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    How Do You Keep Your Best Employees From Flying The Coup?
    Before becoming a full time entrepreneur (or ontamanure, as my daughter calls me) I worked my share of jobs and had my share of bosses. Some of the jobs I enjoyed, some I did not. The same is true for the bosses. Some were decent folks who treated me with the same respect I gave them while others would have been better suited running a concentration camp. I shouldn’t complain, though, because it was the worst boss I ever had who ultimately motivated me to start my own business as a way of escaping the shackles of employment.In a previous column I talked about how the management style (and personality) of the person in charge plays a big part in the employee turnover rate. While some bosses will never understand that management by terrorism does not breed lasting loyalty, I’m glad to report that many companies are now going out of their way to hang on to the t
    arm than good when elements of flash and heavy elements are introduced into their website just for the sake of being there. Is there a place for flash, moving objects and sizzle? Oh yeah - and there are lots of terrific examples out there to point to. Unfortunately, there are many bad examples as well. And that's not good for business.

    5. NAVIGATION IS NOT CONSISTENT
    Just like painting yourself in a corner, websites with poor or inconsistent navigation often leave visitors wondering how they got to where they are and how to get out.

    This one is easy to solve, but surprisingly often overlooked. Just remember this: Never assume your visitor knows anything about your website or the browser and design your buttons so your visit

    Why Have A Sales Process?
    Lots of company’s think of sales process as being a sales technique, such as spin selling, solution selling, or push selling or those kinds of strategies. But in fact, a sales process is completely different than that. A sales process is something that every good company needs to be able to define and master in order to boost their sales performance and accelerate their overall top line growth. Sales process really becomes, by definition, repeatable and scaleable sequence of events that yields to consistent sales results.Sales process is broken down into a number of different aspects, including what is the selling model. In other words, is your company’s selling model transactional? Is it enterprise? Is in consultative? Those are probably the three most common sales models. In addition to that, the sales process typically defines the actual sales work flow as it r
    Creating your website is an investment in your business. When done right, it should be a powerful part of your overall marketing mix. Too often, businesses make the same mistakes when building or maintaining their website.

    If you're planning a website development project, be sure to keep these ten areas in mind. If you currently have a website, use these ten as a checklist and see how you measure up:

    1. NOT THINKING ABOUT THE CUSTOMER
    If I've said this once, I've said it a thousand times: You don't need a website. Your customers do. Build your site with them in mind. All to often businesses get too caught up in trying to list everything they do and who they are that they forget about who's visiting the site. A simple rule to follow: if it doesn't pass the "so what" plan, get rid of it.

    Now that doesn't apply to all pages on your site, of course. But it should apply to the majority of it. Especially the high traffic pages, like your homepage. That real estate is precious, so make sure your message matters to your ideal customer base.

    2. NO PURPOSE FOR THE SITE
    This goes hand in hand with number 1. Before you move forward, be sure to have a plan. You should have a purpose for you site and build it to match that purpose. Can the purpose change later? Of course it can. But if you try to build a site that is all things to all people, you'll end up with a site that is nothing to those that matter most - Your customers!

    Here's a hint: think about your ideal employee. What would they say? What could they do? What could they handle for you in terms of communicating with your client? With that in mind, build a website that becomes your 24 hour employee.

    3. YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW THEY WERE THERE
    Even without a reason to return, what many sites lack is a way for visitors to tell you they visited your site to begin with. Consider this: would you build a showroom with no employees? Of course not - there would be no purpose. But, building a website with no way for the customer to interact is the same thing.

    Does this mean you have to have expensive e-commerce and shopping components? No. Not every business can justify nor needs this level of web presence. However, little things like "how to" articles [take this one for instance], newsletters, free consultations or special offers are great ways to initiate contact from a visitor.

    4. TOO MUCH FANCY STUFF
    More often than not, when one or more of the mistakes on this page are made (usually lack of purpose, content and understanding of who the site is for) you'll find a website that is full of flashing neon banners, scrolling text, pop up ads and banner ads. The reason? Rather than plan with substance, the website was designed to either impress on sizzle or to show off the latest trick a web developer has learned.

    Keep in mind that your business website should be a place that represents your business in the proper way. Most businesses can do more harm than good when elements of flash and heavy elements are introduced into their website just for the sake of being there. Is there a place for flash, moving objects and sizzle? Oh yeah - and there are lots of terrific examples out there to point to. Unfortunately, there are many bad examples as well. And that's not good for business.

    5. NAVIGATION IS NOT CONSISTENT
    Just like painting yourself in a corner, websites with poor or inconsistent navigation often leave visitors wondering how they got to where they are and how to get out.

    This one is easy to solve, but surprisingly often overlooked. Just remember this: Never assume your visitor knows anything about your website or the browser and design your buttons so your visito

    Innovative Internet Marketing Ideas Should You Pay for Them
    When it comes to finding and initiating innovative Internet marketing ideas, you may find it to be a long, stressful, and time consuming process. However, as a business owner or a soon to be business owner, you likely already know just how important marketing is to the success of your business.That is why you need to find innovative ways to market your business, regardless of how time consuming it is. However, there is a way that you can go about making that process as easy as it could possible be. That way involves hiring outside assistance.When seeking outside Internet marketing assistance, you will likely find yourself seeking assistance from a marketing specialist, namely an Internet marketing specialists. Internet marketing specialists are often individuals who work for themselves or individuals who work for a larger company. To be considered a special
    o follow: if it doesn't pass the "so what" plan, get rid of it.

    Now that doesn't apply to all pages on your site, of course. But it should apply to the majority of it. Especially the high traffic pages, like your homepage. That real estate is precious, so make sure your message matters to your ideal customer base.

    2. NO PURPOSE FOR THE SITE
    This goes hand in hand with number 1. Before you move forward, be sure to have a plan. You should have a purpose for you site and build it to match that purpose. Can the purpose change later? Of course it can. But if you try to build a site that is all things to all people, you'll end up with a site that is nothing to those that matter most - Your customers!

    Here's a hint: think about your ideal employee. What would they say? What could they do? What could they handle for you in terms of communicating with your client? With that in mind, build a website that becomes your 24 hour employee.

    3. YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW THEY WERE THERE
    Even without a reason to return, what many sites lack is a way for visitors to tell you they visited your site to begin with. Consider this: would you build a showroom with no employees? Of course not - there would be no purpose. But, building a website with no way for the customer to interact is the same thing.

    Does this mean you have to have expensive e-commerce and shopping components? No. Not every business can justify nor needs this level of web presence. However, little things like "how to" articles [take this one for instance], newsletters, free consultations or special offers are great ways to initiate contact from a visitor.

    4. TOO MUCH FANCY STUFF
    More often than not, when one or more of the mistakes on this page are made (usually lack of purpose, content and understanding of who the site is for) you'll find a website that is full of flashing neon banners, scrolling text, pop up ads and banner ads. The reason? Rather than plan with substance, the website was designed to either impress on sizzle or to show off the latest trick a web developer has learned.

    Keep in mind that your business website should be a place that represents your business in the proper way. Most businesses can do more harm than good when elements of flash and heavy elements are introduced into their website just for the sake of being there. Is there a place for flash, moving objects and sizzle? Oh yeah - and there are lots of terrific examples out there to point to. Unfortunately, there are many bad examples as well. And that's not good for business.

    5. NAVIGATION IS NOT CONSISTENT
    Just like painting yourself in a corner, websites with poor or inconsistent navigation often leave visitors wondering how they got to where they are and how to get out.

    This one is easy to solve, but surprisingly often overlooked. Just remember this: Never assume your visitor knows anything about your website or the browser and design your buttons so your visit

    Increase Your Profits by Switching to Daytime Cleaning
    Traditionally, janitorial staffs clean buildings after business hours. But some businesses are realizing a substantial cost savings by allowing cleaning staff to work during daytime hours. Daytime cleaning may require the purchase of quieter vacuums and other specialized equipment; however, the minor up-front investment that is needed can lead to huge paybacks for your cleaning company!Daytime cleaning may not be suitable for all of your buildings. However, it is worth looking at the advantages of daytime cleaning to see if it is suitable for any of the locations that your business is responsible to clean.1. Reduced employee turnover rates. Most people prefer to work day shifts. This is because of several factors including better access to transportation, and having the evenings to spend with family. As well as keeping employees on staff longer, offering
    ut your ideal employee. What would they say? What could they do? What could they handle for you in terms of communicating with your client? With that in mind, build a website that becomes your 24 hour employee.

    3. YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW THEY WERE THERE
    Even without a reason to return, what many sites lack is a way for visitors to tell you they visited your site to begin with. Consider this: would you build a showroom with no employees? Of course not - there would be no purpose. But, building a website with no way for the customer to interact is the same thing.

    Does this mean you have to have expensive e-commerce and shopping components? No. Not every business can justify nor needs this level of web presence. However, little things like "how to" articles [take this one for instance], newsletters, free consultations or special offers are great ways to initiate contact from a visitor.

    4. TOO MUCH FANCY STUFF
    More often than not, when one or more of the mistakes on this page are made (usually lack of purpose, content and understanding of who the site is for) you'll find a website that is full of flashing neon banners, scrolling text, pop up ads and banner ads. The reason? Rather than plan with substance, the website was designed to either impress on sizzle or to show off the latest trick a web developer has learned.

    Keep in mind that your business website should be a place that represents your business in the proper way. Most businesses can do more harm than good when elements of flash and heavy elements are introduced into their website just for the sake of being there. Is there a place for flash, moving objects and sizzle? Oh yeah - and there are lots of terrific examples out there to point to. Unfortunately, there are many bad examples as well. And that's not good for business.

    5. NAVIGATION IS NOT CONSISTENT
    Just like painting yourself in a corner, websites with poor or inconsistent navigation often leave visitors wondering how they got to where they are and how to get out.

    This one is easy to solve, but surprisingly often overlooked. Just remember this: Never assume your visitor knows anything about your website or the browser and design your buttons so your visit

    Superior Sales Management Coaching The Successful Blending of Process and Content
    Executive OverviewLong before coaching became a recognized niche of and by itself, there was a long-standing belief in many sales organizations that coaching of employees was a fundamental management responsibility. Moreover, every professional sales trainer you spoke to, every textbook you read and every sales manager who had several years of experience would verify that coaching was a fundamental cog on the sales manager success wheel. But what has happened since?Days of YoreIn the early years of my sales career it was a mandate from upper management to managers throughout their respective organizations to learn coaching skills and employ them regularly. It was a requirement that they share the wealth of experience and knowledge gained with those throughout their respective teams. In many cases, the ability to be an effective coach was an item i
    ings like "how to" articles [take this one for instance], newsletters, free consultations or special offers are great ways to initiate contact from a visitor.

    4. TOO MUCH FANCY STUFF
    More often than not, when one or more of the mistakes on this page are made (usually lack of purpose, content and understanding of who the site is for) you'll find a website that is full of flashing neon banners, scrolling text, pop up ads and banner ads. The reason? Rather than plan with substance, the website was designed to either impress on sizzle or to show off the latest trick a web developer has learned.

    Keep in mind that your business website should be a place that represents your business in the proper way. Most businesses can do more harm than good when elements of flash and heavy elements are introduced into their website just for the sake of being there. Is there a place for flash, moving objects and sizzle? Oh yeah - and there are lots of terrific examples out there to point to. Unfortunately, there are many bad examples as well. And that's not good for business.

    5. NAVIGATION IS NOT CONSISTENT
    Just like painting yourself in a corner, websites with poor or inconsistent navigation often leave visitors wondering how they got to where they are and how to get out.

    This one is easy to solve, but surprisingly often overlooked. Just remember this: Never assume your visitor knows anything about your website or the browser and design your buttons so your visit

    SEO - Crafting Keyword Enriched Pay Per Click Ads
    If you are trying to craft a clever title for a pay per click ad one of the simplest ways to get people’s attention is to use a keyword search engine inventory tools such as the ones offered for free by Overture or Google. The title of your pay per click ad is the first line of your ad on Google or the line that appears in hypertext on Yahoo. Cleverly constructing your ad word copy so that you get the most commonly searched keyword somehow concisely expressed into your Google ad has been proven to double and even triple your click-thru rates for targeted customers.The reason this works is because when surfers do a search for a specific product, such as "SEO Site Analyzer” the title (first line) of your Google Ad says exactly that then the search engine is most likely to grab your advertisement over someone else’s and place it at the top of it’s hierarchy of ads. F
    arm than good when elements of flash and heavy elements are introduced into their website just for the sake of being there. Is there a place for flash, moving objects and sizzle? Oh yeah - and there are lots of terrific examples out there to point to. Unfortunately, there are many bad examples as well. And that's not good for business.

    5. NAVIGATION IS NOT CONSISTENT
    Just like painting yourself in a corner, websites with poor or inconsistent navigation often leave visitors wondering how they got to where they are and how to get out.

    This one is easy to solve, but surprisingly often overlooked. Just remember this: Never assume your visitor knows anything about your website or the browser and design your buttons so your visitor can go anywhere at any time.

    6. TELL PEOPLE WHO YOU ARE
    Communication is so important and yet it is done so poorly so often. Remember that you want people to find out about you, not research you. What I mean is by visiting your site, I should know what you do in a matter of seconds. Yes, seconds. Whether that is through clever photography or text or graphics, it doesn't matter.

    Remember this: people don't like to read [it's amazing you've made it this far!] - say whatever you need to say in simple, clear and concise terms so everyone gets it. National newspapers are written at an 8th grade reading level. You're site should be too.

    7. FIELD OF DREAMS MENTALITY
    I was debating whether or not to include both 7 and 8 as one but they really are different problems, so we'll keep them as is. When someone builds a website and then does nothing to help their own cause by following basic steps, they are essentially thinking "If I build it, they will come". Hence, the Field of Dreams mentality.

    Your website is competing with millions of pages on the web and you need to give it some help to get found. Meta tags, descriptions and keywords help your site to be "found" by search engines. Building the site is not good enough. Make sure you have keywords and descriptions that pertain to your website, but not in too general a term. For instance, if you are a real estate agent, using "Real Estate" is going to put you in a group of thousands and thousands of websites. But, if you live in New Hampshire and you use terms like "waterfront property in New Hampshire", you suddenly are defining your terms to fit your site.

    8. NO CROSS PROMOTION
    If you follow this guide and don't make these mistakes, your website will be a very useful marketing tool. Now you need to tell people about it. Put your website address on everything! Your business cards, your brochures, your invoices, your cash register receipts, TV, radio - whatever!

    Even though your website will be "found" by Internet searchers, remember that a high percentage of your visitors will be folks that have seen your website address somewhere other than the web. Now - where are they going to see it? That is up to you.

    9. NO PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
    Most people evaluate the website project by looking at how much it will cost. I agree that this is important. But you must consider other factors when building your site. One of the most important is scaleability Your business is going to grow, your website is going to have to grow with you.

    Make sure you're asking yourself "how will this site serve me in the future?" A little aforethought now will help you not only save money but time in the future when its time to add pages, content and additional features.

    10. BASIC CONTACT INFORMATION IS HARD TO FIND
    This one is the most amazing to me. I can't believe how many people don't put their phone number or email address out in the open where

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