Resources for Entrepreneurs > Our Contributing Authors
Jay Shapiro

Our Contributing Authors

Jay Shapiro

Jay Shapiro is a freelance writer based in the UK. Jay has a particular interest in the emotive aspects of the entrepreneur's character. "Alongside the nuts and bolts of business, the character of the person is often the ingredient responsible for success."

Articles written by Jay Shapiro

10 More Reasons People Buy - What was the last thing you bought? Why did you buy it? You may not be aware of this but you could have been acting on fear or to boost your ego.
10 Reasons People Buy - There are many reasons people buy the things they do. If you're selling something, you need to know what those reasons are.
21st Century Work at Home Moms - Our grandmothers didn't go out to work; they fulfilled the roles of home maker and child carer. Our mothers did go out to work. With each generation comes a change. Today's moms combine both the homemaking roles of their grandmothers and the working commitments of their mothers by doing both, at home!
3 is a Magic Number in Business - 123, ABC, Snap Crackle and Pop! Soft, Strong and Very Long. No this writer hasn't completely lost the plot. This article looks at the power of serving up info in bite sized chunks of three.
5 More Persuasive Writing Secrets - If you agitate your readers will they be inspired to buy? With persuasive writing it's sometimes necessary to agitate. Here's how:
5 Persuasive Writing Secrets - Want to persuade readers to act or concur with you? Of course. Persuasion is an exercise aimed to create a win for you/win for them situation. To be successful you need to make a case that is advantageous to others. An offer they're unable to refuse.
5 Things That Frustrate Your Customers - You might be frustrating your customers. There are five things that you or your company does that are sure to exasperate.
6 Tips for Female Entrepreneurs Part 1 - Women are often put off of starting their own business. Why? Some of the most common obstacles are personal commitments and, oddly, nervousness about the legal aspects. These 6 tips will help set the female entrepreneur on the right path for start up.
6 Tips for Female Entrepreneurs Part 2 - Women are often put off of starting their own business. Why? Some of the most common obstacles are personal commitments and, oddly, nervousness about the legal aspects. These 6 tips will help set the female entrepreneur on the right path for start up.
6 Tips for Female Entrepreneurs Part 3 - Women are often put off of starting their own business. Why? Some of the most common obstacles are personal commitments and, oddly, nervousness about the legal aspects. These 6 tips will help set the female entrepreneur on the right path for start up.
7 Internet Tools That Every Business Should Use - Are you constantly looking for your desk calculator, or referring to the papers for the latest USD -- UK sterling exchange rates? Internet tools can come in useful when you need information fast.
7 Key Areas of Your Internet Marketing Campaign - While a website is generally seen as the main component of internet marketing, there are other components that can be used effectively. A combination of various techniques makes for the best results. Here we look at 7 of the key factors.
7 Surefire Ways to Get Leads - Too few leads? You need to make some noise. Here's a quick how to guide that shows you seven ways to generate leads, use one or two methods, or use them all for higher impact.
7 Things That Make Clients Hate You Part 1 - Less than scrupulous sales people give others a bad name. Here's how to make sure you earn yourself a good reputation as an understanding salesperson who delivers. Don't follow this advice and you could add yourself to the rank of the despised.
7 Things That Make Clients Hate You Part 2 - Less than scrupulous sales people give others a bad name. Here's how to make sure you earn yourself a good reputation as an understanding salesperson who delivers. Don't follow this advice and you could add yourself to the rank of the despised.
9 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Target Audience - Ever heard the old adage 'What you don't know won't hurt you.'? When it comes to business, that makes no sense at all. What you don't know can and will very likely hurt you and your company. Know your target audience like you know your way home.
A Walkthrough to Naming Your Company - Finding the right name for your company can be a challenge. But, as with many things in life, if you approach the project with a clear timeframe in mind and get your goals in sight, the process is made so much easier.
Advantages of Hiring a Marquee for Corporate Events - Big on space, exclusive and often more economical, the marquee as a venue for corporate events is ideal. Think outside the box; in fact think outside the hotel or the corporate building.
An Entrepreneur by Any Other Name - David Bowie wasn't always David Bowie, but the name change certainly didn't do him any harm professionally. Do you need to take on a name that better suits your line of work?
Are 2 Businesses Better than 1? - Often an entrepreneur who has enjoyed success with one business will see the potential of starting up another. But is it always as financially rewarding to do so?
Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made? - Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Were you born that way or did you learn it through school and life? This article discusses the characteristics of entrepreneurs. Determination and an entrepreneurial spirit are at the root of all entrepreneurs.
Are Staff Members Stealing From You? - If expenditure on office supplies and other sundries takes a sudden rise, you may have someone who is adopting a permanent borrowing scheme -- meaning they 'borrow' from you, without ever giving back.
Are You a Slow Learner in Business? - Wonder why you can't seem to progress your business or keep coming across the same hurdles? It might mean you're making the same mistakes over and over. Slow learning = slow profits or no profits at all. Let's change that:
Are you Breathing Smoke in Your Clients' Faces? - Even quite devoted smokers will confess that the smell of stale tobacco is seriously unpleasant. And while the move towards a smoke free society has seen a strong turn in recent years there are still, and always will be people who choose to smoke. Does that affect their potential success as business people?
Are You Flying Executive Class in a Hand-Me-Down Suit? - Prioritizing correctly when it comes to deciding how to spend company money can be an issue for the new boss of a company. Many have misconceptions about how best to use expense accounts and what being the boss really means when it comes to perks.
Are You Outsourcing Too Much? - Have you lost touch with the workings of your own company? Are you suddenly receiving complaints from customers about poor service or products? You may be outsourcing too much.
Are You Thwarting Your Creativity with Mental Blocks - Creative thinking is the entrepreneur's greatest tool. But sometimes it goes blunt and very often that's because of mental blocks. Here's how to clear them and start being innovative and sharp thinking again.
B2B and its Relevance in Today's Market - Do you need to network with other business in order to gain success? Have you always wanted to but thought the cost were outside of your budget. To B2B or not to B2B, that is the question.
B2B Industry Segmentation - Recognising different industries needs will help you to sell more effectively. Most of us do the majority of our business in or two sectors. Know yours.
B2B Social Networking - : Many of us communicate on social networking sites such as Facebook in our leisure time. They're a good way to keep up with our friends' news and they give us the opportunity to stay in contact with people we may otherwise have little contact with. Used for B2B marketing social networking is turning out to be very lucrative.
Baby Boomers Seek Extra Income - The Baby Boomers generation looks to franchise opportunities and network marketing to rebuild nest eggs cracked in the crunch. Many older members of the Baby Boomer Generation lost investments and retirement funds following the crunch. That's why certain businesses appeal to them.
Bad Apple Staff Members Part 1 - The old saying about one bad apple spoiling the whole barrel can be applied to the office setting. The negative effects of bad apple workers on an environment can be dramatic
Bad Apple Staff Members Part 2 - The old saying about one bad apple spoiling the whole barrel can be applied to the office setting. The negative effects of bad apple workers on an environment can be dramatic.
Bad Apple Staff Members Part 3 - Bad apples work so subtly as to be virtually unnoticeable in the office. Is there a bad apple in your office?
Bad Apple Staff Members Part 4 - Bad apples work so subtly as to be virtually unnoticeable in the office. Is there a bad apple in your office?
Bad Credit Needn't Stop You Starting a Business Part 1 - If you've got bad credit you've no doubt had a few eyebrows raised at you when you say you want to start a business. Ok, it's not going to be easy, but it's not impossible for you to raise capital.
Bad Credit Needn't Stop You Starting a Business Part 2 - If you've got bad credit you've no doubt had a few eyebrows raised at you when you say you want to start a business. Ok, it's not going to be easy, but it's not impossible for you to raise capital.
Be The Boss Without Being Bossy - Being a commanding boss who engenders his employees respect doesn't mean being tyrannical. How can you strike the right balance being a boss people want to work for and being one that's just downright bossy?
Before You Employ Someone Check Out Their Facebook Profile - The interviewee may seem well presented and put themselves across in a way that appeals to you. But is that just their professional persona you're being shown? What if you could be a fly on the wall when that same person is on personal time? Would you still want to employ them, do you think?
Bouncing Back in Business after Bankruptcy - Getting over the supposed stigma of bankruptcy and finding your feet in the world of business isn't easy, but it can be done with the right mindset and lots of positivity.
Brain Foods for the Entrepreneur - If your image of the entrepreneur is a driven genius who pays no mind mealtimes, getting enough sleep or his general health, you might want to reconsider. Keeping the brain healthy through a good diet is s key factor for anyone running a business.
Business Evaluations That Work - Before you go into business you need to evaluate, in theory, how effective your business idea will be in reality. These questions will help you form an evaluation of your proposed concept before you risk time, effort and money investing in it.
Business Ideas for the Visually Impaired - Being owner of their own business is something many people aspire to. While there may be stumbling blocks along the way the fact that an entrepreneur is visually impaired need not be one of them.
Business Mascot Costumes - Do you have to dress as a giant hamburger to steal the limelight from your competitors? Whacky publicity stunts can sometimes damage a company's reputation. So read this before you don that penguin suit and perform a fish catching act in the local shopping precinct.
Business of Death Part 1 - Death, as they say is one the few certainties in life, alongside taxes. So if we are to associate money matters with demise, are there business opportunities to be had in connection with human demise?
Business of Death Part 2 - Death, as they say is one the few certainties in life, alongside taxes. So if we are to associate money matters with demise, are there business opportunities to be had in connection with human demise?
Businesses Your Kids Would Love You To Run - Juggling family and work can create untold pressures for working moms and dads. Understandably your kids won't see the appeal of you toiling long hours to make a success of your internet consultancy business. But what it you chose a business that appealed to them?
Buying Out Your Business Partner - The recent financial downturn was responsible for many a union changing from one that was good to one fraught with tensions. But its aftermath may also have given buy out partners more leverage to buy partners out at reasonable cost.
Can You Run a Business from a Broom Cupboard? - Office space costs money so the best advice to start up entrepreneurs, home businesses and owners of small companies is to avoid paying for it. If you can run your business from a small space, you'll save money.
Cause Pain to Complete Sales - One of the hardest things, when you are in business, is to get people to buy. They buy for a number of reasons. One of the biggest is do to with pain and the easing of it. So do your need to hurt your prospects to turn them into customers?
Change How You Speak and Change How You're Perceived - Language is powerful stuff. The way you speak or write will have an effect on whether your communication is seen as positive or negative. Even if you have to deliver an unpleasant message, the pain can be lessened if you use positive speech.
Clean Up Your Business Part 1 - Stale business relationships and a cluttered and dusty workspace can hinder your businesses progress. While it can seem daunting thinking about cleaning up your act, doing so is always beneficial.
Clean Up Your Business Part 2 - Stale business relationships and a cluttered and dusty workspace can hinder your businesses progress. While it can seem daunting thinking about cleaning up your act, doing so is always beneficial.
Cold Calling Clients - Is There Ever a Good Time? - If you're thinking of including cold calling as part of your marketing strategy ask yourself first about how you personally feel about getting such calls from strangers. Do you consider them a mild nuisance or a real intrusion? Is there ever a good time to cold call?
Company Mascots - Clown-a-phobes might not think Ronald McDonald has appeal, but that didn't stop the burger chain using the clown as their mascot. With mascots you need to appeal to the masses, not the few -- but that's sometimes easier said than done.
Completely Pain Free Business Planning - In 10 Steps - Part One - Going in blind when it comes to writing up a business plan can lead even the most stoic of people to lose heart. Approaching the tasks methodically can make it pain free. A bit like that old adage about how to eat an elephant. Do it one bite at a time. Here are steps 1 through 5.
Completely Pain Free Business Planning - In 10 Steps - Part Two - Going in blind when it comes to writing up a business plan can lead even the most stoic of people to lose heart. Approaching the tasks methodically can make it pain free. A bit like that old adage about how to eat an elephant. Do it one bite at a time. Here are steps 6 through 10.
Contrasts Between 2 Popular Marketing E-books - For Network marketers e-books and training programs can prove invaluable. Here we compare two of the most popular NM bibles.
Dark Business Ideas for Goth Entrepreneurs - All things dark and beautiful. Gothic business can be as successful as any other if you do it right. Knowing your market and knowing what your client expects is the key.
Demand Generation - Do you need to know how to create demand? As a business owner, you need to know! And you need to know how to make customers need you. Here's how it's done.
Designing a Professional Logo, Part 1 - You know it's Coca Cola because that red and white logo has been embedded into your consciousness since childhood. The big golden M? You've got it, McDonalds. The logo is a vital part of your brand's identity and it needn't cost a fortune to create a good one. This is part one of a two part article.
Designing a Professional Logo, Part 2 - You know it's Coca Cola because that red and white logo has been embedded into your consciousness since childhood. The big golden M? You've got it, McDonalds. The logo is a vital part of your brand's identity and it needn't cost a fortune to create a good one. This is part two of a two part article.
Distractions the Work at Home Entrepreneur Must Avoid - Working from home provides a lot of solutions to many problems, such as purchasing office space, limiting travel expenses and even childcare issues. But, convenient though it can be, it isn't always easy for the work at home entrepreneur to focus in the light of the many distractions that a home base throws up.
Do Teens Have More Expendable Income Than Their Parents? - They've got pocket money or allowances, money earned from weekend jobs or doing home chores, cash gifts from kindly grandparents. Never overlook the teens as a consumer market because you think they don't have spending power.
Do You Need to Be Single to Be Successful? - There's no doubt about it, a new love interest can eat into work time and occupy your thoughts to the detriment of your business. But this is usually temporary. Or is it? Do you need to be single to be successful?
Do You Run Your Office The Way You Run Your Home? - Part One - A messy desk is a sign of genius, or so they say. Actually it might just be a sign of a messy person. Disorder in the home often means there's disorder in the workplace. Not good!
Do You Run Your Office The Way You Run Your Home? - Part Two - A messy desk is a sing of genius, or so they say. Actually it might just be a sign of a messy person. Disorder in the home often means there's disorder in the workplace. Not good! Part two of a two part article.
Does Red Mean Bargain or Danger? - Colors have a language all their own, and while red has been used, traditionally, as an eye catching way to grab attention and announce sale prices or 'everything must go' deals it's also a gaudy technique. For businesses that deal with things in a subtler way, red won't mean bargain, it'll mean danger.
Does Your Staff Smile Enough? - That sour-faced sales rep isn't doing your company any favors. Unfriendly seeming staff account for a lot of client fall away. Are your staff members long-faced?
Does Your Staff Smile Too Much? - She's grinning like the Cheshire Cat of Alice in Wonderland fame. She's always cheerful. Why then do your clients find this particular staff member of yours irritating and rather disconcerting.
Does Your Voicemail Make Callers Hang Up? Part 1 - Many people don't like reaching a voicemail message and fail to leave messages in response. Here's how to make sure your voicemail message doesn't drive people away.
Does Your Voicemail Make Callers Hang Up? Part 2 - Many people don't like reaching a voicemail message and fail to leave messages in response. In part two of this two part article, Jay shares more tips to make your voicemail message work for your business.
Don't Let Business Die Young Part 1 - It might seem negative to think about the possibility of failure when you're starting up a business. But by doing so you are more likely to be able to avoid the main pitfalls that put many well-intentioned concerns out of action. Once again, just as deadly sins come in batches of seven, so too do the reasons businesses fail.
Don't Let Business Die Young Part 2 - It might seem negative to think about the possibility of failure when you're starting up a business. But by doing so you are more likely to be able to avoid the main pitfalls that put many well-intentioned concerns out of action. Once again, just as deadly sins come in batches of seven, so too do the reasons businesses fail.
Don't Let Business Die Young Part 3 - It might seem negative to think about the possibility of failure when you're starting up a business. But by doing so you are more likely to be able to avoid the main pitfalls that put many well-intentioned concerns out of action. Once again, just as deadly sins come in batches of seven, so too do the reasons businesses fail.
Don't Sell the Product! - If you want to sell a saw should you try to sell a saw? Or should you sell the idea that the client has a piece of wood that needs cutting?
Ease Yourself into Entrepreneurship - Tempting though it may be to leap in and wait for the splash, the sensible entrepreneur will ease gently into his/her new venture. Here's how:
eBay Advantages of Dropshipping - The eBay seller and the dropshipping service go hand in hand. By eliminating up front product costs and management of shipping the eBayer can run a lucrative business that eliminates the stock and delivery problems that thwart many a bricks and mortar operative.
Email - Still the Godfather of Lead Generation? - The customer wants info yesterday. Everything needs to be done pronto! You need to make sure you generate leads and follow them up before your competitors strike and close the deal. Email is instant and still the godfather of lead generation.
End of Phonebook Ads? Part 1 - We live in a modern world, but not everyone in it moves with the times -- that's one of the reasons phone book advertising still has value.
End of Phonebook Ads? Part 2 - We live in a modern world, but not everyone in it moves with the times -- that's one of the reasons phone book advertising still has value.
Entrepreneur Families - It's Not Easy being Married to the Boss - Boardroom matters should never be confused with bedroom matters. Is it ok to talk shop at the dinner table? Does the role of power in the work setting influence the way family business owners interact in private life?
Entrepreneurism and Developing the Idea - The idea comes to you light a lightning bolt. You envision how successful it will be, but do you envision how to get it to the point of success? The road can be a long and hard one.
Event Marketing Online - Look at the calendar when planning an event and start spreading the word well in advance. Online events need structure and planning like any other. Technology is always at hand to help.
Exploding VoIP System Myths - VoIP isn't quite ready to take over the PBX system. It can't step up to the mark say as an emergency or lift phone. And because VoIP relies on an electric supply it is vulnerable in the event of power failure. Right now there's room for both VoIP and PBX systems or old school analogue phones in business.
Fast Food = Fast Money? Not Necessarily! - Want to make money as fast as you can serve up a hamburger? Looking for a speedy way to heat up your financial situation. You won't be the first to consider a fast food franchise -- but can you really make cash quick in this highly competitive industry?
Fear of Failure - Is Fear of Failure Getting in the Way of Your Success? It's normal to feel afraid of failure. But when that fear prevents you from taking actions then there's a problem. Being overly cautious can be prohibitive to your success.
Five Customer Segmentation Strategies - Why the need to segment your customers? Because each group will have different needs and therefore different reasons for buying your services and products.
From Customer to Entrepreneur - Using your 'customer's eye' can stand you in good stead when you're setting up a business. Doing so will help you better understand your client's needs and keep in touch with things at grass roots level.
From Entrepreneurial Idea to Tangible Business - Big strides are needed to transform a notion into a functioning and profitable business. Sometimes the leap is a wide one. On your marks, get set, go!
Gen X and Internet Business - The X Generation babies are all grown up now. If they make up part of your target audience, you need to get to know them.
Give Your Business a Sporting Chance Using Athletes' Strategies - Establish a coach/athlete relationship in the world of business management and watch your team go for gold.
Going Viral on Twitter - Twitter has had a dramatic effect on the way information gets shared online. They key to using it successfully? Getting people to retweet you! Here's how
Gold Medal Team Management Techniques - Winners aren't necessarily born winners, but people can be trained to succeed. Use sporting coach methods to train up your business team.
Handling the Pressures of Being an Entrepreneur. - Being your own boss isn't all about fancy lunches and fast cars. In fact it's rarely about that. Running your own company can create pressures inside and outside of the work place.
Has The Credit Crunch Dampened Entrepreneurial Spirit? - The credit crunch brought a feeling of doom and gloom to many. With long established businesses being seen to collapse, was entrepreneurial spirit dampened?
Hiring the Perfect Restaurant Staff - A good restaurant has great food at its heart, the pulse of which beats hardest and fastest in the kitchen - but the staff on the restaurant floor represent its face. That's why finding the right people is vital to success.
How Many Prototypes Should You Build? - If companies build so many prototypes, how come they ever need to update their products? Does that mean it wasn't perfect in the first place?
How Mr Wise Guy Saved Mr Match a Fortune - Cutting production costs doesn't necessarily mean using lower quality materials or cheaper labor. Sometimes it's really just a question of thinking outside of the box. In this article the term 'outside of the box' has a literal meaning as it includes a story about matchbox manufacturing that, even if it is the stuff of legend or an urban/commercial myth, has merit.
How Others View the Work at Home Entrepreneur - Working at home has many advantages. Often though, other people fail to understand that you are actually working and that your home isn't a drop in centre for kids or a coffee shop. Dealing with this is something many people find hard, but there are ways to solve the problem.
How the Web Has Aided Entrepreneurs - If you're an entrepreneur and you're still thinking 'old school' and haven't gotten around to using the web for promotion, you're missing out. It's time to get with it.
How to Answer the Tell Me about Yourself Question - The question "Tell me about yourself" often has people stumped in interview situations. For all intents and purposes it would seem like one of the easiest questions in the world to answer. The problem is that many interviewees are unsure what information they should include in the answer. In order to answer effectively you need to understand what it is exactly that the interviewer hopes to glean from your answer. You also need to be prepared so that you're not flustered when question time comes around.
How to Best Serve Your Customers-Ten Top Tips Part 1 - This is part one of a two part article. Successful business owners understand that everything relies on good customer relations. Herewith, the top ten tips to help you provide for your customers needs and keep them loyal to you.
How to Best Serve Your Customers-Ten Top Tips Part 2 - This is part two of a two part article. Successful business owners understand that everything relies on good customer relations. Herewith, the top ten tips to help you provide for your customers needs and keep them loyal to you.
How to Check for Counterfeit Part 1 - If in your line of business you or your staff have to deal with cash it's likely that you've come across the odd fake note from time to time. So how can you spot the bad notes from the good?
How to Check For Counterfeit Part 2 - This is part 2 of a 2 part piece on how to check for counterfeit. It includes addictional warning signs issued by the United States Treasurer.
How to Create an Effective Email Blast - What's the difference between SPAM and an authentic email blast? Are there legal guidelines? You bet! This information and more will help you create an effective email blast that won't end up in the recipients SPAM bin.
How to Detect Trouble in Your Company - The business owner who possesses great powers of deduction can quickly put a stop to internal problems in the workplace by spotting them before they get out of hand.
How to Insult Your Customers - The true story of the inept glazing salesman, a disgruntled home owner and why you should probably never try to sell UPVC replacement windows to people living in listed period properties.
How to Lose Friends (By Employing Them) - Business and personal relationships are two very different things. While it seems logical to employ people you now and like, professional pressures can quickly diminish friendships, even strong ones.
How to Operate a Green Company - Is your mission statement to run a green company that considers the planet and the preservation of it? If it is then you need to look at more than the ingredients of your product in order to go green across the board.
How to Sell Handmade Goods Online - Many a hobby has the potential to be turned into a healthy cottage industry type business. Now it seems it's easier than ever to sell handmade goods. The internet offers crafty entrepreneurs the chance to sell to a wide audience. But will these artisans always make money. Herewith, some tips on how to do it right.
How to Sell Things That Don't Exist - Can you make money without actually delivering a physical product to the customer? The answer is yes.
Identifying Performance Problems - One of the hardest tasks for management is identifying causes of performance problems. Any actions taken to rectify the problem will be based on diagnosis, so precise evaluation is vital. Here we outline the factors that may influence your employees' performance.
If You Can't Stand the Heat Don't Buy a Food Franchise - The chicken and the chili dogs are hot but the profits are not. Running a fast food business can be hard work, that's why many franchisors advise that industry experience is preferable before entering into the business.
If You're Clumsy with Keywords Customers Click Away - Here we look at some of the more canny devices that SEO content providers use in order to keep a natural flow to their work and maintain their readers' interest.
Internet Marketing - Differences to Traditional Marketing - The Internet v Traditional marketing debate has raged long and hard. But are there actually more similarities than differences and can the two be used effectively and co-exist in peace?
Internet Marketing and Your Local Business - The internet has the power to reach out to a worldwide audience, making it a valuable tool for businesses wishing to promote online. However, global reach isn't for everyone. Small local businesses only need to connect with those in a certain radius. But the internet can still be a powerful tool.
Is Comedy a Commodity? - Good humorous content can quickly go viral online. If you do it right you can use this to your business's advantage.
Is It a Man's World? - Despite feminism and all that it has achieved for women, some are still of the belief that it is a man's world. This is especially true in the business arena. But it could be seen as a false belief, there are, after all, a wide range of commercial ventures that are best overseen by women.
Is it Time to Stop treating Your Business Like a Baby? - Lack of sleep? Tired during the day? Can't commit to social gatherings because there's no one to take over from you? You've either got a baby or a business? Is it time to stop molly coddling your business?
Is The Customer Always Right? - The customer is always right. Or so we are led to believe. But what about when they aren't? Sorry, the customer is always right. Even when they seem to have come from hell. Here are a few tips on how to apologize to a customer.
Is the 'Sales Killer' Demon Lurking in Your Copy? - You get customers right to the point of sale and for some reason they just don't click 'buy'. Why? It could be that you've got a Sales Killer Demon resident in your copy.
Is Web 2.0 a Buzzword? - Mention Web 2.0 and opinions will differ. Some see it as a shallow buzz word. Others acknowledge it as the definition of 2nd generation web capability.
Is Your Advertising Inside the Law? - Is your advertising within legal boundaries? Too much Photoshop could land you in the cop shop. Here's how to keep your ad campaigns squeaky clean, effective and lawful.
Is Your Franchise Company Struggling? Part 1 - Business people who opted to buy franchises may have done so believing they were the safer of many options. But the economic slump had a devastating effect on businesses of all kinds, and this didn't exclude franchises. So how do you know if your franchiser is in ill health?
Is Your Franchise Company Struggling? Part 2 - Business people who opted to buy franchises may have done so believing they were the safer of many options. But the economic slump had a devastating effect on businesses of all kinds, and this didn't exclude franchises. So how do you know if your franchiser is in ill health?
Is Your Website Giving Visitors Migraines? - Technological advancements mean that not much stays the same for long. However, there are some traditional rules that originate from the murky old past of the print trade, some of which still make sense today when applied to the business of website design.
Keep Your Enemies Close, Part 1 - In business they say competition is healthy, but it's only healthy if it urges you to step up your game and combat it. Harsh though the attitude might be, it's as well to look upon your competitors as enemies. And it's wiser still to look at the different ways you could defeat them. This is part one of a two part article.
Keep Your Enemies Close, Part 2 - In business they say competition is healthy, but it's only healthy if it urges you to step up your game and combat it. Harsh though the attitude might be, it's as well to look upon your competitors as enemies. And it's wiser still to look at the different ways you could defeat them. This is part two of a two part article.
Key Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Starting A Business - Releasing yourself from the boss who doesn't seem to get you and the opportunity to be the master of your own destiny are some of the attractive aspects of starting a business of your own. But, as appealing as it seems, not every personality type is a good fit for self-employment.
Kids Making Money as Writers - You're never too young to be an entrepreneur and kids as young as eight up to the age of fifteen are making news as writers.
Magnetic Copy Secrets - Magnetic copy must always be written in the active voice. It must compel the reader to act. How can you achieve that?
Making Money in a Limited Market - There might be gold in them there hills but can you persuade your business bank manager to invest in your small specialist interest business. More to the point, will you make money?
Marketing Automation in Business - Often we find that the simplest of tasks are the ones that take up most time. In a commercial sense, the old adage is true - time always equals money. Therefore, if you're wasting time or even just failing to use it wisely you will in effect be squandering money. So can you automate time consuming tasks and cut time and expenditure?
Mastering the Art of Public Speaking - The key factor when giving a presentation is speak in a way that conveys your credibility. Here we offer tips on how to maintain audience interest and combat opposition without being defensive.
Maximizing Every Sale - The toughest call for all businesses is finding new customers and keeping them. We all know the value of repeat sales, but how do we fist built the client bank and then keep them happy?
Meteoric Success with Metaphoric Brand Names - Is a metaphoric brand name the way to get noticed. And what symbolism lies behind names like Amazon, Apple and Orange?
Myths about Entrepreneurs - Do you believe that entrepreneurs are different from the rest of us? Do you see them as risk takers who are born with an innate feel for success in business? Think again, they are just like us, but still the myths abound.
Opportunities and Threats-Part 2 of SWOT Analysis - The OT in SWOT Analysis stands for Opportunities and Threats, what are yours?
Opportunities Lead to Opportunities if You're in the Entrepreneur Groove - When one opportunity leads to another the fledgling entrepreneur can find his/herself confused about how to maintain focus. Which idea is the best one to follow when you have a veritable swarm of them to consider?
Power, Profits and Control - Pay Per Click advertising, done right, can get bull's-eye results. It's also a useful gauge for business wishing to learn more about their online target audience's behaviors.
Predicting Profitable Food Trends - American bake goods have hit the big time in the UK. Much of the success of the cup cake can be attributed to the TV show Sex and the City. Now UK food chains look to New York for inspiration and in the hope of predicting the food fashion trend.
Profitable Video Blogging - Do you have a young, short attention spanned, hyped up on pixie sticks audience? Do the members keep drifting off trying to read what you want to say? Maybe it's time for a video blog so you can command their attention.
Reasons to Take Work Outside of the Office - You set up your own business to escape the confines of a nine to five job and the restrictions of the office environment. Ironically, now that you're your own boss you find you spend even more time at a desk than ever. It's time to take work outside of the workplace.
Remaining Impartial When Appraising Staff Performance - Staff performance assessments can be awkward things, can't they? However objective you aim to be its human nature to let personal bias influence you.
Renaming Your Company - Creating a suitable name for your company or a product can take time and more importantly it should. If you rush the job simply because you want to get your stationery printed up or get a website up and running, you will probably regret it later.
Renegade Marketer V Magnetic Sponsoring - If you're in network marketing you've probably heard of Renegade Marketer and Magnetic Sponsoring -- but which e-book program has the edge?
Second Opinions and the Entrepreneur - Your ideas great (at least you think it is) but often your enthusiasm for the subject can blind you to the realities. An objective second opinion is what's needed. But who do you ask?
Sell Yourself - Sell Your Product - In an image conscious world the way you look, as a business owner, can speak volumes about your products and services. At least that's what people think, rightly or wrongly. It might not be fair but we are judged on our appearance so being aware of the messages your image sends out is important.
Sidelines and the Entrepreneur - One business will often inspire other ideas and offshoots can be profitable, it's a case of knowing which ones will work and which won't.
Smoothing Out Seasonality in Your Sales Cycle - Seasonal peaks affect many businesses. Knowing how to compensate when the highs are over and you hit a low period is the key to survival.
Software That Markets For You - Time consuming tasks cost your business money. But they need to be carried out, especially your marketing campaigns. Can you wave a wand a work some magic? Software that does it for you might sound like a dream, but it is a reality.
Strengths and Weaknesses - Part 1 of SWOT Analysis - The SW in SWOT Analysis stands for Strengths and Weaknesses, what are yours?
Summer Solutions for Working Moms Part 1 - Summer break is something all kids look forward to, but many work at home moms dread. Trying to satisfy the needs of a business and those of the kids can prove taxing even for the most efficient women.
Summer Solutions For Working Moms Part 2 - Summer break is something all kids look forward to, but many work at home moms dread. Trying to satisfy the needs of a business and those of the kids can prove taxing even for the most efficient women.
Survive as an Independent Store When a Supermarket Opens on Your Street - The independent store who has had the monopoly on custom will undoubtedly suffer if a supermarket opens in their catchment area. Can they attempt to compete on price or do they need to offer something different?
Ten More Symptoms of a Failing Blog - Does your blog only attract a trickle of traffic. Do you rarely get comments. It sounds like things need a shake up.
Ten Symptoms of a Failing Blog - Poor traffic? Few comments or none at all. Your blog is failing. Want to know why?
Ten Things That Will Render Your Home Office Unprofessional - Part One - Coffee stains on your desk and your dog asleep under it do not give a good impression to visitors to your home office. There are ten mistakes that home entrepreneurs should never make if they want the business part of their home to appear professional. This is the first article of a two part series.
Ten Things That Will Render Your Home Office Unprofessional - Part Two - Coffee stains on your desk and your dog asleep under it do not give a good impression to visitors to your home office. There are ten mistakes that home entrepreneurs should never make if they want the business part of their home to appear professional. This is part two of a two part article.
The 10 Commandments of an Effective Marketing Strategy - Sticking to a marketing strategy is the key to getting the best out of your promotions. Writing a good marketing strategy relies on business owners knowing what they wish to achieve, what they can afford and who they are reaching out to.
The E Factor - Some people say ideas are ten a penny, and often someone who describes themselves as an 'ideas man' hasn't got the ability to follow through. What's needed is the E (entrepreneur) Factor. Have you got it?
The Franchise Entrepreneur - For the newcomer to entrepreneurship a franchise business can represent a safer option that a start from scratch venture. Franchises eliminate the need for the newcomer to generate brand recognition. Many also offer tried and tested sales and promotion strategies.
The Inherited Business - At first it seems you hit the jackpot when you inherit a business. But is living out someone's dying wish more of a penance than a pleasure?
The Multi Tasking Entrepreneur - Early conditioning teaches us to take small tentative steps, one at a time. Sometimes though the entrepreneur needs to branch out in mnay directions to get the job done. Chaotic or practical? You decide.
The New Entrepreneur - What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? Sometimes even the most 'entrepreneurial' types don't realise that the word defines them.
The New Generation of Young Entrepreneurs - Are you under thirty? Or even under twenty? Think you can't set up your own business? Read this, you might want to think again.
The Part Time Entrepreneur - Want to dip your toe into the water and see what it would be like to be your own boss? If you're keen to wean yourself off of your 9-5 job but not ready to give up the security it offers just yet, then becoming a part time entrepreneur might be the way forward.
The Pros and Cons of Employing Your Friends - They say never to mix business with pleasure. Does that mean employing your friends is a big no no, or can close relationships survive in the workplace and bring something to the company?
The Pros and Cons of Staff Ranking - Staff rankings work on a comparison basis. Scores are given to individuals, these are designed to indicate if their performance is above, equal to or below that of their colleagues.
The Single Most Important Word to Use When You Blog - The purpose of this article is to help you write more compelling blog posts. Why? Because when you write a compelling blog you generate more links, more comments, more leads and greater popularity.
The Value of Backlinks - Is much of SEO an alien concept to you? It's hardly surprising; there are so many techniques that can be used, it'd be impossible to know all about each of them. Here we take a look at backlinking and what it can do to boost traffic.
The Worst Way to Deal with an Angry Customer - When people are angry they are not in a fit state of mind to listen to logic or practical solutions to problems. That's why it's important to calm angry customers down before trying to find a resolution to their dilemma.
Three Reasons to Jump on the Entrepreneur Bandwagon - Work/income decisions are at the forefront of many people's minds following the credit crunch. As the US and the UK adjust to a joint political working environment the entrepreneur bandwagon is ready to take passengers.
Three Rules of Customer Retention - It is far easier to sell to existing customers than to constantly seek out new ones. Unless of course, they have forgotten that you even exist.
Three Ways to Measure Marketing Success - Did you know that more than half you advertising isn't working? Want to know how to find out which campaigns are successful and which are not? Read on...
Tips for Running a POD Publishing Business - Printing On Demand publishing has given voice to many writers who may otherwise have been overlooked by mainstream publishing. But in order to run a POD publishing business that is seen as credible you still need to compete with the big boys in certain areas.
Tips on Choosing Your Company Domain Name - Choosing the right domain name for your business isn't always easy and sometimes, if the one you set your heart on is not available, you have to think again. But words don't read the same in web address format as they do in their everyday context so it's important to bear that in mind before making any decisions.
Top Five Tips for Business Readiness - While your enthusiasm to start doing business is a good thing, it's worth making sure you're ready to do so. These five tips will help.
Top Ten Tips for New Entrepreneurs - Part One - Here are ten practical tips to help new entrepreneurs get off to a good start in business. This is realistic advice that works without quelling the fledgling entrepreneur's natural enthusiasm. From cash flow to mentors, this guide is an essential for the beginner.
Top Ten Tips for New Entrepreneurs - Part Two - Here are ten practical tips to help new entrepreneurs get off to a good start in business. This is realistic advice that works without quelling the fledgling entrepreneur's natural enthusiasm. From cash flow to mentors, this guide is an essential for the beginner.
Twitter - A Valuable Business Tool - Twitter is the social networking site frequented by celebrities and non-celebrities alike. But does it work as a business tool? We talk to writer Roger Povey about Twitter and the value of the Tweet.
Understanding Your Target Market - The more intimate you are with your target market the better equipped you will be to reach out to them. And that means more precision in your marketing which in turn leads to greater sales.
Using AIDA in All Your Marketing - AIDA exists because people only give your piece of marketing literature, advertisement or web page a few seconds before they pass on to look at something else.
Was Jane Austen an Entrepreneur Part 1 - Jane Austen was certainly a genius, but was she an entrepreneur? Given that the act of women writing books and publishing them was frowned upon by some sectors of Regency England, it would appear she had a certain spirit.
Was Jane Austen an Entrepreneur Part 2 - Jane Austen was certainly a genius, but was she an entrepreneur? Given that the act of women writing books and publishing them was frowned upon by some sectors of Regency England, it would appear she had a certain spirit.
Website Mistakes to Avoid - Ouch! Have you ever visited a website that gave you an instant migraine? If analytics show you're experiencing a high click back rate on your own site then yours might be one that's just as off-putting. Here's how to keep your site user friendly.
Why Hire a Professional Writer for Web Content Part 2 - Hey, instead of getting a professional manufacturer to make your products why not save money and fashion them yourself. After all, how hard can it be? This is nonsense of course; you wouldn't damage your reputation by trying to sell goods that were made by amateurs. Why then are you cutting corners when it comes to the written content on your website?
Why Being Your Own Boss Isn't Always Plain Sailing - Being a dreamer isn't enough when it comes to running your own business. If your main aim is to have a fancy workplace, designer clothes and a fast car then you might need to rethink your reasons for going it alone.
Why Control Freaks Can't Delegate - You might think that someone who likes to be in control would be the ideal type of character to run a business. Not so. When the need for control is severe the individual actually makes a burden of all duties by refusing to believe anyone else but they could carry them out to a high standard.
Why Do People Become Entrepreneurs? - What is it that inspires one person to turn an idea into a lucrative reality and another to dismiss it as unfeasible? Is entrepreneurism in the blood?
Why Every Business Can Benefit From Being Online - Don't need the extra profile that being online can bring you? Think you've got enough of a presence in the industry to survive without a website? If that's what you think, it's time to think again. Everyone can benefit from having a business website.
Why Hire a Professional Writer for Web Content Part 1 - Hey, instead of getting a professional manufacturer to make your products why not save money and fashion them yourself. After all, how hard can it be? This is nonsense of course; you wouldn't damage your reputation by trying to sell goods that were made by amateurs. Why then are you cutting corners when it comes to the written content on your website?
Why No One Believed You When You Said You'd Make it Big - You never went to business school; you've only ever worked as an employee for someone else. Suddenly you got that 'eureka' moment and come up with a great business idea. Funny then that no-one believed you'd make it a reality.
Why Retro Business is In Part 1 - Nostalgia is big business and it always will be. There's an ever evolving quality to retro seeing as the Baby Boomers and Generations X and Y will have different ideas about what they expect from it and when they expect it.
Why Retro Business Is In Part 2 - Nostalgia is big business and it always will be. There's an ever evolving quality to retro seeing as the Baby Boomers and Generations X and Y will have different ideas about what they expect from it and when they expect it.
Why to Just Say No Part 1 - Saying yes to a customer isn't always the right thing to do and it can land you in trouble. Save your business reputation and maintain good customer relations by saying NO!
Why to Just Say No Part 2 - Saying yes to a customer isn't always the right thing to do and it can land you in trouble. Save your business reputation and maintain good customer relations by saying NO!
Why Your Business is Stagnating Part 1 - Have things ground to a halt with your small business? Then something's jamming up the works good and proper. Have you ever considered that it might be you?
Why Your Business is Stagnating Part 2 - Have things ground to a halt with your small business? Then something's jamming up the works good and proper. Have you ever considered that it might be you?
Why Your Mother's Opinion of Your Business is Valueless - Ever since you first brought home that handmade Mother's Day card from kindergarten your mother has cooed like an ecstatic pigeon about everything you've ever made or created. Is she cooing about your business now? More importantly, should you trust her judgment?
Word Economy - Have you ever met someone who goes all around the houses to tell you a tale? Unless they are a professional raconteur who uses the technique as a device you probably found yourself getting bored. Why can't they just get to the point? If you 'ramble' in your promotional material you'll have prospective customers running to the hills.
Work Different Hours Instead of Longer Ones - If you find yourself working longer and longer hours and still not achieving all you set out to it might be a case of shifting your timeframe. Working different hours can often help you get more productive than working long ones.
Working at Home and Law Part 1 - Do you know the zoning laws of your area? Are you operating your business illegally? If you work at home there will be laws that dictate what you can and can't do. Do you know what they are?
Working at Home and Law Part 2 - Do you know the zoning laws of your area? Are you operating your business illegally? If you work at home there will be laws that dictate what you can and can't do. Do you know what they are?
Write an Elevator Pitch - Can you pitch your business idea in the time it takes to take a short elevator ride?
Writing Quality SEO Content, Part 1 - Writing good SEO content can be tricky especially if your keywords strings seem clumsy in context. But you need to include them to make a piece SEO, however it's not just the robots you should be writing for, first and foremost it's the human reader. Here's how to write stylish keyword rich content. Part one of a two part article.
Writing Quality SEO Content, Part 2 - Writing good SEO content can be tricky especially if your keywords strings seem clumsy in context. But you need to include them to make a piece SEO, however it's not just the robots you should be writing for, first and foremost it's the human reader. Here's how to write stylish keyword rich content. This is part two of a two part article.

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