Speak Local by This Is My Town USA

Add New Traditions to Your Holidays

2011-12-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

By Ashlei Jackson, Qlixite

The holidays are centered around tradition! Everyone has that time-honored activity or item that reminds them of childhood memories of Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanza...or however you celebrate - these traditions make this ‘Wonderful Time of the Year” special and give meaning to the holidays. Thinking of adding a new tradition this year? Here are some various traditions that can add to your festive season!

• The Christmas Pickle - The exact country of origin for putting a pickle ornament on your tree is fairly unknown but visit any ornament section of the store and you’re bound to find a pickle ornament! The Tradition: The ornament is hidden on the tree on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, all of the children in the house take turns looking for the pickle ornament and the child who finds the Christmas pickle receives an extra present for his or her good work.

• Caroling - Also called a noel, song or hymn - the act of groups of people singing outside in the wintertime goes back to the Middle Ages making them some of the oldest musical compositions still regularly sung. The Tradition: Whether you physically go sing in a choir or caroling group - include singing as a family (not just listening) to your regular holiday activities to add an uplifting note.

• Hang Holly - To the Irish Celtics, holly represented both life and rebirth; the evergreen leaves symbolized life during a time when all else was bare and the red berries represented the coming of Spring. The Tradition: Add Holly to your home to welcome in the New Year and remind you of hope.

• Light a Rememberance Candle on the Winter Solstice - The Winter Solstice is the day of the year when the position of the earth in respect to the sun results in the shortest period of daylight hours. It became very important for many cultures to ‘remind’ people that the light would ‘return.’ The Tradition: On the evening of the Winter Solstice, sit in a darkened area and each person take turns lighting a candle. Whether you choose to light candles to symbolize those people who may have passed away or choose to have the candles represent goals is up to you. Leave the candles lit until bedtime, then use a lid to extinguish the flames instead of blowing them out which would blow away the good ‘luck’ or ‘memories.’

• Stocking Buttons - Children often go through minor depression the day you take down all decorations. The Tradition: On the chosen day of clean up, at dinner, a small box is set next to the dinner plate of each person. Inside is a button that relates to the person/child. After dinner each person sews the button on their stocking which then gets packed away. This special activity makes cleaning up a positive event.

• The Higher Gift Box - This is one of my own traditions that I am starting. Every year the term ‘Wish List’ turns into practically an epic quest; find the perfect gift. This year the higher gift box is making us think beyond ourselves all year long. The Tradition: Buy or make a small box. Place it somewhere high on the tree or mantle where it can be easily seen but ‘out of reach’. On a specific day, like Christmas Eve, retrieve the box and have each person write down a ‘gift’ they plan to give in the coming year on a piece of paper - the gift can be to your family, community, God, the world - anyone! But it cannot be something bought with money and forgotten. Put all of the papers in the box and store away. The following Christmas, whether privately or as a family discuss your gifts, whether they were achieved and how important giving is to this time of year.

3 Ingredients for Younger Looking Skin

2011-12-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

By Rhaina Butler, Just Be Beautiful

The three most concerning area's were

1. Crows Feet/Wrinkling. Secret Ingredient: PEPTIDES

PCA Skin Care ExLinea™ Peptide There are many different peptides on the market that perform different functions in the skin. The peptide in ExLinea™, acetyl hexapeptide-3, is specifically targeted for relaxing facial tension that can cause facial wrinkling while reducing the depth of existing lines. ExLinea™ also incorporates hyaluronic acid to increase the skin’s moisture binding ability.

PCA Skin Care eyeXcellence This triple-action eye cream reduces puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles around the eye area. Its combination of three peptides increases collagen production, capillary function and circulation to leave the eye area smooth, even and bright. Moisturizing properties leave skin healthy and hydrated.

PCA Skin Care peptide lip therapy This scientifically advanced formula helps plump lips while improving overall lip health and appearance. It enhances barrier protection to shield lips from damaging free radicals, helps rebuild the collagen matrix for increased strength and resiliency, and boosts moisture retention and accumulation for maximum hydration.

2. Age Spots. Secret Ingredient: AZELAIC ACIDS

PCA SKIN CARE TCA PEELS

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are often thought of as very aggressive and producing substantial discomfort. PCA Professional™ TCA peels are very different from the standard. Our TCA solutions are blends formulated with many ingredients including lactic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), plumping phytohormones and kojic and azelaic acids to produce dramatic results without the discomfort and downtime associated with traditional TCA peels.

3. Scaly Dry Skin. Secret Ingredient: ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHA)

PCA Skin Care Facial Wash

This refreshing, skin-friendly AHA and aloe gel cleanser gently and effectively removes makeup and environmental impurities while leaving the skin supple and pH balanced. It soothes skin and loosens impacted cells to smooth surface texture.

PCA Skin Care Nutrient Toner

This formulation of vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids helps refine pores, remove superficial dead skin cells and provide added nutrients. It is recommended for all skin types and conditions. Pumpkin is the source for many of the important ingredients.

PCA Peels Enhanced Jessner's Treatments

This peel is ideal for more sensitive skin types, ethnic skin and/or those allergic to hydroquinone. This treatment will help unclog pores, clear acne and rejuvenate the skin. With its blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids and brighteners, it is also an excellent choice for maintaining even pigmentation and correcting pigment discolorations for those with hydroquinone sensitivities.

Ask your skin care professional to create a customized treatment plan that will address your personal skin care needs.

Straigt Answers on Scoliosis & Spine Health

2011-12-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

By Dr. Randall Hensley, D.C., Hensley ChiropracticIt's likely your first and only exposure to this term was during a junior high scoliosis screening. As such this musculoskeletal condition is frequently surrounded by confusion, questions, and fear. The following points are offered to settle your nerves regarding this diagnosis.

What is it?

From the Greek “skolios” for twisted or crooked, the term “scoliosis” describes any functional or structural tilting or sideways curvature of the spine. The human spine should have three curves front to back as looking from the side but when looking straight at a mirror, there should be no sideways curvature or asymmetry.

What causes it?

Measured in degrees of curvature, scoliosis can be “structural” such as a curve caused by a malformed vertebrae or “nonstructural” as in a compensatory curve due to a muscle spasm caused by a nerve irritated by a disc herniation. Although there are 7 different classifications of spinal curves and 8 different types of “structural scoliosis” the “idiopathic structural” form of scoliosis is by far the most common and most frustrating because “idiopathic” means “unknown cause”. There is a strong hereditary and female predilection. Scoliosis is usually progressive during adolescent growth spurts and later as degenerative changes remodel the spine.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Very often scoliosis is totally asymptomatic until severe. A chiropractor or other health professional trained in screening for scoliosis will look for differences in shoulder or hip height, lateral deviation of the head or shoulders, rib-cage deformity, muscular imbalances, etc. In additional to the visual and orthopedic examination, the gold standard for curvature diagnosis is a weight-bearing standing x-ray of the full spine.

How much curve is too much curve?

Two main questions arise from a positive scoliosis exam. How curved is it and is it getting worse? The second of these questions is very significant because it is the driving force behind the selected treatment and timeline.

How is it treated?

The ideal goal of treatment begins with a correct and early diagnosis. Secondly, one must identify and eliminate any subtle cause or modifiable contributing factors such as poor postural habits, structural imbalance, asymmetrical foot pronation, etc. Although some debate exists regarding the efficacy of certain treatments, options range from simply watching for progression, corrective postural exercises, chiropractic adjustments, palliative symptom care, corrective orthotics, full spine bracing, traction, and invasive spinal surgery.

What to do:

Parents, please be observant of your child's posture, be pro-active in requesting a spinal exam from your health care providers, and do all you can in minimizing the consequences of this potentially life-altering condition.

Sleep - It's Good For Your Health!

2011-12-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

By Dr. Randall Hensley, D.C., Hensley Chiropractic

Do you sleep like a baby?...awake every two hours, hungry and needing to use the bathroom? Or are you blessed with the ability to fall asleep the minute your head hits the pillow, sleep all night, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go? If you are in the later group, good for you. And I mean, good for you! Sleep is very important in maintaining your health and recovering from illness. Sleep allows your body the down time it needs to replenish, rebuild, and remove stress from your systems. If you are not sleeping well consider the following recommendations for a good night's rest. Remember everyone's sleep solutions differ so finding your perfect remedy is unique to you. Try one or all of them!

In addition to the typical remedies such as avoiding caffeine, sipping chamomile tea, or counting sheep, there are many other factors that can affect your sleep quality and duration. For example having a mattress and pillow that suits your particular preference is very important. If you wake up less than “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed” check your bed. As a rule of thumb if you sleep better at a hotel, your in-laws, or when camping...it's likely your bed. You should also be sure to go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends. This builds consistency in your sleep-wake cycle. This “circadian rhythm” is set by your pituitary gland deep in your brain and is triggered by light entering your eyes. Therefore, be sure to sleep in a dark room and then let bright light or better yet let sunshine greet you in the morning.

Other hints include:

making your room colder and avoiding hot baths just prior to retiring. (for some overheating the body delays sleep),
take a daily “power nap” for 20 minutes just after lunch,
participate in moderate exercise earlier in the day to promote physical tiredness,
eat healthy, drink plenty of water, cut back on late night snacks such as ice cream,
don't play video games or watch overly stimulating or stressful television (news/horror/etc),
quit smoking, and don't drink alcohol before bed.
use a “white-noise” machine to block out sleep-disturbing noises.
Always try to find ways to lower your emotional stress and learn the not-so-simple act of relaxing.
If your brain is racing, keep a paper and pen next to your bed to write down those “must-remember-to-do-tomorrow” notes or “must-not-forget-brilliant-ideas” so your subconscious brain can rest easy.

More advanced relaxation techniques include abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, massage, visual imagery, or cognitive behavioral therapy. You should also visit your favorite chiropractor, acupuncturist, or health care provider to investigate and treat the cause of your insomnia. Chiropractic adjustments for example can decrease pain and increase the secretion of serotonin and melatonin facilitating better sleep. Lastly, keep a “sleep diary” and record how well you slept, what time you went to bed, what you ate or did the night before, etc. This information can help you and your health care providers identify your sleep issues.

Overall, once you find your “perfect” combination of bedding, environment, preparation, timing, mental attitude toward sleep, and professional help, be consistent and don't give up. Soon that biological clock will chime in rhythm with the clock on the nightstand. Sweet dreams and sleep well.

B.A.C.K. To School Spine Health

2011-12-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

By Dr. Randall Hensley, D.C., Hensley Chiropractic

No matter what time of year... don't forget these simple rules to help your children enjoy their school year on a healthy note.
B Backpacks: To protect the spines of your young scholars, don't let them carry more than 10-15% of their body weight in their school back pack. Try to lighten the load by removing extra water bottles or excessive blank paper. You can also get an extra book to keep at home. Lastly, and most importantly, make sure the pack fits their body and your child wears it at or above their belt line. (Parents, I know this may not be the cool way to wear backpacks so consider permanently shortening the shoulder strap by cutting off the extra length.)

A Adjust your child's posture to promote a tall, upright spine, maintaining the curve in the lower back, and avoiding twisting or slouching. (Teachers: Please do not arrange your rooms in clusters or squares where half of the children are facing the back or side walls. This will force the students to twist their spine or neck to see you at the front.)

C Check your children's spine for “Scoliosis”. This sideways curvature of the spine is more common in developing girls but can affect boys and kids of all ages. Have your chiropractor check each of your children's spines. Most will do this brief scan for free. Early detection is key.

K Keep nagging your children, especially teenagers to stand tall, exercise, stretch, and eat healthy. Poor posture at the computer, video game, or desk can develop bad habits that are hard to break, lead to tension headaches, back pain, and early degenerative disease.

Enjoy and stay healthy.

Practice Giving: It's Good for Your Health

2011-09-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

By Ashlei Jackson, Qlixite

The definition of “charity” is the practice of benevolent giving, giving without payment or expectation of a direct return. In light of the efforts being made all around the world to help the people of Haiti, the word charity is everywhere. We often find ourselves helpless or listing reasons why we have nothing to give. However, the act of giving to others is actually healthy for you and it is the one thing you can do that will always benefit you and the ones you love. Best of all you don’t need to put a monetary value to your charity. Small acts of giving go a long way. Since the definition said that we should “practice” charity...and we all resolved to get healthier in 2010...let’s start!

Cultivate Your Mind: You will need to set aside time for yourself on a regular basis. By taking time out of every day to focus on your own needs, you will be more prepared and able to give more to others. In order to continue learning and entertain your brain on a daily basis, you should make a list of all the things you would like learn more about. Sit down and list it all at once or gradually add to the lis throughout the year. Either way, you can continue checking off items on the list as you complete them and it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Ideas: Read one book a month. Schedule time for conversations with your spouse or friend on a current topics. Help your kids with their homework...even that subject you despise. Or better yet ask them about what they learned that day. You’ll connect and possibly learn something new.

Stretch Your Body: One of the best ways to spend the time you have set aside for yourself is to improve your physical health through exercise. You don’t need to do strenuous exercise every day, but you should stretch and get your heart rate moving. This will help reduce stress, keep your body in good shape and even help you sleep better at night. Ideas: Take a walk outside, the view is better than on the treadmill. Take a yoga or couples dance class. Stop at points during your day and just take 5-10 deep breaths. Use the stairs or park in the farthest point of the lot. The more you move, the better you’ll feel.

Give of Your Soul: The most rewarding way to work on your overall health and happiness is to do things that are good for your soul. These are the types of activities that require you set aside time to focus on and give to others - but remember; giving is healthy for you too. It helps you grow your relationships with others, feel fulfilled and show how much you care. One of the easiest ways to give to others is to spend time with them. It often doesn’t cost anything but it can be more rewarding and appreciated than anything you do. And the receivers can be anyone from your kids or parents to the homeless and needy. Ideas: Volunteer. This is a broad concept. Get involved with local organizations and share your ideas. You have skills that can help people around you. Organize a family reunion or special event that brings people together. Get involved with a Church or Spiritual group. Foster a pet. It doesn’t matter if you’re 5, 50 or 85 years old, you always have something to give. Let your mind wander on how you can help others and the opportunities will appear.

Expand your Heart: Mother Theresa is quoted saying “We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” We’re always too busy or too broke to do things on a grand scale so keep it small. Expand the amount of love you have for the people in your life and your problems will seem smaller and less tragic. Ideas: Write a small note to each of the people you work with telling them how much you appreciate them. Look people in the eye and thank them. Smiles are contagious (apparently so are butterfly stickers in this town) so spread them. Valentines Day is coming so follow the youth example and buy a silly box of valentines for everyone you know.
There is a reason the definition of charity is the “practice” of giving versus the “act” of giving. It was Aristotle who said, “We are what we repeatedly do, excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”

Is Juice a Problem for Children's teeth?

2011-09-14T00:11:00.000-07:00

By Dr. Scott Thompson, DDS - Winning With Smiles

For over 2 generations now juice has been espoused as a health food. Though dentists have been aware for decades this is not really true, it has not been until very recently that the health industry and the medical establishment has taken a closer look at juice. It is definitely not a health food. The question arises if it is even healthy!

Juice now sits on the top of the list as a probable causative agent for the medical chronic disease pandemic facing our children; namely diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis, among others. The journals of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have in recent years recommended that juice be avoided in an infant’s diet. They also recommend that if it is introduced to a toddler that it be limited to 6 oz. daily (a small glass) and consumed with a meal.

Juice is at the top of the list of causative agents for dental disease for our children and youth. For that matter, in today’s culture it probably is equally at cause for adult dental decay.

Juice is worse than soda! That doesn’t mean soda is good; it is also terrible for teeth and health. But, juice is worse. If you look at nutrition data for foods and compare juice with whole fruit, you quickly see what is lost when juice is squeezed from fruit. A couple highlights:

You do get water and calories; i.e., an 8 oz glass of orange juice has the calories squeezed from about 5 oranges. Who ever heard of eating 5 oranges in one sitting? And today we often do this at breakfast and again in the afternoon. Yikes… all those empty calories!

Lost with the fruit when we make juice is a) nearly all the vitamins except some of the water soluble vitamin C, b) insoluble fiber, roughage, c) soluble fiber, unique to fruit and an important aid in digestion, d) and minerals, key components to our enzyme systems that process our body functions. Without the minerals the enzymes cannot use the calories we consume so the calories get stored as fat.

Rarely mentioned about juice is the acid. Acid that will dissolve your teeth. Those of us that took analytical and organic chemistry in college know the issue here. Though organic acids are often called “weak” acids, they are far more effective in organic systems like mouths because of their sustaining power. They don’t register in the pH scale as strong (lower number) as inorganic acids because they hold their acid potential in “reserve.” As the acid is used (dissolving calcium out of teeth) the reserve releases more acid out of solution. This is part of the steady state (homeostasis) systems that sustain organic (life supporting) systems. When misused (juice rather than fruit) the power released can be devastating. It turns out the acid potential (titrateable acid) of juice is nearly twice that of colas!

So put juice at the very top of the destructive beverage list that includes: juice, sports drinks like Gatorade, sodas, juicers and sweet energy teas.

How to Buy Original Artwork

2011-09-14T00:09:00.000-07:00

Articlebase.com

Okay, so you want to buy original art, but you scared that you will end up spending a fortune on something that is essentially worthless junk. It is possible that you could become a victim of a fraud if you do not have some knowledge about Art and do not how to tell an original piece of art from a fake. You need to invest some time in order to learn some useful tips that will help you avoid these situations.

So is most of the word. But the only way to succeed in the art business is to research and take a chance. Learning the art terms, being able to depict original art from reproduced prints, and getting the best deals is an art itself, and like anything else, you have to acquire the abilities to succeed—all of which can be learned.

Pointing out an original art piece among hundreds of reprints is like, well, for lack of a better term, picking a needle from a haystack. To successfully buy art, one must learn to do this, no matter how tedious and scary it seems. One way to do this is research. And research. And research some more. And then all over again until you think you have found some reliable resources that precisely tell you (not in the fine text) what art is original, and which is not.

Once you are more confident that you've found truthful sources, it is then time to decide on your taste preference, and what style/type/medium of art you would like to collect. Oh, and here's that word again: research. A buyer needs to know all the spiffy words and phrases related to art so that when searching for those perfect pieces, you know what to ask for (and keep yourself from seeming like a novice). Also, consider the price range you would like to stay in, that way you can keep yourself from ‘breaking the bank' or splurging on something when you do not have to.

Okay, after some more research (No, I'm not kidding), the buyer can make a selection on what art he/she wishes to buy. The tools to being successful once finding reliable vendors are: Checking for quality, a COA (certificate of authenticity), and bargaining. Like when shopping for cars, you always bargain with the salesman, right? Why not for art? You do want to get the best price possible. Maybe you could even take the route of having the piece appraised to make sure you're not paying double. And then more research, just to make sure the piece of art you select it truly an original art piece.
Finally, conclude the purchase! All original art fluctuates in price over time, and the buyer should keep up-to date on this, and not accidentally sell the piece for lower than you should (if you eventually want to sell it).

So take these skills, never forget them, and then research some more, and you can make the art of buying art an extremely enjoyable hobby.

How to Find a Good Dog Breeder

2011-09-14T00:05:00.001-07:00

From HumaneSociety.com

So, you've decided to get a dog. You're prepared to feed, exercise, train, clean up after, work through problems with, and love a dog every day for the next 10 to 20 years.
You've evaluated your lifestyle and know exactly what sort of dog you're looking for (e.g., a high energy dog to go running with, or a more sedate dog to lounge on the couch with), and you know that you need to seek out your desired characteristics in an individual dog, not a breed, because a breed is no guarantee of temperament or likes and dislikes.
Start at a shelter or rescue group

One in every four dogs in animal shelters in the United States is a purebred, and mixed breed dogs also make great pets, so start your search there. Not only are you likely to find a great dog, you'll also feel great about helping a homeless dog find a loving home. Most dogs lose their homes because of "people" reasons, such as cost, lack of time, lifestyle changes (new baby, divorce, moving, or marriage), or allergies, and not because of something the dog has done.
Say you've checked out the purebred rescue group for your breed, but still haven't found "The One." You don't want to buy a puppy from a pet store because you know that most of those puppies come from mass breeding facilities—better known as puppy mills.

In the end, if you've decided to buy a dog from a breeder, you'll want to support one who has their dogs' best interests at heart.

How to ID a reputable breeder

Good breeders don't sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand. Too often, unsuspecting people buy puppies from puppy mills, or sometimes neighbors who breed their dog to make a little money or simply because they have a dog "with papers". Too often, the result is puppies in poor health or with temperament problems that may not be discovered right away.
A dog who has genetic health problems due to poor breeding practices or who develops significant behavior problems due to a lack of early socialization can cost thousands of dollars to treat—and result in grief and heartache as well.

Avoid the pitfalls

Download our "How to Identify a Good Dog Breeder" [PDF] checklist and take it with you as you visit different breeders. If the breeder you're working with doesn't meet all of the minimum criteria listed, The Humane Society of the United States advises you to walk away. Remember, your dog will likely live 10 to 20 years, so it's well worth investing some time now to be sure you're working with a reputable breeder who breeds healthy, happy dogs and keeps them in clean and humane conditions.

Get a referral

You can find reputable breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or trusted friends, by contacting local breed clubs, or visiting professional dog shows. Remember, a reputable breeder will never sell her dogs through a pet store or in any other way that does not allow her to thoroughly meet with and interview you to ensure that the puppy is a good match for your family and that you will provide a responsible lifelong home.

Always visit where they were born and raised

Always personally visit a breeder's facility before buying a puppy. Find out where your puppy was born and raised. Take the time now to find the right breeder and you'll thank yourself for the rest of your dog's life.

Dog Training: Sit Stay Exercise is Key

2011-09-14T00:04:00.001-07:00

From Petplace.com

There is no single exercise more effective at gaining leadership than the sit-stay exercise. If you must constantly coax, cajole, and ultimately bribe your dog to obey the simplest command, you're lacking in leadership. The sit-stay command, properly taught, can single-handedly reverse this unfortunate situation.

Think about why the sit-stay exercise might earn owner-leadership with a dog. If you can convince your dog to stay in a seated position, against his own wishes, regardless of what is going on around him, and you can persuade him to do this without the use of pain, fear or force, what does that make you? The Alpha Dog, of course, the one who is strong of mind. The sit-stay exercise will crown you as the pack leader.

The sit-stay exercise makes specific use of language signals your dog is pre-programmed to interpret and understand. They are language tools used by the wolves and maternal domestic dogs, so your dog already knows them. From your dog's point of view, how much easier could it be?

From the human point of view, however, teaching the Sit-Stay may not be easy to begin with. Through learned behavior, adult humans are programmed to use nagging and force to get their way with dogs. We inanely repeat our words, push, prod, pry, pinch, choke and assault dogs to wring from them what we consider "obedient" behavior.

Wolves and dogs, however, are not capable of these physical manipulations; training tactics of pain, fear and force are not part of their repertoire when education is at hand. Canines must rely on encouragement, passive restraint, and passive intimidation to accomplish the education of their young. This is the basis of harness training.

Dogs talk to us in ways we must learn to recognize. A dog can easily put his rear to the ground and get a treat, or put his chest on the carpet to get a snack. He will do this whether you have leadership or not, simply because his actions serve to obtain one or more of his primary resources, in this case food. But for a dog to stay seated voluntarily at his owner's request with no goal objectives – food or touching – means that he acknowledges your position as his leader. By way of his behavior, your dog is saying to you, "I acknowledge and I accept your leadership at this moment. I see that you are my mentor, and I prove this with my willing cooperation," just as he would signal to a higher-ranking dog or wolf. For an owner to achieve this kind of leadership through one exercise alone is both appealing and astonishing. You earn your dog's respect. In turn, earning your dog's respect will cause most minor behavior problems to dissipate.

Keep in mind that stay is an abstract concept for a dog to learn and understand. Sit means put your rear to the ground; down means put your rear end and your chest to the ground; come means run to your owner; but stay ...? Technically, stay means nothing to a dog. There is no motor response to your request that he can act upon - it is essentially the absence of a motor response. When your dog at last figures it out, his self-confidence blossoms. Increased self-confidence in dogs resolves a myriad of behavior problems.

In teaching sit-stay on a harness, in fact in all obedience training with a harness, patience is the key to success. Patience is a virtue and wolves have an endless supply. Look how well their social system works. Their limitless patience is the reason. So learn patience, don't do anything you are not instructed to do, watch your dog learn to sit-stay in less than 10 minutes, and watch behavior problems disappear.

Editors note:

To teach Sit-Stay using a harness, simply apply upward traction to the lead attached to the harness. The harness will "tent" over the dog's shoulders. The dog will be amply aware of even gentle traction applied to its harness and will probably begin to look around anxiously, wondering what comes next. It may yawn (stress), it may lick its lips, thinking about submission, it may try to appear indifferent and try engaging in some displacement activity. You do nothing but wait. You certainly don't talk to your dog, look at it, or pet it at this stage. Basically, nothing happens. Eventually the dog gets fed up with standing there, unable to proceed, and it sits or lies down. Sitting is what you want so the tension would be released and the dog would be praised and petted. Lying down is not what you want, so the tension on the lead would remain. As the dog sits make a circular sweeping movement with your hand (a signal for stay). While the dog remains sitting, you keep bantering cheerfully to it and perhaps petting it. You could even give it a chest rub (massage). If he stands up again before being given a release signal, the tension is reapplied to the lead, and you become silent and aloof. This is repeated until the dog learns that sitting – and staying – is what you want. There is no way out for the dog. You mean business. But note, there was no yelling, no hitting, no forcing, no bullying – just time passing an patience – the essential ingredients of proper, non-intimidating training.

Financial Sense: 10 Credit Card Myths

2011-09-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

By Toni F. Ryan, First Priority Financial

The best defense against making a credit blunder is to better educate yourself.

Myth #1: Avoid Using Credit Cards FALSE!
This may be a good way to get rid of debt, but it's utter destruction to your credit score. Why? Because of the 5 factors that make up your credit score, one is how you use and manage your credit, a factor that makes up 30% of your score. That's 255 points! Use the cards every month for gas, groceries etc. but pay them off.

Myth #2: Consolidate Debt onto 1, Low-Interest Credit Card FALSE!
Everyone gets the tempting credit offers to consolidate your debt onto one credit card but when you max out that card, your credit score will drop 60-100 points overnight! Do not consolidate your credit card debt UNLESS, the balance will be under 30% of the available limit.

Myth #3: It's Okay If You Go Over Your Credit Card Limit Because The Bank Authorized the Purchase FALSE!
Going over limit, even if it's just by one dollar deals you a double penalty a 50 point lower score and usually a $39.00 fee.

Myth #4: Closing Credit Card Accounts Will Help Your Score FALSE!
Don't close credit card accounts at all, with the exception of closing a joint account after a divorce. You will lose points in two areas: in the Amounts Owed Area which is worth 30% of your credit score, and in the Length of Credit History Area which is worth 15% of your credit score.

Myth #5: Becoming an Authorized User on Someone's Credit Card Makes You Legally Responsible for the Account FALSE!
While the activity on these accounts, good or bad will show up on your credit report if you are an authorized user, but you are NOT legally responsible for terms of the agreement.

Myth #6: The Type of Credit Card Doesn't Matter FALSE!
The credit scoring system does not like third-party finance cards (e.g., department store cards, furniture store cards, etc.) Always try to stick with major credit cards (e.g., Visa®, MasterCard®, etc.)

Myth #7: Your Divorce Decree Protects Your Credit Score FALSE!
Even if your divorce decree stipulates that your ex-spouse is financially responsible for debt that is held in both of your names, you remain financially liable for that debt until it is paid in full.

Myth #8: Marrying Someone Who Has Poor Credit Will Hurt Your Credit Score FALSE!
Although getting married generally means that you'll be combining finances, your credit reports won't be combined

Myth #9: Making Arrangements to Pay a Charged-Off Credit Card Account Will Help Improve Your Score FALSE!
If you have an old charged off credit card debt and you make payment on it, or make a written or oral promise to pay it, you will renew the 7 year credit reporting statute from that date. The best path to take in this instance is to debt negotiate. Offer the creditor .30 - .40 cents on the dollar as payment in full in exchange for a deletion letter from the creditor.

Myth #10: Those Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers Do Not Hurt Your Score FALSE!
Just because credit is offered to you, does not mean that you should accept it. Your credit report has not been pulled yet, so you are NOT approved for the account but once you call and your credit is pulled, your score will lower 10% due to the inquiry.

The bottom line about misinformation? It's always going to be out there, with tempting offers but remember - if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

What to Do When An Accident Occurs

2011-09-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

By Lloyd Lawson, Farmers Insurance

Automobile accidents happen that's a fact of life but being prepared makes everything easier. Here are eight important steps to follow:

•Step 1 - (at the accident scene): Call 911 if someone has a life-threatening injury.

•Step 2 - Exchange license plate numbers, contact information and auto insuranceinformation with the other parties involved. MAKE SURE TO GET PHONE NUMBERS

•Step 3 - Warn other drivers to prevent further damage.

•Turn on hazard lights. Set flares.

•Step 4 - Notify the police. You need a police report.

•Step 5 - Gather the facts. : Look for witnesses note the time and scene details.

•Step 6 - Don't admit responsibility. Investigation may show that you are not responsible.

•Step 7 - Report to the proper authorities. If you are involved in a vehicle accident that occurred in California, you must report it to DMV if: There was property damage of more than $750 or anyone was injured (no matter how minor)Each driver must make a report to DMV within 10 days, whether you caused the accident or not and even if the accident occurred on private roperty.

•Step 8 - Report claims immediately. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Many have 24-hour claim-filing service by phone. Your insurance ID card should provide the number. Whoever takes your claim will walk you through the process.

Download & Print PDF Accident Record Keeper for Your Glove Box 5.5" x 8.5" Be safe and be smart.

Keep Your Pets Healthy Through the Holidays

2011-09-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

By Dr. Pam Pussich, DVM & Dr. Greg Abreu, DVM, Meadow Vista Veterinary Clinic

With the holidays quickly approaching just a friendly reminder of the potential hazards to your cats and dogs. With all the cooking that needs to be done during the holidays, there are lots of tasty treats for your pets to get into, with results ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures in severe cases. Chocolate toxicity is one of the more common poisonings that occurs during the holidays. A compound known as theobromine is present in all chocolate, but in especially high amounts in baking chocolate; ingestion of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate are usually only associated with GI upset, but care should be exercised nonetheless. If an animal ingests enough chocolate, symptoms can range from muscle tremors, excitability, irritability, restlessness, and diarrhea in low doses to seizures and cardiac depression in more severe exposure. While the toxic dose is fairly high, it is best to keep all pets, especially cats and small dogs away any chocolate, and especially so when baking.

Another common danger is found at Thanksgiving; turkey dinner and all the fixings. While there are no toxins associated with the dinner, the high amount of fat in the gravy can easily set off a case of pancreatitis, which typically presents as profuse vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Stuffing, cheese sauces, fruit salads, etc., can all set off a dog’s stomach, so it is best to keep Fido away from the turkey dinner. Cats are susceptible to pancreatitis as well, with symptoms being more subtle including weight loss and inappetance; so make sure Fluffy doesn’t run off with a large piece of turkey skin. Turkey bones tend to splinter, and can get lodged in the throat, esophagus or GI tract. These should be kept away from all pets, and disposed of in a sealed container after dinner is over.

Colorful decorations are always fun during the holidays, but tinsel is often a favorite for cats to get into trouble with. Tinsel can turn into what is known as a linear foreign body if ingested by cats, where it can work its way through the GI tract and cause an obstruction. If you notice a large strand is missing, keep a close eye on the litter box for normal bowel movements, and if you notice a piece of tinsel sticking out of your kitty’s bottom, DON’T PULL IT, leave it alone and call for an appointment. Occasionally, tinsel can bind up the intestines to a point where surgical intervention is required. Ribbon, string, or any other string-like material has the potential for obstruction, so use caution when opening presents and dispose of the wrap material in a timely manner.

Holiday plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can all cause issues with pets if ingested. There are conflicting reports of the toxicity of poinsettias, but at the minimum they can cause GI upset if ingested, and irritation to the gums and gingival tissue, so it is best to keep the animals away from them. Mistletoe exposure can be associated with vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea if ingested, and cardiac depression (slow heart rate and low blood pressure) in higher doses. While mistletoe leaves are not extremely toxic, the berries do contain high amounts of toxin, and as few as one or two berries can cause severe symptoms. Holly is also know to cause GI upset in animals, and should be kept away from all pets. For you horse owners out there, keep the mistletoe and holly away from the horses, as exposure in small amounts can cause colic symptoms.

We hope you and your pets have a very happy and healthy holiday season!

How to remove hard water spots from windows and shower doors

2011-09-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

By John Shanahan, Lighthouse Window Cleaning

Are you tired of looking through a cloud of water spots on your windows and shower doors? There are several methods and tools that will help prevent and eliminate unsightly water spots.

Four Simple prevention tips

1. Adjust sprinkler systems to avoid overspray on to your windows.

2. Never hose down your windows. Dust and dirt on your windows will turn in to invisible mud. When the water dries, it will form a hard water stain. The next time you hose down your windows there will be a small etched water spot that will collect additional mineral deposits. Water spots form like moguls on a ski hill.

3. Wash your windows before the next rain. Many people wait to wash their windows after the rain season. The best way to prevent hard water stains is to have your windows cleaned before the next rain. This gets the minerals off and allows the next rain to dry spot free through the winter.

4. Use a squeegee on shower doors after each use.

Removal of water stains will depend on how badly and how long mineral deposits have etched in to the glass. There are a few quick home remedies and there are some products that will take care of the tougher spots.

Home Remedies

1. Try a piece of “0000” steel wool. That is right! Steel wool on your glass. Make sure it is “0000” This referrers to the size of fiber in the wool. Use a tablespoon lemon Joy and two tablespoons of Lemon ammonia in a gallon of water. Easy to remove spots will come off using a circular motion.

2. Rub lemon Juice on the affected glass. Then, make a paste using baking soda and vinegar. Rub on the water spots in a circular motion. The chemical reaction combined with the abrasion of the soda will break down the hard water stain. For tougher spots, Use “0000” steel wool.

So you have tried the home remedies and spots still exist. There is still hope. I have found two products that work well.

Bio-clean is very effective. There is a mild abrasive in the paste. Rub it in with a circular motion. Let it dry and buff out with a dry cloth. This took care of the heaviest stains. It took a lot of scrubbing and was messy but the finished job good. After several applications, the water stains are gone.

A-Maz is the other water stain remover I have found to work well. The process is the same as Bio Clean. A-Maz is not as toxic as bio clean and works equally as effective.

How to Make 30 Second Commercial Magic

2011-07-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Would it surprise you to learn that most business people do not have a 30-second commercial (otherwise known as an elevator speech)? In my travels, even those at the highest level have not completed a few versions to suit any occasion in which they might be asked the age-old question, "What do you do?"

It is not only prudent but truly crucial that you be able to simply and quickly describe what you do and who your target audience is no matter the occasion. The purpose of your 30-second commercial is to tell who you are, who your company is, and what you do. In addition, it asks one or more power questions, makes a power statement that shows how you can help others and ends with why the prospect should act now.

Tips for Creating Your Personal Commercial

Follow your plan. When you write a business plan, you prepare the executive summary last because you can't effectively summarize something you haven't already thought out. The same holds true with your personal commercial. Write your personal business plan first. Then, align your personal commercial with your mission and the roadmap you have developed for achieving it.

Make it memorable. Apart from the need to exchange pleasantries, you tell other people what you do for two reasons: they might have a need for your services or they might know someone else who has a need for your services. In either case, they should remember enough of what you told them so that they think of you when the need arises. To make your personal commercial memorable:

o Use an energetic group of words that leaves them wanting more!
o Avoid using industry jargon unless it's absolutely necessary.
o Talk about benefits... "I help lawyers find ways to win more business from existing clients."
o Speak slowly, audibly and clearly.
o If possible, personalize it -- for example a trademark attorney speaking to someone who has expressed concern about cyber squatters might say "I protect companies from cyber squatters," in addition to saying "I am a trademark attorney."

Keep it simple. Test your personal commercial on a seven-year-old. If they can't understand what you do, then you need to do some editing.

Have more than one version. The level of detail you provide at a cocktail reception is often very different than the detail you provide during a client meeting. You need to be prepared with at least two (preferably even three versions) of your 30-second commercial. The first version is quick--perhaps one or two sentences. The second version is as long as one or two paragraphs and should expand on the information provided in the first version. For example, you might expand on your responsibilities or explain in greater detail what your firm does. The third version lasts one or two minutes and could include further explanation of the second version as well as key clients, case studies and other information relevant to the current audience.

Primary Goal of the 30-Second Commercial

To develop a series of sentences that take 10-30 seconds to articulate, sharing how you add value to your customer's business and life. The purpose isn't to tell the other person everything that you do. It's to keep them from saying: "So what!" "We've already got something like that." "We're all set." or "Good-bye!"

30-Second Commercial Outline

Name and Title ... Hi, my name is Honorée Corpron, Visionary, Business Strategist and Performance Coach.

Company Name ... My company is Honorée Enterprises.

Creatively say what you do ... I work with CEOs, senior level professionals and entrepreneurs to achieve profit-doubling growth in 60-80% less time than it would take them to do it on their own.

Insert your Power Question ... Wouldn't it be great to be able to reach achieve more goals in the next 12 months with support than you could achieve on your own in the next decade?

Insert your Power Statement (how you help) ... I think I might be able to help you. Let's get together to discuss ways to implement systems and strategies into your business to help you be the most effective and efficient you can be, all while maintaining balance in your life.

Why the prospect should act now ... Would you like to schedule a brainstorming session, or have lunch or coffee to see if I can be of assistance to you?

Creating your 30-Second Commercial. First, list five ways you improve your clients' business, save them money or money, and/or help them to get more of what they want. Then list five reasons why people do business with you. Combine the most important elements into your 30 Second Commercial.

Power Questions
The Power Question qualifies the prospect and sets up your response. Use these five questions when formulating the Power Questions in your 30-Second Commercials:

1. What information do I want to get as a result of asking this question?
2. Can I qualify my prospect as a result of this question?
3. Does it take more than one question to find out the information I need?
4. Do my questions make the prospect think?
5. Can I ask a question that separates me from my competitor?

Here are some lead-ins to Power Questions that will expose areas of need:
o What do you look for ...?
o What have you found ...?
o What has been your experience ...?
o How do you propose ...?
o How have you successfully used ...?
o How do you determine ...?
o Why is that a deciding factor ...?
o What makes you choose ...?
o What is the one thing you would improve about ...?
o Are there other factors ...?
o What does your competitor do about ...?
o How do your customers react to ...?
o How are you currently ...?
o What are you doing to keep ...?
o How often do you contact ...?
o What are you doing to ensure ...?

Using some of the lead-ins above, as necessary, make a list of 25 Power Questions that make the prospect think and give you the information you need:

Combining all of the necessary elements in creating your 30-second commercial, along with mastering your Power Questions will assist you in attracting more of the clients and customers you want to work with - and they'll know exactly why they should hire you right away!

Digg Social Media Site: What is Digg?

2011-07-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

What is Digg?

Digg is a place for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web. From the biggest online destinations to the most obscure blog, Digg surfaces the best stuff as voted on by our community. We’re here to provide tools for our community to discover content, discuss the topics that they’re passionate about, connect with like-minded people, and make some new friends in the process. By looking at information through the lens of the collective community on Digg, you’ll always find something interesting and unique. We’re committed to giving every piece of content on the web an equal shot at being the next big thing.

How does Digg work?

Digg builds lists of popular stories being shared across the web. Every story has a digg button. Along with that button is a number that is the number of people from the Digg community who have said they like that like or digg that story.

The amount of diggs a story collects over time can effect how that story spreads and gains more popularity as it spreads more.

Where does Digg news come from?

News on Digg comes straight from the digg community! The best links found from around the web are shared on digg to gain traction and exposure as the link is shared virally.

Find an interesting link on the internet? Digg is the best place to take that news further and spread it quickly amongst a vibrant community.

What is Top News on Digg?

Tens of thousands of stories from a wide variety of interests and sources are shared on Digg everyday.The most popular stories on of the moment are promoted to the Top News section of the web site. Top News is the global zeitgeist of Digg. It’s a snapshot of the most interesting, relevant, quirky, and fun content that the web has to offer.

What is My News on Digg?

My News is where you’ll find a list of stories chosen specifically for you. Stories on in My News are selected based upon the people you choose to follow, the stories you like to read, and the stories that are trending across the entire Digg community.

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Measure Your Online Marketing Success for Small Business

2011-07-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

To know if an inbound marketing campaign is effective, a business needs to closely monitor its web analytics. A recurring part of successful online marketing, web analytics confirms whether or not a company’s marketing strategies yield results, such as bringing in more leads or customers. Seeing results, in turn, justifies the investment of time and money in online marketing and reveals aspects that need improvement, both of which may drive business growth.

Site Traffic

One of the most important metrics of online marketing is site traffic. How many visitors did each marketing technique, such as blogging, social media interactions, and search engine optimization, draw? The more visitors a business’s online marketing campaign draws, the more opportunities there are to convert those visitors into leads and eventually customers. Business owners should, however, examine carefully the reasons behind an increase in site traffic. Website traffic can refer to three things: total, unique, and repeat site traffic.

Total site traffic is the total number of visits to a website and is the sum of unique and repeat visitors. Total site traffic reflects the overall interest a company website generates. Repeat site traffic, a component of total traffic, is the number of people who visit a site twice or more. Repeat traffic implies regular visitors’ ongoing engagement with the website and thus a website’s stickiness.

Unique site traffic is the number of unique visitors to a website and reflects how well a site is attracting new people to its content. It is important for a business to maintain a healthy ratio of new and repeat visitors. If too many visitors are repeat visitors, a business's reach may not be growing. This is especially true for businesses that sell one-time products or services. While engaging existing visitors may strengthen a business’s online brand and enlarge its supporter communities, acquiring new visitors is key to increasing or maintaining business revenue. There is no fixed ratio for success—a business can determine the proportion of new website visitors that best supports its business growth.

Referring sources are another factor to examine. Just looking at the total number of website visitors does not tell a business owner where the traffic is coming from. To understand which part of its inbound marketing strategy is effectively driving traffic, a business needs to know which proportion of website traffic can be attributed to certain channels. Did the business get a new link from a big website? Is traffic from SEO efforts increasing? Other categories such as email marketing, social media, and paid search should also be examined.

If some sources are not generating website traffic, a business should either work to optimize that channel's ability to send referral traffic or decide whether further investment is worthwhile.

Page popularity is the third element of website traffic analysis. Besides sources of traffic, a business can also break down website traffic by the number of visits individual pages receive. Pages that draw the most visitors contain the most popular content on the website. Knowing what people like to view on a company's site helps a business decide what types of content to keep producing and what to reduce. A page with high page popularity that is often found through search engines may indicate that it is well-optimized for search engines through on-page SEO or that it is targeting strong traffic-driving keywords.

Keywords are the fourth way of categorizing website traffic. What terms or phrases being used on search engines like Google and Bing send the largest number of company website visitors? Are these phrases optimized on the company website and do they match the keywords with which the company wants to be identified? If misalignments exist—when a company does not want to be identified with terms that draw those website visitors—it should start optimizing for keywords that help build its online brand. On the other hand, if a company already ranks well for certain keyword phrases that are related to its business value, it should leverage these “lowhanging- fruit” terms to draw more site traffic. A business can do this by creating content around those terms and thus further optimizing its search rankings for these keywords.

Traffic-to-Lead Conversion

The next step in the sales cycle is to cultivate website visitors into leads, which makes lead conversion another important component to analyze. A business should measure the proportion of visitors that become leads—that is, lead conversion rate. While website visits mainly reflect industry interest, traffic-to-lead conversion reflects prospects’ deeper commitment with a company. In terms of achieving business objectives, conversion rate is hence a more important metric of business success. A channel that generates less traffic but yields a higher lead conversion rate is considered a source that yields qualified traffic, or traffic that draws highquality prospects who are more likely to become leads.

Besides measuring the aggregate lead conversion rate of the website, a business can follow methods outlined in the previous section to measure conversion rates of specific referring sources, pages on the website, and optimized keywords. It should then summarize the kinds of content that yield high conversion rates and continue investing in them.

Closed-Loop Analytics

Customer acquisition is an incredibly important aspect of web analytics. A company can measure what proportion of its leads become customers and from what online sources. With this information, a business can conduct closed-loop analyses to examine the closing rates of individual marketing channels. That is, closed-loop analytics utilizes visit-to-lead and lead-tocustomer conversion rates to help a business understand the cost of customer acquisition from beginning to end for each marketing channel. For some companies, most sales and “closing calls” may take place offline. Even offline-sales-oriented companies, however, can use loop analytics to gain insight into the return on investment of a lead source, whether it’s from an online or offline channel.

Other Metrics

Using the metrics above, a business can monitor its marketing performance. A company looking to improve its marketing effectiveness can use free tools to understand what online tactics it is not yet leveraging that could boost online visibility, site traffic, or lead conversion rate. For example, Website Grader, a free tool developed by HubSpot, helps identify a company website’s missing elements that are critical to getting found online. Specifically, the tool provides companies with a Website Grade. This percentile score not only gives a business a comprehensive analysis of its performance relative to that of its competitors but also makes specific recommendations for improvement to help the business reach online marketing success.

Other metrics, such as direct traffic, should be measured as well. Direct traffic refers to visits from people who directly type a URL into the search bar. These visitors don't have to be existing customers. They may be people who already know the website from memory or perhaps have found the URL in a newspaper article or pamphlet. As a result, direct traffic can reflect word-of-mouth popularity of a company brand on and off the web. A business that measures every technique it implements for each step in its sales cycle will obtain a holistic understanding of its online marketing performance. This information helps a company make more informed decisions that can eventually drive growth and overall success.

Add Facebook Fans to your Business Page with these 18 Tips

2011-07-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

If you build a Facebook Page, will fans come? This is the great hope for many businesses.

However, fans do not magically appear from the Facebook mist.
People must be lured to your fan page. And there are some good and bad ways to go about doing this. In this article, I’ll share a big myth and 21 ways to drive more fans to your Facebook fan page. (Though Facebook recently changed the “Become A Fan” button to the new, omnipresent “Like” button – and a fan page is called a “Business Page” or “Facebook Page” – we can still call them fan pages and people who join are fans!)

The Big Myth
There’s a great myth that once you create a Facebook fan page for your business, the first thing you should do to get fans is invite ALL your friends from your personal profile using the “Suggest to Friends” feature.

Unfortunately, this strategy may not be that effective and can, in fact, often backfire. I have seen many industry gurus complain that when they decline a fan page request, it’s frustrating to continue to be asked again and again.
There are several reasons not to use the Suggest to Friends feature:
• Facebook users can only like up to 500 pages and may wish to be selective. (Though I have seen it’s possible to go over this limit).
• Fan page suggestions may often build up, unnoticed. (At last count, I have 593 overlooked fan page suggestions and am already a fan of 500!)
• To aggressively pursue all your friends to join your fan page – for no apparent incentive – is counterintuitive to the nature of social media.
So, the good news is there are many ways to promote your fan page and proactively increase your fan base without bugging all your current Facebook friends, and also by thinking wider than just Facebook.
Here are 18 ways to get more fans for your Facebook fan page:

#1: Embed Widgets on Your Own Website, Blog etc.
Select from a number of the new Facebook Social Plugins and place them on your website and blog. The Fan Box widget is now the Like Box and it works well to display your current fan page stream and a selection of fans. I would recommend adding a title above the box encouraging visitors to your site/blog to click the “Like” button (which makes them a Facebook fan).

You might also consider the Live Stream widget for more advanced uses, particularly on an FBML custom tab of your fan page itself. The Live Stream widget allows Facebook users to add their comments to a live event, for example, and that activity pushes out into their stream.

#2: Invite Your Email and Ezine SubscribersAssuming you have an opt-in email list, definitely send out an invitation to your subscribers via email (several times, over time) letting them know about your fan page and encouraging them to join. Ideally, provide them with a description of the page and an incentive to join.

Be sure to have the Facebook logo/badge appear in your HTML newsletters. Instead of the usual “Join our Fan Page,” say something creative like “Write on our Facebook wall,” or “Join our Facebook community,” or “Come add your photo to our Facebook group” (where “group” is actually your fan page). Users have to be a fan in order to interact with your fan page in this way.

#3: Add to Your Email Signature BlockInstead of promoting your Facebook personal profile (if you do), include a link to your fan page in every email you send out. If you use web-based email, check out the Wisestamp signature addon.

#4: Make a Compelling Welcome VideoCreate an attractive landing tab (canvas page) with a video that explains exactly a) what your fan page is about, b) who it’s for and c) why they should become members. The result: you’ll increase your conversion rate from visitors to fans. One of my favorite fan page welcome videos is by Steve Spangler, the Science Guy! After watching his video, you can’t help but want to join! (By the way, with the new Facebook changes, if your custom welcome tab and video talk about clicking the “Become A Fan” button, you may want to change the wording to “click the Like button” now).

#5: Get Fans to Tag PhotosIf you host live events, be sure to take plenty of photos (or even hire a professional photographer), load the photos to your fan page and encourage fans to tag themselves. This, again, pushes out into their wall and friends’ News Feeds, providing valuable (free!) exposure. And, a picture says a thousand words – we notice the thumbnails in our feed more than text.

#6: Load Videos and Embed on Your SiteFacebook’s Video feature is extremely powerful. You can load video content to your Facebook fan page, then take the source code and embed on your blog/website. There is a “Become a Fan” button right in the video itself.

#7: Place Facebook AdsEven with a nominal weekly/monthly budget, you should be able to boost your fan count using Facebook’s own social ad feature. It’s the most targeted traffic your money can buy. To buy an ad, scroll to the foot of any page inside Facebook and click the link at the very bottom that says “Advertising.” From there, you can walk through the wizard and get an excellent sense of how many Facebook users are in your exacttarget market.

Then, when you advertise your fan page, Facebook users can become a fan (click the Like button) right from the ad as shown in the screenshot below. Additionally, Facebook displays several of your friends who have already liked you, thus creating social proof.

#8: Run a ContestThis is somewhat of a gray area because Facebook changed their Promotional Guidelines last year. Essentially, you need prior written permission from Facebook and need to be spending a significant amount on ads per month. However, you CAN require Facebook users to become a fan of your fan page in order to enter a contest, sweepstakes, drawing or competition.

#9: Link to TwitterLink your Twitter account to your Facebook fan page and automatically post your Facebook content to Twitter. You can edit what gets posted, choosing from Status Updates, Photos, Links, Notes and Events.

You have 420 characters on the Facebook publisher and 140 on Twitter. In the tweet that goes out, Facebook truncates your post past a certain character count and inserts a bit.ly link back to your fan page. To track click-through stats on that link, just paste the bit.ly link that Facebook created for you in your browser’s address bar and add a “+” sign to the end. This works for any bit.ly link!

I also recommend you promote your Facebook fan page on your Twitter background and possibly in your Twitter bio/URL field too.

#10: Get Fans to Join Via SMSYour fans can join your fan page via text message! You’ll need to get your first 25 fans and secure your username. Then, to join your fan page, Facebook users just send a text message to 32665 (FBOOK) with the words “fan yourusername” OR “like yourusername” (without the quotes).

This feature is ideal when you’re addressing a live audience, say. Have everyone pull out their mobile phones and join your fan page on the spot! This would also work well for radio or TV. (Note that this only works for Facebook users with a verified mobile device in his or her account.)

#11: Use Print Media
Look at every piece of print media you use in your business. Your Facebook fan page (as well as Twitter and any other social sites you’re active on), should be clearly displayed. Put your Facebook fan page link (and the logo) on your business cards, letterhead, brochure, print newsletter, magazine ads, products, etc.

#12: Display at Your Store/Business
If your business is run from physical premises, put a placard on the front deskletting your customers know you’re on Facebook. Ideally, you have a simple, memorable username. Incentivize customers to join right away via their mobile device and show you/your staff the confirmation for some kind of instant reward!

You might give out physical coupons promoting your fan page. For restaurants, put the Facebook logo, your username and a call to action on your menus.

#13. Add a Link on Your Personal ProfileIf you’d like to promote your fan page to your Facebook friends, just under your photo on your personal profile there is a section to write something about yourself. I call this the “mini bio” field and strongly suggest adding a link to your fan page like so:

Be sure to format the URL with http:// otherwise it will not be clickable with just the www’s. You have a limited amount of characters, so keep it succinct and leave out the www’s. You can put in hard line breaks though to make the content easier to read.

#14: Add a Badge/Button to Your Profile
Using an app like Profile HTML or Extended Info, you can create your own custom HTML, including a Facebook badge and/or graphic to embed.

#15: Use the Share Button
The Share button is all over Facebook and is a very handy feature. It only works for sharing on your personal profile. So periodically go to your fan page, scroll toward the bottom left column and click the “Share+” button. Add a compelling comment along the lines of exciting news, recent changes, special incentives, etc., happening on your fan page and invite your friends to join if they haven’t already. I find the Share button far more effective than the Suggest to Friends approach. (And, if you’d like to Share content from the web on to your fan page vs. profile, I highly recommend using theHootlet bookmarklet tool at HootSuite.com).

#16: Use the @ Tag
As long as you’re a fan of your own fan page, you can “@ tag” it on your own personal profile wall. From time to time, you can let your friends know about something happening on your fan page by writing a personal status update that includes tagging your fan page with an @ tag. Simply start typing the “@” symbol and the first few letters of your fan page name (this works whether you have your username registered or not), and it will appear from a drop-down menu to select. This then makes it a nice, subtle hyperlink that your friends can choose to click on.

#17: Autograph Posts on Other Walls
A subtle way to gain more visibility for your fan page is to add an @ tag for your fan page when writing on your friends’ walls as a way to sign off.

Use this one sparingly and, again, monitor the response from your friends. I have never been a fan of adding a signature block on Facebook wall posts because our name and profile picture thumbnail are always hyperlinked right back to our profile anyway. But the simple @ tag could be effective.

#18: Autograph Other Fan Pages
As with adding your fan page @ tag to posts you make on your friends’ walls, you could equally use the same technique when posting on other fan pages. Thisneeds to be used with discretion and I would advise against doing this on any potentially competing fan page!

So, these are just 18 ways to create strategic visibility and promote your Facebook fan page.

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Create a Small Business Plan Outline

2011-06-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

Every business needs a business plan - no matter how small!

What information needs to be in your business plan? What is the order of information that will make the most sense to lenders and investors? You can answer these questions with the business plan outlines provided below.

What are the standard elements of a business plan? If you do need a standard business plan to seek funding — as opposed to a plan-as-you-go approach for running your business, which I describe below — there are predictable contents of a standard business plan outline.

For example, a business plan normally starts with an Executive Summary, which should be concise and interesting. People almost always expect to see sections covering the Company, the Market, the Product, the Management Team, Strategy, Implementation, and Financial Analysis. The precise business plan format can vary.

Is the order important? If you have the main components, the order doesn’t matter that much, but here’s the sequence I suggest for a business plan. I have provided two outlines, one simple and the other more detailed.

Simple Business Plan Outline

Executive Summary: Write this last. It’s just a page or two of highlights.

Company Description: Legal establishment, history, start-up plans, etc.

Product or Service: Describe what you’re selling. Focus on customer benefits.

Market Analysis: You need to know your market, customer needs, where they are, how to reach them, etc.

Strategy and Implementation: Be specific. Include management responsibilities with dates and budgets. Make sure you can track results.

Web Plan Summary: For e-commerce, include discussion of website, development costs, operations, sales and marketing strategies.

Management Team: Describe the organization and the key management team members.

Financial Analysis: Make sure to include at the very least your projected Profit and Loss and Cash Flow tables.

Build your plan, then organize it. I don’t recommend developing the plan in the same order you present it as a finished document. For example, although the Executive Summary obviously comes as the first section of a business plan, I recommend writing it after everything else is done. It will appear first, but you write it last.

Standard tables and charts

There are also some business tables and charts that are normally expected in a standard business plan.

Cash flow is the single most important numerical analysis in a plan, and should never be missing. Most plans will also have Sales Forecast and Profit and Loss statements. I believe they should also have separate Personnel listings, projected Balance Sheet, projected Business Ratios, and Market Analysis tables.

I also believe that every plan should include bar charts and pie charts to illustrate the numbers.

Expanded business plan outline

Here’s an expanded full business plan outline, with details you might want to include in your own business plan.

1.0 Executive Summary
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Mission
1.3 Keys to Success

2.0 Company Summary
2.1 Company Ownership
2.2 Company History (for ongoing companies) or Start-up Plan (for new companies)
2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

3.0 Products and Services
3.1 Product and Service Description
3.2 Competitive Comparison
3.3 Sales Literature
3.4 Sourcing and Fulfillment
3.5 Technology
3.6 Future Products and Services

4.0 Market Analysis Summary
4.1 Market Segmentation
4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy
4.2.1 Market Needs
4.2.2 Market Trends
4.2.3 Market Growth
4.3 Industry Analysis
4.3.1 Industry Participants
4.3.2 Distribution Patterns
4.3.3 Competition and Buying Patterns
4.3.4 Main Competitors

5.0 Strategy and Implementation Summary
5.1 Strategy Pyramids
5.2 Value Proposition
5.3 Competitive Edge
5.4 Marketing Strategy
5.4.1 Positioning Statements
5.4.2 Pricing Strategy
5.4.3 Promotion Strategy
5.4.4 Distribution Patterns
5.4.5 Marketing Programs
5.5 Sales Strategy
5.5.1 Sales Forecast
5.5.2 Sales Programs
5.6 Strategic Alliances
5.7 Milestones

6.0 Web Plan Summary
6.1 Website Marketing Strategy
6.2 Development Requirements

7.0 Management Summary
7.1 Organizational Structure
7.2 Management Team
7.3 Management Team Gaps
7.4 Personnel Plan

8.0 Financial Plan
8.1 Important Assumptions
8.2 Key Financial Indicators
8.3 Break-even Analysis
8.4 Projected Profit and Loss
8.5 Projected Cash Flow
8.6 Projected Balance Sheet
8.7 Business Ratios
8.8 Long-term Plan

Business plan outline advice

Size your business plan to fit your business. Remember that your business plan should be only as big as what you need to run your business. While everybody should have planning to help run a business, not everyone needs to develop a complete formal business plan suitable for submitting to a potential investor, or bank, or venture contest. So don’t include outline points just because they are on a big list somewhere, or on this list, unless you’re developing a standard business plan that you’ll be showing to somebody else who expects a standard business plan.

If you need help with your Website Design, Social Media Marketing and Business Strategy - give us a call (800) 596-6218!

Social Media Marketing - Why it's not working for your business?

2011-06-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Social media marketing and social networking are superb marketing tools…if they’re used right, use them wrong and they can be a waste of time.

If you’re one of those people who say “Tried it. Social media doesn’t work for my business.”, here are some reasons why you might not be seeing success.

You don’t have a plan.

Social media is marketing, and successful marketing requires a plan. Random tweeting or posting is a waste of time and effort.

You don’t have a target audience that you want to engage (you would if you had a plan!).

Pretty tough to know what to post if you don’t know what your followers are interested in. Remember you are the expert in your business, post interesting tips about your biz and industry.

You’re all about self-promotion.

This is about as effective as thinking networking is all about telling everyone why they should buy from you. If the bulk of your posts include “I” or “me”, you may want to fix them.

You don’t get the “social” part of social media/networking.

Being social requires some sort of interaction…..like sharing and connecting. Commenting on other people’s posts, retweeting, sharing posts that you find interesting, sharing posts that might help someone else, responding when a friend asks a question. If you’re not doing that, you’re doing “solo” media. Lots of luck with that!

You’re not following anyone.

We don’t go along with the “follow everyone who follows you” theory, but we do know that we learn a lot from following the right people (those who tweet about what we're interested in or fun quirky things). So we're always looking for interesting people to follow. And we periodically go through oury new followers to see if we want to follow them in return.

You’re boring people.

If your posts aren’t of interest to your followers, why should they follow you? Or recommend that others follow you? Your network will stagnate. Make your posts and tweets interesting, timely and relevant. If your goal is to gain visibility as a graphic design expert, talk about graphic design and related topics. Trends you’re seeing (or reading about). Helpful tips for prospective clients. And don’t be afraid to throw in the occasional quirky post just to make it fun. Posts that make people smile get shared.

You’re inconsistent.

It’s not necessary to tweet daily….but it doesn’t hurt. I’ve read some tips that say 4 times a day is optimum but that’s assuming you have something of value to tweet about. Watch the people who have a lot of followers, and see what they tweet about and how often. Same goes for Facebook. Don’t post and then disappear for a month. Your followers will do the same.

And don’t forget that your ranking in Google is affected by Twitter and Facebook. The more you tweet and post, the more Google finds you and the higher you appear in search.

You over post and tweet endlessly.

If you have logged on to Twitter or facebook only to find numerous tweets in a row from one person, then you know how annoying that is. Try and space your tweets and posts out during the day. Don’t fill your followers newsfeeds with you you you. They will hide you, immediately.

You forgot about keywords.

One of the best things about Facebook and Twitter is that your posts and tweets get picked up by Google. This not only gives you more visibility but moves your rankings up. Always use keywords in your posts and profiles , this is how people will find you.

You’re using an auto responder to thank people for following you.

Yes, auto responders are convenient and oh so appealing to save time, BUT we are typically following you because we think you may tweet something interesting. Jamming up our email with messages that say “thanks for following me” or “have a good day” are nice and all but hold no value. They’re automatically generated so it’s not like you’re sending them to connect with us.

You’re pretending to connect but you’re really all about selling.

After receiving a nice invite to connect, you say "ok I would love to connect", and the next thing you know you are given the big pitch. That is not connecting, that is being sold.

You’re not being authentic.

Authenticity and transparency are two of the key attributes for a solid social media/social networking connection. Try and portray yourself as someone you’re not, and you’ll get called on it.

You’re not big on sharing.

Since that’s pretty much what social networking is all about, if you ‘re not into sharing, you shouldn’t be here.

QR Codes Mean 'Quick Response' for Small Business

2011-06-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

This Is My Town USA QR Code

A QR code (abbreviation for Quick Response code) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data.

Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in 1994, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. The QR code was created to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.

Although initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR codes now are used in a much broader context, including both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile phone users (termed mobile tagging). QR codes may be used to display text to the user, to add a vCard contact to the user's device, to open a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), or to compose an e-mail or text message. Users can generate and print their own QR codes for others to scan and use by visiting one of several free QR code generating sites.

QR codes storing addresses and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) may appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards, or almost any object about which users might need information. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the telephone's browser. This act of linking from physical world objects is termed hardlinking or object hyperlinking.

Google's mobile Android operating system supports QR codes by natively including the barcode scanner (ZXing) on some models, and the browser supports URI redirection, which allows QR codes to send metadata to existing applications on the device. Nokia's Symbian operating system is provided with a barcode scanner, which is able to read QR codes, while mbarcode is a QR code reader for the Maemo operating system. In the Apple iOS, a QR code reader is not natively included, but more than fifty free apps are available with reader and metadata browser URI redirection ability. With BlackBerry devices, the App World application can natively scan QR codes and load any recognized Web URLs on the device's Web browse this for compliance.

The use of QR codes is free of any license. The QR code is clearly defined and published as an ISO standard. Denso Wave owns the patent rights on QR codes, but has chosen not to exercise them. The term QR code itself is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated.

Standard QR code is the QR code standard for applications that possess the ability to handle large scans. A standard QR code can contain up to 7089 characters, though not all QR readers can accept that much data.

Use in Marketing

Recently, QR codes have become more prevalent in marketing circles and have been integrated into both traditional and interactive campaigns. Media where QR codes have been deployed include: billboard ads, guerrilla marketing campaigns, in-store displays, event ticketing and tracking, trade-show management, business cards, print ads, contests, direct mail campaigns, websites, email marketing, and couponing just to name a few. QR codes are of particular interest to marketers, giving them the "ability to measure response rates with a high degree of precision" allowing for easier ROI (return on investment) calculation, thus helping to justify spending on marketing budgets. QR codes also have been used at trade shows and in conferences.

For years marketers have seen the success of QR codes internationally, but in 2011 QR codes might finally be taking hold in the U.S. as prominent endorsements from Target, Best Buy, Macy's, and Post Cereals are exposing the codes to a broad swath of consumers.

Examples:

A QR code was used to promote Lupe Fiasco's album, "Lasers." The album was launched in the center of San Francisco with a massive QR code which allowed fans to scan it with the Redlaser technology in order to order the album early.

The hip hop collective OFWGKTA used a QR code when they played on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon instead of an album artwork which Jimmy Fallon usually presents. The code redirected to a site on the groups homepage.

QR codes have been used to interpret natural and historical points of interest on nature trails and walking tours, adding to or replacing expensive signs.

QR codes are not necessarily new to the world but they are growing ever more prevalant in the United States. As a small business owner free innovative technology can make a difference between staying in business and growing your business. Have questions about how to integrate QR codes and other technology into your marketing plan? Give us a call 800-596-6218 and connect with the Small Business Experts!

What is Social Media?

2011-06-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

The best way to define social media is to break it down.

Media is an instrument of communication, like a newspaper or a radio, so social media would be a social instrument of communication.

In simple terms, this would be a website that doesn't just give you information, but interacts with you while giving you information. This interaction can be as simple as asking for your comments or letting you vote on an article, or it can be as complex as Flixster recommending movies to you based on the ratings of other people with similar interests.

Think of regular media as a one-way street where you can read a newspaper or listen to a report on television, but you have very limited ability to give your thoughts on the matter. The flow of information travels from the source to the consumer.

Social media, on the other hand, is a two-way street that gives you the ability to communicate too.

Is Social Media and Social News The Same Thing?

It is easy to confuse social media with social news because we often refer to members of the news as "the media." Adding to the confusion is the fact that a social news site is also a social media site because it falls into that broader category.

But social news is not the same thing as social media anymore than a banana is the same thing as fruit. A banana is a type of fruit, but fruit can also be grapes, strawberries, or lemons. And while social news is social media, social networking and wikis are also social media.

What Are Some Social Media Websites?

Now that we have answered the question of what is social media, we can move on to social media websites. Because social media is such a broad term, it covers a large range of websites. But the one common link between these websites is that you are able to interact with the website and with other visitors.

Here are some examples of social media websites:
Social Bookmarking. (Del.icio.us, Blinklist, Simpy) Interact by tagging websites and searching through websites bookmarked by other people.

Social News. (Digg, Propeller, Reddit) Interact by voting for articles and commenting on them.

Social Networking. (Facebook, Hi5, Last.FM) Interact by adding friends, commenting on profiles, joining groups and having discussions.

Social Photo and Video Sharing. (YouTube, Flickr) Interact by sharing photos or videos and commenting on user submissions.

Wikis. (Wikipedia, Wikia) Interact by adding articles and editing existing articles.

And these websites are not the only social media websites. Any website that invites you to interact with the site and with other visitors falls into the definition of social medi

Is Social Media for Everyone?

Social media has broad implications for businesses -- online or otherwise. There is at least one social media site for everyone:

If you're a professional blogger / content publisher, you might pay attention to social news sites like Digg, Reddit, Delicious, and Stumble Upon.

If you're a freelance designer/writer/whatever, LinkedIn is a social networking site that can help you land gigs.

If you're a main street retailer or restaurant, you live and die by the reviews on Yelp!.

And once the work day is over, you may want to kick back and catch up with your friends on Facebook.

Whatever your opinion on social media - there is one thing that you need to understand. It's not a fad...it's not going away... and there is an abundance of opportunity here for business owners to connect on Social Media.

Social Media Strategies: Using Twitter to Grow Your Small Business

2011-06-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you understand that Twitter is a phenomenal social media venue where people can glance into your life to see who you really are - in 140 characters or less!

Once you have signed up and your account is active, you’ll be able to post “Tweets” about things that are going on in your business or personal life daily, as well as what you’re doing and thinking about. Now, we're not saying you need to document your entire life’s story, but simply let people know when something worth posting surfaces. We recommend Tweeting articles, links and videos related to your profession or ones that are comical in nature. Think about what you would want to read about and apply it to what your followers might find interesting.

The tweets that you post daily are very revealing about yourself and basically tell others if you have things in common, are a trusted resource, or if you’re just plain crazy! We’ve met several people that are interested in social media marketing, outdoor sports, and others that have the same type of dog. It’s pretty incredible with whom you can connect with in this form of social media.

When navigating on Twitter, pay attention to what other people are saying. If there is a question someone has posted, go right ahead and answer it. When viewing a Tweet that you want to comment on, don’t think, just do it. Twitter requires action, usually repetitive to establish a rapport.

You can even use http://search.twitter.com/ to search for related topics about your business locally. When you answer questions, you’re instantly viewed as a problem solver and a resource. Positioning yourself as an expert in your field and in social media strategies helps people notice your business.

This is a short-list of reasons to use Twitter every day:

1) You can easily establish connections and meet new friends that eventually may do business with you

2) You get fresh, minute-by-minute insight as to what is happening in peoples lives

3) You get access to links to articles folks have read and particularly enjoyed - these can be great ideas and jumping off points for you to apply in your social media strategies.

4) It’s the perfect place to ask legit questions and obtain answers

5) You can connect with people in your local area

6) You can get massive amounts of new business

Twitter is actually pretty easy to understand, you just have to begin today and get familiar with it. We would rate it as simpler than many other social networks that are valuable to your social media strategies - just slightly more complicated. Keep in mind that you always want to add value to a Twitter conversation. If all you do is sell your business and services - you're not really listening to your followers. This is very basic. If you contribute something of value, individuals will thank you and be inclined to remember you. Some may decide to also follow you in return. In its basic form, though, you’ll have gotten someones attention.

The first thing to do once you get on Twitter is to get yourself a user name. Decide which of the examples below you want to mimic. If you want, you can alter the names later, but makes sure you think ahead. In a local niche, review these hypothetical listings below for ideas.

- Plumber & your Name = @PlumberJack

- Regular Name = @MatthewLoop

- Attorney Related = @AttorneyLady

- Name & Area / Location = @JaredMI

- website = @MySiteName

There are customizations that can be done to your Twitter profile page. You don't need to get complicated but do make sure that your photo represents your brand, logo or yourself. Your image in social media should match your business image and be consistent. Incorporate Twitter into your Social Media Strategies yourself of let us help!

How to Get A Business Licenses in Placer County

2011-06-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a review of the information necessary for business owners to obtain a business license in Placer County. Add this to your small business plan:

Requirements:

Any resident or non-resident doing business, in the unincorporated areas of Placer County, is required to obtain a business license. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in any business in the unincorporated areas of the County without first having a business license

* If you are only conducting business within the city limits of Auburn, Colfax, Lincoln, Loomis, Rocklin or Roseville, you do not need a Placer County business license. You will need to contact the city, where you are located, to check on the business license requirements. There are also unincorporated areas of Auburn, Colfax, Lincoln, Loomis, Rocklin and Roseville. If you are unsure if you are located in the city or unincorporated area, please contact the county office at 530-889-4120.

Exemptions:

Any person who receives a salary from an employer and has taxes taken from that salary is exempt as are agricultural operations for stock or poultry farms.

Types of Business Licenses:

Three Categories:

1. A business operating in a commercial location in Placer County requires a General Business license. ($127 application fee, $16 annual renewal)

2. Any home-based business requires a General Business license . ($107 application fee, $16 annual renewal)

3. A business that requires additional regulation and review by the County Sheriff's Department, certification of compliance by other county departments, and/or state and federal regulation not typically required of a General Business License requires a Special Business License. ($107 application fee, $16 annual renewal - Home based) or ($127 application fee, $16 annual renewal - Commercial)

Nonrefundable Fee:

The fee is not refundable and must be paid at the time of application submittal. Prior discussion regarding a new business with the appropriate departments is recommended. Depending on the type of business proposed, it may be advisable to contact the Planning Department, Building Department, Engineering and Surveying and/or Department of Environmental Health.

Veterans and Non-Profit:

There is no fee for veterans or non-profit organizations., however, they will require submission of a DD Form 214, showing your character of service as Honorable, for veterans and tax exempt forms from the Secretary of State for non-profit organizations. Please submit these forms with your license application and questionnaire.

Where Do I Apply?

Application forms are available at the Tax Collector's Office at 2976 Richardson Drive, 2nd Floor, in Auburn. The telephone number is (530) 889-4120. The Tax Collector will accept the application and process it. If necessary, the application will be sent to various County departments for review and approval. The Tax Collector will notify the business owner when the process is complete. Make checks payable to Placer County Tax Collector.

If you would like to get a copy of Business License Application Form, go on line to Business Licenses for Placer County and click their live link to print and complete the forms needed.

You will also need to fill out either the home-based business or commercial questionnaire. These are also available online by simply clicking on the appropriate image on the website.

What Is Required?

All license applications must obtain approval from the Planning, Building, Environmental Health and Facilities Departments of the County. Home business must comply with all restrictions, regulations and zoning ordinances required by the Tax Collector, Planning Department and other County departments. Certain special businesses will be reviewed by the Fire Department and Sheriff's Department.

Are There Any Restrictions?

Yes, home occupations are permitted only in the main residence and allow only the residents of the home and one employee, to work on the premises. In addition, other restrictions apply to home occupation types of businesses (Section 1774 of the Placer County Zoning Ordinance). Contact the Planning Department for additional information.

Commercial businesses must comply with zoning laws which include a variety of regulations which may:

• Limit the size and number of signs.

• Restrict outdoor storage or display of materials.

• Require a minimum number of parking spaces.
• Require special permit requirements, etc.

Design Review Committee approval must be obtained for any visible change to properties in many commercial and industrial areas. This includes the required review and approval of signs, landscaping, color changes etc.. Contact the Planning Department for additional information regarding the Design Review process.

The Building Department must approve any structural changes, and building codes must be met for various sizes and types of operations.

Roadside vending is not permitted in the unincorporated area.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:

State Board of Equalization, 1-800-400-7115

The Contractors Board, Roseville branch, (hours 8 to 11 am), (916) 782-1610

Fictitious Name Department, Recorder's Office, (530) 886-5600

Planning Department, (530) 745-3000

Building Department, (530) 745-3010

Engineering and Surveying, (530) 745-7500

Tax Collector, (530) 889-4120

Sheriff's Office, (530) 889-7800

Environmental Health Department, (530) 745-2300
Sierra College Small Business Development Center

How to Apply for a Small Business License in California

2011-06-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

Basic Instructions to add when Developing Your Small Business Plan

Step 1

First off, make sure you know what kind of business you are starting (sole proprietorship, LLC, Limited partnership, etc.). Because most small business license applications are for sole proprietorships, Registering a business in California requires a few forms. There is the fictitious business name, or DBA, the seller's permit, and the local business license, which can be obtained by visiting your local city hall. Average yearly cost for a business license in California is roughly $75.

Step 2

Once you have a name ready, do a search to make sure that it is unique. Visit sos.ca.gov for California business searches.

Step 3

Visit business.gov for information on local business requirements. Most California business licenses are issued locally, by the city location where the business operates, in addition to the other forms you will need to fill out, which are outlined below.

Step 4

You will need to file a DBA or fictitious business name and have it published in a local newspaper.

Step 5

In California, all retailers and wholesalers will need to obtain a seller's permit, which is free to all california residents. This process is very easy and the forms are available online at the address above.

Step 6

Those hiring employees will need to fill out additional employer forms for tax purposes and business insurance purposes.

Step 7

Several online companies will do the entire process of obtaining a california business license for you, as well as the seller's permit and Fictitious business name. This is a decent option for some people who feel intimidated by the process or are too busy to worry about it themselves.

Tips & Warnings

When weighing whether or not to do the process yourself or have a website process it or you, realize that the cost of having a third party do it is about a $100 more.

If you apply for a business license by yourself, apply in person rather than mailing so you can ask questions and get any mistakes taken care of on the spot.

Website Ideas: Color and Font Roles in Design & Visitor Traffic

2011-06-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

If you are choosing to design your own website or seeking to identify whether a graphic designer is right for your website ideas, it's a good idea to understand how color and font choices affect your website design and visitor experience.

First impressions happen in less than 3 seconds - your website is no different!

What role does color play in Website Design and Function?

Choosing the right look and feel in your website design is imperitive to how visitors will respond to your website.If you already have your business logo, you will most likely utilize colors in your website ideas that complement this look. The kind of colors and background you choose determine the intensity of traffic to your website. If the website is full of bright colors that are unpleasant to the viwer's sight, visitors might not like to stay longer. On the other hand, if light and soothing background colors are chosen, and a professional look and feel is imparted through the organization, it leaves a greater impact on the reader. When it comes to your website ideas, logo design, and other advertising and business marketing - be sure you know what your color choices are saying.

Some background on Colors:

Red is the most emotional color that will deliver any one of the following feelings to your visitors depending on the mannerism you use it and intents you have to use it: Energy, strength, passion, eroticism, fire, lust, desire, blood, risk, war, danger, attention and romance.

Pink is an easy one and is more of a soft color that will deliver the following feelings: Romance, love, friendship, femininity, truth, passivity, good will, emotional healing, peace, calming, affection, emotional maturity, caring, nurturing, sweet tasting, sweet smelling, ethereal, delicacy. It can also give the emotion of devoting to breast cancer. For obvious reasons you can see why the National Breast Cancer Foundation chose this color for the breast cancer awareness month.

Orange is a stimulating color and is used to be associated with life and health. In restaurants it is used to encourage appetite. Orange is also associated with being tropical, fresh and invigorating. Orange usually is associated with the following feelings: warmth, energy, vibrancy, the sun, friendly, intense, joy, tropics, growing things, heat, creativity, autumn, earth, appetite stimulant, and youth.

Brown is an earthy tone and usually is associated with growth and life. When using brown it is usually to associate with health and nature. The typical emotions derived from brown are: earth, materialistic thoughts, home, outdoors, inexpensive, reliability, credibility, comfort, endurance, stability, simplicity, comfort, longevity, intimacy, tranquility, masculine, nurturing, contentment, fertility, generosity, dirt, substance, practicality, and hard work. Brown is best used with a texture to imply these things, otherwise it is simply just to plain of a color.

Gold is a color that exerts wealth and has a general sense of class associated with it. In order for it to be used properly to get these connotations though it must be shiny in some mannerism otherwise it looks cheap. Money and wealth are the two main and universal associations with the color gold.

Yellow is said to stimulate mental activity and be one of the primary colors of attention. When using yellow it is best to not use it too lightly or loses it’s stimulating effects. The typical emotions that are derived from yellow are: intelligence, light, cooperation, sunshine, joy, happiness, intellect, energy, cheerfulness, optimism, purity, warmth, honor, caution (only when used in small amounts), cowardice, imagination, hope, summer, philosophy, uncertainty, restlessness, glory, and enlightenment.

Green is an earthy and calming color that can also imply intelligence also. It also has the implications of money with it but typically only in the US. Typically green is associated with the following emotions: earth mother, physical healing, monetary success, abundance, fertility, growth, renewal, youth, stability, endurance, freshness, nature, environment, tranquil, refreshing, quiet, hope, immortality, health, healing, good luck, renewal, youth, jealousy, trees, grass, vigour, growth, harmony, envy, calm, contemplation, and friendliness.

Blue is the color of wisdom and trust, it is also the favorite color of over 2/3 of the world and is least disliked by most cultures. This may be because the sky is blue and the water reflects the sky making most things seen on the planet blue. It is generally associated with technology and progressive creativity. The most common feelings that people have with blue are: communication, wisdom, protection, spiritual inspiration, calmness, reassurance, fluidity, water, sea, creativity, peace, calming, higher thoughts, the sky, devotion, progress, freedom. trust, loyalty, intelligence, reassurance, artistry, compassion, sadness, tranquility, confidence, security, cleanliness, order, comfort, cold, technology, intellect, ideas, sharing, empathy, relaxation, affection, inspiration, friendship, patience, contemplation, infinity, harmony, non-threatening, and dependability.

Purple is a color typically associated with royalty and is also the most liked color of pre-adolescent children over any other color. When thinking about purple the most common feeling are: influence, spiritual power, self assurance, dignity, high aspirations, royalty, spirituality, nobility, ceremony, mystery, transformation, sophistication, arrogance, dreams, imagination, wealth, extravagance, magic, creativity, energy, ego, ambition, fame, luxury, and power.

White is a pure color and is typically associated with being good and is the most religious color. The typical emotions that are derived from white are: spirituality, peace, higher self, purity, virginity, reverence, simplicity, cleanliness, humility, precision, innocence, youth, birth, winter, snow, good, sterility, cold, clinical, sterility, clarity, perfection, innocence, goodness, light, fairness, safety, positivity, faith, coolness, charity, union, self-sacrifice, holiness, feminine divinity, pristine, chastity and positivity.

Black is a color that has mysterious and sometimes negative connotations that can create the wrong image if used improperly. The typical feelings that are derived from black are: protection, repelling negativity, power, sexuality, sophistication, elegance, mystery, fear, evil, anonymity, unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, underground, space, secretiveness, night, emptiness, dramatic, authority, prestige, grief, anger, and serious.

What role does font play in Website Design and Function?

Most people who come to your site will be looking for textual information. The important visitors being search engines. You will need ample text on your website pages to help with seo - but it will also play a strong role in your website visitors experience. The use of fonts will work alongside your color choices. A font can be understood as a collection of letters, symbols or numbers such as bold, roman, or italic characters. There are literally thousands of possible fonts but you will most likely deal with a few common ones when it comes to website ideas, design templates, graphic designers and social websites like Blogger.

This is because there are only a handful of fonts that look similar that are installed by default on both Windows and Macs. Consequently, these "browser safe fonts" find their way into almost every website out there. Here is an image from screen shots from a Windows machine and a Mac (blue) to show the browser safe fonts and how they compare on each platform.

Some background on Font Styles:

Block Fonts - Arial, Lucida, Trebuchet & Verdana
These fonts are simple and bold. They are easy to read for most people but usually lack in terms of style.

Serif Fonts - Book Antiqua, Palatino, Comic Sans, Georgia & Times New Roman
These can be used to add more style to your text but be aware that they can be difficult to read if too small in size.

All in all, choosing the right combination of colors and the size of the text plays a remarkable role in enhancing the website architecture and overall appearance. Be sure to consider this when coming up with website ideas and designs for yourself or when choosing to hire a graphic designer. Always ask to see their website portfolio. If you aren't sure about something - poll your family, friends and clients. Designing a website is not a perfect science so make sure your put the effort in to ensure it accurately represents your business. Remember - you only have one chance for your website to make that first impression.

5 Keys to Business Growth TODAY

2011-05-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

Many may think these are five radical ideas but they are five changes you can make - professionally and personally. The ideas fit whether you are in business or just promoting yourself in life. While you may not be comfortable trying them all - why not test one of them out. Start enjoying a more productive and profitable year.

1. Stop Branding Your Product: There are several world-class brands that everyone recognizes: McDonald’s, Disney, Microsoft, Apple, etc. Unless you have access to a warehouse full of cash, you won’t be able to brand your product as effectively.
There is something you can do to build a great reputation in your market without breaking your budget—brand yourself! People buy from people, and buyers want to know who you are before they buy. It’s your values, personality, and dedication that will help you sell your product. You can successfully brand yourself with blogs, social media, community involvement, events, and more to share your message.

2. Give Away Your Secrets: You have “secret” ways of running your business. You are an expert in your field. Most business owners horde these trade secrets but doing the opposite can have an incredible impact on your bottom line. Offer a free “How TO” report. Most people would gladly provide their email address for that kind of information, giving you an appreciative prospect who now respects you, trusts you, and will come to you when they need your product or service. You become the trusted expert.

3. Forget the Big Picture: Every motivational speech you’ve ever heard has probably emphasized the importance of having a vision of where you are headed. There’s nothing wrong with that – but if you don’t start thinking smaller, you’ll never live large.

While you shouldn’t lose sight of your ultimate goals, you should focus on what is directly in front of you. What do you need to do today to accomplish your goals? Give yourself manageable (and track-able) goals. Break it down so you know what you have to do in the next 10 minutes to be successful.

4. Don’t Lower your prices: When times get tough, business owners tend to lower prices in an attempt to attract and keep customers. But if a lack of money is keeping your customer from buying, it’s because they’ve decided they can do without your product or service. Lowering your price does not put more money in their pocket. It just gives your other customers – the ones that still want your service or product – a nice break. As John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing says, “There’s always someone that’s willing to go out of business before you.” So avoid the poor economy panic and stick to your guns.

Focus your energy instead on creating products and/or services that have unquestionable value. If the value is there, your most loyal and even new customers will be willing to pay for it.

5. Realize the customer isn’t always right: We’ve all got them…customers who will never be happy no matter how much you do for them. They complain. They demand refunds. And they eat up all your time. If you’ve got customers like that, it’s time you fired them.

If you’re spending a large chunk of time on a single customer, cut your losses. All of your customers deserve your attention. By firing your bad customers, you can concentrate your efforts on the ones who will make the biggest difference to your bottom line. Your best customers know your value, they pay you for it, and they send their friends your way. Spend more of your time finding those who love what you do and become your advocate.

Your Business Needs a Facebook Fan Page – Not A Profile

2011-04-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

Why does a business need to be on a Facebook fan page? Facebook has two options: you can have a Profile which represents individuals or you can operate under organizations and businesses and have Pages. You have to have a Facebook Profile to have a Facebook Fan Page for Business.

1. FACEBOOK'S TERMS OF SERVICE

Profiles represent individuals and must be held under an individual name, while Pages allow an organization, business, celebrity, or band to maintain a professional presence on Facebook.

If Facebook discovers you are violating their terms by having an organisation’s page up on Facebook as a Profile they can delete your account and you would lose all your friends, postings etc.

2. PRIVACY FOR YOUR FANS

With a business profile, some people will choose not to add you as a friend since they would be giving you access to their profile page with areas that are private to them. Most people will not go this route with connection.

But if you have a Page for your business, allowing fans to ‘like’ you, then they are not giving you access to the activity on their profile page.

3. PAGES OFFER ANALYTICS

Unlike Profiles, Pages offer analytics, allowing you to see how many likes and comments you received each day, as well as demographic breakdowns.

This data will allow you to better understand your fan base and therefore post wall posts which will get the best reaction.

4. UNLIMITED FANS

Profiles have a limit of 5,000 friends. Pages have no upper limit.

5. SEO CREDIT

With Pages you can embed a Like button on any webpage you maintain. When you post an article on your company blog. The Facebook Like buitton can b e embedded.

Likes are now being taken into account by search engines in a way that links are, so by having fans like your Page and your content, you are allowing SEO credit to be passed onto your website from Facebook. This will improve your rankings in the search engines.

6. MULTIPLE ADMINISTRATORS

By setting up a Page you can have multiple administrators maintain the Page.

Pages are not separate Facebook accounts and do not have separate logins, but those with personal Facebook pages can administer them from their own account.

Those who choose to connect to your Page won’t be able to see that you are the Page administrator or have any access to your personal account.

7. FACEBOOK IS A HUGE SEARCH ENGINE!

• There are 600 million users on Facebook (nearly twice the population of the US);

• 50% of users login every day;

• The average user spends 55 minutes on Facebook every day;

• 70% of Facebook users are located outside the US; and

• Facebook is available in 70 different languages.

It is therefore highly unlikely that none of your target demographic or customers are using Facebook. So by clinging to the excuse that your “customers aren’t on Facebook” and not having a company page, you are missing out on an opportunity to reach both your

8. ENGAGE & POST

Facebook offers an way to engage with your fans on a platform of their choosing.

It allows you to communicate on a less formal level. You can discuss news items relevant to your industry or upcoming events. It will answering direct queries or highlight particular products or services.

Facebook is a completely different platform to Twitte.You do not want to set up your tweets to auto publish to Facebook. A high frequency of tweets is important to get yourself seen in the Twitter news feed. However on Facebook you should keep the posts to once or twice a day, enough to allow yourself show up in your fans’ news feed but without annoying them.

9. SEE WHAT KIND OF FANS YOU HAVE

Facebook allows you insight into your fans in a way a website just isn’t able to. Through Facebook pages you can see your fans broken down by gender, age, location and languages.

You can track your fans interactions with your page to see likes, comments and daily active users. This helps you analyze your posts to taylor future posts that are more effective and create interaction with your visitors.

10. TARGET MARKETING

You can target certain markets by running advertisements. These are more searchable than on other platforms. Facebook advertisements allow you to target specific people based on gender, age, location, education and interests.

Advertisements can be used for anything from simply announcing your page and inviting people to like you, to drawing attention to a special offer or inviting people to an upcoming event.

11. SEARCH RANKING

One of the most important reasons to be on a facebook fan page for your business is the impact on SEO (search engine optimization).

As Facebook pages are public they are indexed by the search engines. Search engines have now advised that they are treating ‘social signals’ such as comments, fan numbers, likes etc. as indicators of importance. The more active you are on these social platforms, the better your chance of ranking above your competitors in the search results, meaning more web traffic and more potential customers.

Conclusion: Get you business on Facebook!

Save Time & Money with Online Forms

2011-04-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

This seems like a no brainer but let's break it down...

Do you have forms that customers, vendors or other associates need to complete?

If you answered "yes" then you could start saving time and money by offering these forms on your website.

How do I make the form available?
You don't need to get fancy here. The easiest way to put a form on your website is to scan it and upload it as a pdf or jpeg file (pdf is a portable document file that most people have the ability to open. You can download the software for free from Adobe if you don't have the software). Then make a link to the file and in a click - a visitor can download the form.

If you need a more comprehensive option you can always use an online form builder like JotForm which is fairly simple to use and is free.

How do I use it to save money?
Now of course most businesses provide these paper forms for completion in their office or by mail but when you offer an online version - customers can go on your website, download and print the form themselves. They can complete it on their own time and bring it in ready to go. Many businesses who require completed client profiles, release waivers and other documents find that they spend less time waiting for a client to complete the form and more time engaging with them for the sale or appointment. It's called efficiency!

Plus you just saved on paper cost! Now, you might already email the forms as part of your daily routine but remember - that takes your time, which is valuable. Imagine if you had to email 50 people their release forms - what if all you had to say was - "Go to our site to download our new customer form"? Can you imagine what you can get accomplished with that amount of time saved?

Will my client like this option?
Everyone is different. You might have older clients who are not as internet savvy who still like their paper form and pencil. Others will like that they don't have to worry about losing the form or spilling something on it because they know where they can go get another one. The fact is that most people use the internet in their daily life and find it conveinant to have resources at their fingertips. Being able to get what they need from you 24/7 makes you look professional.

Before we go - make sure you remember to keep your forms small in file size for fast downloads and stay away from programs that not everyone might have like MS Word or Excel. Stick with PDF or JPEG files that anyone can open - but not alter. AND MAKE SURE YOUR NAME AND LOGO ARE ON IT so they know who the form belongs to.

Why Should I Link to Others on My Website?

2011-04-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

There can be quite a bit of disagreement on this subject so we will cover both sides of the issue: Should you put links to outside websites on your website?

Cons - Let's hit the bad news first

People will leave my page - it's true that when a visitor clicks on a link they might leave your page however nowadays most links can be made to open in a new window allowing the visitor to see the new page while still maintaining a connection with your page.
It gives away my search ranking - it's possible but there are algorithmic changes taking place right now that may change this and actually give you a higher ranking for having external links.
It could hurt my reputation - if you are not careful who you are linking to, it could be damaging to your internet reputation. Make sure any website that you connect with distributes accurate content and practices safe browsing (ie: cookies, spamming, viruses etc.) When in doubt - don't link.
Too many links doesn't look good to search engine spiders - we've all stumbled on those sites that promise to deliver information on something only to find that the page is full of links to other places. Search engines work hard to downplay these types of sites so if you use external links too often - you could get caught in that group. It does take an abundance of links to draw this kind of attention.

Pros - now for the good stuff

Establish yourself as a resource center - if people see that they can get to the places they want to go from your site (usually relevant to your industry and their interest) they will remember that you are the go-to website to visit.
Double Sided Linking - You can swap links with affiliates and associated vendors. Back links from other websites does help search engine ranking and so when you link to someone they should be willing to link back to you. Linking can be a two-way street!
It could help your reputation - yes just as linking to bad sites can hurt you, linking to good, trusted sites can help you. If you are a member of an organization, ask if they have a member badge that can link to your listing on their site or their home page. People will see that you are affiliated with that group and the organization will have gotten a back link to their site.
It encourages participation and cooperation - There are a lot of very smart, very dedicated, talented people on the web that can either contribute to making your efforts more successful or inhibit your growth. When you link out, especially in a consistent, opportunity-driven way, you build incentives for the bloggers, social media sophisticates, online journalists, website builders & forum participants to engage with your site. Granted, when you're small and just starting out, the incentive is small, but don't underestimate the power of rewarding your community - it's built some of the most amazing brands on (and off) the web.

Okay we admit it - we might be a little biased but it really is up to you!

Building a Mission Statement for Your Business

2011-04-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

Every business needs a mission statement. Sometimes, companies, both new and existing, struggle to compose a mission statement. A mission statement can be a very strong motivational statement for staff and employees as well as a strong marketing and branding tool for customers. Some great examples of mission statements that hit the mark completely are:

Disney – "To make people happy"

Would anybody argue that this is not accomplished by Disney? Does it set the tone and atmosphere for Disney employees? Would Disney customers agree? The answer is a resounding yes!

Boeing – "To push the leading edge of aviation, taking huge challenges doing what others cannot do"

If you do any kind of research about the development of Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet, you would see this mission in action. Do you think that Boeing's employees or customers doubt this statement? I doubt it.

3M – "To solve unsolved problems innovatively"

How many of you use Post-It Notes? Do you know how they were invented? NASA was looking for a product that would stick to surfaces indefinitely and still be easy to peel off. One 3M engineer spent quite a bit of time getting 3M to market this product commercially. Do you think his motivation was partly driven by this mission statement?

A business’s mission statement can be something that is totally ignored by both its employees and its customers, or it can be something that drives the organization, attracts customers, and brands its products. The latter is the best course of action.

Companies that have created dynamic and compelling mission statements get feedback from the highest and lowest ranking employees as well as their customers. They brainstormed, reviewed and rewrote their mission statement until everyone was satisfied. The employees and management agreed that the mission statement correctly identified what they hoped to accomplish, and the customers agreed that the mission statement defined what they wanted and needed.

Creating A Mission Statement

First of all, you should get everyone involved in a productive manner and do the following:

1. Pick One Central Theme. The theme should be easy to understand, non-controversial, and translate into behavior that can gain support. Take Disney, for example. They wanted people to have fun. They wanted their employees to have fun. They wanted people to be able to escape, for just a moment, the grind and stresses of their day-to-day environment.

So what is your theme? Does it deal with a product, service or both? Can it be easily understood and interpreted by both your employees and customers? In some cases, it may have to be mildly controversial to provoke thought and discussion.

2. Communicate With Action. This will not be something that you type up in 12pt font and lose somewhere. Once you have picked your mission statement, commit to it repeatedly. Review it often – at the beginning and end of every day. Share it actively with your employees and customers. You should be proud of your mission.

3. Focus On A Few Key Attributes Of Your Service Or Product. Take the example of Boeing. Do you want to push the leading edge of your technology? Do you want to accept challenges that others won't or can't? Do you want to solve problems that are difficult and challenging to solve? Does this key attribute bring value to your customers? What makes you stand out from everyone else in your industry? If you have a niche or strong specialty – maybe it needs to be mentioned. Companies have made billions of dollars by focusing on their strengths and incorporating what they do best into their marketing in every way.

4. Don't Rush The Process. Brainstorming and creativity take time. If you think that developing a mission statement in five minutes is the best way to go – you might find yourself revising over and over again. Or not buying into it in the first place. True, your mission statement can be as simple as “To make people happy” but you can bet that a company like Disney has several steps in play to make sure they meet that mission statement – it isn’t just for looks. The main point – this is not a race!

Finally….look at what other businesses have in place already. Get inspired & Get Focused!

Creating Content for your Social Media Marketing Strategy

2011-04-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

Quality, focused, fun and relevant content should be at the heart of any social media strategy. Relatable and useful content should reflect your brand and give people a reason to stay engaged.

That’s why it’s imperative to create a content strategy for your social media campaign. Without a guideline for what you will send out and a plan for how and when you say it, you risk leaving your audiences, at best, confused. At worst, they’ll ignore you. No business wants customers to ignore them.

Here are five social media content strategy techniques that will help strengthen relationships and earn your business quality results on the social web.

1. Identify Your Voice

Everything you say on the social media sites should “sound” like your business. It’s something companies like Skittles do well. Some of their status messages achieve more than 1,000 comments, and many exceed 10,000 “Likes” on Facebook.

Why are these little quips of content so successful? The writing is just like the candy: colorful, playful and imaginative. The pithy, daily, flavor-packed observations are reliably surprising. You can relish today’s post and look forward to tomorrow’s. Skittles want people to think of them and in turn buy their candy and what better way than making a lasting impression through social venues?

Think about your brand in the same manner. What are three words that describe the voice of your business? Now make sure that everything you write and post embodies those three words. This will create a consistent voice in your social media presence.

2. Time Your Content

Create a calendar or timeline that spells out what will be relevant in your business or industry and pay attention to what else is happening….like holidays or local and national events. Now think about what you’re going to say and when you’re going to say. Make sure it’s relevant to where people are in their lives and the season. Nobody cares about Santa Claus in January, but a whole lot of people care about sales after Christmas. A quick look at Google Trends or other social media sites for what is trending can help keep your information up to speed.

3. Know Your Audience

Why would somebody follow you? Why would they like your business? It’s because your content offers them something? Make sure you deliver! For example, a company like SKYY Vodka on Twitter has posted messages in response to what other people are talking about. It shows they are listening and engaging in the conversation. A competitor, Grey Goose hasn’t tweeted in four months and their posts on Facebook are repeats. They aren’t to their followers, Grey Goose is talking at their followers. Their lack of engagement leads people to believe they are just in it for image sake. If a follower doesn’t stick around just because someone posts daily – it’s what the business is saying that makes the impression.

4. Solve Problems

Humans have survived for so long because we solve problems. And when we don’t know the answer – we look for someone who does and offers it freely.

Give your audience tools to help themselves, and establish yourself as the go-to expert. By making things easier for others, we build trust. Trust strengthens our relationship and people do business and buy from people and businesses they trust.

5. Be True

Good content isn’t phony. It doesn’t make promises that it can’t keep. It’s human and honest. It has a personality and a point of view. It’s social! That’s why it engages us and makes us want to plug into it on a regular basis. That’s why we follow or like your business.

Your audiences will sniff it out if you’re pretending. But if you’re fun, honest and relevant, they’re going to recommend you to their friends. That is what social media’s all about!

How to Choose a Good Website Domain Name?

2011-03-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

In the modern world of the Internet, where people automatically turn to the Web for information, your domain name needs to be unique to you to actively lead people to your business. Customers have short memories; they will not memorize an unrelated URL. Keep it simple for your customers and visitors and uniquely related to your business. Here are some useful answers...

What is a Domain Name?

Just to make sure we're all on the same page here, a domain name is the web address that leads people to your web site. Just the same as your home address, web browsers will direct people to your site via your domain name which ususally starts with 'www.' and ends with .com, .net, .co, .biz, .org etc.

Should My Domain Name Match My Business Name?
In most cases....yes! Example: If my business name is Bloomin Flowers then my website domain name might be http://www.bloominflowers.com/ or http://www.bloomin-flowers.com/. This makes it easy for people to find my website just by searching for my business by name. You want your site to be easy to find and easy to get to. Many new businesses search for and secure their domain name before officially naming their business for this reason.

Not every domain name matches the business name, surprising but true.Suppose those domain names for Bloomin Flowers are taken already. So instead I get http://www.bf.com/ which is my initials but rather obscure since it doesn't delinate what my business is. What happens when my customers type in Bloomin Flowers in a search engine. My competitors' sites will show up first and if I haven't actively made my website search engine friendly, my site might not show up or be recognizable.

What if I can't Match my Domain Name to My Business Name?
Your domain name choice may be already bought and could be a lot of time and money to get ownership of it. You have to determine how important the one you want is and how much you may be willing to spend to buy it from the party that already owns it. Check up the "whois" information for the domain, and contact that person listed to see if they're willing to sell it.

On the other hand, if you're just starting out, you might prefer the cheaper alternative of trying to obtain a domain name first, and then naming your website (or business) after the domain that you've acquired. This may seems a bit like putting the cart before the horse, but that's the reality if you don't want to lose out on the Internet.

Sometimes adjusting the domain name slightly will allow you to get a domain name that matches your business without having to pay extra. Here are some factors to consider...
Abreviations versus KeywordsDomain names can be of any length up to 67 characters. Some argue that shorter domain names are easier to remember, easier to type and far less susceptible to mistakes. Plus if you work with your initials alot you can incorporate this into your marketing. Example: www. RCDbyJohn.com for a business called Really Cool Designs by John. It's increasingly difficult to get short meaningful domain names because most have been sold already. If you manage to get a short domain name though, the key is to make sure it's a meaningful combination of characters and not hard to type and remember

Others argue that a longer domain name is usually easier on the human memory - for example, "gaepw.com" is a sequence of unrelated letters that is difficult to remember and type correctly, whereas if we expand it to its long form, "GetAnEconomicallyPricedWebsite.com", we are more likely to remember the domain name. If you have a tagline that you use often, it can be positive to use that as a domain name. Long domain names that have your site keywords in them also have an advantage in that they seach better in the search engines. This is the key to being found on the internet, can the search engines find your company.
Try to avoid extremely long names verging on 67 characters. Aside from the obvious problem that people might not be able to remember such a long name, it would also be a chore typing it and trying to fit it as a title on your web page.

Hyphenated Domain Names

• Cons

1. Hphens are easy to forget when typing a name. Many users are used to typing things like freecomputertools.com but not free-computer-tools.com. They'll probably leave out the hyphens and end up at your competitor's site.

2. When people recommend your site verbally, having hyphens in your domain name leads to more potential errors.

• Pros

1. Search engines can distinguish your keywords better and thus return your site more prominently in search results for those keywords occurring in your domain name.

2. The non-hyphenated form may no longer be available. At least this way, you still get the domain name you want.

Different forms of Domains with plurals: the and my
Very often, if you can't get the domain name you want, the domain name registrar will suggest alternate forms of the name you typed. For example, if you wanted website.com, and it was taken (of course it is), it might suggest forms like:

thewebsite.com

mywebsite.com

websites.com

and the like, if they were not already taken as well. The question is, should you go with one of these options?

If you take the "the..." and "my..." forms of the domain name, you must remember to promote your site with the full form of the name. Otherwise, people are likely to forget to affix the necessary "the" or "my".

On the other hand, do not take the plural form of the domain name (eg, websites.com) if you cannot also get "website.com", since the chance of the visitor failing to type the "s" in the name is very great.

Domain Name Endings or Extensions
What if you cannot get the “.com” domain but the “.net” or “.org” or others are available. Are these others ok for domain addresses? The answer is not as simple as you might think and should fit your business needs based on some of the features covered below.

.com - the most popular and widely recognized domain extension in the world. It usually pops up first in search results and people are more likely to type it over any other ending. May be registered by anyone. Get it if you can!

.net - used frequently when the .com version of your domain name has been taken. Widely used for internet infrastructure as well.

.info - associated with websites that provide information as opposed to sales. This can be useful for businesses who publish articles and is recognized world wide.

.co - this is a new extension that provides people options if their domains are taken in other widely recognized domain extensions. International recognition and easy to remember.

.biz - made specifically for business and ecommerce sites such as online stores.

.org - popular extension for non-profit and non-commercial organizations as well as highlighting a business or companies charitable features.

.mobi - can be easily viewed on a mobile device such as a smart phone or tablet.

.me - usually reserved for blogs, online resumes or portfolios of an individual

There are other domain extensions that relate to specific countries as well as one's that must be a qualified group to obtain (Example: only an official school can get a .edu extension or government agency use .gov etc)

Can I Have More Than One Domain Name?
Absolutely! Multiple domain names can point to the same website. In fact if you are a new business it's best to secure your domain name with multiple extensions to protect it from a competitor. You can create other search word filled domain names to point to your website but it's a good idea to make sure the domain names are relevant to your content so as not to draw negative attention from search engines.

The best idea is to get your domain name first....before you even make your business offcial! If you're already in business, follow the above hints or seek help from a marketing strategist who understands search engine optimization and establishing a professional web presence.

What Makes a Good Coupon? (And What Makes A Bad One!)

2011-01-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

Some people spend their who marketing careers creating the definitive "Good Coupon" (ie: a coupon that brings the customer to you and yet doesn't cost you too much in profit) and avoiding a bad coupon (usually a coupon that gets no response). Small business owners can see a dramatic improvement in their profits by offering coupon. To make a good coupon, you need to think like your customers. What would make you clip that coupon and go use it? What kind of coupon calls you to check out that business if you've never used them before? What coupons do you pass on?

Pick A Product/Service to Discount that your Customer is Actually Interested In
A coupon advertises a discount for a limited period of time on a product or service. You may have an low cost/high profit item that you WANT people to purchase however if that's not the item that is currently bringing customers in the door, your coupon (unless a deep discount) is not going to be as effective.

Don't Limit Who Can Use the Coupon
People dislike fine print. There's nothing I despise more than when I take a coupon and try to use it only to learn that my coupon does not apply to me because I am an existing customer. Why would you not want to reward your current customers for shopping with you? If you are discounting a service that only a very limited number of people can use, make sure you are offering a variety of coupons at the same time that together will include everyone.

Create Urgency with An Expiration Date
Expiration dates create an sense of urgency that your customer will need to act quickly to use and benefit from the coupon. Experiment with expiration dates. A date that is too close can be disastrous if your marketing strategy doesn't get the coupon out in time. Plus it doesn't give people enough time to redeem it. A date too far away will be forgotten. Depending on your advertising, what your discount is and the nature of your business, 2 weeks to 1 month can be a good time frame for a coupon expiration date.

Offer a Discount not just a Coupon
Statistics show that people don't respond if a coupon's face value is too small. I recently saw a coupon for a medical office that offered $1.00 off an office visit. Their visit costs, on average, $35.00 so their coupon gave me less than 3% off. That doesn't make me want to respond to that coupon at all. In fact I was almost turned off to the business itself for offering such a sad coupon. This is where you need to put your customer hat back on. If you see 10% off, 15% off or 25% off coupons - which do you respond to? You may cringe at the idea of offering a 25% off coupon but think about successful chains like Macy's which focus millions of dollars on this marketing strategy that people come shop with them more if they believe they'll save with their coupon.

Create a Coupon Strategy and Go For It!
If you want to do a semi annual or annual deep discount coupon then plan it out and market accordingly. If you want people to consistently check your website or store for coupons then offer a variety and consistently market them. Whatever you decide to do - plan it out and execute it. That doesn't mean you can't modify your plan as you find coupons that work or fail. It means you are taking an active role in this side of your marketing strategy.

Tips on How to Write a Good Business Article

2011-01-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

Today, the internet is overflowing with content and there is a growing demand for articles on just about any topic ranging from cosmetics to construction material. However, not everyone can write a good flowing article and people often hire out freelance writers to write articles for them. This is probably why Article Writing in itself has become a fast growing profession that more and more people are taking to for earning a real income. As small business owners, we don't have the luxury of hiring professionals to write articles for us and since we publish your articles on This Is My Town USA.com for FREE and link them to your Virtual Storefront - article writing is a great free form of advertising and marketing.
Here are 5 tips on how to write a good article:

1. Attention Grabbing Headline.

It doesn’t matter how well written your article is unless you have an eye-catching topic name. Most of the time, when people are looking for information on the Internet, they tend to click on the catchy or ‘inviting’ headlines instead of the boring and the mundane topic names.

2. Simplify your Words.

It is also important to remember that people who surf the intern et come from various backgrounds and are usually looking for some information or the other. So in order to reach out to a wider base of readers, you must try to use simple words that are easy for everyone to read and understand rather than use big words that would confuse readers. Also, when catering to a wider audience, it’s important to stay away from technical terms. For example, “PLR articles” maybe a common term for an Internet Marketer, but it is something that an accountant will know nothing about.

3. Use Short Sentences and Paragraphs.

When surfing the web, the attention span of most people is reduced to 9 seconds, equivalent to that of a goldfish! In other words, people tend to be a lot more impatient when reading from a screen as compared to reading from a book. This is why it’s important to keep your sentences and paragraphs short, simple and to-the-point. Another way to keep your readers attention would be to use a lot of bulleted points.

4. Make your Article Conversational.

The best way to make your article likable is to break the ice with your readers by using conversational language. To put it simply, try to use the sort of language you are likely to use on an everyday basis. This should make your article feel more personable and your readers will take personal interest in your article because they feel you’re talking directly to them.

5. Infuse your personality into the Article.

When writing an article, try to inject some of your personality into it as well. For instance, you could mention if you had any personal experience related to the article or if you particularly like something related to your content. You may even slip in a light joke or two to entertain the reader as long as it is funny and goes in sync with your article. Whatever you do, the basic idea is to let the reader know that there is an actual human person who has written the article. Doing so will eventually lead to forge a relationship with your prospects.

To conclude, there are always different approaches to different cases and though you may be able to use all the above mentioned tips in some cases, you can only use one or two of the techniques in most cases. And I am sure you will learn more about how to write a good article as you go along.

Business Resolutions: Taking Your Business into 2011

2010-12-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

This time every year, people draw up lists of New Year's resolutions: lose weight, exercise, quit smoking, etcetera. New Year offers us a sort of "restart" opportunity to throw off the chains of doubt and walk towards our “dreams.” This January 1st, 2011 will be no different but if you’re in business for yourself you might want to take the time to commit to some Business Resolutions.

Here are 5 possible ideas:
1. Listen more. This is my No. 1 business — and personal — New Year's resolution because listening is a critical skill for both business and personal success. Listening — really listening and not just thinking about what you're going to say next — enables you to understand others, empathize, and build relationships. That's critical whether you're interacting with customers, employees, suppliers, or your family members and friends. Don't be quick to start talking about yourself, your business & products. Instead, ask questions, find out about what the client needs, why they need it, what motivates them.

2. Embrace change. Frankly, in today’s economy you have to be willing to step away from what has always worked in the past to see what will work in 2011. Technology is also changing rapidly (including the social media phenomenon) and if you think you can sustain and grow your business without paying attention to this arena, you will be fighting an uphill battle.

3. Be brave. There's no question that 2011 is going to be a challenging year. It's going to take courage to get through this. This part goes along with embracing change. This is life and I for one am not going sit in the corner and cry. I’m going to be smart, think outside the box and make my dollars work for me. My family and I chose the middle of 2010 to start a new business which to anyone else looks like suicide. We’re doing more than surviving, because we’ve listened to the needs, changed with the times and cut out frivolous costs. Your business should be adaptable so let go of the fear!

4. Grow. Yes, even now you should be making plans to do more than just keep your head above water. Many companies come out of recessions much stronger than when they went in. That's because many competitors are weakened or go out of business altogether. And disruption creates opportunities. Take advantage of them.

5. Cut Costs. Being brave, embracing change and growth doesn’t mean you don’t need to watch how you spend your money. Be smart with where you need to invest your returns and where you can trim excess fat. Negotiate hard with suppliers, cut down on every unnecessary expense, find innovative (inexpensive) ways to keep marketing. (By the way, cutting Marketing altogether is not a smart cost to cut.)

Now I know the problem many have is that by Valentine’s Day most people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions. This sadly is a fact of life but I emplore you to consider this...

“In times of change, learners will inherit the earth while the learned will find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."
~ Eric Hoffer, American writer and philosopher, (1902-1983)

Be a “Learner” who lives in today, prepares for tomorrow and learns from the past! Happy New Year!

Holiday Slowdown Business Marketing Strategies

2010-11-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

As the year enters the final few months, those of us in small business experience the Holiday Slow-Down. This doesn't mean you should just sit back and watch your bottom line shrink. It's time to actively blend your marketing strategy to this "Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

Strategy #1: Target your sales copy to what's on people's minds

Most people are thinking about giving and wondering...

What would make a great gift for my some or daughter?

What would make a great gift for my spouse?

What would make a great gift for my father or mother in-law?

What should I put on my own holiday wish list?

What gift should I give myself this year? (Yes a lot of people while out buying gifts for others, buy gifts from themselves too.)

What can I afford to spend?

You get the idea. Don't assume people know what they want to buy. So whether you sell to businesses or directly to consumers, help them out with your sales copy by targeting the questions that are on their minds this time of year. Give them the answer - your product, your service!

Strategy #2: Use the end of the year to up-sell & cross sell clients.

December 31st marks the end of 2010 and while it's just a day on the calendar, it has a strong emotional effect on your clients and customers. People see it as a clear ending and January 1st as a new beginning.

At the end of December people tent to reflect on their past performance and aspirations of the coming year. This is the perfect time to tap into their psyche and get clients to review their needs, what worked and what didn't and offer them a chance to sneak in a last deal before 2011 arrives.

Strategy #3: Strengthen your relationships with prospects & clients

Your primary small business competitive advantage is the number and strength of your relationships with your customer base. Use this time to show your appreciation to them. How?

Tell them. Thank them for their business and loyalty. Cards are simple and can go a long way with reminding customers you appreciate them.

Send your most valued vendors or clients a gift. The key is to give something your client would appreciate. It's hard to lose with food or unique items. Surveys show that people are happier with less expensive gifts that were specific to them.

Strategy #4: Offer special deals for a limited time only

The end of the year is fast approaching and everyone likes a deal. The problem is we all tend to procrastinate. What's the solution?

You have the products and services people want. Now all you need to do is motivate them to buy. Combine special offers with a limited time availability. If you have a website you can put a countdown timer on your offer to increase the sense of urgency.

Yes things tend to slow down during the end of the year and holidays but that only offers you an opportunity to work ON your business rather than only IN your business. There's still time - go for it!

Don't make Assumptions about Your Customer

2010-10-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Never Assume Any of the Following...

That the customer can't afford it.
That the customer won't buy it.
That the customer doesn't understand your product.
That the customer won't buy more than one.
That the customer won't price your competitors
That the customer won't like you.

On the other hand, don't assume that the opposite of these is true either.
Have confidence in your product or service and believe in the need it fills. Always ask questions and LISTEN to the customer's answers. Sell to what they need, not your own expectations of what they need.

How to Make Friends and Turn Them Into Customers

2010-09-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Remember when you were five years old and your mother told you, "Don't talk to strangers?" Well Momma didn't know you were going to grow up to be a business owner and would need to master the art of talking to strangers to grow your business! People love their comfort zone. And in fact we will go a long way to avoid discomfort. The idea of making a presentation in public is the number one fear in the U.S. And it's not just making a speech that is causing panic. For many people, anxiety strikes when we present our ideas in front of other people. "Anytime people make verbal remarks that need to be clear and persuasive, we find widespread reports of stage fright and nervousness," says Paul Witt, PhD, professor of communication studies at a Texas University. But you're a business owner and you need to meet new people to make new customers. How do you do it?

Group Training-Wheels
Whether in a movie or real life we've all seen the stereotypical scene of a bunch of construction workers whistling at female passersby. Do you think if there was only one guy, he would behave the same way? Maybe, but most men would not. Why? They don't have the protection of the group. People can "hide in plain sight" in a group. Mobs collectively do things individuals would never think of doing alone.

The Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Course has an interesting exercise that plays on this natural reality. They don't force you to stand up in front of everyone and speak on the first day. Instead they make half the class get up to the front and just recite their names. After everyone is done, the entire group sits down. This is easier for people at the beginning because they are sharing the scary experience with others. Each week as the class goes on, your group gets smaller and smaller until eventually you have developed the confidence to speak in front of the group by yourself. Then the class is asked to list all of the things you did RIGHT - not what you did wrong. The more you speak, coupled with positive reinforcement, the more confident you become and the easier it gets.

Find Your Group
You can adapt the same teaching technique to your small business. The first step is picking a support group to help you over the rough spots. Let's say you are new in town - how do you meet people? Well most likely you met a realtor when you moved. Maybe you will be attending a church locally. When it comes to business, start by thinking community or hobbies. Follow the "50 butt" rule. If there are more than 50 butts in the room - yours should be in there with them! Even if you just sit, you will eventually be noticed and approached by someone who is interested in you're views on things. Good groups to check out...Kiwanis, United Way, Salvation Army, Municipal Advisory Councils, Town Meetings, Lions Club, Local Chamber of Comerce, School Board, School Booster Clubs, Garden Clubs, Dog Clubs, Cooking Groups, etc. Wherever you go, people will eventually want to get to know you...let them!

Relationship Building
Build on these relationships. Build on the strength of the group. What do they do in their spare time? What groups do they belong to? Find the friendliest person in the room and build on them. Drop hints that you would like to get involved in the community or the church but aren't sure how to do it. A friend of mine moved to a small town in Idaho. He didn't know anyone so he joined the local Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis club. Right away he volunteered to help with Business Support Committee for the chamber. Between these two groups he began to build his business. Withing three years he was serving on the Board of Directors for both the Chamber and the United way and is currently a past president of the Kiwanis. He also teaches adult education classes and writes business articles for the local newspaper. He attributes most of his business and current customers to connections he made helping out with these groups.

How to Turn Friends Into Customers
The great thing - or maybe the worst thing - about small towns is you can become well known very quickly. It's very important that your first impression be a positive one. Become an asset to any group you become affiliated with. Don't take over, but take on responsibility and make sure you follow up on everything asked of you.

We all want to support our friends. As people become more comfortable with you, you can begin to develop a business relationship with them. One place to start - Everyone within walking distance of your home or apartment should have your business card. In fact, give them two cards - one to keep and the other to pass along to a friend. These people are you neighbors. We want to support our neighbors. We have a common existance with them. Similar challenges and successes. Job, mortgage, kids, bills etc. Let them know what you're doing and even more importantly, ask what they do and become a customer of theirs.

Don't erase all of your hard work by selling a bogus product or service. Your friends, more than anyone, expect and deserve honesty and quality for their hard earned money. Your product and service quality should reinforce the relationship. If something is not right, make it right...immediately! Your friends are going to know people you don't know. I certainly make an effort to recommend my friends and I hope they will do the same.

Practice...Say Goodbye to Your Comfort Zone
The major challenge to making new friends is fear so you have to leave that comfort zone. Meet people halfway with a smile and a hello to get the ball rolling. I was in a discount store a short time ago and there was a couple behind me with two shopping carts full of towels. I made the comment, "You must be really clean people." They and several other people in line laughed. The ice was broken. We started a conversation and I discovered that they were opening a chiropractic clinic nearby. We exchanged business cards. I met two new people...potential customers.

Notice that the title of this blog was not "How to turn your customers into friends." The "friend" part should be your first objective. This keeps conversation and interest genuine rather than every conversation becoming a sales pitch for yourself. Show interest in others and they'll ask the questions in return. No matter how electronic our society gets, the skills of communication are priceless to a business owner.

Get a Higher Rank in Search Engines with Your Website

2010-09-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

This seems like every website owners nemesis. If you have your own website, you want visitors to come an visit. However if you want to drive more traffic or more visitors to your site then search engine optimization is what you'll want to focus on. Search engine optimization draws natural traffic to any web-blog or internet site. There are many ways to help make your site SEO friendly but here are four starters.

1. Time: You should always keep in mind that it will take time and energy to achieve good results. No one can achieve higher ranking in search engines in a few minutes or few hours. Some people do this full time. If you think that spending 10 minutes a week on your website will get you the response you want, you will most likely be disappointed. If you can, set aside an hour a day to optimize your site. Can't spend an hour? Do what you can or consider hiring a website manager or media manager.

2. Keep the Content Fresh: If you design your website and then never update it, search engines will classify the content as "old." So what? Well, the people who program the search engines believe that searchers want content that is current and up to date. Older content will rank lower than content that is updated monthly, weekly or daily. Adding articles, blogs, specials etc will keep your website changing and current. Ideally, you want people to visit your site every day, right? So give them (and the search engines) something new to look at.

3. All Roads Should Lead to You: If you had a storefront on a one way street, your traffic would be limited by the people driving by going that one direction right? If you want more people walking or driving by, (ie: more exposure), you will need more roads leading to you. The same goes with your website. Yes, you have a domain name that leads to you but that's only as good as that one-way road. You need to get your business and domain out in other places that lead to you as well. Do you have affiliated businesses that would put a link to youron their site if you put a link to them on yours? Do it! Put your business on free social sites as well. Getting your business in multiple locations will create more exposure and links (roads) to your site which will help validate you for search engines and get you found.

4. Watch your Words: When people type a phrase in a search engine like "affordable website design" the search engine will look for websites and webpages that have those specific words in their content. Search engines are not free-thinking people, they're robots that index your site for words. A search engine will not recognize that "affordable website design" is the same as "cheap web developement." You have to pay attention to the words you use and put yourself in your "visitor's" shoes. You also can't expect to come up in high ranks just because you used some keywords once or twice, they need to appear frequently and appropriately. If I say a page is about "web design," words and phrases on that page should apply to that topic rather than phrases like "cheap cell phone service." Yes people might search for cheap cell phones but they aren't looking for your page on website design. If a search engine thinks you're being misleading or keyword stuffing then they could block your site altogether.

There is no easy perfect solution to search engine optimization for your website. These four tips can get you started. If you need help with optimizing your website there are website managers and social media managers who can help allieviate the burden.

Good Luck and let us know if you have questions/need help!

Be Thankful for Your Problems

2010-09-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

You might have one of those wrinkles between your eyebrows at the moment contemplating the prospect of why anyone should be thankful for their problems or struggles but rest assured it's not a typo and I'm not losing my mind.

I have noticed over the past year that when the news starts spouting the doomsday regarding the state of the housing market, the economy, killer viruses and other fear driven news segments, I tune out. I change the channel or walk out of the room. Yes I could sit and think about how the world seems to be falling down around my ears... I don't have as much money in the bank as I'd like (or as much as I need some months), I have credit debt, health insurance that keeps going up even though I don't remember the last time I actually used it, increasing gas bills and lets not even think about how I won't be able to buy a house in the next decade (I'm self employed).

So it's a wonder that I can even get out of bed in the morning with all of these problems and struggles just waiting for me outside my door. How do I do it? I'm thankful for my problems!

There is a wonderful quote by the Greek author and philosopher, Plato.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."

It's true you should be kind to others but read between the lines. All it takes to put my own problems and woes in perspective is to take a look at someone else's struggle. Or just think about how much worse it could be. Let me give you some examples of what I am thankful for.

My health insurance keeps going up BUT I am thankful I don't actually need it. I am healthy. I have use of all of my faculties and I don't take medication on a daily basis. Yes the deeper gouge in my wallet seems like robbery but then I remember that there are people who cannot get insurance at all. I have it if I need it but right now, I'm thankful that I don't.

I moved in with my parents. I'm 28, married and living at home. (Don't pity my husband too much - he thinks my folks are pretty cool) It's not exactly what I had planned but I am thankful that I have people who love me enough to have this option. Some people don't have loved ones who they can count on when things get rough. I have a husband and family who wouldn't blink an eye to offer me a kidney if I needed one. Thankfully I usually only need a hug.

Here's the point. I'm thankful that I only have to worry about making the bills. I could be one of those fighting the harder battle.If you spend your time wallowing in the sorrows of today, you close your eyes to the things that mean the most over a lifetime. My most precious possessions have not been affected by the economic slump in the slightest.

Try not to get caught up in the negativity. See the bright side, be optimistic and keep moving forward. That's life. That's the point. At the end of the day when you're looking back - will you notice 2010 for what it really is - a reality check.

Small Business Marketing - Magic Business Words - "Thank You"

2010-08-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

We may be connected to everyone via the Internet, blackberries, smart phones, bluetooths, Facebook, Twitter and yes....Blogging! But there are basic proprieties that will get you far and move mountains in the small business world.

You need to master the Magic Business Words....Thank You!
Simple. To the Point. And yet they can make miracles happen. Most people remember what's most recent so if the last interaction you have with a customer or supplier is offering sincere gratitude - they will most likely remember "she was friendly" or "he appreciates my work."

So how do you apply it?

1. Send a thank you card to your customer after they've bought or used your services. It's all about that lasting impression. This is a cheap way to put yourself in front of someone again (Remember, everything you do is marketing when you're a small business owner) plus throw in a couple of business cards - you never know when they might make a referral.

2. Send thank you cards to people who refer you. They just did the leg work for you and brought in business, you need to acknowledge and thank them for it. It might be a good idea to throw in a gift card (and more business cards!) to show your appreciation. People who refer are gold mines. Don't neglect them.

3. Don't forget your suppliers or vendors. These are the behind-the-scenes crew that help make your business work. I have a printer I use who gives me rush turnaround for free whenever I need it all because I went above and beyond to be nice in the beginning. It's important to acknowledge quality service when you're a small business. Send a thank you or letter of recommendation to the big wigs of the company you buy from. Think of how much your account rep will love you if their boss gives them a raise for the review you wrote. It's all about karma here folks. Good begets good.

4. Send a thank you for no reason. Yes I just said it. What about a customer who hasn't been by in awhile or a portion of your database that you've been out of touch with? Send them one of those "Thanks for being you!" kind of cards and then tell them that you appreciate their business. It might be the reminder or push that sets you apart from your competitors and brings them back. No one can criticize sincerity. Can you imagine..."Yes that John Smith at ABC Widgets has such nerve, sending me a thank you card for no reason." It's will always be in your favor.

Something you should avoid if possible:
Bulk mailing. I actually dislike those letters that look like someone wrote the address and then realize it's bulk mail. If you can, hand-write all thank yous. The more personable the thank you, the more lasting is someones memory and the more sincere it makes you. Remember, this is a cheap way of marketing so put in a little elbow grease and work the writing fingers.

The payoff can be BIG!

Tips for Creating Professional and Memorable Business Cards

2010-08-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

A bit of history...

Business Cards began back in the early 17th century. In the days of Louis XIV,"Visiting cards" were used to introduce the social elite in "all of their solemn glory" in France. "Tradecards" were used by the London shop owners to advertise and act as maps to their location since there was no formal street numbering system at the time. In the 19th century, newspapers took off and tradecards effective advertising dwindled. The French tradition of visiting cards then came to the rest of Europe and America. There was a distinct difference in America between calling cards (social distinction) and business cards.

Have a business? Need a card!

Sounds like a no brainer but business cards are a must for a business. In the least, not having them could be disastrous for a small business. Imagine chatting up your new business with your awesome products and services to someone you just met and then just walking away... expecting that he or she will remember your name tomorrow to look you up. It's not feasible or efficient. Business cards are pocket-sized which means they're easy to have on your person at all times and when you give them away, it's easy for them to put in their own pocket, wallet or purse. It's not convenient to pull out a brochure or sales binder.

Professional versus "just printed"

You just spent 30 seconds reading about how business cards came from the French social elite and were used to announce someones visit to a household in "all of their solemn glory." Think they spent some time to make sure the cards reflected their "glory?" You bet! Your business cards reflect you, your professionalism, the quality of your business...everything in that little card! So when you go to the office supply - pick out the cheapest paper, design your cards in 5 mins and print them out on your printer which is running low on ink - what does that card say to the potential customer? "I'm cheap, rush through jobs and don't care about a quality product." It doesn't mean you have to go spend hundreds on business cards. It does mean you need to take some time to decide exactly what you want your cards to say. Above all else your business cards should say you are a professional.

Memorable and Unique

While you're developing your cards, try thinking outside the box a little.

Try a different shape: Long and skinny, rounded corners, leaf style, circle, half-round...there are lots of choices that could fit your business style.

Colors & Pictures: Try spicing up thinks with a cool background that fades in one corner or use your signature colors. People respond well to colors and textures but remember to still keep it professional.

More than just contact info: Print a map on the back, add a spot to write a next appointment time, get folded cards which can have a list of products or services. This is another way to stand out.

Get sticky: Printers can make your business cards into magnets or stickers which is another way to make it easy for people to keep them around.

Plastic, Linen, Metal & More: This can be more costly but changing the material might be what you're looking for.

There are printers out there with a variety of variations on business cards that are well priced and affordable.

Whatever you do, make it count! Once you design your business cards, the work is done, and you only have to worry about re-orders. Spend the time in the beginning and you'll have your business headed in a great direction with professional and memorable business cards.

Don't be Afraid to Ask the Question

2010-08-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful experience today when someone from our monthly Map Dot Bulletin email list sent us an email asking if we knew the actual date of when the Meadow Vista Pool would be opening.

I thought it was great that this person would not be afraid to ask the question. So many times in life we wonder or question something and usually the first solution (to the tech generation) is to get on the internet and "google" it. That's usually what I say to my dad when he's curious about something. But today this person might have searched and because there are very little resources online for small towns like Meadow Vista - they couldn't find the answer. So they came back to us!

Someday soon www.ThisIsMyTownUSA.com will be that complete online resource for small towns like Meadow Vista, CA. I get more excited when we have little victories like this that help reinforce our goal to connect small towns together with an online resource center. As it goes I have sent off an email to the person who heads up the Meadow Vista Pool re-build and I expect to be able to answer our curious gentleman in the nearest future.

Cheers to those who aren't afraid to ask the question!

Small Business Strategies for Target Marketing: Think Like Your Customer

2010-07-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

Do you want more customers? Of course!
Do you offer quality products and services? Sure!
Do you have a strong marketing strategy? I think so.
How well do you think like your customers? Ummmm....This is where the answers get fuzzy. Small business owners often have to wear many hats including marketing strategist. It can be frustrating when business is down and traditional marketing habits like postcards and yellowpage ads aren't working. Or maybe you're trying to take your marketing to the next level but aren't sure which way to go, where to spend your money. To begin any marketing strategy start by thinking like your customer.

Bill Stinnett, author or "Think Like Your Customer: A Winning Strategy to Maximize Sales by Understanding and Influencing How and Why Your Customers Buy" quotes his father in the beginning of his book by saying, "If you want to catch a fish, you have to think like a fish." When you think about it, it makes sense right? All you really need is a hook on a string to technically catch a fish. But instead we use lures and worms and stinky marshmallows to entice those fish to bite. Why? Because fish aren't looking for hooks. They're looking for flies, worms and bugs so we do our best to give them what they want. We're target marketing the fish. It's the same with our customers. A small business owner needs a strategy for direct and target marketing their customers. The first step is thinking like them.

Here's four simple ways to break down your business and think like your customer.

1. What kind of fish?

Who is your customer? Describe the person most likely to need or want your product/services. You might think that everyone should need/want what you have to offer but narrowing it down into groups of people will make it easier for your to create a strategy for those groups rather than trying to get everyone out there to buy. You use different bait for a rainbow trout than a halibut right? Your product/service is the bait so figure out what kind of fish is looking for you.

2. Why should the fish bite your lure?

Stay in your customers shoes here and think about it; "What is their motivation?" Fishing at noon when the fish is sleeping is not going to be as productive as when their starving at dusk. Thinking about your customers motivation might change your answer to number one above. You might realize that that one group has a weaker motivation to buy so you need to focus time and marketing to another whose motivation is strong.

3. Where do those fish hang out?

If you want to catch a salmon, don't go trolling in a pond! You might be used to marketing your product the same way you always have but if it's not working or you want to grow your business, you need to go where your target audience is. For example, if your customer is tech savy, you'll need to make sure you have a professional website since their likely to go online first. If your customers have kids, you'll want to partner with daycare centers or advertise in the school newsletter. Target your marketing around the areas and styles of the group of customers you're going for.

4. Position the right bait for the right fish!

Now that you are thinking like your customer - make sure your product/service is clear and available. A perfect example happened years ago when a pharmaceutical company shelved a cold medicine because they could correct the drowsiness it produced. Someone came along, took the same product, called it NyQuil and marketed it as a nighttime cold medicine. It became the largest selling cold medicine on the market. Just because your product is good doesn't mean it will sell, it must be positioned correctly. If your fly lure sinks to the bottom of the river, it doesn't look as appetizing as a fly that skips along the surface.

These four steps are not linear or stagnant. You'll always need to take some time and check in to make sure you're meeting your customers needs and marketing your business to it's peak. A strategy is always ready to change and plans for tomorrow.

Now go catch some fish!

Consistent Communication with your Database PAYS off!

2010-07-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Did you know that when polled, 86% of people who had recently used a business or service said they would use that same business again?

The same 86% said they would also refer that Business to their family, friends and co-works but only 7% actually did!

Don't let this happen to you and your small business. Interviews with top professionals in their field listed that staying in front of their database (past customers) often and with something of value, was the number one key to their success.

More relationships means more referrals and more referrals mean more money and a recession-proof business. If you consider that every person in your database is worth $100.00 per month, wouldn't you want to make sure they remember your business and how much they liked working with you? We could be conservative and say that each customer is only worth $25.00 per month but with 500 past customers or clients that would be $12,500.00 per month. Now think bigger. Every person knows 250 people on average and may have up to 200 friends on facebook. They LOVE to refer good people (good businesses) that they trust to everyone they talk to IF they can remember you!

You can't blame them if they forgot about you. You're in business and it's your job (or your marketing department if your big enough to have one) to keep your business in front of people consistently. Client thieves (the ones who advertise) are out there stealing your past and current clients with costly advertising and gimmicks OR....just consistent communication.

Don't have the time or that big marketing department? Hire your kid or a local teen to load names and email addresses in MS Outlook or some other database software program. Then start off your Monday with a quick email with either a special, a tip or update and hit the send button. You need to do more than just say hi. Send something of value and keep it short - an educational tip about your industry, a new special being offered at your business or even an handy tip that saves people money will be worth the time to read it.

Make sure your signature at the bottom of the email has your name and contact information so that when the moment of truth arrives....they remember and refer you!

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