. As a star in the copying and printing franchise, an $108 billion industry, AlphaGraphics has many reasons that it’s a standout.
An international reach: As part of the Pidnar Group, AlphaGraphics and its associates have offices around the world. That means a company can hire AlphaGraphics to print business materials, which are then transferred to local franchises. It’s a huge time- and headache-saver and is unique in the copying and printing franchise.
In addition, AlphaGraphics guarantees the quality of the work will meet its high standards no matter where the franchise is. That gives franchisees a sense of security when they know their clients will be happy with the work that’s shipped elsewhere.
Outstanding training and support: The copying and printing franchise requires plenty of training. That is why AlphaGraphics offers one one of the best in the industry. The four-week program is held at the company headquarters in Utah.But that’s only the starting point.Year-round support can make an expert out of someone who has no prior experience in the copying and printing franchise. An intranet also provides advertising materials and manuals.
ISO 9000 Certification: To make sure that all AlphaGraphics franchises uphold the standards of the company, Alphagraphics has secured ISO 9000 certification. Another rarity in the find a franchise opportunity. The certification ensures that all franchisees are meeting the same standards and new franchisees are trained under consistent methods.
A strong operating plan: With a proven business model behind it, AlphaGraphics stands out for those who are looking to find a franchise opportunity. AlphaGraphics offers management assistance on issues such as staffing, personnel issues and strategic planning.
The best combination of corporate power and entrepreneurial independence. AlphaGraphics knows its customers, the small and mid-sized companies and print buyers for Fortune 500 companies. AlphaGraphics has ways of reaching these clients. Consequently, many companies stay with AlphaGraphics for years. As someone who is about to copying and printing franchise, AlphaGraphics provides effective sales and marketing strategies.
There are so many reasons why AlphaGraphics stands out in the copying and printing franchise. It’s proven by the fact that AlphaGraphics franchises boast the highest average sales in the copying and printing franchise. What’s starting you from beginning the process of owning your own AlphaGraphics franchise?
By joanne
November 30th, 2008 at 04:20am
Under Business
New regulations from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) come into practice from March 2009 which means that all UK companies that deal with money matters will have to record all their inbound and outbound telephone calls and store the calls for more than six months.
For those financial institutions that don’t already have a call recording solution in place, this news could prove expensive if they opt for a bulky hardware system.
However, there is a more cost effective way of recording inbound calls – without any additional equipment to clutter up the office:
Organisations can simply attach an online call recording solution to a non-geographic telephone number.
0845, 03 numbers etc work alongside existing landlines and mobile numbers simply coupling themselves to existing numbers and allowing you to direct them as you see fit.
Using non area specific numbers for call recording is becoming increasingly popular because of the following:
1. It’s controlled completely online or using the phone and negates the need for physical equipment (hardware).
2. Recordings are emailed to a nominated person as an mp3 file – meaning they can stored in a way that is convenient for them.
3. As you are sent the recordings by file it is very simple to forward files to other people within you organisation or via email for training or listening.
4. The call recording can be set in action instantly at the touch of a key (e.g. by pressing the hash key).
5. Large volumes of recordings can be stored on an external server – freeing up in-house computer systems.
6. Businesses can meet the new legal requirements of the FSA (from March 2009 using this form of phone call recording can help meet the new legal requirements (from March 2009) of financial organisations (as outlined above).
7. By simply activating the system you can do away with having to frantically jot down notes on an important conversation.
8. Choose the calls that you record ensuring your company stays in complete control of what is recorded and what isn’t.
As these points show non-geographic telephone numbers can dramatically increase the flexibility of phone systems – helping people to answer more calls and become more efficient.
The feature I have mentioned so far is just a minute part of what the numbers can do for you.
0845 numbers and non geographic numbers can always have additional features added to their spec:
online call statistics allows your company to see how long a call is and where it has come from, busy periods and missed calls on the 0845 number letting you manage your advertising and helping improve customer service.
This allows them to see: the total amount of calls to all numbers, the location of callers, busy periods and missed calls. This information can assist organisations with their marketing and improving customer service[/spin].
Instant call divert packages give businesses total control over their non-geographic numbers. Whether they have a one number or multiple
numbers, call divert means that they can reroute calls to
different landline/mobile/call answering service at the touch of a key. This control is crucial in the event of landline failure or in an emergency and for this purpose this service can be
without cost with a number, if you know where to look.
Non geographic numbers can be a very useful addition to any organisation – giving them greater flexibility/control over their phone systems and helping them meet their legal requirements - without needing extra office space.
By joanne
November 29th, 2008 at 10:46pm
Under Business
If you are looking for a quality gift to give away, then a promotional golf bag can be an excellent gift to be considering. Not only do these have a huge printing area to utilise for your company’s logo or message, they are seen as a good high end gift that will really make your recipients realise just how much you value them. They are certain to be put into use by your very lucky recipients and in doing so this means that they will be showing their gift to their friends, playing partners and those passing them as they play.
Most golfers are used to seeing golf bags printed with their manufacturer’s logo. On the odd occasion that a bag is printed with a player’s name, it is seen as special and meaningful. In being different to the norm, it is also subconsciously eye catching. Golfers who would normally ignore a manufacturer’s logo on a golf bag will, without realising, notice that the logo on the bag in front of them isn’t a standard logo and automatically read it.
This means that the golfers around your recipient are viewing and absorbing your logo without intending to. It’s something out of place that captures their attention. And by having a bag that is emblazoned with a logo that most people are not used to viewing, your recipient is made to feel special. Why else would they have a logo on their bag that is not normally seen around golf courses!
What could be a better gift to give to people - something that flatters the ego whilst showing off your logo!
If you are looking for a promotional golf gift that is more affordable, then don’t forget to look at the wide range of promotional golf clothing that is available. At the cheaper end of the price range there are the promotional golf caps and t-shirts. The caps, in particular, are very suitable for mass distribution.
Standing near to the entrance to golfing events or if you have arranged a stand at a trade show or other sporting event, then giving out promotional golf caps is not only a good way of making sure that people remember your logo after they have left, by giving away a suitable free gift, it can also pull people over to your stall as they collect their free gift, which can be the opportunity that you need to start talking to them and maybe softening them up for future sales.
Promotional golf t-shirts are a slightly higher price tag item than the golf caps, but can still be used for mass giveaways in the right circumstances. Maybe they are slightly too expensive for huge distribution to random passers by, but to be given out at specialise trade shows they are an eye-catching giveaway. A small, neat logo rather than a huge pattern can usually work best. Although the huge pattern will stand out from much further away, t-shirts with a small logo are more likely to be worn away from the trade fair.
Continuing up the price range, there are also fantastic ranges of golf jumpers and weather proof outerwear. These are more suitable for small giveaways to a discreet group of customers rather than mass distribution to random people. But the people that are receiving them are going to be extremely pleased with the gifts they are receiving and appreciate just how much you value them as customers.
Whatever you decide to choose, there’s a great range of promotional golf gifts available.
Find promotional golf bags on this site.
For the business info and classes in accounting in particular - watch these videos.
By joanne
November 29th, 2008 at 04:36pm
Under Homes and Gardens
Having the perfect landscape around your property can add significant value to your home and give you a therapeutic pastime on your time off. Although some view gardening as hard work, it can really be quite fun and stress relieving. Additionally, once you have put the time into your yard, you will more than likely be very prideful of the results and want to continue to maintain and potentially add on to your creation.
Depending on your site, there are many different options open to you while organizing the perfect outside landscape. For example, a home owner in Arizona may prefer a rock, or desert landscape to reduce water consumption. At the same time a person in the Pacific Northwest may choose to have a lush lawn with lots of green and colorful shrubs and plants. Both choices will look great, it is just a matter of figuring what fits your needs.
Another way to spruce up the exterior of your house is with solar powered lighting. If you have a garden, you can add a little decoration by placing solar garden lights throughout the property. This can pinpoint your favorite plants and make them seen not only during the day, but in the dark as well. In addition, if you have a well kept and manicured lawn, solar yard lights can add a pretty touch. These look great if symmetrically placed around the yard. They are also a great way to outline walk ways or even your driveway.
Installation of these lights is very simple. They require no wiring or electrical expertise as the sun provides all the power. Normally solar powered lights can easily be staked into the ground where you want them and will glow through the night without the use of electric energy. What a great way to show off your yard at night while saving on energy costs!
Finally, if you have ever had a family member who loved the outdoors, there is no better way to honor them than with memorial tributes in your garden. Perhaps you can have a small monument made and surround it with their favorite plants to pay tribute to their days. This can be done subtly in a garden or perhaps made a focal piece in the center of the area. If done correctly, a memorial tribute in the garden can be the ultimate way to pay your respects to a lost family member.
Before starting any landscaping project, be sure to have a well laid out idea. Consult with local plant nurseries to find out what will grow and look best in your area. Finally, have fun! The results will be something you can love for many years to come.
By joanne
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