Teach Me Profits

Starting up a new business can be a little nerve-wracking under any conditions, but no less so during an economic decline. It’s tempting to either stay away from new business endeavors entirely or walk into one with serious trepidation, fearing for its survival right from the beginning. It’s a terrible way to start a business, but when you really stop to think about it, the beginning is really one of the most frail times in a franchise’s lifespan, mostly because it takes time to build up business and get cash flowing in on a steady basis. Without that, a business really can’t survive; so to some degree, fear is warranted at the outset of business.

That kind of fear in a franchise business, however, isn’t always necessary, even in recession. If the threat of not having immediate cash flow is more of a weight than you can handle, it’s important to know that there are business opportunities that come with various means of producing cash flow instantly. The following businesses, for one reason or another, are able to provide you with a steady income right off the bat.

Glove Lady

This business for sale provides an instant flow of cash mostly because it provides a product in high demand that few other groups are selling. A low-overhead, work from home business, Glove Lady specializes in selling gloves and other safety equipment. Though it’s a product that many companies need, it’s not one that a lot of companies sell, meaning that a Glove Lady franchisee has a cornered market from day one. And with a state-of-the art management system, customizable marketing system, and personalized website, everything is in place for a highly lucrative local business.

Superior Wash

One of the leading names in the truck-washing industry, Superior Wash has over 25 years of combined experience and can teach any hardworking franchisee how to profit from this simple and well established business model. Everything is provided for each new home based business from the outset: the business plan, cleaning equipment, accounting services, 24/7 support, and best of all, access to a national account list. What the national account list provides is a large number of trucking companies that, with only a call, will prove to be a immediate source of income because they’re already familiar with the Superior Wash name. And with services for each client operating on a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly basis, that initial income remains a repetitive source of cash flow as new accounts are added.

PIRTEK USA

This is the best franchise opportunity you can find in the manufacturing industry. Universally recognized as a worldwide powerhouse in the hydraulic business, PIRTEK USA provides clients with only the best hoses and other equipment made by the world’s leading makers. What’s more, they’re the only onsite service provider, not only selling hydraulic equipment, but installing, repairing, and maintaining it, all at the customer’s location. Between selling exceptional products and providing exceptional services, it is no wonder that clients new and old recognize PIRTEK USA as a wise choice for servicing their equipment, and thus, there is potential for income immediately.

MOLLY MAID

The biggest name in the home cleaning industry, MOLLY MAID comes to new franchisees with almost instant cash flow, mostly because the name is so widely known. The world’s leading maid service, every new MOLLY MAID home business has instant advertising and brand recognition because nearly everyone has seen a MOLLY MAID car. Even if owned by another franchisee, that publicity bodes well for new franchises. Because advertising is relatively easy, franchisees are mostly just responsible for managing a staff of employed housecleaners, managing business growth, and providing invoicing and accounts receivable.

The Pajama-Man School

They call him the Pajama-Man, and for good reason. Because he works only from home, Andy Ross wears nothing but pajamas while he makes gobs of money brokering health insurance, and with his school, he is more than able to teach others to do the same. By his estimates, Andy makes $500 every day, just off two or three insurance applications from new clients, all without any calling on his part: he simply receives calls and makes sales. His competitors have all asked him numerous times how he has managed such startling success, but he refuses to tell them his secrets; he only tells his students. For only $5,000, you too can become his student and learn how to take advantage of the same kind of business opportunity.

Supercuts

Once again, the key to instant income with one of these franchises is an already strong market presence and a service that everyone needs on an ongoing basis. Everyone recognizes the Supercuts name and logo, and the average person needs a haircut every few weeks or so. Combine those two facts, and you have an instant success as a part of $3bil franchising family with 12,000 functional franchises already in operation. Each store has two streams of income, service and retail sales, and there is already a global marketing system in operation, ensuring that the cash flow you see today will only expand tomorrow.

Getting into business for yourself never comes without its stresses, but wondering whether or not there’s money to be made from the beginning of your franchise’s operational life is not a stress you need to have. As you look for the business opportunity of your dreams, keep an eye peeled for those businesses that provide a steady stream of income from the get-go. Having that little bit more peace of mind goes a long way toward making an even more successful business.

Find more franchise business opportunities including home service franchises and retail franchises at Franchise Gator

dotcom Wireless – Amazing New Business Opportunity – cellphonebiz4u

I am a great believer in the keeping to the basics – the totally obvious things that we all learn in Running Your Business 101, and then promptly forget. I often have people come up to me after a speech and say, “This is all blindingly obvious, just common sense.” And they are right, but my immediate response is always the say, “So are you doing it…?”

This question is usually followed by a moment of silence before they explain they have moved on to other approaches now. You cannot forget the basics, because if you do you stop marketing. So if you find yourself by the end of this article saying “this is just common sense,” do a reality check, and see if you have stopped using your common sense. I know I often do.

The most important basic to remember is that Marketing is an Attitude to Business that Puts the Customer First. If you and everyone in your business understands this then everything else about marketing falls into place. You have to make your entire business marketing oriented. It’s seems not to be a popular concept in the west, but we are here to serve our customers. If we don’t they will go elsewhere. Let me relate a story.

Some years ago, late on a Saturday afternoon my eldest daughter remembered she didn’t have any school shoes for the start of term the following Monday. Panic! We rushed to a nearby and surprisingly empty major chain store where three members of staff were wrestling with a till roll. I waited… and waited… and waited… Eventually I said, “Can you help me please; my daughter needs some new shoes?” A girl looked up; surprised and apparently irritated by my presence, she pointing across the store said, “The children’s shoes are over there, if you find a style you like I’ll see if we have her size.”

We left… and we raced 15 miles to another town (the stores closed at 5.30 pm) where I knew there was a small privately owned shoe store. When I walked into this little double fronted store it was in chaos. They clearly were having a very busy day. There were empty shoe boxes and children everywhere and the owner of the store was on his knees in the middle of the store checking the fit of a pair of shoes.

As I entered a bell rang on the door. He looked up immediately and said “Oh hello, I’ll be with you in just a moment.” And he was. I said “My daughter wants fashionable shoes for school but she can destroy a pair of Doc Martins in a week.” “I know exactly what you mean,” he said, “Let me see what I have.” He quickly measured her feet and a minute later returned with two pairs of robust, but very fashionable shoes, one of which my daughter immediately loved.

I have never forgotten that day. This was a man who understood service and delivered it so well that he was able to undercut the chain store prices. He is still in business today 10 years later – the chain store I am pleased to say, is not. You have to take this kind of attitude in everything your business does.

I walked into an office once and there was a big poster on the wall.

Rules of Our Business

Rule 1 – The customer is always right

Rule 2 – When the customer is definitely wrong – Re-read Rule 1

If you constantly think how can I make my customers feel great about doing business with me, then they will keep coming back, they will keep telling their friends and you will tap into one of the most powerful marketing technique of all, viral marketing, where doing business with you becomes infectious, and your marketing is done almost entirely by your existing customer evangelists telling their friends how great you are.

About the Author:

Founder and First President of the Professional Speakers Association (PSA), Rikki Arundel is a truly unique International Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Writer. She is openly and proudly transgender and an expert in sales and marketing communications with an impressive track record, and being transgender has provided her with a unique understanding of the differences in the way men and women communicate in business. http://www.RikkiArundel.com

Get your free copy of How to Get Customers Queuing up to Buy at http://www.SpeakingandMarketingTips.com

Michael Port – small business marketing – What you stand for

How important is a slogan and how exactly does it help get a business exposure? A slogan is a short phrase or sentence that conveys a theme or message from a company. Some companies choose different slogans frequently while others opt to keep the same slogan from their establishment date. Nearly every company has a slogan that is part of or accompanies their logo. A slogan can set the theme for a company and steer it in a positive direction, but most importantly it conveys a persuasive message to potential customers. That is why picking a slogan is so important, especially when entering into a marketing campaign. Here are four ideas that work when it comes to choosing a slogan.

Powerful and Direct Slogans: Stating a company is #1 is a cliché in the marketing business, but it works. There’s no reason to hold back when describing the quality of a company’s products or services (of course while remaining honest). People respect confidence and directness especially when the product or service is vital. Being direct also means using fewer words which is ideal for a slogan that should be a phrase or short sentence at most. Example: The Law Firm of John Smith: Best Lawyers in Town

Compassionate Slogans: Especially with the advent of eco-friendly products and services having a compassionate slogan is a great way to grab attention. Whether its compassion for the environment or the rigors of daily work life it’s important for companies to make a connection with their customers. Taking a stance on social issues can be risky with the divisive nature of the current political climate but certain themes are generally accepted like: humanitarianism, environmentalism, tolerance and nationalism to a certain extent. Example: John Smith Grocery Store: An Organic Shopping Experience

Slogans Showing Commitment: Many people know that slogans are intentionally biased and often look at them with skepticism, that’s why having an offer or commitment in a slogan can really attract attention. Offering free products or services is always a good way to attract attention, but there are plenty of options when it comes to enticing potential customers. Companies that offer guarantees often have more successful marketing campaigns because of the value placed by customer on getting a good deal. Example: John Smith Pizza Delivery: On-Time Delivery or your Money Back.

Honest Slogans: People always appreciate honesty, that’s why companies have been offering more transparency in their advertising. Telling a customer that another company’s products are more but less quality may seem like a bad idea, but in the end customers appreciate the honesty. In the modern age, information is readily available and an effort to keep customers from finding out about competitors is futile. Example: John Smith’s Gym: A Little Bit Higher Cost: A Lot Higher Quality.

DiscountMugs.com is a large distribution company based in Miami, Florida. They are web-based and factory-direct which allows them to keep prices lower than the rest of the competition. They also have a huge selection of products from coffee mugs and travel mugs to tote bags and promotional pens. For more information on promotional products visit: http://www.discountmugs.com.

Business Ideas – Small Business Ideas – dotcommothers.com

So… you have a great product. You have an awesome website and sharp business cards. You’ve even got really great Letterhead. But so far, they have gone virtually unused and unnoticed. You thought that people would line up at your door to buy your product, but it just isn’t happening. What’s the deal?

No one is going to know anything about your product until you promote it. You’ve got to come up with a really sound promotional plan in order to bring your hard work to fruition. However, before you jump out there and promote, you have to take care of some fundamentals first. Let’s take a look at how to start.

1. Do your research. It is amazing how many small business owners don’t perform this crucial step. It is not enough to have a great product. You have to take a realistic look at the market. Determine who is most likely to use your product. They will become your target marketing audience. Determine who your competitors are. Look at what they are doing to promote themselves. (Tip: A great place to look is in trade journals).

2. Determine your budget. Be realistic, but do understand that marketing should be a large piece of your budget. People do not realize that they need you or your product until you tell them. Once you decide upon your budget, stick to it. Now comes the fun part… go forth and promote! It’s not that easy, you say? Oh, but it is.

3. Develop marketing collateral. This includes brochures, flyers, one page glossies, newsletters, etc. Put some thought into this step, because it should be cohesive and fluid with the image that you want your business to project. Make it sharp, concise and attention-grabbing. Think like your target consumers… what would they want to see?

4. Participate in promotional activities. Sponsor a Little League team or a local “fun run”. Volunteer to clean a section of highway (You’ll get your name on a plaque). Participate in fairs (health fairs, job fairs, etc). Get a booth in a tradeshow. Order give-aways (hats, coffee mugs, calendars, pens) and hand them out during these functions. Participate in community projects and clubs (Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce). If your target audience has support networks, attend the meetings and hand your cards out. Donate your product as prizes in raffles at fundraisers. Put magnetic signs on your car. The idea here is getting yourself and your business in front of people. Do it as often as you can, in as many creative ways you can think of.

5. Become a leader in your field. You become a leader by promoting yourself as one! You know that you know what you are talking about and are good at what you do… so let everyone else know too! Start speaking at conferences, association meetings, etc. Write for trade journals. Create newsletters. Write a book! If you are perceived as an expert in your field, then that is what you will be! Public perception is everything.

6. Develop a Media Campaign. This might sound daunting, but trust me, it really isn’t. Pick up your pen (or turn on your computer) and start writing! Write press releases, press kits and articles. Take up blogging and stream your blog through Twitter. Get a presence on Facebook. Write articles and publish them on Ezines. The more people that are reading your writing equates to more publicity that you are receiving, which is the ultimate goal.

7. Use a “Buddy Marketing Campaign”. Team up with someone in a complementary business (for example, a pet store and a pet grooming business) to run advertising campaigns. You can do “buddy referrals” for each other and team up to run contests.

8. Put every document that leaves your office to work for you. I am sure you already have letterhead, business cards and a website. However, don’t overlook your envelopes, signature on your email, receipts and fax cover sheets. Anything that leaves your office can carry your logo and slogan. Why not? If it’s going to leave your office anyway, it might as well have a dual purpose: Advertising!

9. Have measurable objectives. This means… don’t say to yourself, “I will increase my marketing effort”. Instead, say “I will send out 150 sales letters to local target consumers and distribute a mass mailing of 500 flyers by the end of the month. Do not be vague about your goals or you might see vague results.

10. Promotional strategy does not always involve in-your-face marketing. Promotional strategy also includes providing excellent customer service. If you create a reputation for world class service, that will contribute to the image that you are trying to project. Ask for referrals. Probably a third of your business will come from referrals. Allocate a specific amount of time each week for analyzing your current strategy and revising it to fit your current needs.

A good promotional strategy is a key element in any marketing campaign, and in my opinion, the most fun! It really is simple… just figure out who your target audience is and put yourself in front of them in as many ways as you can think of. Once you get those creative juices flowing, I think you will see that the opportunities are endless!

Cori Chaffee is the Owner and Founder of The Perfect Admin, LLC; a full-service virtual assistant company. The Perfect Admin, LLC offers services ranging from content writing, editing and proofreading to more complicated marketing strategies for small-business owners. To learn more, visit her website at http://www.theperfectadmin.com.

Starting a Business : Obtaining a Small Business License

What would be an ideal business opportunity for you?

I am trying to create a perfect win/win online business where everyone can make money & it is very easy for anyone regardless of experience. Is there anything in particular that would attract you to a business opportunity? Any ideas on something people would really like?

The only win/win opportunities online are pyramids, and you might be able to entice kids into them, but anyone that’s had online experience for more than 3 years would not be a good candidate.

Actually, I do have a biz plan that reaquires a bit of leg-work, You interested? Might be available for you city. If you are, e me @ clamshell hotmail If you are smart enough, you can figure that out. Put Yahoo Biz Opp in the subject line.

Business Opportunity $300.+ aday Help The Police & Cities

One of the best ways to make money online is to develop a top notch marketing campaign. Marketing is the most important aspect of getting any business off the ground, whether it is a traditional business or an online business. You need to let people know what product or service you are selling, where you are located and how they can make a purchase. There are many ways to promote a business and a marketing strategy whilst being crucial to any business can also prove to be a very costly overhead if it is not correctly implemented. Therefore it is important, before you dive into any marketing campaign to look at all the many different ways you can use to market your business. Here are some of the best free internet marketing techniques you can use to increase your presence online and make money in your internet business. If you use any of these techniques on a daily basis consistently and correctly, your business will have much to gain.

Article Marketing

Article Marketing is a very powerful technique that anyone can use to promote your business online and drive traffic to your website. Anyone can learn to write articles and the plan is to just get started. Don’t worry about writing the perfect article the first time, because you won’t, that only comes with practice.

There is a saying among all successful online entrepreneurs – and that is “content is king”. Knowing and understanding this will give you the jump on your competitors and if you learn to develop and implement this one strategy you will certainly drive traffic to your website which you can then convert into sales.

The other great advantage about article marketing is that it is completely free. Once you have your article ready to go with a well chosen title you are ready to submit it to article publishing sites for distribution. You will find there are many article directories and you should use as many as you can. Another benefit of article marketing is the resource box or your profile information. Here you can input some details about you and your business and this gives the the reader an opportunity to know more about you. People interested in your business opportunity will want to know more about you as a person and form a relationship with you. Making money online operates in the same way as a traditional business in that it is built on trust and respect. People will join your business because of you, not what your business opportunity has to offer.

Forum Marketing

Another very powerful free marketing strategy that is under-utilized is forum marketing. This is a great tool you can use to promote your online business and all you need to do is search “online forums”, “best online forums”, etc. One of the best is Yahoo Answers. Here you can search for people that are looking for help online and this gives you an opportunity to give valuable advice and answer their questions in the forum provided. Similarly, as in article writing, you are given the opportunity to include your website address in the signature box right below the information you are providing and this in turn gives visitors the opportunity to click on your link and visit your website. This is one of the best ways you can gain presence on the internet, build your creditability and get traffic to your website.

Viral Marketing

This is the online term given for “word of mouth” advertising – the most efficient and reliable free advertising you can find. You provide something for free to people interested in your product or service and this will encourage them to spread the word on your behalf. There is no effort required on your part but the power is in creating exponential growth in a viral form similar to the spreading of a common cold virus from person to person with every customer becoming a virtual “carrier” of the message.

If your product is of high quality or the service you are offering is exceptional, your existing customers will spread the word about you and it doesn’t cost you a penny. How often have your heard “word of mouth” advertising is the best way to get your product or service into the marketplace? This is an incredible way to get a presence for your online business very quickly on the internet. Many studies show an average customer online shares their experience with twelve others, and they in turn each share that with twelve other people and so on and so on – so you can see the power in viral marketing when promoting your online business.

Midge Hand is part of an award winning partnership in the internet marketing industry. Midge and her husband Mike use a cutting edge business and marketing system which is generating incredible success for thousands of people around the world. To find out more about the system they use and to meet the internet marketing gurus who created this please visit http://www.roadmapforwealth.com/?t=ezinemh

Twenty five great business ideas from celebrity experts