List of Lists for 2011

New Year’s Eve is a time for me to make my list of lists that I post on my white board in my office.
My 2011 lists are for a variety of purposes; business and personal growth, thoughts, ideas, resolutions, and random To-Do items.
Books to read
People to call
People to meet
People to connect/reconnect with
Charities to support
Trips to take
Articles to write
Random acts of kindness to accomplish
Groups to speak to
Friends to spend time with
Projects to start
Projects to finish
Meals to try
Benefits to attend
People to appreciate
I am ALWAYS looking to expand this list! If you have another list category or a suggestion or an idea, please make a comment on this blog, or email me at Mary@ProductiveLeaders.com.
Happy New Year!
By Mary Kelly mary@productiveleaders.com

Slow Paying Customer

Losing an account can be a result of your own doing. If you find that the time it takes to get paid is too long and getting even longer all the time, you may need to reconsider that company's business. Obviously, you will make all the efforts you can to resolve the situation but sometimes you just can't seem to do it. It is hard to break someone else's habit once they have been doing it for a while.

If the longer payment time leaves you in a no profit situation or a break even position, it's not worth it. You have your own bills to pay and the money you have made needs to be there. Cutting off or firing a regular account will almost bring tears to your eyes but sometimes it has to be done. You can't put your entire business in jeopardy because of one or two customers, regardless of how big the account is. Your first responsibilty is to your company and your employees so take action.
More on Losing an account in chapter 19 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" (in the UK "Save Your Business") available in bookstores, anazon, B&N.

Unusual January Holidays

Here are some little know but true January holidays that you can use in your business for fun and profit.

3 Festival of sleep Day
4 Humiliation Day
5 Bird Day
10 Pecular people Day
13 Blame someone else Day
14 National dress-up your pet Day
16 Intl Hot & Spicy food Day
18 Winnie the Pooh Day
19 National popcorn Day
21 National hugging Day
23 National Pie Day
25 Opposite Day
28 Natioanl Kazoo Day
29 National cornchip Day
30 Escape Day

Everyone has at Least one Book inside Them Waiting to be Written

Writing Your First BookThe next "Writing Your First Book" seminars are scheduled for Thurs Feb 10, 6:15 PM & Saturday Feb 12, 9 AM, 2011 and Saturday Feb 26, 2011, 9 AM in Colorado Springs. Learn how to structure your book, average number of words/pages, adding stories and humor plus how to get published without paying for it. Over 350 people have attended in 2010 & they are working on their books now. This seminar is only $25 and everyone is welcome but limited to 15 people each session. They sometimes book up quickly so reserve a seat now. Email idealetter@aol.com or call... 877-700-1322 for more info and to register.

Direct Mail Breakdown

According to the USPS this is the amount of mail passing through processing including all your direct mail advertising. It has probably increased a few percent in the last couple years.
* 203 billion pieces were processed in 2008
* 667 million mail pieces processed every day
* 28 million average number of mail peices processed evey hour
* 463,000 average number of mail pieces processed every minute
* 7,700 aver number of mail pieces processed every second
* 835 million international mail pieces processed
With all that mail in the system we have not given up on direct mail for our business yet. It is still one of the least expensive ways to reach customers if done correctly.
More on Direct Mail in my ne book "90 Days to Success as a Small Buisness Owner" available at amazon.com and elsewhere

Christmas Gift Suggestions

To your enemies give forgiveness
To an opponent give tolerance
To a friend give your heart
To a customer give great service
To everyone give charity
To every child give a good example
To yourself give respect
To God give everything

It's New.... Now What?

When you have a new idea that has developed into a product or service that you think will change the world, step back analyze your market first. Innovation is great but will it provide the ROI that you need and expect? Ask these questions before jumping in with both feet.
* Is it an original idea?
* Is there a broad need for it?
* Will buyers understand it?
* Who will buy it?
* Is the price affordable?
* Can you afford the marketing cost?
* Can you handle a big demand for it?
* Will you offer a guarantee?
* Who will manufacture it?
* What are your profit goals?
* What if it doesn't sell?
* Can competitors copy it easily?
More articles like this in our 8 page monthly newsletter, The Idea-Letter (since 2002). Free sample at www.idealetter.com or call 719-268-1322

Products on Consignment

If a supplier is trying to talk you into carrying a new or improved product, you may be able to get it on consignment, which means you don't pay for it until you sell it. There is no inventory cost and no accounts payable to worry about. Just provide selling space and add it to your catalog or direct mail literature.

This can also be done with closeout items and a big stock-up for a coming sale. Ask, fax, call or email all your suppliers and see if they are interested in working with you. If you get 20 no's and 3 yes's, you're still ahead in the game. Consignment items can make your store or catalog look fully stocked at a minimum cost to you.
More on raising capital in chapter 22 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" available at bookstores, amazon.com and Kindle.

Breaking Promises

One way to alienate customers and lose valuable trust is to say you'll do something then not do it. It doesn't matter whether you intended to do and forgot or just promised something to get a quick sale. Customers who have had this experience with your business will not forget it and will lose faith in everything else you say, promise or advertise.

Why should they beleive you? You've already demonstrated that you can't be trusted. About half of them will probably transfer their patronage to one of your competitors whom they think can be trusted. The lost business will multiply if you keep breaking promises and frustrating customers. The best policy is "If you say it, do it."
More on fixing customer care in chapter 1 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" in USA and "Save Your Business" in the UK.

Shrinkage & Theft

When a business owner is not always around their small business things may start to disappear. It happens slowly at first then if it goes unnoticed or disregarded the losses start to accelerate. The cash reister may be a little short or cash has been taken out for questionable expenses. But it seems that your customer level is about the same but cash receipts are lower by 5 to 10 percent. How can this be?

If you don't put a stop to little amounts right away they start to get out of hand before you know what happened. don't overlook small discrepencies in daily receipts that are happening several times a week, it's probably not a coincidence and should be investigated. If you're not even checking your daily receipts and cash to see if it balances out, you need to find a way to do it soon. Don't let there be any room for dishonesty in your business.
More on Owner Neglect in chapter 7 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" available at amazon.co, B&N and signed copies at 877-700-1322

Birthdays & Business

We all feel special that one day a year that is our birthday. It's also a good day for businesses to offer a special discount or gift to the person for their birthday and not available to anyone else at that time. Have a list sign-up in your store or at your website where everyone can enter thier birthday (without the year) to receive this special gift or discount. Make a big deal out of this so even non-customers will want to join and share in the fun and celebration.

Mail or email a certificate or notice about 10 days before their big date so they thay can plan to come in or use it online. You might even have a seperate birthday area or table set up where they can stop and be recognized on their special day. They just need to show the mail or email you sent them to qualify. Make the offer of a discount last for a few days before and a few days after their birthday so they will have time to use it. That little extra you offer will make make people remember your business and know that you care.
More ideas like this in my new book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner" available for pre-order at amazon.com

Reclaim Lost Customers

One of the best sources of new business can be old business. Those lost customers who no longer fill your bank account are still out there and may be waiting for you to come and get them back. Because they were previous customers, they know your company but something changed at your business or in the market that made them leave. Maybe the person responsible for the negative situation is no longer there and his or her replacement will be more receptive. Contact them again and make a sincere effort to get them back.
More on customer care in chapter 1 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" available in bookstores and amazon.com

Listen to Employees

The people who work for your business, your associates, know more about your company than you think they do. They also see things from a different perspective than you and your upper level managers. They may have ideas for new products, services, procedures and ways of improving customer service. Many will have more direct or indirect contact with your customers than you do. They hear and observe valuable information that you need to grow your business.

When they want to tell you what they know you should make the time to listen. Either have an open door policy or set specific times aside to listen to any and all of your employees. It also makes them feel important and be a significant part of the company team.
More on Business Listening in chapter 43 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" available at amazon.com, Kindle or signed copies at 877-700-1322

Raise Prices Carefully

Increasing prices has always been a touchy subject for both sellers and buyers. But higher prices will bring in more of that needed capital, so your should consider it. Select items or services that are more unque or that you can provide a better value on. Hot commodity products should be left alone or only increased by only a small amount. You don't have to increase the prices of every product by the same percentage.

Try to vary the increase according to your ability to convince the customer that it's necessary. Raising your prices is always better than reducing quality or services. It's always wise to make a one-time increase than small amounts every month or two. People will expect an increase occaisionally and learn to live with it.
More on raising capital quickly in chapter 22 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" available in bookstores and amazon.com

Writing Your First Book

The next "Writing Your First Book" seminars are scheduled for Thurs Feb 10 6:15 PM & Saturday Feb 12 9 AM, 2011 in Colorado Springs. Learn how to structure your book, average number of words/pages, adding stories and humor plus how to get published without paying for it. Over 350 people have attended in 2010 & they are working on their books now. This seminar is only $25 and is for everyone and can also be given as a gift for the holidays. Email idealetter@aol.com or call... 877-700-1322 for more info and to register.

What's Missing?

What's missing in retail today? I know it, you know it, we all know what it is; that personal service and feeling that your business is appreciated. Where is it? Why did it disappear and how do we get it back? When your business has it, there is extra value added to every sale.

That extra 5 cents for a tube of toothpaste doesn't really matter anymore. The good feeling the customer receives during the purchase is worth more than a few cents higher in price. It makes the shopping and spending money experience more pleasant plus keeps patrons returning over and over again. Put that personal service back in to your business and watch sales grow!
More on your retail attitude in chapter 37 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" available at www.amazon.com or signed copies at 877-700-1322.

Employees Care

Most of us small business owners really like our employees. They wake up every morning, shower, eat breakfast and travel for 20 minutes or more to our business. They come in to work every day to do their job and help the company be successful and profitable. If they are doing their best to grow the company, shouldn't they share the rewards? Shouldn't they get a piece of the action when business is good? My answer is yes but only to a certain degree.

Most of us have been employees in the past and felt that we put in a pretty good effort. If you worked for a large corporation you got reasonable benefits but little else. The salary was satisfactory but most large companies don't give bonus' to the rank and file. And praise for doing a good job... what's that? A small business can offer their employees many things that a larger company won't bother with.
More on this subject in chapter 10 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" Career Press Publ, ("Save Your Business" in the UK) available at amazon & bookstores.

That Pesky Competition

Being a strong core company will be your best defense against money-hungry competitors out there. They will always strike where the resistance is weakest and you should do the same. An offensive move by a competitor should bring out the best in you and your business strategy. Keep looking for ways to improve your basic business and never accept status quo for very long.

Things can change quickly and if you're not a part of it you're left behind. Your basic business needs to keep up with the changing times to stay profitable. So if you're in the mousetrap business, don't go off trying to sell luxury doghouses and assume no one will build a better mousetrap. By the time you find out that it happened, you'll have to play catch-up. And catch-up is more difficult and less profitable than being the leader or at least in the top three. Stay on top of your industry and watch your competitors.

More on competition in chapter 9 of the book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" Career Press Publ available at bookstores & amazon.com

Have the Courage

A great deal of talent is lost in the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves onscure men whom timidly prevented from making a first effort; who, if they could have been induced to begin, would in all probability have gone to great lengths in the career of fame. The fact is that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger but jump in and scramble as well as we can.
By Sydney Smith

School and Life

The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.”

Take a Business Survey

If you want to know what your customers are thinking and how they feel about your company, just ask them. By asking them you will probably get as many as 80% who will give you the honest answers that you need. You will be giving customers and serious prospects a chance to say how they really feel about your business; what products they like, don't like and want to see in the future. Whether the responses are good or bad, it's information you need to improve.

Information drives the business world and the more you have, the better chance you'll have to to succeed in your target market. It's like playing golf; if you don't know what you're doing wrong, how can you improve your game and score? Maybe that's why I take extra golf balls every time I play. Next time I'll take a survey of the others in my foursome and I'm sure I'll get some answers.
More on this subject and others in my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" available at amazon.co or signed copies at 877-700-1322.

Using Credit Lines

These are great sources of capital because you only pay interest when you need to use the money. You can borrow and pay back over and over again without any additional approval. Use the money at will and only pay the minimum monthly payment or more when you have it available. They can be set up at your bank, brokerage firm or tied to a home equity loan. You don't have to be a large business to get a credit line.

All the paperwork to qualify is done in the beginning and as long as you follow the terms, you won't have to do it again except for maybe some updates. The smart way to do this is to set up a credit line before you get into a cash flow problem so the money is avalable immediately. These are usually the best sources of quick cash because you control the purse strings.
More on Raising Capital Quickly in chapter 22 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" available at bookstores, Amazon, Kindle etc.

Creativity

The creative person wants to be a know-it-all. He wants to know about all kinds of things; ancient history, nineteenth century mathematics, current manufacturing techniques, flower arranging and hog futures. Because he never knows when these ideas might come together to form a new idea. It may happen six minutes later or six months or six years down the road. But he has faith that it will happen.
By Carl Ally (Advertising Icon)

Business Books as Holiday Gifts

Knowledge and Ideas are a great gift and these books were written from over 30+ years of experience (Most available for Kindle & other ebooks)

In the USA (Amazon, B&N, bookstores)
The jelly Bean Principle (Oak Tree Books)
When the Shit Hits the Fan (Career Press)
90 Days to Success a as Small Business Owner (Cengage Learning)

In the UK and Europe (amazon.co.uk)
Save Your Business (Crimson Publ)

In india
23 Reasons Why Businesses Fail (Jaico Books)

Lessons Learned

Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you're generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make.
By Donald Trump

Value Added Service

We've probably all heard that term but do we really understand what it means? Value added service is providing your product or service with "more service." Something extra, something the customer didn't expect but received anyway. Something that makes you stand out from your competitors because they are not doing it. They are not doing it because it's too much trouble, too costly or because they never thought of it.

Some people really want the extras and are willing to be loyal to a business to get them. Value added service can be as simple as a big smile during the purchase or as much as helping a customer assemble something that comes in 50 parts. Or really anything in between that is not usually provided with a similiar purchase. If you care about your customers and want them to return, find a way to add value to what they buy from you.
More on Value Added Services in chapter 83 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" available at amazon.com or signed copies 877-700-1322

Cross Promotion

One way to promote and market your business when funds are tight is by cross promotion. This working with another business that wants the same target customer but is not a competitor. You can refer customers to each other and even offer a small discount while doing it. This means telling the customer about the other business not just a brochure on your counter. There can be 2, 3 or more businesses in your network but make sure each one is actually doing it.

Before you actually agree to a cross promotion partner check out their quality and service to be sure they are offering the level you expect the customer to receive. Because if something goes wrong at their business the customer will also blame you for referring them. Some examples of cross promotion partners are; Bridal shop, Flower store & Photographer or a Hotel/Motel, restaurant and tourist attraction. Another is an auto dealer, insurance agent and car wash. This is an ongoing marketing plan that costs very little and benefits everyone in the network.

Writing Your First Book

The next "Writing Your First Book" seminars are scheduled for Feb 10 6:15 PM & Feb 12 9 AM, 2011 in Colorado Springs. Learn how to structure your book, average number of words/pages and how to get published without paying for it. Over 350 people have attended in 2010 & they are working on their books now. This seminar is $25 and is for everyone and can also be given as a gift for the holidays. Email idealetter@aol.com or call... 877-700-1322 for more info.

Getting Behind on Bills

This happens to all of us at one time or another and it's probably unavoidable. For your business though, it can be a little more serious and you need to watch it more closely. If you ignore the fact that you're getting behind on supplier bills, it will only get worse and maybe out of control. Keep a physical and/or computer file of all invoices received and date them. Invoices can come in the mail, fax or email. Once they are received and dated and approved you need a system to keep track of the oldest or most important ones and when they are due.

Most business computer accounting programs will do this for you and bills should be entered as soon as possible. If you're using a manual system have different files for suppliers and expenses. An if you have a major supplier make a seperate file for them. As cash flow comes in you can decide which ones are the most important and pay those first. If you can't pay a bill in full a partial payment will buy you a little extra time so send it.
More on paying bills slowly in chapter 5 of the book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" available at bookstores and www.amazon.com

Don't Make People Wait

A small business owner or manager lives for those times when you have more customers than you can handle at one time. People are actually waiting to be your customer and that is great. But make their wait too long or even seem too long and you may lose them and may not get them back. When you have spent all your marketing dollars to get them in your store or business, on your website or on the phone, it's a terrible waste to let them get away.

Remember that even one lost customer can also be lost repeat business several times over. So you need an advance plan to keep them from waiting too long. A plan that you and your employees put into action when a customer is waiting more than is comfortable for most people. Review this plan with everyone before any expected busy periods.
More on this subject in chapter 53 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" available at amazon.com or signed copies call (USA) 877-700-1322

Exhibit at a Trade Show ?

When deciding if you should spend the serious money to be in a trade show check it out first. If possible attend the show or a similiar one and see if the type of people walking the aisles are what you are looking for. If you don't want to wait for the next show ask the show management for a video of the previous show or find it on youtube. Here are some reasons why you may want to exhibit at a trade show.
.Increase sales and profits
.Meet and entertain customers
.Announce new products and services
.Get sales leads and prospects
.Find new distributors
.Have show special sales
.Build a new mailing list
.Get media publicity
.Check out your competitors
.Hire sales reps who are there
.Network in your industry
.Find new suppliers
.Conduct seminars & meetings
More on trade shows in chapter 13 of my new book "90 Days to Success as a Business Owner" available for pre-order at amazon.com

Publicity But Not Profits

Three things come to mind that generate publicity instead of profits. They are full color catalogs advertising products for sale and book signings. The Sears catalog of years ago (some called it the Dream Book) has become obsolete and too expensive to print and distribute. People can see the same things on the company website and even get their coupons there. Businesses using catalogs should cut back to full color flyers or 4 page brochures. The next waste of money, paper and distribution is the phone book. Many people I know (me included) just throw them out or maybe keep one of the 4 or so I get. Everything is on the internet now and few use the heavy phone book anymore. They should be either eliminated or sold for $1.00 each and picked up at locations around your city. Businesses can spend their ad dollars better elsewhere.

I am an international author who believes that book signings themselves don't generate profits and probably lose money. What they do for celebrity authors is create publicity by getting coverage in the media. When a celebrity comes to town and has 500 people in line to buy books that barely covers the cost of promoting it, travel expense, security and shipping cost of the books. The publisher hopes to break even on the trip. What it does is create that excitement for people to buy the book online or in other stores around the country and world. For us non-celebrities there is little hope because the store won't spend the money (other than maybe a sign in the window) to promote your book signing. But if you enjoy it and love to meet your readers the experience can be fun but don't expect to make much of a profit.

I Heard About..

a local dry cleaner with 2 locations that offered free cleaning and pressing of all business clothes for anyone who is unemployed or homeless. They want them to look their best when going on an interview and hopefully get the job. This owner has filled a need that no one knew existed and is getting a lot of word-of-mouth publicity. Where do you think that these people will get all their dry cleaning done when they are working again? How can you incorporate an idea like this in your business?

No Tolerance policy

To have a successful and growing business everyone must follow rules to avoid anything that will deter from that success. Certain acts of unacceptable behavior have no place in any positive work enviornment and must be eliminated without question. Make a list, give to each employee and post in several places.
.Stealing from the company
.Deliberate accounting errors
.Sexual harassment
.Poor treatment of customers
.Drug and achohol abuse
.Swearing or unappropriate jokes
.Destroying company equipment
.Unacceptable personal hygiene
.accepting bribes from cuatomers or suppliers
.Insubordination
.Lying or cheating about time worked
More on No Tolerance Policies in chapter 4 of the book "Save Your Business" available at www.amazon.co.uk

W-O-M

Positive word-of-mouth (W-O-M) about your business is more powerful than any advertising that you can buy. You can spend all your marketing dollars on full color ads, commercials, infomercials and direct mail and it's still not as forceful as one person telling a friend or relative to consider your business.

The person passing the good will may have had a pleasant experience or feel that they received a great deal so they want to let everyone else know about it; it's just human nature. The people who got the W-O-M passed on to them know it's sincere and was not from the company but from someone they trust. You just can't buy that kind of praise or referral because it's not for sale, you have to earn it.
More on W-O-M in chapter 8 in "The Jelly Bean Principle" avail at Amazon, Kindle or signed copies 877-700-1322

Next Years Marketing Plan

Another year is coming to an end and the new year is close. Whether you had a good 2010 or not, you hope to do better in 2011 and grow your business. The best way to experience success and business growth is to plan your marketing strategy early. Then you will know what you are going to do, when you are going to do it and how you will pay for it. Write down now the plan you have in your mind and adjust your budget to have the funds available for these marketing plans. As always use several different marketing ideas and broaden your marketing mix. It's also a good time to test new ideas and see if they will benefit your business. Just get your plan on paper soon and you can always change parts of it as you go along. Next year, 2011 will be the recovery, growth and success year for all of us!

Chamber Networking

Chamber of Commerce and business get togethers are where business people meet others with ideas in mind. Maybe your competitors are too busy to join or attend meetings and you can be there representing your industry. Some may even think it's a waste of time and it won't help their business. But you can be there to listen, meet people and even contribute.

You never know when you'll find the "Golden Goose" at a chamber meeting or event who will be a great asset to your business. Most of the networking is done during the cocktail or social hour in the beginning so arrive early and mingle. And if there is a lunch or dinner find a table where you don't know many people so you can network there before the formal meeting starts. Don't ignore the power of meeting new business people at these meetings.
More on networking in chapter 15 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" available at Amazon, B&N or call 877-700-1322 for signed copies.

Telemarketing With Class

If you want to be successful when telemarketing here are some Don'ts that you need to remember.
.Don't talk too fast or non-stop
.Don't be rude or disrespectful
.Don't use hard sell or high pressure tactics
.Don't disregard your local calling laws
.Don't use slang or off-color words
.Don't forget to stop selling when they say yes
.Don't make promises you can't keep
.Don't speak too loud or too soft
.Don't take it personally if someone hangs up
.Don't forget to introduce yourself first
.Don't neglect to start calling your list backwards
.Don't forget to say "Thank You" to everyone
More on telemarketing in chapter 30 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" available at Amazon or 877-700-1322

Generation Changes

Every 25 years or so a new generation moves into the buyer age. They may have new wants and needs in the products they buy. If you're trying to sell what appealed to the previous generation you are going to run into problems. The new generation may not want it and if it's forced on them they will go elsewhere. What was once a hot item becomes obsolete quickly. Consider whether your father's idea of "cool" is the same as your own.

The same goes with clothes; the new generation doesn't want to look like their parents. They want their own individuality and how they dress is what you see first. The manufacturers as well as the stores have to target their styles to the generation that will buy them. Styles change so quickly, especially for the younger generation, that many stores have to reduce prices to get some of their cost back.
More on this subject in chapter 13 of my book "Save Your Business" Crimson Publishing, available at www.amazon.uk

Front Line Authority

In any sales environment, there will always be front line people who have direct contact with customers. Hopefully you have selected your most cordial and knowledgeable employees for this important part of your business. In many cases they will even get to know your customers better than you, the owner does. Good front line people can supply customer satisfaction, create repeat business, referrals and loyalty which will help grow your company.

It doesn't matter whether it's a retail or business to business situation, they will get to know your customers. And your customers will get to know them also, especially the "good ones" and the "bad ones." While your big corporate competitors insist that their front line people "follow the book" like robots, you can let your good people make minor decisions on their own. This will solve many problems quickly and put a smile on the customer's face.
More on Front Line Authority in chapter 47 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" available at amazon.com or 877-700-1322.

Pricing Headaches

Pricing your products and services can be a real challenge only because there is no real set of rules. Here are some things to consider when tryng to set your prices:
.What the market will bear
.Your actual cost
.Your profit goals
.Your sales volume goals
.Cost to market it
.What competitors are doing
.Seasonal changes
.Service and maintenance costs
.Large quantity discounts
.Payment terms/discounts offered
.Your total overhead
.Prestige of ownership
.Discontinued item or service
.Customer or business demand
.Display & promotion costs
.Advertising & Selling costs
More on pricing strategies in my new book "90 Days to Success as a Business Owner" Cengage Learning Publ. and available for pre-order at amazon.com

Lots of Little Guys

There will be many times when your competition won't only be the big discount stores but also many smaller stores and businesses similiar to yours. It may seem that every time you drive down the street or open the newspaper you see "Opening Soon" banners and ads for new competitors. It seems like a virus that keeps spreading and you must learn to cope.

The other businesses are opening because they feel that there is enough business for everyone in the target market and are aware that you are there. If they've done their homework and checked the demographics they can project the size of your market. They are not just going into business to steal your customers but may have a new concept or idea. This may also bring new potential customers into the target market that will be beneficial to both of you. But keep an eye on them and be ready to protect your customer base if necessary.
More on competition in chapter 9 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" Career Press Publisher and available at bookstores and amazon.com

Temporary Discounts

Discounting your products and services can give a boost to cash flow and sales. But be careful that the offer doesn't last too long or it will have a negative effect on profits. Here are reasons to use temporary discounts.
.Grand Opening-Get those first customers to buy from your new business
.New Product Launch-You need people to be using your new idea or product to create word-of-mouth publicity
.Selling Anything Perishable-If it doesn't sell at any price it may be trash
.Increase Cash Flow-You need immediate cash to pay important obligations
.Move Out Old Inventory-New improved products are coming on the market and the old must go quickly
.Loss Leaders-Get people in your store or on your website who may also purchase other items
.Increase Sales-makes your income statement look like you are growing and prosperous
.Fighting a Competitor-When they price cut you don't want your customers going there, match them or do better
.Point-of Sale-Catch people's eye when payiong for another purchase and make an additional sale

Error on a Good Customer's Order

There's nothing as bad as having a product delivered or a service done and it's not what the customer expected. Errors and misunderstandings happen more often than they should and sometimes it's difficult to handle. Even if it's your fault, save the customer. And how long will it take to make it right? What was once a two week delivery is now four weeks because it has to be redone. Will they now be more upset about the longer delivery?

And what if the error is the customer's fault for not checking proofs, samples or specs along the way? If the value of the order is large and the customer is at fault you need to decide if they are worth doing it over at your expense. How long and how many future orders will it take to make up for this lost revenue? And will the customer actually reorder after this problem? It's a tough call and you must make that decision.
More on customer problems in chapter 19 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" by Barry Thomsen, Career Press Publishing

Employee Suggestions

As old fashioned as it sounds, having a suggestion box still works and it gives employees an outlet to voice their opinions. By having a specific place or box for them to submit ideas, it shows that you are really interested in what they have to say. Your employees see your business from a different perspective than you do, especially the job they do every day.

Their ideas and suggestions about your business are better than you'll get from any expensive consulting firm. Most people will give you their observations and opinions based on current and past experiences. They will want to make their job easier, more productive and rewarding as well as benefit the company. Always give employees some reward for great suggestions that you use and they will keep submitting them.
More on employee training in chapter 4 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" Career Press Publishing. Available in bookstores and amazon.com.

Surprise Customers

Did someone ever do something for you or give you a gift for no particular reason and that was not expected. How did it perk you up and brighten your day? I think most of us like positive and pleasant surprises once in a while and we usually remember them long after they have occured. When a business does something special or surprises you with a kind gesture, it's so unusual that it mentally puts them on the top of your priority list.

Catching people off-guard with a positive surprise can really build loyalty, at least for a short time. But 6 months to a year later that feeling of gratitude may have worn off and needs to be repeated. Find a way to surprise customers and clients in a way that you know competitors would never do and create that bond and loyalty.
More on surprising customers in chapter 39 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" at amazon.com or www.idealetter.com

Doing Business in Germany

.Businessmen wear dark suits, solid color, conservative ties and white shirts
.Women wear business suits or conservative attire
.Chewing gum while talking to someone is considered rude
.Germans don't like surprises. Sudden changes in business, whether good or bad are not usually welcome
.Being punctual in Germany is a must. Arriving late even a couple minutes is insulting
.When introduced to a German woman, wait to see if she extends her hand .Business is very serious in Germany and they don't appreciate humor during business
.In business meetings age takes precedence over youth. In a group setting the eldest person enters first.
.People that have worked together for years still shake hands every morning like they just met
.Germans love to talk on the phone. Important decisions are not made on the phone but expect many follow-up calls, faxes and emails
.Germans guard their private life so don't phone or drop in at a German exectuive's home without prior permissiom

Tuesday November 16, 2010

Cheap Marketing Ideas for Your BusinessFor all you business owners in the Colorado Springs area I will be speaking on more cheap marketing ideas at the Black Chamber of Commerce on Nov 16, 2010 at 6PM. Ways to market your business and yourself when there is little or no money in the budget. It's at the Southeast YMCA on Jet Wing Dr. in Colo Springs. There is no cost and they love guests to come, everyone is welcome. This is my 3rd visit to their meetings and you will leave with some new ideas to use in your business. No reservation just show up and ask what room the chamber meeting is in at the front desk. See you there.

Great Phone Employees

Contact with customers and potential customers by phone is a crucial part of getting a sale, solving a problem and creating loyalty. Since you may not be able to handle all the calls yourself you will need people to assist you. These are some of the most important employees you will have because they have first contact with the caller. Here are things to look for when hiring.
.Pleasant and easy-to-listen-to phone voice
.Speaking speed not too fast or slow
.Proper grammer and pronounciation
.Positive and optomistic
.Speak loud enough without offending
.Persistent without being pushy
.Know when to stop talking
.Sense of humor but not silly
.Enjoy meeting new people
.Confident and reassuring
.Knowledgable of your products/services
.Believe in your products/services
.No hard to understand accent
.Enjoy being on the phone
.Would you buy from them by phone
More on this subject in Chapter 48 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

Why Customers May Not Come Back

.A problem was not resolved
.They moved out of your selling area
.They are unhappy with your product/service
.They found lower prices & higher value elsewhere
.Your competitor has a better selection
.They don't feel their business is appreciated
.They had an argument with an employee
.Technology left you behind
.A competitor stole them away
.They now have a relative in the business
.Delivery took too long
.They no longer use your product/service
.They can't afford to buy
.Your hours don't fit their schedule
More on lost customers in chapter 1 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan"

Hire Superstars

We all want the best possible employees we can get for the money we're able to pay but do we all take the time necessary to select them? You must remember that the people on your staff who have direct contact with your customers represnt your total company. They are what can "make you or break you" as the saying goes. If they don't please your patrons and WOW them, there's no reason for their repeat business.

Without customers that remember your business, you're just another jelly bean in the jar. Great employees on the front line and behind the scenes are the foundation of a growing, prosperous and successful business. Don't underestimate their power in your company. Always look for that Superstar attitude in everyone you hire.
More on Superstar employees in chapter 5 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

Don't Destroy Customer Loyalty

Customer loyalty is what keeps your business going in tough times and makes you grow faster in good times. But you must be sure that you don't destroy that loyalty and lose it. Watch for these signs and correct them immediately.
.Poor/miserable customer service
.Owner ignoring customers
.Poorly displayed merchandise
.Poorly designed website
.Make them wait long to pay
.Have a no-refunds policy
.Inadequate business hours
.Have a long delivery time
.Drag out solving a problem
.Making "No Exceptions" your policy
.Poorly dressed or groomed employees
.High price for low quality
.Cash or C.O.D. only-no credit cards
.Ignoring their requests or ideas
.Never saying Thank You after every sale
.Not appreciating a regular customer
.Closing before posted hours
.Shutdown to go on vacation
.Not smiling & being pleasant
More of these signs and ideas on loyalty in chapter 35 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" available at bookstores, online and Kindle

What NOT to Say to the Media

If the media approaches you after bad publicity has affected your business be careful what you say because it can and may be used and reported. Here are some phrases you might want to avoid.
.It's not our fault
.We're only human
.We don't have time for this
.We can't be held responsible
.We're busy, call tomorrow
.Don't make me laugh
.I was out of town when it happened
.We're not going to do anything
.We can't be bothered with this
.It's how we run our business
.Nobody's perfect
.The public will forget
.Just forget it; I did
.Go chase a real story
.Submit your questions in writing
More on surviving bad publicity in chapter 8 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" available in bookstores, online and Kindle

You Can Write & Publish a Book

The Last.. Writing Your First Book seminar
It's been said that everyone has at least one book inside them waiting to be written, what's yours about? I will present a seminar on Saturday November 6, 2010 called WRITE-PUBLISH-PROMOTE at my office from 9AM to 10:30 AM (Colorado Cards, 5585 Erindale Dr #203, Colo Spgs, CO). I have 4 published business books and 2 more in process. You'll learn how to come up with a catchy title, organize chapter outlines, plan for the correct number of pages and words, write the first draft, edit, search for a publisher and agent, submission guidelines and accept rejection. Find out the difference between a mainstream publisher, print on demand, self-publishing, e-books and which one is best for you. Why pay for publishing if you don't have to. Then promoting your book after it's published using many different ways is just as important. Attendance is limited to the first 15 adults at $22.00 per person. Nothing else will be sold at the seminar. The space is limited and past seminars have been selling out so please call 719-268-1322 or email: idealetter@aol.com to reserve a seat.

Unusual November Holidays

These are some real but unusual holidays that you can use in your business for fun and profit.
1 National Author's Day
3 National Cliche Day
6 Saxaphone Day
7 Hug a Bear day
9 Sadie Hawkins Day
13 World Kindness Day
15 America Recycles Day
17 Take a Hike Day
18 Mickey Mouse Day
19 Discovery Day
19 Have a Bad Day Day
21 World Hello Day
23 National Cashew Day
25 National Parfait Day
29 Square Dance Day

Tuesday November 16, 2010 6PM

Cheap Marketing Ideas for Your Business
For all you business owners in the Colorado Springs area I will be speaking on more cheap marketing ideas at the Black Chamber of Commerce on Nov 16, 2010 at 6PM. Ways to market your business and yourself when there is little or no money in the budget. It's at the Southeast YMCA on Jet Wing Dr. in Colo Springs. There is no cost and they love guests to come, everyone is welcome. This is my 3rd visit to their meetings and you will leave with some new ideas to use in your business. No reservation just show up and ask what room the chamber meeting is in at the front desk. See you there.

Street Smart Ideas

So where do you find these "street smart ideas" to make you a leader rather than a follower? They are all around you, just take the time to look. When you visit another business observe what you like and don't like about how they operate and treat customers. It does matter whether it's a difeerent industry than yours, ideas are easily interchangable. Also, check out many different websites to what is attractive and informative that you can use on your site. Check how often they make changes to their site especially to the home page. New ideas are everywhere and you just need to pay attention.

Some of the largest corporations in the world never had an original idea or innovation. They just enhanced, improved and did massive promotion of ideas they found elsewhere. When you see something at another business that you feel that you can use in your business think of how you customers and prospects will perceive it. Then make adjustments to the idea so it fits you business. New ideas that can benefit customers, provide better service, reduce costs and increase profits are everywhere if you are observant and ask questions. More on this in chapter 92 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

Street Smart Ideas

Ways to Have Fun at Work

.Listen to upbeat music while doing easy tasks
.Hold meetings outdoors
.Join a team that supports local charities
.Think from a different angle
.Brainstorm for new ideas
.Bring donuts or candy to meetings
.Organize a potluck lunch
.Be yourself and smile
.Start an in-house blog
.Ask fellow employees about their interests
.Give praise to a job well done
.Wear something silly on casual Friday
.Have a 5 minute game to start a meeting
.Do something outside-the-box

The Unpredictable

Events or situations that you don't expect to happen and they can hold back or bring your business to a standstill. Having a cintingency plan can get you back to normal faster.
.Weather related-Tornados, hurricanes, heavy rain or snow
.National disasters-earthquakes and tsunamis with physical damage
.Volcanos and floods-may happen with little warning, save life before business
.Man-made disasters-terrorist's attacks, wars and military action
.Fires-prevention is the key but if it happens start insurance claims qiuckly
.The economy-downturns can & will happen so be ready to adjust and wait it out.
.Accidents-chemical spills, train wrecks, plane crashes are unfortunate but do happen
.Crime scene-if close to your business it can temporarily close you down
.Employee injury-major job related injuries acn bring a business to a halt, make safety a priority
.Utility outages-they seem to happen when you are most busy, can you have a backup plan?
.Key employees leaves-always cross train employees so this will not be a setback
.Your death-this will happen to all of us but have a transition plan ready

Doing Business in Australia

.Men should wear a conservative dark business suit and tie
.Women may wear a dress, business suit or skirt and blouse
.Shake hands when meeting and leaving
.Don't over hype yourself, your company or products
.Sightseeing and sports are good conversational topics
.Exchanging business cards is common among professionals
.Opinionated discussions are respected and entertaining\
.Be and active and intent listener
.Australians are very friendly and open but directness and brevity are appreciated

Ten Marketing Mistakes

1. Trying to outsmart the market-You can't make customers buy but you can change your offer
2. Loss of focus-failure to pay attention to your customers objectives instead of your own
3. Lack of marketing-You must keep promoting your products and services in good and bad times.
4. Underestimating repeat business-the only way to grow your business and survive in tough times is repeat customers
5. Poor customer service-treat customers with honesty, promptness, respect and a smile.
6. Failure to test-whether it's direct mail or launching a new product, monitor the early results before you make a big investment
7. Give up on publicity-free promotion for your your business does not happen every time keep trying with new ideas
8. Failure to watch competitors-Know their changes and offers when or before they make them. Check their website often.
9. Failure to change-when the market changes don't just sit there and watch, be on the cutting edge
10. Not being street smart-everything doesn't happen like the textbook, learn and succeed by doing

The Last.. Writing Your First Book seminar

It's been said that everyone has at least one book inside them waiting to be written, what's yours about? I will present a seminar on Saturday November 6, 2010 called WRITE-PUBLISH-PROMOTE at my office from 9AM to 10:30 AM (Colorado Cards, 5585 Erindale Dr #203, Colo Spgs, CO). I have 4 published business books and 2 more in process. You'll learn how to come up with a catchy title, organize chapter outlines, plan for the correct number of pages and words, write the first draft, edit, search for a publisher and agent, submission guidelines and accept rejection. Find out the difference between a mainstream publisher, print on demand, self-publishing, e-books and which one is best for you. Why pay for publishing if you don't have to. Then promoting your book after it's published using many different ways is just as important. Attendance is limited to the first 15 adults at $22.00 per person. Nothing else will be sold at the seminar. The space is limited and past seminars have been selling out so please call 719-268-1322 or email: idealetter@aol.com to reserve a seat.

Speaking in Singapore

Over the last 30 plus years I have started, operated and in many cases survived over 20 small businesses. I became an expert on how to continue marketing when funds were tight and the economy was less than perfect. I had several businesses at the same time and they ranged from a business forms distributorship to selling collectables to Norman Rockwell artwork. It was always fun to run a business and succeed when people said "That won't work" I always thought that if it does work I'll have no competition at least for a while. My books offer ideas from my business experience and things you won't find in textbooks. I love speaking to business groups all over the world and would love to get engagements in Singapore, KL Malaysia and China. I also believe in telling stories during my speeches and making people laugh to accent a point.

If anyone has connections with meeting planners or executives in Asia and the UK please send them in my direction. http://www.idealetter.com/ idealetter@aol.com I am sometimes available on short notice if another speaker cancels. "Have passport-Will travel"

Value is Everything

When you can't compete on price and still make a profit, let value take over. Increase the value of your product or service and price will become secondary or less. Add quality and perks to what you're selling that's something your competitors are not offering. Value buyers are more likely to be repeat customers and send referrals which will build your business faster AND make a profit. Price only comes into play when the customer doesn't see a higher value. Competitors who only sell on price feel they have nothing else to offer. Choose the value route and worry less about the price choppers.

How Well Do You Know Your Competitors ?

.Exactly who are your competitors?
.Are they big, small or franchises?
.Where are They located?
.Are they growing and expanding?
.What is their pricing strategy?
.How many employees do they have?
.How elaborate is their website?
.How do they pay their employees?
.What are their strengths?
.Do they have any niche products?
.What marketing do they do?
.Are the owners on-site?
.How are customers/clients treated?
.How long are their OPEN hours?
.How do they react to your marketing?
.Do you fear them and why?
.Are you on their mailing/email list?

Overplan Your Day

Want to increase your productivity? Overplanning your day will help you stay focused.
We all know how important it is to plan our time and make the most of it. But sometimes we shortchange ourselves by not paying enough attention to planning our daily activities.
Work expands to fill the time allotted. If you plan to accomplish one task on a particular day, you'll accomplish that task. But that task will have consumed a lot more time than it would have if you had other goals to accomplish that day, too.
If you plan to accomplish three tasks in a day, you'll get all three of them done. If you plan to accomplish twelve tasks in a day, chances are good you won't complete them all, but you'll get seven or eight of them done.
The more we have on our plates, the more we're likely to accomplish. Overplanning your day will provide a pressure to get more done, and to do that, you'll be more likely to delegate and be less tolerant of interruptions. Instead of lollygagging or giving in to distractions, you'll stay focused on what you have to do.
Planning to do more than you can actually accomplish in one day will help you concentrate on the tasks at hand, and give you a real sense of accomplishment when you discover that you can accomplish so much more than you thought you could.
By Susan Ward

Shop at a Small Store ?

The consumer has many choices when it comes to spending their money. Why should they consider a small store over a large corporate chain or discount store? Here are some ideas that build loyalty in small stores. . Better all-around customer service. Well informed sales staff. Owners on premises & available. Every sale is very important. People you can get to know. Faster check-out or payment. Comfortable store layout. Easy returns & exchanges. Special orders are welcome. They know your name. No corporate bureaucracy. Consistent quality & pricesIf your small store is missing any of these, get to work on improving your image today. You can & will survive any economic slowdown with loyal customers who will also send referrals. But to get that loyalty you must give them the feeling that their business is valued and appreciated. The little extras you offer can go a long way.

What is Success?

On what is success so few do agree The successful one to you may not be so to me No two see things exactly the same as some like to say We all look at life in a different way Some people are not very hard to impress They associate money and material things with success Such as the value of your house and the value of your car They never see you for the person you are, The company you work for and your take home pay Many look at success in this sort of a way To them compassion and kindness to little amount Though these things should be taken into account When talking of success though it seems to me That most of us look at things quite differently. by Francis Duggan

Cut Waste...Not Quality

One way to reduce costs ia a restaurant or fast food establishment is to eliminate needless customer waste. Cutting back on quality or quantity of portions will only risk losing customers not improve your bottom line. Ther are other ways to reduce costs that will not upset your customers. Things like asking if they want crackers with their soup, cream with their coffee and plastic utensils with carry out orders.

When we had an ice cream/deli business we offered a free pickle and small potato salad with every sandwich. We found that about half the people didn't really eat one or the other or both. So we started asking if they wanted those items when we took their order and many declined. It reduced our sandwich cost by 5% to 8% and that went directly to our bottom line. Let your customers decide if they want the extras and cut back on waste.

Fire Your Customer ?

There are times when a customer is more trouble than they are worth and you no longer want them to buy from your business. But you don't just say "You're Fired" but make the split as smooth as possible for both sides. Here are some reasons why you may want to say goodbye.
.Their expectations are unreasonable and can't be met
.Finds something wrong with every transaction
.Doesn't see any value in your products or services
.Doesn't appreciate any extra effort you offer them
.Is rude or disrespectful to your staff
.Tries to argue for a lower payment after the delivery
.Keeps threatening to take their business elsewhere
.Makes impossible requests to see your response
.Asks for something free with every order

Cheap Marketing Ideas for Your Business

For all you business owners in the Colorado Springs area I will be speaking on more cheap marketing ideas at the Black Chamber of Commerce on Nov 9, 2010 at 6PM. It's at the Southeast YMCA on Jet Wing Dr. in Colo Springs. There is no cost and they love guests to come, everyone is welcome. This is my 3rd visit to their meetings and you will leave with some new ideas to use in your business. No reservation just show up and ask what room the chamber meeting is in at the front desk. See you there.

Create Loyalty

Here are some ways you can create customer loyalty:
.Always thank them for their business
.Have convenient business hours
.Fast check-out and payment methods
.Use their name often and smile
.Reward regular customers
.Have an open door policy for questions
.Welcome special orders and changes
.Rush service at no extra charge
.Outstanding front-line customer service
.Give a little extra every time
.High value perception
.Friendly refunds and exchanges
.Ask them for their product input
.Show empathy for their concerns
You will notice that price is not listed here because a low price does not create loyalty. More on loyalty in chapter 18 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" at amazon, kindle & others

Customer Service Nightmares

Then there are “commonly accepted industry practices,” which remind me of the paint color author Tom Wolfe calls “good enough for government green.” Conforming to such practices make a firm not great or good, but merely average:

Forcing car rental customers to fill up their gas tanks before dropping off the car

Requiring retail store customers to sign credit card charge forms when phone and online customers have skipped this step for years (this is finally beginning to change)

Expecting customers to assemble a dossier of information just so they can get the rebate promised them

Making customers deal with a different department for every aspect of their problem, as in, “Oh, we’re just tech support. You need to talk with Customer Service to get your password changed, then ask them to transfer you to Billing...”

Charging customers $100 extra when they need to change their air travel plans

Using social security numbers to identify customers even though the government says this number should never be used for identification purposes. When I tell this to company representatives, they typically retort, “Then we can’t help you.”

Pay special attention to those practices that are commonplace in your industry. If you can become more flexible in one of these areas, you could acquire a meaningful edge over your competition.
Credit to Bruce Kasanoff

Want to Go Global ?

Most businesses have thought about going global but are not sure what to do or how to do it. The "Made in America" words are still very popular in most other countries and lots of companies have had great success internationally. Just look at Coca Cola, blue jeans, McDonalds, Amazon.com and even smaller enterprises. In fact the world is very interested in growing entrepreneur business and want to join with them, even as customers.

Start by contacting the U S Dept of Commerce and reading all the information you can. The first contact can be online and then call or set up an appointment to discus your plans. Remember that your tax dollars are supporting this agency and they won't turn you away. Then learn all the laws and have some type a business plan for your global sales. Decide on a few countries to test first and learn their laws as well.
Going global with your business will be exciting and also profitable.

Don't Break Promises

Customers will look at the promises that you make to them as a test of your integrity and honesty. Passing that test will reinforce their loyalty and put them more at ease in the future. They will feel comfortable doing business with you and make it diffucult for competitors to lure them away.

But failing the test will result in just the opposite. They will wonder if they can believe anything that you or your employees tell them. And the negative word-of-mouth travels much faster than the positive. Let your competitors break their promises but go out your way to keep yours.

More on this topic in chapter 25 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

Can't by Edgar A. Guest

Can't is the worst word that's written or spoken;
Doing more harm here than slander and lies;
On it is many a strong spirit broken,
And with it many a good purpose dies.
It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning
And robs us of courage we need through the day:
It rings in our ears like a timely-sent warning
And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.

Can't is the father of feeble endeavor,
The parent of terror and half-hearted work;
It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,
And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk.
It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,
It stifles in infancy many a plan;
It greets honest toiling with open derision
And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man

Have Home-Based Business Control

To have a successful home-based business you first need to be dedicated to your goals. If not it's just a hobby not a business. But you also must have control of how your business works and is perceived by customers and clients. Many home-based entrepreneurs have seen success by following a few rules.
.Set regular business hours and stick to them. Let customers know when they can reach you and how
.Don't use your home land line phone number, get a seperate dedicated line for you business with voicemail when you can't answer it
.Use call forwarding to your cell phone when you are not in the office
.Encourage clients and prospects to use email and faxes whenever possible and respond to them quickly
.Join and use at least 2 different social networks where you can promote your business and ideas
.Treat and respect your business as a business because it is

Writing Your First Book seminar

It's been said that everyone has at least one book inside them waiting to be written, what's yours about? I will present a seminar on Thursday Oct 14,2010 called WRITE-PUBLISH-PROMOTE at my office from 6:30 to 8PM (Colorado Cards, 5585 Erindale Dr #203, Colo Spgs, CO). I have 4 published business books and 2 more in process. You'll learn how to come up with a catchy title, organize chapter outlines, plan for the correct number of pages and words, write the first draft, edit, search for a publisher and agent, submission guidelines and accept rejection. Find out the difference between a mainstream publisher, print on demand, self-publishing, e-books and which one is best for you. Then promoting your book after it's published using many different ways is just as important. Attendance is limited to the first 15 adults at $22.00 per person. Nothing else will be sold at the seminar. The space is limited and past seminars have been selling out so please call 719-268-1322 or email: idealetter@aol.com to reserve a seat.

Failure

Failure may outnumber success
Failure may cause pain
but nothing goes in vain
Failure are there
to make you strong
Failure gives wisdom
Failure gives experience
Failure keeps you in touch
with reality
Cowards don't fail
It's for the brave
who leave the shore
to sail into unknown
Failure is a stop
in the journey of life
don't stop at the bend
Todays failure would be
tommorows bigger success
Failures is the craddle
in which success rocks.

by Narender Singh Bansal

Those Lost Customers

Don't give up on customers you have lost because some may come back with a little nudge and a smile. Give them a little time and then try to win them back.
.Make a most-wanted list of the important lost customers that you want to pursue first
.Find out why they left. If they don't respond to a phone call or voicemail try sending an email. Let them know that there is no obligation and please tell you why they left
.Ask for another chance and guarantee that you will rectify any previous problems and keep an open door to any of their concerns
.If you win them back make them a high-priority account and you or someone on your staff interact with them ofter to see how you're doing

Before You Sign for a Franchise

When considering investing your time and money in a new franchise business consider what it demands. Take a close look at the hours and the rules you'll have to live with and decide if that's for you. Many people have jumped in too quickly and then complained later when it's too late. Do your due diligence "before you sign" the non-reversable franchise agreement. There's no turning back and no franchise fee refund once you have signed the agreement. You are now a member of the franchise family so don't look back.

Unusual October Holidays

Use these real but odd holidays in your business for fun and profit.
4 National Denim Day
5 World Smile Day
5 Long Walk Day
7 Bathtub Day
8 Lovable Lawyers Day
10 Tuxedo Day
12 World Egg Day
13 U S Navy Day
15 National Grouch Day
19 Electricity Day
20 Shampoo Day
21 National Reptile Day
23 National Mole Day
24 National Bologna Day
27 Make a Difference Day
29 Oatmeal Day

Where's the Money Going ?

If expenses seem to be getting out of hand and leaving less profit every month, it's time to see where you can cut costs.
.Negotiate with outsource services and check other companies if they won't budge
.Some of your office supplies and copy paper can be purchased at printers supply stores for wholesale prices.. check the yellow pages
.Call your phone service provider and ask for a lower price or change to another service provider.
.If you keep repairing the same office machines maybe it's time to buy or lease new equipment so you will save both time and money
.To increase cash flow wait until the last minute to pay bills unless you can get a discount for paying early
.Keep an eye on all expenses and know when and why your costs go up

Offer First Class

Many people feel that first class products and services are just not worth the money. But there is another group of customers who are willing and eager to pay the premium price for that something extra. It may be higher quality or personal service but they want it. Here are premium ideas that come to mind:
.First Class airplane seats
.Luxury cars over economy models
.Spa resort over a budget motel
.Wedding planner over eloping
.Limo rather than driving yourself
.Designer purses over discount handbags
.Lawn maintenance service over DIY
.Personal trainer over a home treadmill
.Custom built home over apartment living
And the list goes on to whatever you can create that will appeal to high end buyers. The number of sales may be lower but the profit percentage will be higher. More on offering first class in Chapter 58 of my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

Use for Sales & Advertising

Census data released last week offered these insights into the state of American homes.

48% of homes have a "dining room" but no word on how often people actually eat in them
One in three homes has either a spare living-room or a rec room
65% of housing units had central air (89% for newer housing); 21% have window units
64% of homes have at least three bedrooms (80% of new homes)

Having Trouble Paying Suppliers?

When invoices get old because of slow sales or slow customer payments suppliers will put pressure on you for money. This happens to most of us from time to time. They don't want to stop doing business with you or hold your shipments but may use that tactic to get you to pay faster. One method I have used several times when a major supplier's bills got old and I mean 90-120 days or more is to to ask them to put those old bills aside. They want to get them off their A/R report and they can do that with this idea. Take those invoices as a lump sum and turn them into a loan that's paid off over 1-2 years with monthly payments. Even offer 1-2% interest added in the front only and say that you will keep new invoices current from that point on. It's a win-win situation because thay get them off their A/R report that their bank may see and you get immediate relief to get back to business. More info on this in Chapter 5 of my book "When the Shit Hits the Fan" available at amazon.com & B&N.

Doing Business in Japan

.Men should wear dark conservative suits
.Casual dress is never appropriate for business
.Shoes should be easy to remove because you will take them off often
.Women should not wear pants in a business setting
.Pointing is not an acceptable gesture
.Do not blow your nose in public
.Let the host order your meal and pay for it
.Punctuality is not expected at a social event
.Do not openly display money
.Tipping is not expected
.Gifts should be given at the end of a visit
.The customary greeting is a bow
.In most of Asia the numbers 4 and 14 are bad luck

Writing Your First Book

It's been said that everyone has at least one book inside them waiting to be written, what's yours about? I will present a seminar on Thursday Oct 14,2010 called WRITE-PUBLISH-PROMOTE at my office from 6:30 to 8PM (Colorado Cards, 5585 Erindale Dr #203, Colo Spgs, CO). I have 4 published business books and 2 more in process. You'll learn how to come up with a catchy title, organize chapter outlines, plan for the correct number of pages and words, write the first draft, edit, search for a publisher and agent, submission guidelines and accept rejection. Find out the difference between a mainstream publisher, print on demand, self-publishing, e-books and which one is best for you. Then promoting your book after it's published using many different ways is just as important. Attendance is limited to the first 15 adults at $22.00 per person. Nothing else will be sold at the seminar. The space is limited and past seminars have been selling out so please call 719-268-1322 or email: idealetter@aol.com to reserve a seat.

Your Competitor's Website

When was the last time you checked some of your competitor's websites? You should be doing this every 30 to 60 days to see what's new. When they announce something new or a special sale they usually put it on their website first. It's better to find out sooner there than have a customer tell you when it's too late to react. You need to do this yourself or assign a trusted employee to it and report back to you on any changes. You can be assured that if they are smart they will be watching your website also. Know what's going on in your target market by watching what your comprtitors are doing and how they react to your changes. The few minutes it takes to check their website can save hours of headaches later.

Make Them Say WOW !

In today's competitive marketplace it's important to exceed your customer expectations. If you don't do it, your competitors will and they will be gone. Here's a few ideas that you can consider:
.Valus Plus-they expect a good value for the price they are paying but still try to offer a little more
.Be Quick-when people decide on a purchase they want it now. Don't miss a promised delivery date without offering something in return
.Friendly & Helpful-be so nice that it hurts, not them..you. People like to buy where they can count on help with a smile if they need it
.Informed Staff-front line employees in retail or on the phone should know all pertinent information and about every special offer
.Be Available-have convenient business hours to accomodate all customers needs
.Reward Regulars-All repeat customers are the backbone of any business, give them perks and Thank them after every purchase
.Refunds & Exchanges-go out of your want to make this process fast and pleasant with a smile on your face
More free articles that you can reprint at www.idealetter.com

Questions About Competitors

When you know the answers to most of these questions you will be a much stronger business in your target market.
.Exactly who are your comprtitors?
.Are they big, small or franchises?
.Where are they located?
.Are they expanding or growing?
.How elaborate is their website?
.What is their pricing strategy?
.How many employees do they have?
.How do they pay their employees?
.What are their strengths?
.Do they have niche products?
.Are the owners on-site?
.How are customers treated?
.Are their OPEN hours different than yours?
.Are they watching your business?
.How do they react to changes you make?

Small Business Recession Ideas

A recession or economic slowdown is not the end of the world although it may seem like it. Learn to cope and forget what competitors are doing. Here's some ideas:
.Don't go price reduction crazy
.Promote, Network, Promote
.Outsource more and save
.Cut costs but slowly and cautiously
.Add related products & Services
.Reduce inventory but not too low
.Don't stop marketing
.Reduce travel expense and use webinars
.Focus on great service
.Watch for disappearing competitors
.Negotiate longer payment terms
.Keep a positive & optimistic attitude
.Smile even if it hurts

Will They Accept Your Job ?

When you finish all your interviews and think you have found the perfect candidate for the position how do you get them to accept the job?
.Salary is not always the deciding factor but make sure it's competitive
.Introduce the candidate to other positive, happy and creative employees
.Remember that they are evaluating you at the same time you are interviewing them, do it with honesty and respect
.Let them talk to a few of the people they will be working with and leave the area for a few minutes
.Explain how they can reach their goals at your organization
.Let them know that you want them to be part of your success team
.If they ask for a little time to give an answer, ask if they have other offers
.Be sincere and professional at all times

Doing Business in India

With over a billion people, many of whom speak English, there's a tremendous market fo US companies. Following some business etiquette rules will help you and your business go in the right direction.
.Men are expected to wear a suit & tie for business
.Women should wear long pants or long dresses
.The use of leather products including belts or handbags may be considered offensive
.Never touch anyone on their head, adult or child
.Standing with your hands on your hips may be interpreted as angry or aggressive
.Never point your feet at another person, they are considered unclean
.Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver
.Business lunches are preferred over dinners
.Never diectly refuse an invitation, be evasive or say I'll try

Make it Funny

When you're having a bad day you don't want to make it worse by getting angry or depressed. Try the opposite method and get the day over with on a different note. Whoever said that laughter was the best medicine hit the nail on the head. Try these other ideas to get a smile back on your face.
.Take a break and read the daily comics or a joke book
.Watch a couple of youtube videos that you have saved
.Think of a silly situation you remember concerning a relative
.Visit a friend who makes you laugh and buy them lunch
.Look in the mirror and make funny faces until you laugh
.Turn the comedy channel on TV for 20 minutes
.Don't take life to seriously because it won't take you serious

Temporary Help

Every business has peak times when your staff or yourself can't handle the extra volume and give the same great service. Rather than hire permanent new people who you may have to let go later use a temp service. With a temp you only use them and pay for the days or weeks you actually need them. Plus there are no payroll taxes or benefits to worry about. If you want to replace them you just call the agency.

Select at least 3 temporary agencies and give them a list of the experience that you need and a job description. If their temps don't live up to your expectations or they don't return calls promptly quickly eliminate them from your list. They can also be used as a temp-to-perm source when you need to expand your staff with a regular employee. You will get to see how the new person performs before you make a permanent committment. More ideas in my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

5 Steps to Success

.Set a goal - Where do you want to go and what do you want to achieve in realistic terms
.Focus on goals - Believe in the reason for your goals and the vision and purpose
.The strategy - How are you going to reach these goals and have plan B ready
.Tactics to follow - What are you going to do first, second etc and how long should it take
.Small steps - Resolve to get a little closer to your goals every day by making small moves it a positive direction

Need Lots of Stuff ?

If you're opening a new business, expanding your current business or just replacing old equipment the costs can be stagering. We never seem to have enough in our budget to pay for everything we need. The answer may be leasing some or all of it. Leasing equipment such as copiers, computers, printers and even furniture is available for almost any business. You get the newest models without a large cash payment at one time.

Most equipment companies have lease plans that will eventually turn into a purchase with a flat fee at the end of the term. You may pay more over the long term but it's worth it to satisfy your cash flow requirements now. Most lease payments are tax-deductable (check with your accountant). And some lease plans may even let you upgrade to newer models as they become available. Leasing makes sense when the cash outlay in full is not possible but you must have the equipment. Always check several companies before you make a final decision. More free articles at www.idealetter.com

Old Before New

Of course we all want new customers and spend a lot of time and money going after them. But don't neglect the current customers you have that provide repeat business and referrals. These are the ones that support you in tough economic times.

Thank them for their business and never have a sale for new customers only. Ask them for feedback and have a suggestion box on your website. Don't ever let them feel that you are putting a new customer's needs before theirs. If you haven't heard from them for a while call or email to stay in contact. Putting old before new will create stability and growth for your business.

Do Customers Enjoy Your Business?

To build trust and loyalty for your business you must make customers feel like they are the focus of all your efforts. Are you doing these easy loyalty builders?
.Try to "WOW" them whenever possible
.Set hours for their convenience not yours
.Have easy to find merchandise or a store directory
.Have a knowledgeable sales staff and customer service
.Have perks for frequent customers
.Offer many convenient ways to pay
.Don't make them wait to pay for their purchase
.Follow up on all large purchases
.Easy refunds and exchanges
.Thank them after EVERY sale
.Smile, even on the phone
.Make them smile after every sale
More articles that you can reprint at www.idealetter.com

If You Say It - Do It

You can build loyalty and trust with customers and clients when you follow through on what you say or promise. If there is a critical delivery deadline then make sure the product arrives on time. If you know in advance that it's not going to make it, don't say that it will. You are better off risking loss of the order than losing trust. You can always get another order but trust is difficult to get back.

Returning phone calls and emails on time or at all is another "Must do it" situation. Even if you don't have the information let them know that you are working on it and didn't forget them. It's like telling someone that you will meet them at a restaurant for lunch and not showing up, call or text to say that you can't make it. What are the chances that they will trust you next time. Be honest and don't say what you can't or won't do. People will remember and your business depends on it. More ideas in my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

Brainstorm for Great Ideas

Two heads are better than one and five are better than two. Don't underestimate the power of brainstorming for great ideas.
.Invite anyone to the discussion who is familiar with the subject at hand
.When you start, define the problem or subject to be discussed
.Designate one person to write down all the ideas that come up
.Don't criticize any ideas or comments during the session, just accept all of them
.Let people add to other people's ideas
.Encourage any idea regardless of how outrageous
.You want quantity over quality in the early stages of brainstorming
.At the end, group ideas together that compliment each other and re-introduce them to the group
.Great ideas should be rewarded with praise and a small token of appreciation
.Set a date & time for the next brainstorming session

Unusual September Holidays

Here are a few real but unusual September holidays that you can use in your business for fun and profit.

Sept 5 Be late for something day
Sept 6 Read a book day
Sept 9 Teddy bear day
Sept 11 National neighborhood day
Sept 15 Born to be wild day
Sept 17 Citizens day
Sept 18 National play-doh day
Sept 21 Miniature golf day
Sept 23 Celebrate checkers day
Sept 26 National good neighbor day
Sept 27 Ancestor appreciation day
Sept 29 National Goose day

Writing Your First Book seminar

It's been said that everyone has at least one book inside them waiting to be written, what's yours about? I will present a seminar on Tuesday Sept 14,2010 called WRITE-PUBLISH-PROMOTE at my office from 6:30 to 8PM (Colorado Cards, 5585 Erindale Dr #203, Colo Spgs, CO). I have 5 published business books and 1 more in process. You'll learn how to come up with a catchy title, layout chapter outlines, plan for the correct number of pages and words, write the first draft, edit, search for a publisher and agent, submission guidelines and accept rejection. Find out the difference between a mainstream publisher, print on demand, self-publishing, e-books and which one is best for you. Then promoting your book after it's published using many different ways is just as important. Attendance is limited to the first 14 adults at $22.00 per person. Nothing else will be sold at the seminar. The space is limited and past seminars have been selling out so please call 719-268-1322 or email: idealetter@aol.com to reserve a seat.

Reorder Reminders

When you get to know your customers you'll be able to estimate when it's time for them to reorder from you. For them it's easy to reorder from the same business if the last order for products or services met their expectations. You can help them remember by mailing a postcard or sending an email with "Reorder Reminder" in the subject line.

Another reason to send these reminders comes into play when the person who ordered last time is no longer there. The new person responsible for procurement may not be able to find out that you were the previous supplier. Your reminder will tell them because they are probably getting the prior person's mail. Your reminder can also highlight one other product or service that they aren't currently buying from you.

Networking Suggestions

Effective networking is an important part of the marketing mix of every business. As long as you are attending a meeting you might as well get as much out of it as you can. Here are some suggestions to increase the the value of the time you spend at a meeting.
.Arrive at meetings/events early so there is time for networking and getting to know new people
.Print your first name very bold on your nametag with your last name under it
.Say a polite hello to anyone you know and quickly move on to those that you don't know
.Don't try to conduct business, set a future time to get back together
.Move close to a group talking and sort of eaves drop until you're invited to join in
.Keep a smile on your face even if it hurts
.Seek out others standing alone and extend your hand with a hello
.Offer your business card to anyone who will accept it
.If it's open seating select a table where you know less than half the people sitting there
.ALWAYS follow up promptly on any commitments you make

Don't Hide Your Goals

Once you make short and long term goals for yourself, everyone tells you to write them down. Of course that's the correct thing to do but why stop there? Tell your friends, associates and relatives who will listen because they will help you celebrate when you achieve those goals. You may also inspire them to set their own goals and share them with you.

Your business needs goals and objectives also to be sure that growth is going in the right direction. Those goals should be shared with employees, suppliers, customers and even your banker. Make these goals difficult but not impossible and a great feeling of accomplishment will be felt when you reach them. Meaningful goals are for everyone and keep you on the right track in business and in life.

Be a Good Listener

.Make eye contact with the person speaking
.Tilting your head slightly to the side is a sign that you are listening
.Small nods occaisionally lets the person speaking know that you are paying attention
.Ask questions that are pertinent to the subject they are talking about
.Take notes, it show that you are interested and want to remember
.Don't jump in and try to make a different point until they are finished making theirs
.Let them make their complete statement before you start to disagree
.You smile or grin will make everyone more comfortable

Before Your Sales Appointment

.Set Realistic Goals-everyone wants a million dollar sale but every prospect may not have that much to spend
.Check them out-find out about your prospects on the internet before you arrive and speak their industry language
.Prepare materials and literature-present products and services that will be relative to their wants and needs, not just what you want to sell
.Rehearse your presentation-follow an outline and omit all the "ahs" and "ums" in it
.Check their location-use mapquest so you arrive on time and not too early or late. Getting lost is NOT an excuse.
.Mentally prepare-make the sale in your mind by satisfying your new new customer in every way possible
.Practice your smile-it gives confidence so use it often

Pricing Headaches

Pricing your products & services can be a real challenge for the small & medium size business because there is no real set of rules. Here are a few things to consider when deciding how to set your prices.
.What the market will bear
.Your profit or volume goals
.Seasonal changes and demand
.Service and back-up costs
.Your total overhead and expenses
.Equipment maintenance and replacement
.Prestige of ownership
.Actual consumer and business demand
.Display and promotion costs
.Advertising and marketing costs
.Employee costs and benefits
.What competitors are doing
.Storage and delivery costs
.Large quantity discounts
.Payment terms offered
More ideas to make your business different and better than the competition in my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" get at www.amazon.com

Publicity is Free

Publicity to promote your business, your products, your generosity or just you is great when you can it. It's an ongoing task to keep your name in front of the media and social networks. Coming up with new ideas to get that attention is never easy but it certainly can be done. Publicity is valuable because it's a third party giving you recognition and is always more believable. Seek out and go after publicity whenever and whereever you can, then watch it pay off over time.

Speaking Ideas

Speaking well to groups or in meetings makes you an expert in your field and gives confidence to those you are speaking to. Here are some ideas to consider
.Make eye contact with everyone you can for 2 to 3 seconds
.Choose words and phrases to match the level of your audience
.Meet some of your audience before you are introduced
.Always write your own introduction to let people know who you are and what your credentials and background consist of.
.Use vocal variety to accent certain points
.Move away from the lecturn occaisionally
.Add stoies and humor throughout your speech
.Have room temperature water & Kleenex nearby
.Use pauses instead of "ums" and "ahs"
.Take command of the audience, they expect you to
.Rehearse your talk and be sure that it fits the time limit
More on my speaking at www.idealetter.com

A Thought About Advertising

The most important thing to remember about advertising is to test, test, test. Don't put all your quarters in one slot machine if it's not paying off. Selecting the correct media plus testing & monitoring the response will make your ad dollars get the best results. Don't be afraid to cancel an ad or change directions early if the expected returns are not happening. Don't let the media sales people talk you into something that isn't working. It's your business and your advertising money, so spend it wisely; you make the decisions. Advertising can & will work if you put in the necessary time to investigate all the media that works for you and drop the losers as fast as you can. Once you advertise, their sales reps will be constantly calling for reruns and renewals. Don't be talked into continuing with a media that's not working and will not help your business grow. In this tough economy we need to make every marketing dollar work hard and produce results. Follow Barry on Twitter.. BTauthor

Actors Net Worth

For all you would-be movie stars here is the approx net worth of several popular actors according to www.celebritynetworth.com
.Tom Cruise $250 million
.Will Smith $188 million
.Dustin Hoffman $50 million
.Robert De Niro $185 million
.Al Pacino $185 million
.Mel Gibson $100 million
.Jack nicholson $400 million
.Danny Glover $15 million
.Kevin Costner $150 million
.Clint Eastwood $80 million
.Mia Farrow $60 million
.Jim Carrey $150 million
.Simon Cowell $200 million

What's Your Brand?

You want everyone including customers, prospects and future prospects to know your brand and rely on it for quality and service. Once your brand is established in your target market, people will will begin to feel:
.It's their best choice
.It will do what they expect
.Confortable with the quality
.It's worth a premium
.Comfortable with the price
.It is value added
.It has a reliable level of performance
.There is consistent good service
.It's guaranteed and warranteed
.Ownership makes them feel confident
Brand recognition can build long-term business rather than one-time orders. Work to keep your brand in front of your customers so another choice won't be an option. Your don't have to be a Fortune 500 company to establish your brand successfully in your target market.

Sell With Samples

When you put your product or a sample of it in your customers hands it will sell itself in most cases. Would you even consider buying an expensive car without driving it first? When your customer experiences a product first hand the are no longer taking your word for the quality and they can make their own decision. This also eliminates buyer's remorse and less returns and exchanges. If you're selling a service, on your website show a video of someone using it and giving a testimonial. Let people build confidence in you and your products or services by being involved in the selling process and touching samples of the product. Always make samples a part of your marketing mix and watch sales increase. 104 more ideas in my book "The Jelly Bean Principle" Follow me on Twitter.. BTauthor

Thinkers or Buyers

The customers that are thinkers can sometimes be spotted in a minute. This list highlights give-aways to customer attitudes.

.A pipe smoker equals a thinker
.White socks, not worn as sportswear, equals a thinker
.Crew-cut hair equals a thinker
.Jump-suit wearer equals a thinker
.Camera carrier equals buyer
.Loud or flashy clothes equals buyer
.Cigar smoker equals buyer
.Cowboy boots equals buyer

Credit to my friend and sales trainer Ben Gay III 800-248-3555

When Business Gets You Down

The days where everything seems to be going wrong come along for all of us. If you keep your mind positive, it will reduce stress and speed up the time it takes to get through those down days. Your associates and employees will also get in a down mood if you let them see you acting in a negative manner. So it's best to...

.Keep your sunny side outward. try to react in a positive and optimistic way to your down times. Employees will give their best when they see you looking for the "silver lining" to your cloud of despair.
.Set an example by keeping your own productivity up and helping others with their duties. You will see a mirror effect and you'll be closer to getting needed results and a positive attitude.
.Find some humor or lightheartedness in a negative situation. Don't mope around but put a smile on your face and it will be contagious with others. people always do a better job with a grin than a grimace.
.Realize that off days and down times come along for all of us regardless of our position or financial condition. Your goal is to get through them and back on the road to positive growth and satisfaction.
More articles you can reprint at www.idealetter.com

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Direct Mail Still Works

In over 30 years and many businesses I have never failed to use some type of direct mail effectively. Here's just a few ideas to make it work for your business.
.Select the best mailing list possible
.Build your own list from responses
.Use standard mail post cards for consumers
.Use First Class envelopes for businesses
.Have a strong and appealing headline
.Use full color on at least one side or page
.Make a compelling offer to create action
.Have a short deadline for your offer
.Be able to handle a large response if it comes
.Remail the same list in 4 to 6 months
.Change your offer each time you mail your list
.Follow up business direct mail with telemarketing

Don't Stop Marketing

When cash flow is tight, many business owners tend to cut back on marketing to pay other bills. If you need to trim marketing expenses look for the least responsive part of your marketing efforts now but don't stop everything. Start finding "cheap" or "free" ways of promoting your business. You need those new customers to make your cash flow grow and marketing will get them for you. One of my favorite "cheap" marketing ideas is publicity. Get it by writing articles, speaking to your industry groups and being a guest for radio and TV interviews. There are many other ways to market your business with little or no money, use them whenever possible. www.idealetter.com

"Writing Your First Book" seminar

It's been said that everyone has at least one book inside them waiting to be written, what's yours about? I will present a seminar on Thursday August 19,2010 called WRITE-PUBLISH-PROMOTE at my office from 6:30 to 8PM (Colorado Cards, 5585 Erindale Dr #203, Colo Spgs, CO). I have 5 published business books and 1 more in process. You'll learn how to come up with a catchy title, layout chapter outlines, plan for the correct number of pages and words, write the first draft, edit, search for a publisher and agent, submission guidelines and accept rejection. Find out the difference between a mainstream publisher, print on demand, self-publishing, e-books and which one is best for you. Then promoting your book after it's published using many different ways is just as important. Attendance is limited to the first 14 adults at $22.00 per person. Nothing else will be sold at the seminar. Next seminar is Tuesday Sept 14th 6:30-8PM. The space is limited and past seminars have been selling out so please call 719-268-1322 or email: idealetter@aol.com to reserve a seat.