August 31st, 2008
By now you probably read a myriad of articles on how governments and technology masters are proposing to fight, reduce and/or eliminate spam, also known as electronic junk-mail. I don’t even have to start this article with the habitual introduction on ‘what is spam’, because I am certain you already know it and hate it. This article will not go into the questionable implementation and use of commercially available tools and technologies. Instead, I will touch on very basic common sense techniques that can efficiently reduce the amount of spam. This article is particularly useful for all those who intend to start an e-commerce business, or just put up a website, for fun or profit.
Fact #1:
Spam is here to stay. Whatever you hear from government officials, from Bill Gates, from software vendors, from PhDs in technology, the crude fact is, as one cannot stop the internet, one cannot stop spam in the cyberspace that exists today. Period - end of story.
Fact #2:
The volume and the offensive nature of the questionable practice of email spamming is increasing at an exponential rate, as I’m reading in reports published by statistics gurus such as Gartner. What do we do about it? The short answer is that there is no 100% fool-proof solution. However, implementing the suggestions and techniques that I will share with you in this article, can definitely help reduce it.
Tip #1:
Never publish your e-mail address on your web site.
The primary way that spammers obtain your e-mail address is through the use of spambots, or spiders (technical term for automated programs that run over the internet), that scour the web searching for the ubiquitous @ sign - the telltale indicator of an e-mail address. These spiders search your web page and harvest everything that looks like it might be an e-mail address. Then, the spammer will add the obtained addresses to a large list and, will use it to promote some obscene and/or bogus product or service. Lastly, the spammer will sell the list to other spammers and/or resellers and your email address will start perpetually circulating.
The only way to avoid having your address harvested in this way is not to publish it there in the first place.
Of course, you probably do want potential customers and other visitors to be able to contact you. At first glance, Tip #1 might seem self-defeating, but there is an alternative - read on!
Tip #2:
Use Mail Forms Instead of listing and/or linking to the actual, explicit email address.
The specifics of setting email forms (also referred to as web forms, mail forms, cgi forms) are not in the scope of this article, only because every web host uses various pieces of software, written in various programming languages to achieve this. Basically, the way it works is, your visitor gets to a page, fills up a few boxes with text, hits a “Submit” button, then the mail form processor sends you an email. Your email address can still be grabbed by persistent spammers, since it is usually hidden in the page, but there are several stealth techniques that I will discuss in detail in a different article. Also, most web hosting companies implement automatic spambot deterring techniques that you can take advantage of by merely using their hosting services.
Tip #3:
Never follow the “unsubscribe instructions” contained in a spam e-mail.
Spammers often use bogus “unsubscribe instructions” to verify that your e-mail address is working. Following these bogus instructions will most likely result in your e-mail address being added to even more spam lists. Basically, the spammer now knows that the address that probably came from a scrape or from some unverified list or from a random generator is actually a valid one, there’s a person out there who got it and responded back. Your address will now be marked as “premium” on the black market and will become even more circulated, sold and used.
You can make one single exception to this rule, in the case when you know for sure that you subscribed to someone’s newsletter voluntarily, and that someone is a reputable company that you trust 100%.
Tip #4:
Don’t forward chain-letters, virus warnings, etc.
Most chain letters and virus warnings that you receive by e-mail are either hoaxes, or they are initiated by spam houses for the intent of getting every email address you know. Chain letters spread like wildfire and always tend to end up right back at the spam house, with the email address of everyone it was sent to. Before you take any action regarding an unsolicited virus warning, check the validity of the warning at http://www.sarc.com/, and/or http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/, and/or http://www.mcafee.com/us/security/vil.htm. I’ve never received a virus warning by e-mail that didn’t turn out to be a hoax; and many of these hoaxes advise you to delete key system files that will end up damaging your computer (and the computers of all your friends that you forwarded the bogus warning to.)
Tip #5.
Use POP E-mail Accounts & E-Mail Fowarding Creatively.
Another popular way of harvesting e-mail addresses is through your own correspondence. Every time you purchase something online or e-mail a company or organization, your e-mail address is available for addition to a mailing list. Don’t put too much faith in the privacy statements of web sites that you don’t have experience with. Spammers make their living by theft and deception - they’re certainly not beyond providing false information in their privacy statements.
Usually, when you purchase web hosting, all of your accounts come with some free e-mail forwarding and some free additional POP e-mail accounts.You can use these features to your advantage in your fight against spam:
First, create a new POP user just for the purpose of collecting spam. Call it anything you want, for example, unused@yourdomain.com - you’re never going to use it for anything but collecting spam.
Now, take a look at the spam you’re receiving and notice the address it’s being sent to. In many cases, spammers grab your domain name and just make up addresses to attach to it (info@yourdomain.com, sales@yourdomain.com, admin@yourdomain.com, webmaster@yourdomain.com are among the most popular). When you notice spam addressed to an e-mail address that you do not need for regular business or personal use, create an email forward that redirects mail sent to that address to the spam-catching POP account you created in the preceding step.
The spammers often harvest addresses from the domain name WHOIS system, grabbing your administrative, billing, and technical contact e-mail addresses to add to their lists. Use a unique e-mail forward for your contact information, and when the spam begins to arrive at that address, change your domain name record to reflect a new forwarded address, and redirect the old address to the spam-catcher POP.
Whenever you order a product or service online, create a unique e-mail forward for the company you’re ordering from. For example, if you’re ordering a CD from amazon.com, use amazon@yourdomain.com when you register with them (don’t forget to replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain name; and don’t forget to create an e-mail forward to deliver mail to a valid POP account.) This approach provides two benefits: 1) it allows you to redirect that address to your spam-catcher if you start receiving spam; and 2) it will let you know who’s selling your personal information to spammers - you can then decide whether those companies are deserving of your trust and future business.
[NOTE: Eventually, your spam-catcher POP account will fill up and exceed its quota, as allocated by your hosting provider. When this happens, e-mail that’s sent to that POP account will begin “bouncing back” with an error message to the sender. Don’t worry about that - it won’t hurt anything. If the spammers actually provide a valid return address (which almost none do), the bounce will serve as notice that you’re not accepting their mail.]
Tip #6.
Use spam filters.
Most reputable hosting companies use spam-filtering software and give you access to many administration features. Do your homework and check the features that came with your account.
Spam filters compare incoming mail against several “spam blacklists” and automatically delete e-mail sent from any source included on any of those lists. Please note that blacklists and spam filters in general are not perfect - there’s not a filtering product available on the market that won’t 1) occasionally let spam slip through and get delivered, and worse, 2) occasionally reject valid e-mail as spam. Note that any mail deleted as a result of server-side spam filtering is not recoverable. There are other spam filtering options available to you to install locally - this gives you the choice of what to filter and what not to filter, and gives you the opportunity to recover valid e-mail that was mistakenly deleted by the filter.
—
Andrei co-owns Bsleek - a company that specializes in web design, hosting, promotional items, printing, tradeshow displays, logos, CD presentations, SEO and more. Andrei has amassed an extensive technical knowledge and experience through his career as the CIO for a major travel management company and through his past careers in military research, data acquisition and airspace engineering. He also consults for Trinity Investigations, a New York based PI firm.
—
Bsleek - Intelligent permission based email marketing
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August 30th, 2008
The Armani has been a real money maker for Samsung having been pretty popular with consumers. For the money the Samsung Armani is really basic. Samsung have done a very good job on the overall design of this mobile handset.
The most cost effective place to purchase a mobile these days is over the Internet. To quickly find the best deal on a Samsung Armani use a comparison site to compare mobile phone offers .
The Armani has support for 2G GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 . A 3.15 MP, 2048×1536 pixels, video(CIF) camera is integrated into the Armani camera. A WAP 2.0/xHTML compatible browser is also included. Regarding battery life the Samsung Armani has 6:00 talk time and 220 hours reserve time. The Samsung Armani is that is supplied with a Standard battery, Li-Ion 880 mAh, battery cell. The Samsung Armani comes equipped with bluetooth, for convenient compatibility with the majority of devices. Regarding the the display the handset is supplied with a 2.6 inch screen, which is a nice big display taking into consideration other options available for the money. The display is a TFT touchscreen, 256K colors. The Samsung Armani is equipped with Polyphonic (64 channels), MP3 ring tones as well as a vibrating alert . The Armani weighs 85 g which is pretty average for a handset in this class. If colour is something you are interested in you may like to know that the Armani is only available in Black. Compared to other models, the Armani is very compact. The Armani has a number of other useful features such as:
Document viewer (.pdf, .doc, .ppt, .xls)
MP3/ACC/ACC+ player
Voice memo
Organizer
Java MIDP 2.0
Regrettably for Samsung the Armani is up against numerous rival products making it quite easy to pick up a fantastic bargain on this mobile handset.
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August 28th, 2008
One way to stop SPAM is to have two email addresses; your regular one and one you use while online when typing in forms. You real one you never give out expect to friends and close business associates. The other one should be a free-mail plus type account from MSN, which filters out all the junk SPAM.
It would have been nice if the government would have gotten on the ball after passing the CAN SPAM Act and actually got rid of some of these spammers, but the government is mostly all show and no go and they rarely do anything very well. Mostly they are good a fluff and fold public relations tactics, but getting rid of SPAM is a job for free enterprise and when the government tried they failed miserably, it was quite disgusting and a half ass attempt at best.
Oh sure the FTC Federal Trade Commission rounded up all the experts in the free market and sat them all down at a table to discuss and they served those jelly filled pastries and all that crap, but in essence they spent some 6-months on deciding what SPAM was and another six months in the committee trying to get their heads out of their rears and come up with a decent mission statement. One which would make them look good for their Media Press Releases and Public Relations Debut, but in the end it was all talk and we are still getting SPAM. Face it, the FTC is about a impotent to fix the SPAM issues as they are with getting rid of the Viagra ads. Think on it.
“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
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August 28th, 2008
For many entrepreneurs the creation of a business plan is the biggest hurdle in the development process of their fledgling enterprise. There is a mystery, almost a dread in many people when discussion of a business plan requirement is first broached. They conceptualize a boring, dry, painful experience and many would like to avoid this step if at all possible.
What is a Business Plan?
A business plan is a document that qualifies, quantifies and narrates a commercial opportunity. It is that simple to state, more difficult to execute, but anyone can customize a business plan that gets results. The plan must have an exciting Executive Summary. Like the opening scenes of a movie, or the first chapter of a book, the writer must set a hook.
Typically, active investors, angels, venture capital groups and investment bankers are deluged with business plans. Screeners typically read the document before passing along to decision-makers within the firm. However, very few move along the decision making food chain precisely because the Executive Summary lacks excitement, punch or sets a high level of anticipation about what is inside the document.
Having written dozens of business plans for clients I can attest that creating a plan that works is, well, work. No two plans are alike. The plan must be customized, well researched, structured and direct. I receive more than 500 business plan submissions annually in my consulting firm. Less than 1% have commercial potential as written. Many describe products, services, retail or new business development ideas that otherwise might be exciting. However, the plan does not convey that potential.
One of the worst things to evolve from the arrival of the inter-net is the ability to download a business plan template and write the document by filling in the blanks. The template itself is not problematic, I use a self-developed template when I customize plans. The problem is that many entrepreneurs do not have the writing skills, the research in hand, know the keys that turn on investors and thus, take shortcuts. Filling in the blanks without sweating the details and doing comprehensive research results in a document that will not be read and an opportunity that will never launch.
Rule number one in the development of any commercial opportunity: shortcuts equal failure!
I am a self-taught business plan writer. If I can do it, anyone can. In reality, however, most people just want to expose their opportunity to investors, licensees or potential partners. They don’t have writing skills, do not know the types of research necessary to support the plans sales model, need help in creating the marketing strategy, and will never be able to narrate financials.
Where can they go to create and exciting business plan document.
The following are resources readily available in most communities. Many are free.
Many colleges, community colleges and universities have developed small business incubators. They attract additional state funding, as small business growth and development are keys to job creation and an increased tax base. Take advantage of this community asset. Students, graduate students and professors are often available to direct your efforts. Ten years ago there were only a handful such programs. Today, over 1000 schools have some version of an entrepreneurial program.
Many states, regional and local governments offer business development programs. They have retired business people and mentors on hand to support, guide and train prospective entrepreneurs and guide business plan creation. There is no charge for utilizing this service, after all, your tax dollar supports these programs.
SCORE, the Service Core of Retired Executives is a Federal Government sponsored initiative. Thousands of retired, experienced business people make themselves available to evaluate commercial opportunities and direct the development and launch of those deemed to have potential. They are often intimately involved in creating business plans.
The Ewing Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, MO is devoted solely to the development of entrepreneurial development. Mr. Kauffman started, nurtured and developed Marion Labs from a tiny drug local company into a multinational, multi-billion dollar powerhouse. He also owned the Kansas City Royals baseball team. His devotion to developing and promoting the entrepreneurial base of the United States resulted in creation of the foundation that bears his name.
Seek out a consultant. Typically consultants charge a fee, just like lawyers, accountants or plumbers. The advantage of an experienced consultant is that they write business plans for a living, will be strong writers, able to properly direct or perform research, narrate financials and differentiate a commercial opportunity by creating an exciting word picture. Always seek references and talk to several before deciding on a consultant.
Why Do I Need a Business Plan?
You might not. You might not need a deeply customized business plan if you are seeking to license or sell an invention, a patent or a prototype product. In this situation, the potential licensee would take your work product and develop a plan that fits their internal organizational needs.
However, if you are attempting to fund a start-up business, self-market a product or buy a small business you will absolutely need to create a road map. That road map is your business plan. The map is not linear, there will be curves and setbacks, but by quantifying, qualifying and narrating a well- researched, customized business plan you are much closer to success.
Geoff Ficke is President of Duquesa Marketing, Inc. An international consulting firm with over 35 experience in creating customized strategies and business plans, product development and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs, inventors and small business expansion. Mr. Ficke is also a Senior Fellow at the Page Center for Entrepreneurial Study at the Business School, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. He can be reached at 407-260-1127 or through the company website, http://www.duquesamarketing.com.
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August 23rd, 2008
Cultivating Positive Energy
Most of us who study Yoga have been taught that an abundance of Prana (vital air or vital energy), can be found at the ocean, lakes, large open fields, and in the mountains.
Although the air is different, this same energy can be found where people assemble for a positive reason. For example: when people assemble to meditate or pray.
You can feel it in your home, at a church, mosque, temple, shrine, ashram, seminar, martial arts hall, etc. This is when people bond in a mass for the common good. The energy can be used to help humanity and our little planet for the best.
You can project this energy outward by acts of kindness every moment of your life. This is not to say, you allow yourself to be abused. You can be kind to everyone who comes into your life, without becoming a “doormat.”
You have influence over a limited number of people who you see in a day. Why not make every contact a harmonious and positive experience?
Some examples would be:
Stop making foul gestures, becoming angry, and swearing when another driver on the road has irritated you.
Don’t take advantage of respect with anyone.
Treat everyone as special - no matter what their economic status.
In regard to your next question: What is the mystery behind attracting positive energy?
To be honest, there isn’t one, but I will give you the formula.
Firstly, you have to realize that you have infinite potential, and it comes from within. You also have unlimited potential from the outside, when you engage in prayer, and meditation, on a daily basis. Prayer and meditation will positively charge you, and you will contribute to the benefit of others as a result of it.
In turn, all of this helping of others will result in finding people around you who are more than willing to give you a helping hand.
The following ideas will cultivate positive energy around you.
Make it a point to wake up in the morning with excitement and say hello to everyone you come into contact with. This goes for the security guard, janitor, maid, garage attendant, cashier at the store, and anyone you may overlook in the course of your day.
Stop criticizing your family members, co-workers, friends, and associates.
Be diplomatic first, before giving any advice.
Let your family know that you love them everyday.
Be sincere and treat everyone as important.
Take time to give to people. This doesn’t have to be expensive. You could give a sincere compliment, a card, a letter, or flowers.
Become a trustworthy partner with family, friends, co-workers and associates.
Set goals - whether they are tangible or not. It is a healthy practice to have goals at any age. The final results will be that your positive energy will attract positively charged personalities and successful people will seek you out. If this is a major change for you, it will not happen overnight.
Let me share a related Zulu saying: “Patience is an egg that hatches great birds.”
Why should you become an eternal optimist?
Every one of us has a choice. When you fall down, you must pick yourself up. You can’t blame life’s hurdles or obstacles - you have to find solutions to get over, around, under, or through them.
Focus on your past achievements and learn to be happy with yourself. Everyone has failed, at some point, but we must constructively learn from our past experience.
Your individual approach, to life’s daily obstacles, is the gateway to success or failure. Therefore, success is a matter of choice.
Building Positive Energy
In relation to what most of us see as possible - success is unlimited. When primal man first discovered fire, could he imagine the concept of a forge? When modern man discovered the forge, could he imagine sky scrappers?
To build positive energy for pursuit of common goals and success, you need a support group. Find and seek out like-minded people.
Paul Jerard, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher.
www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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August 22nd, 2008
I got the latest issue of Internet Works in the post yesterday and was disappointed to find out that it’s going to be the last. As well as having the good taste to run a feature on me last year (!) Internet Works has been a great source of information and ideas for me for the last couple of years and it’s demise will leave a gap.
But it is also just another reminder that publications come and go, and their staff do too. But, with new publications emerging, and other titles closing, how do you keep up to date with all the PR opportunities out there?
Here are our Do Your Own PR tips to help you do just that.
1. It sounds basic but do set up a separate contact system for journalists - even if you’ve only got two names for your database at the moment.
2. If you’re really organised then you can divide this into warm contacts (journalists you’d be happy to call and chat to) and cold contacts - those you haven’t built a relationship with yet. You can then gauge your success as you watch names move from the cold to the warm list.
3. Keep in touch with your media list on a regular basis. That way if emails get bounced or you receive a reply saying “Bilbo Baggins no longer works with Hobbit Publications” you can update your list immediately.
4. If someone does move don’t cancel them off with one touch of the delete button. Give their old office a call and find out where they have moved to - chances are they’ve moved onto bigger and better things and you can keep in touch. Even if they’ve suddenly moved over to Pigeon Fanciers Weekly and you know they aren’t going to be able to do anything for you at the moment a nice “wish you well” email helps keep that door open for the future.
5. Ask your existing contacts if they can recommend any other journalists that might be good contacts (and that way you can sneakily drop in the referrer’s name to warm up your contact).
6. Pay particular attention if journalists contact you. If someone calls from The Express don’t assume that you’ll be able to get hold of them by calling the Express. Many writers are freelancers whose contact details are guarded fiercely. If you get hold of their contact info treat it with the respect it deserves.
7. I’ve come across many clients who dealt with press in a former job but now dismiss their past contacts as being “old” or “not in the same area”. How do you know until you ask? That freelancer you used to speak to about racing cars might also write about parenting issues - or, more probably, might know someone else who does. Don’t just write off old contacts as dead ones.
Finally, a client recently told me about http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/markets.htm
Although it’s aimed at freelancers looking for outlets to sell their work, it’s also a great resource and inspiration for publications that may be PR opportunities.
Paula Gardner
http://www.doyourownpr.com
Paula Gardner is the author of Get Noticed! How to Boost Your Small Business Profile in 30 Days or Less available from http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=37
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August 20th, 2008
Wearing boots today is even more popular than ever. It used to be that boots were only for stomping through the mud with. Now however, boots can be as fashionable and stylish as you’d like.
From motorcycle boots to cowboy boots and western boots, they’re all gaining in popularity. If you want to be on the edge of rugged fashion, get yourself some boots.
In prehistoric times skins or hides were probably tied around the foot for protection and warmth. The sandal, probably the earliest form of shoe, was worn in Egypt, Greece, and Rome; an early form of the boot was also known in Greece and Rome.
The characteristic shoe of the Middle Ages was the soft, clinging moccasin, which extended to the ankle. It was highly decorated and was of velvet, cloth of gold, and, increasingly, of leather. Today the choices of boots are great…wonderful styles and comfort.
Both men and women are wearing boots to all occasions that would have been unthinkable a short while ago. If you’re considering adding boots to your shoes collection (or if you’re looking at good solid work boots) you can find anything you want on the internet.
Choose from only the best suppliers of boots. It doesn’t matter if its wolverine boots or fashionable thigh boots, you can find any style your looking for.
About The Author
Mike Yeager, Publisher - http://www.a1-shoes-4u.com/
mjy610@hotmail.com
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August 20th, 2008
South eastern Tuscany meets its smaller neighbour Umbria, on Umbria’s north
eastern border. The border area of Tuscany and Umbria in Italy is a wonderful place
to stay as the visitor is able to visit the many cities and towns of the two regions
while staying in one of the most picturesque areas the world has to offer and
enjoying one of its greatest cuisines. The area is largely rural, the main crops are
sunflowers, maize, olives, vines and tobacco which is being phased out. Modernity
has been slow to reach this area and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, many
visitors feel as if they had stepped back in time 30 or 40 years. Staying in this area
you are within 90% of UNESCOs world art treasures: Rome and Florence are within
two hours drive and one must not forget the important art works of nearer towns
such as Arezzo, Siena, Perugia and Assisi. Apart from their art treasures these
towns are places everyone enjoys visiting. All have their own architectural delights
and meandering lanes and interesting shops and restaurants. Also worth visiting are
the Tuscan towns of ; Cortona and Sansepolcro and the Umbrian towns of
Gubbio,Citta di Castello, Todi and Orvieto. Lovers of ceramics will also want to visit
Deruta famous for its production of some the world’s finest majolica.
Wine lovers are also in for a treat as many great wines are found in this area.
Although Chianti is not strictly on the Tuscany Umbria border it is only a short drive.
The brunellos of Montalcino and Vino Nobile of Montepulciano are found in this
area.
There is a wide choice of accommodation available for those wishing to come to this
area of Italy. Agriturismi offering either self-catering apartments or B&B type
accommodation have sprung up everywhere. A popular choice for the visitor to this
area of Tuscany and Umbria is to rent a self-catering villa, farmhouse or apartment
through a rental agency. With a rental agency one can be sure that the house or
apartment has been properly scrutinised and is priced fairly to reflect its quality,
situation and accessibility. Farmhouses, villas and apartments with or without
swimming pools are all available. If one wishes to stay in a country property in this
area car hire is almost essential. Public transport in the rural areas of Tuscany and
Umbria although reliable, is sparse. Most villages have a bus service once a day,
relying upon this creates a lack of flexibility. Many of the farmhouses and villas for
holiday rental are on hillsides a good walk from a main road. Often vacation rental
houses in Tuscany and Umbria are reached along gravel roads or “strade bianche” .
City inhabitants are often alarmed at these gravel roads but after the initial drive
along them the nerves are soon overcome.
Please visit www.tuscanyumbria.com to find a rental property for your holiday in the
Tuscany or Umbria regions of Italy.
Emma Cordingley, originally from the UK has lived on the Tuscany Umbria border
for 7 years with her husband and 2 daughters. Together with her husband she runs
a vacation rental agency offering villas, farmhouses and apartments for holiday
rentals, http://www.tuscanyumbria.com and walking holidays; http://www.tuscanyumbriawalks.com.
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August 19th, 2008
One of the greatest problems that businesses face is getting the pricing strategy right. This article explores the three key factors; all companies need to consider when getting this vital element on target. Missing only one of the three can have disastrous consequences.
As with everything, it does not take rocket science to get this right, however one slip, could seriously damage your bottom line. The three factors, equally weighted are as follows:
The value that your customers put on your product and service
Will you make a profit?
What your competitors charge for the same or equivalent
So how do we define customer value?
Value is what a purchaser gets when they make use of your product or service. It is the figure that they put on, their new capabilities. Ones that you have delivered to him through ownership of what you sell.
Value is not always quantified in monetary terms. A golfer may go to a professional, get three lessons, and knock 10 off their handicap - so what is that worth to them? If they had previously spent 5,000 on lessons and still been awful, it could be worth an awful lot.
The most important consideration is that the buyer must feel that they got “good value” from their purchase.
However this good value must not be sold at a loss!
Given, you are in business to make a profit, it is important that you do not sell everything at a loss. It is fine to have loss leaders and indeed, offer freebies, to encourage new clients, or to reward loyal customers. However you business must be profitable, or else you will not have one.
To understand whether you are making profit from a product or group of products, you should factor in all fixed and variable costs. Then look at how many you will sell, and ensure it is worth your while selling at that price.
But what if it’s good for you and your customer, but your competitor is cheaper!
First and foremost, check that what they are selling is identical to what you are selling. If it is, all you will do is create a market that your competitor will clean up on.
The good news is that in 99.99% of cases, your products or services are not identical. This is where creating your unique value proposition is vital. This needs to distinguish you as being the best solution in your chosen target market or niche.
It is important also to realize that the best solution may also not be the cheapest. Let’s go back to the golf pro. He charges 60 a lesson for his services; his competitor charges 30 a lesson. But if what you want is rapid improvement, and this guy has testimonials to prove what he has done, by spending 180 with him, to get 10 shots off your round of golf, could save you thousands, that you could have spent with the 30 guy.
The bottom line is that your pricing must take into account the three key considerations; providing the better value than your competitors, at a profitable price.
If you need help with your pricing strategy, give us a call, we would be delighted to help.
Business Owners who need more sales and better marketing advice, turn to Peter Lawless, of 3R Sales & Marketing - www.3r.ie . For previous articles and interviews like this, visit our website and subscribe to Success. We also provide free Sales & Marketing Assessments for Business Owners with an Irish Connection.
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August 16th, 2008
Addressing a D2X Digital SLRCoolpix 8800 search, this article provides a quick comparison of the Nikon D2X digital SLR and Coolpix 8800 cameras.
Nikon D2X Professional Digital SLR
Check out a Nikon D2X review or two and quickly realize this is a world class professional digital SLR. Instantaneous response and fast 37ms shutter lag allow the photographer to compose and take the photo instead of waiting for camera start-up, shutter or processing time.
The D2X sports a 12.4 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor capable of 5 FPS. Continuous mode can be increased to 8 FPS with a cropped field of view using 6.8 megapixels. The D2X SLR’s 4-channel color readout and advanced image processing algorithms deliver truer color and higher processing speeds.
Additional features such as i-TTL Speedlight technology, sYCC color profiling, and Advanced 3D-Color Matrix Metering II make the D2X digital SLR a professional photographer’s dream.
Nikon Coolpix 8800 Long-Zoom Digital Camera
An 8800 camera digital Nikon review search reveals a surprisingly compact mid-sized digital camera. With 8.0 effective megapixels and 10X optical zoom, this camera ranks at the top of Nikon’s Coolpix line. Vibration Reduction circuitry compensates for camera movement, allowing shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower without image blur.
The 8800 offers a choice of built-in flash or external hot-shoe. Nikon’s i-TTL flash technology delivers full flash zoom control with the SB-600 and SB-800 Speedlight units. In addition to fisheye, wide angle and telephoto converters, and other adaptors, Nikon 8800 filter options include neutral color, neutral density and polarizing filters.
Other Coolpix 8800 features include: 15 automated scene modes, 5 movie modes, and continuous shot modes up to 30 FPS. For the serious digital photography enthusiast the 8800 offers quality and features comparable to, but at a lower cost than digital SLR’s.
How Do These Cameras Compare?
Unlike many digital camera comparisons, comparing the D2X and Coolpix 8800 is not a true “apples-to-apples” comparison. Both models have a rugged but lightweight magnesium alloy body and high quality Nikkor lenses. And both feature i-TTL flash technology, multiple AF, scene, shot and exposure metering modes, plus aperture and shutter-priority settings.
The Coolpix 8800’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery will take up to 240 shots per charge, while the D2X’s (also lithium-ion) will take up to 2,000 photos on a single charge. DX Nikkor lenses for the D2X offer wide-angle views up to 180, and the camera also accepts all conventional AF Nikkor lenses. The D2X also supports both WT-1A and WT-2A transmitters for wireless image transfer and full remote camera control from a computer.
But there’s a huge difference in cost. The Coolpix 8800 is available from about $550 to $900, while the Nikon D2X price is closer to $4,000. For the professional who earns a living with his camera, the D2X digital SLR is one of the best and most reliable cameras available. But for the serious photographer that can’t justify the D2X’s cost, the Coolpix 8800 offers professional quality photos at an affordable price.
For more information, see Digital Camera Comparisons
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