Marketing on the internet – Sticking to the basics

When marketing on the internet you will likely be exposed to various promotional strategies or techniques that are more dazzling than they are effective. Now there is nothing wrong with trying new marketing tactics in an effort to build your business but never lose sight of the fundamentals. As tempting as it may be to rely upon a tool or technique that 'offers' more results for less effort, it is important to keep your eyes open to how effective they may really be.



Always be mindful of the fact that to build your business you will need a quality product, a solid reputation and the ability to connect with customers. Although gadgets and gimmicks may deliver on their promise of less work, they do not always deliver the results. It is up to you to determine if the time you invest is worth the return you are getting.



Here is a quick look at the fundamentals you need to focus on and the reason for the attraction to some of the newer marketing tactics we become exposed to.



Fundamentals



1) Exposure



No matter what you are promoting online in order to build your business you need to increase your exposure. get yourself out in front of people There are some nifty software products and marketing tactics that will help your cause but the image you project must be developed and maintained by you!



2) Connecting



In order to convert people into buyers you will need to develop a connection with them There is no substitution for human interaction and this is what it will take, in some manner, to connect with others. Gaining their interest or 'triggering' a desire can only be accomplished through some form of interaction. On the internet the written word is the primary channel of communication therefore developing good copy writing skills will be helpful!



3) Trust



Building trust is one of the most important things you can do when working online since it tends to boost the effectiveness of any of the promotional strategies you may use. Trust building is not something you can expect to accomplish with the help of automation or software but instead results from the way you interact with others. Displaying respect or a willingness to be of service to people are great ways to build both trust and solid reputation online.



Gimmickry



1) Fast



Our attraction to any new gadgets, tactics or gimmicks when working online stem from the natural desire to improve our performance and with less effort. One of the primary benefits usually touted when any new marketing tactics are presented is the speed and ease with which they work. Who would you not be attracted to that? But sadly, in many cases the product or technique demonstrates an inability to deliver on the promise.



2) Convenient



Another popular benefit used to promote the purchase and/or use of some tactics or gimmicks is their convenience and ease of use. Products or techniques like this normally serve to automate certain time consuming functions but here again, the job they do may not be as thorough as you would want. On the other hand the temptation to build your business on autopilot is hard to resist!



3) Empowering



Simply possessing any type of software or marketing tactics that can 'speed up' or 'automate' certain functions of your business is an empowering feeling. Of course that feeling does tend to fade as the realization that some of those 'tools' are ineffective begins to dawn on you. However, simply having the hope, even for a short period of time, that you can drastically improve your productivity is an uplifting feeling! As any internet marketer will tell you, hope is one the their biggest assets and if they did not have it, they probably would not be seeking success online!



Marketing on the internet offers the use of many gadgets and gimmicks that promise to decrease your efforts while increasing the results! Unfortunately some of these promotional strategies or gimmicks fall flat on their face when put to the test. The allure of many new marketing tactics is the automation and of course the convenience associated with it. It is important however to be mindful of the fundamentals that are required, as discussed above, in order to build your business successfully online. With that being said as you find yourself employing the use of any new gimmicks, gadget, tactics or techniques always monitor their use insofar as effectiveness and bottom line results. If you do not find an improvement in the performance and/or results of your business this is simply a tool you do not need!



By: TJ Philpott

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/online_business/article_8501.shtml

How to truly make your patio an extension of your home

If you're like many homeowners, you consider the patio an extension of your home. So it's fair to ask: Would you be just as comfortable nestled in with your favorite book or preparing a meal in your outdoor space as you would in your living room or your kitchen? As you contemplate ways to improve your outdoor area, think about projects that can both extend the hours you spend outside and make the time you spend there more relaxing.



Just as technology continues to make life indoors easier, more sophisticated awning systems, heating options and lighting can make your outdoor space that much more pleasant. Here are a few areas to consider as you plot your next round of improvements for your outdoor living space:



* Temperature control: One of the best ways to make your patio pleasant for more of the day - and more of the year - is to add simple temperature control features. If you live in a place where it gets uncomfortably hot during the summer, install misters around your favorite sitting areas to cool things down. Likewise, if you often find yourself heading inside because it gets too chilly in the spring and fall, a few strategically placed overhead heaters can extend your patio season.



* Shade matters: Awnings and umbrellas also play a huge role in regulating the temperature and comfort of your deck or patio. And now, shading options have become more sophisticated and easier to maintain than ever before. You'll never have to worry about damaged awnings on a windy day with a motorized awning system with wind sensors that work together to automatically retract your awnings when winds become too high. Retractable awning systemscan also be accessorized with sun sensors that signal motorized awnings to open as soon as the sun rises, keeping your outdoor space cool from the start of the day. If adding a hint of warmth is needed, simply install an awning heater. All of these accessories can be managed by the same remote that controls your motorized awning. With a system like this, you can leave the days of fiddling with fussy patio umbrellas behind.



* An outdoor kitchen: No patio is complete without a grill, but do you find yourself making frequent trips inside for other prep work? Make outdoor cooking easier by adding a prep island that can be placed near your grill. And if you really want to go all out, look for options that feature outdoor sinks or small refrigerators hidden under the countertop.



* Entertainment connectivity: Well-placed speakers can bring the stereo sound of your indoor system out. By upgrading your system so it can be controlled from your wireless device, you can bring the conveniences of your digital music system outdoors and eliminate the need to get up to turn up the volume or flip to the next song.



* Take look at your lighting: High-powered outdoor lights on sensors might be helpful when you're bringing in the groceries at night, but patio entertaining calls for a little more subtlety when it comes to lighting. Consider zero-energy solar-powered fixtures around the perimeter of your patio for a gentle ambiance to light up your evenings. Motorized systems can also be connected to your lighting, allowing you to adjust brightness as needed from the comfort of your patio lounger.



Now is the perfect time to plan for next year's patio season, and with the right improvements, you can make it the most comfortable one yet.



Courtesy of BPT

Selecting a trustworthy mover is the first step in avoiding moving day headaches

Americans are on the move. The United States Census Bureau estimates that 12.5 percent of Americans - nearly 40 million people - changed residences each of the past two years. While many turned to moving professionals for assistance, some learned the hard way that not all moving companies are created equally. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) received nearly 3,000 complaints about moving companies last year alone - a double-digit increase from the prior year.



Some good news arrived in October in the form of a new law that provides additional protection for victims of rogue moving companies that hold belongings hostage in the interest of scamming consumers to pay unexpected fees. The new law gives FMCSA the authority to force the return of consumer belongings in addition to the ability to levy fines of up to $10,000 per day.



Unfortunately, our industry has been plagued by moving 'companies' that advertise unbelievable 'deals' that turn out to be consumer scams, says Jon Sorber, executive vice president of Two Men And A Truck, the nation's largest franchise moving company. The new regulations are a welcome change for those of us committed to operating legitimate moving companies, but they are just a start. Education is really the key to making sure consumers avoid the hassle of a moving scam in the first place.



Sorber suggests consumers ask the following questions before hiring a mover:



1. Can your family, friends and co-workers make a referral? It's likely that you know several people who've hired a moving company in the past year. Why not tap the resources of people you trust to share their experiences?



2. Does your mover have a brick and mortar facility you can visit? Often the "rogue" mover operates from a storage unit or perhaps with no office at all. If you are dealing with a legitimate moving company, they will have an office with trucks, employees, boxes, supplies, etc.



3. Is your mover licensed in your state? The majority of states require a formal license to operate as a mover, and selecting a licensed, insured mover is your best bet in guaranteeing a hassle-free experience.



4. What community or industry associations does the moving company have? Is your mover in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? Are they active members of the local Chamber of Commerce? Choose a mover who is valued and trusted within your community and you'll likely eliminate any concern of questionable practices.



5. Does your mover offer free moving quotes? A legitimate mover is going to provide free estimates of your move before a single item is moved. If they refuse to do so, keep shopping regardless of how good the deal sounds.



Paul Oakley is senior vice president for Government Affairs at the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), the moving industry's largest trade association. He and his team began working with Congress to develop the new regulatory provisions. Like Sorber, he believes the new laws provide some measure of safety, but cautions that more work must be done to eliminate dishonest moving practices.



The laws going into effect directly impact policing of the industry, says Oakley, but ultimately we must have safeguards that make entry into the industry more difficult, tougher enforcement against bad actors, and a greater effort needs to be made to educate consumers on how to choose a proper moving company.



Two Men And A Truck offers more questions consumers should ask before hiring a mover at www.twomenandatruck.com/moving-questions. Consumers might also consider AMSA's Before You Move checklist at www.moving.org.



Courtesy of BPT

Opportunities for students to pursue challenging and exciting careers in STEM subjects

(BPT) - Pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) subjects opens plenty of exciting and challenging opportunities for today's students. Many of these opportunities exist in the Navy, including technically challenging missions that require intelligence and critical thinking.



These careers can range from working on the world's most complicated and best anti-air and anti-missile systems to developing the next generation of vaccine technology. Talented, committed individuals with a STEM education will be critical to maintain the U.S. as a world technology leader.



Demand is high for STEM-related employment, thanks to more than 50 percent of the Navy's scientists, engineers and related disciplines qualifying for retirement, as well as the projection of 1.2 million new STEM jobs created over the next five years. The Navy is committed to working to ensure there is a qualified STEM workforce in the pipeline.



As part of this commitment, the U.S. Navy is partnering with organizations across the U.S. to help promote an interest in STEM subjects among elementary to college-level students. The Navy STEM for the Classroom tool is also available for teachers and students, providing lesson plans and interactive tools to increase learning in these subjects.



One program incorporating STEM subject learning with real world experiences is the SeaPerch program, an innovative underwater robotics program sponsored by the Office of Naval Research that connects students and teachers inside or outside the classroom to construct an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).



Students will follow an established curriculum to physically build an underwater robot from a low-cost, standard kit, learning important lessons like:



* Ship, submersible and submarine design (Naval architecture)



* Maritime and ocean engineering principles



* Robotics



* Problem-solving



* Teamwork



Each underwater ROV creation can be tested against others in organized competitions across the country.



Students with a background in STEM courses have the opportunity to work with some of the most awe-inspiring ships, submarines, air craft and communications systems in existence, develop unmanned vehicles and robotics that keep people out of harm's way, and pioneer advances in everything from nuclear propulsion to biofuels to medical research. A STEM-related career in the Navy provides almost limitless possibilities for leadership and relevant experience.



In addition, enlisting in the Navy allows students interested in STEM subjects to continue their learning with ongoing development opportunities during nearly all stages of their career in the Navy. These opportunities include:



* Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship program



* Naval Academy is the undergraduate college for the Naval Service and allows a student to become a midshipman while learning about the Navy's rich history



* Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program which offers up to $168,300 for students finishing a degree in math, engineering, physics or chemistry, and allows them to begin the process of becoming a commissioned Navy Nuclear Officer



* Civil Engineer Collegiate Program gives students pursuing civil engineering degrees the opportunity to pursue projects around the world right out of college. This program also offers up to $113,100 while finishing a college degree



For more information about opportunities to serve in the Navy, call 866-408-1241 or visit navy.com.



Courtesy of BPT

Fall gardening tips to extend the harvest

Kids are heading back to school, tomato harvests have begun to dwindle and the leaves are starting to change color once again. Another hot summer is drawing to a close. This does not have to mean though, that thriving gardens must to fade into blissful memories. Even as temperatures start to drop, cold-weather crops can extend the harvest well into the fall months.



A delicious fresh spinach salad would blend beautifully with a hearty squash or pumpkin soup after a cool fall day spent raking leaves or hiking through the woods. Plant crops to use in creative recipes, and feed your family from the garden all autumn long.

• Plants with shorter and cooler growing seasons thrive in the fall months. Consider setting aside a weekend for the entire family to get outside and plant some beans, peas and salad greens like lettuce, kale and spinach. Check out the region's average date for a hard frost, and calculate back the weeks needed to successfully grow a full late-season crop.
• Rotate plant location. For example, if peas were planted in the spring in one section of the garden, don't plant them in the same location for the fall growing season. Instead, consider using that area of the garden for spinach this time around. Rotating crops like this will help the garden's soil to replace and retain valuable nutrients naturally.
• Enhance the growth of plants with Miracle-Gro expand 'n GRO soil that contains plant food, allowing plants to thrive in both containers and gardens. When combined with water, soil permanently expands up to three times its original size to hold up to 50 percent more water than basic potting soils. And as a soil amendment, expand 'n GRO radically improves native soil conditions, whether sand or clay. For a great organic option, try using Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix or Garden Soil to help keep plants strong and healthy all throughout the growing season.
• The garden needs food to thrive. Feed edibles, whether in an in-ground garden or in container pots, with Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed Tomato, Fruits & Vegetables Plant Food Plus Calcium. One application will feed plants for up to three months - which is plenty of time for the fall garden to produce a harvest of delicious vegetables - and contains calcium to help plants grow better quality, longer-lasting fruits and vegetables.
• Keep an eye on plants as they grow, being certain to water daily and protect from the dangers of a hard frost. Monitor weather reports. If a hard frost is predicted in the area earlier than expected, cover the crops with blankets or plastic for the night, and uncover in the morning, once the threat of freezing has passed.
• Harvest plants as they reach maturity. Sometimes a chilly night with a slight frost can enhance the flavor if vegetables are picked during or immediately after the temperature drops.
• Enjoy the bountiful harvest. Miracle-Gro and America's Test Kitchen have recipes at www.miracle-gro.com/GroYourOwn to explore. Try them all using your own freshly grown produce and see which recipes the family likes best.
• Assign a family member to record the entire growing season through the winter frost, keeping track of what was planted, the date it was planted, the flavor of the vegetables harvested and even which recipes the family made and enjoyed with the produce. Use this information next year to better plan the fall garden and increase the amount of produce harvested.

Courtesy of BPT

Lunchbox classics get a better-for-you update ... and that's no baloney

(BPT) - Can kids enjoy their favorite lunchtime standbys and be healthier too?



Yes, says Liz Weiss, registered dietitian and founder of MealMakeoverMoms.com. The key to a homerun for lunch, according to Weiss, is to throw a few curveballs into the mix.



"There's a reason kids love classics like bologna sandwiches and PB&J - they are familiar," says Weiss.- "But with just a few tweaks, parents can amp up the good nutrition and the excitement of those lunchbox basics."



Weiss, coauthor of the family cookbook, "No Whine with Dinner," offers tips for putting a nutritious spin on kids' lunchtime favorites while keeping them "trade proof":



* Beyond white or wheat. Sandwich bread options have come a long way. With pitas, naan, flatbreads, tortillas and more, any sandwich can have a global flair. Choose whole grain options made with ingredients like 100 percent whole wheat and rolled oats. The reason: Whole grains provide more fiber as well as nutrients like B vitamins and magnesium, important for strong bones.



* The deli difference: Not all lunchmeat is created equal. Look for natural and organic brands like Applegate made with a short, "clean" list of ingredients and no antibiotics or artificial colors, flavors or additives. Applegate makes a full line of deli meats, including a new bologna with less fat and sodium than traditional brands.



* Nutty for butters: Up the ante and the variety on the classic PB&J sandwich by replacing the peanut butter with other butters such as almond, sunflower or cashew. For a fun twist, spread your child's favorite nut butter and jelly on lavash bread, roll up, and then slice into "sushi" rolls.



* Fruit inside, not on the side: Consider incorporating fruit into a sandwich. Who says peanut butter sandwiches have to have jelly? Why not add thinly sliced bananas, strawberries or even kiwi fruit? Making a PB&J into a PB&F cuts the added sugar and boosts the flavor and nutrients. Ham & cheese sammies also pair nicely with fruit, especially sliced, crisp apples.



* Take the chip off the shoulder: Let kids feel like mom caved on the chips by making a savory dip with yogurt or hummus and adding whole wheat pita chips and some veggies on the side. It's like party food for lunch. For more tips and recipes, visit Applegate at www.applegate.com.



"With subtle changes and some playful surprises, kids can feel like they are in their food comfort zone and parents can feel good about giving their children something healthier," says Weiss.





Courtesy of BPT