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<title>sell</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/tags/sell</link>
<description>New posts about sell</description>
<item>
<title>Tips to Start Your Own Business</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/Small-Business/Tips-to-Start-Your-Own-Business.213797</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>All Business Ventures require a proper and carefully calculated Business Plan. Read some below listed Points for a <a href="http://www.forbes.com/smallbusiness/2004/07/12/cx_sr_0712smallbizintro.html" target="_blank"><u>Small Business Setup</u></a>:</p>
<p>&amp;nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Are Your Creative? If so, decide on a Brand Name</li>
<li>Web-Marketing</li>
<li>Generate Income by Selling-</li>
<li>Promote, Promote and Promote<strong> </strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Remember this may not change for a long time so decide your brand name carefully and stick to it.</h3>
<p>&amp;nbsp;Set aside an estimated amount for Printing Business Cards, Business logos and Office Stationary Requirements. You may want to hunt the market for Small On-sale or Cheaper Stationary and Printing shops to begin with but always make sure you invest in good quality as this represents your professionalism.&amp;nbsp;</p>
<h3>Begin by marketing your Business on line with a business website.</h3>
<p>If you gain traffic there, then surely you will have customers wanting to know more. See how you can sell on line before you go ahead and actually open Office.</p>
<h3>Remember this is your Business so you may have to delve in Sales.</h3>
<p>Try setting timescales for your sales, similar to commission targets for Sales Executives. Even a small revenue can fire-start your Business so get involved in direct sales.</p>
<h3>Let the word out, pass information along to friends, neighbors and family.</h3>
<p>If you have a blog, announce it there and keep your Audience regularly updated with events, promotions. Refer Testimonials from your Clients and users of your products.</p>
<h3>Know your market Value</h3>
<p>Now that your Business is up and Running, stay in control. Many Business fail due to lack of proper planning and unclear perspectives. Keep up to date by reading about your industry. Bookmark some <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072/" target="_blank"><u>business news</u></a> and <a href="http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/r-article-a-41095-m-1-sc-12-ten_tips_for_new_small_businesses-i" target="_blank"><u>Business Tips</u></a> sites.</p>
<p>&amp;nbsp;</p>
<p>&amp;nbsp;</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FSmall-Business%2FTips-to-Start-Your-Own-Business.213797"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FSmall-Business%2FTips-to-Start-Your-Own-Business.213797" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 08:48:22 PST</pubDate></item>
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<title>Five Ways to Reignite Your Business and Earn Money Faster During Economic Hardship</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/Management/Five-Ways-to-Reignite-Your-Business-and-Earn-Money-Faster-During-Economic-Hardship.194161</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>These days it's almost impossible to pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV without being bombarded by stories about the faltering economy. Yes it's true that many large companies have been forced to downsize due to the unexpected financial crunch, and that quite a few of these "economic giants" have had to throw in the towel and close up shop permanently.  And many decent, honest, hard-working people have lost their jobs and even their homes because of the current economic slowdown. Now, while there's no denying our economy is seriously ill, it's far from flat on its back.  What this means is that although times are tough, the situation is far from hopeless.  So you don't have to hold your breath and wait for "happy days" to come again before you engage in a new business venture or attempt to rejuvenate an old one.</p>
<p>In fact, Now may very well be the best time to expand your current business.  Since businesses that know how to battle their way through the tough times and increase their level of success are better equipped to survive than those that have already made a booming success of themselves, it's really to your advantage to make every effort to prosper right now, rather than to play it cautious and wait for better economic times.</p>
<p>There are a few relatively inexpensive secrets to driving your business to even greater levels of success while the economy in general is on a downward slide.  I'd like to share these with you in order to help you use this time of financial uncertainty to make your business thrive, without wasting money you either don't have or can't afford to lose on methods that fail:</p>
<h3>Five Inexpensive Secrets to Help Your Business Prosper With An Ailing Economy</h3>
<ol>
<li>
<h4>Create Passive Income With a Niche Site</h4>
If you want to gain a larger income than a niche site that branches off from the business you already have is an excellent idea.  It's really just specializing based on what you are currently selling.  Because you have a source for your product the cost of entering into this type of venture is much lower than if you were starting a business from scratch, and the potential is huge.<br /><br /> You won't even have to take time out to do research to see if the niche you've chose is likely to be a profitable one or not.  If you weren't having some success with your current business you wouldn't be thinking of expanding it.  And don't panic if your idea seems a bit off-track at first.  The Internet is a wealth of information, and if things aren't going quite right, you'll be able to compare your site to other similar sites that are turning a profit and correct whatever problems you may have.  If this still doesn't work, you have the choice of moving on to something that might work better for you. </li>
<li>
<h4>Join Similar Affiliate Programs</h4>
This is a super fast and easy way to inject new life into your business, by adding a brand new source of income. The customers you already have, who know you and trust you after doing business with you are much more likely to buy an item from you as to start over with someone else whose reputation they aren't sure of.  Always cater to their wishes and give them incentives to buy your products from you.  If you don't have many products to sell, offering them an affiliate product is an ideal solution.  People who have not purchased anything from you in the past will naturally be cautious before buying into an affiliate program, but your loyal customers will be interested and give you more than a few sign ups.<br /><br /> Once you've made the decision to join an affiliate program you need to inquire from your customers what other products they would like to see you offer.  They'll be more than happy to oblige you with an answer.  Then you must look for an affiliate program that offers these type of products, which shouldn't be too hard to find unless you're looking for something out of the ordinary, and add them to the "back end" of your site.<br /><br /> Then wrap things up by emailing your list special offers for these products -- making sure to post information about them on your site, in your newsletter, and your blog ... and wait for the sales to start adding up. </li>
<li>
<h4>Start a Blog</h4>
While it always pays to make an effor to know your customers and let them know you as well, keeping a blog is a marvelous way to personalize your business  even more and will go far toward helping you establish a relationship with customers and potential customers alike.  It will also be a great boon for the new niche you are hoping to fire-up.  It's human nature to be curious, and your customers will want to know more about you, your family, even your pets, etc.  Future customers will be able to get acquainted with you and be better equipped to decide whether or not they want to make a purchase from you.  By maintaining a blog you can give them a peek into your private life whenever you want to, express your opinions, likes and dislikes and become a friend to your customers, as well as a business owner.  When times get tough they will appreciate this and remember you as someone they know and like as well as someone they do business with. </li>
<li>
<h4>Join a Social Business Network</h4>
Far more than an excuse for business owners to get together over virtual tea and crumpets, this can hook you up with millions of professional business people with business interests similar to yours.  In fact, the more the merrier as these people will be able to provide you with the experience and advice you need to help guide you through the pitfalls of business ownership faced by many individuals nowadays who simply haven't been around long enough to learn all the ropes.  You can also come in contact with people who are interested in buying your products or find partners for joint venture opportunities.  Since all of this can be done for free, why not take advantage of it? </li>
<li>
<h4>Write Articles to Become Better Known</h4>
There's basically only one sure way to get more sales and lift your business out of the doldrums, or help yourself expand.  That's by getting your name and reputation out there for all to see.  Writing articles on subjects concerning the type of business you are involved in and submitting them for free to article directories on the Internet is the perfect way to help more people become familiar with your name and company.  This is a fantastic way to get free publicity for your business, and also to establish yourself as an expert in your field.  Potential customers will get to know you and will come to your site looking to buy your products.<br /><br /> Another benefit from writing free articles for the Internet is that you will get lots of links from the article directories to your site which will help your ranking in the search engines.</li>
</ol>
<p>Now all of this is admittedly a lot of extra work, but the payoff will be seen in the success you will achieve with your new business niche and the improved prosperity you will have with your current business.  Also, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are building solid relationships with your customers based on trust and loyalty, and doing all you can to compete in the sometimes cutthroat world of business.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FManagement%2FFive-Ways-to-Reignite-Your-Business-and-Earn-Money-Faster-During-Economic-Hardship.194161"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FManagement%2FFive-Ways-to-Reignite-Your-Business-and-Earn-Money-Faster-During-Economic-Hardship.194161" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:38:27 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Picking a Successful Location for Your Restaurant</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/Business/Picking-a-Successful-Location-for-Your-Restaurant.189067</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Location plays an extremely instrumental part of the restaurant process. There are many locations and businesses available through websites like loopnet or bizbuysell. These websites give you so many options especially if you are looking to purchase a business that is already operational.</p>
<p>However, what I have found from buying currently operational businesses is that you are buying the present owners mistakes and the customer base. You have to stitch up those problems before trying to make a transition. I actually prefer empty shells. You can start fresh with your own ideas and develop your own customer base that will be more devoted to your business practices.<br /> <br />You have 2 options when leasing or buying a location in a strip center that's new or old.</p>
<p>The Pros of finding a location in a new commercial center is that the owner of the complex may be willing to provide you with a build-out. They will actually put in the flooring, the walls, the fixtures, etc to get you in as quickly as possible. This, of course, eliminates the need for contractors, permits, and other rising costs. The Con being once they have all of this completed, will you actually know what to do with it?</p>
<p>There are also Pros and Cons of being next to Anchor stores in a commercial center. The Pro being that those stores will drive traffic to themselves, as well as to you. The Con being, other big name corporate restaurants will be there to, so how will you set yourself apart. Residing in an older commercial strip will place you next to stores that have been there for years that have built up their reputation. However, there may be an older anchor store that is not producing as well as it used to, right next to you.</p>
<p>Picking a free standing building will be very costly however; you can also find these locations to rent as well.  The best free standing buildings have all of the same qualities in mind.  These locations are easily accessible; they are in high traffic areas; they are highly visible; they stand out; there is an abundance of parking; they are clean and well maintained; the building fits or matches the demographic.</p>
<p>The resources are endless but will you know what needs to be done when you obtain that building.</p>
<p>Use your time wisely.</p>
<p>While you are waiting to open your restaurant you will be visiting the Business and Professional Regulation Board many times, getting Serv Safe certified as a Manager, getting your Sales tax number, FEIN, Structuring  your business(INC, LLC, I.E.), filing for a fictitious name, writing plan reviews, buying equipment, hiring employees, and menu planning.<br />There are so many factors that will influence the success of your location.  If you have any further questions, please leave comments and will answer them as soon as I can.<br />I have been around the business since I was 5 years old.  My uncle owns and operated dozens of different types of restaurants. And I worked with him.  I have a Culinary Degree, a Hospitality Management Degree, an Accredited Executive Chef certificate, and I just won First and Second Place at the Taste of Mount Dora.</p>
<p>Trust me; this information is a labor of love.  Good Luck to all of you.</p>
<p>&amp;nbsp;</p>
<p>&amp;nbsp;</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FBusiness%2FPicking-a-Successful-Location-for-Your-Restaurant.189067"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FBusiness%2FPicking-a-Successful-Location-for-Your-Restaurant.189067" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 06:58:54 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Latest Trends on Cellphone Purchasing</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/Marketing-and-Advertising/Latest-Trends-on-Cellphone-Purchasing.186233</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>In 2003 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) instituted stiff penalties against local phone companies that don't allow customers to keep their phone number when they switch to wireless service.  However, in early 2007 wireless providers T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel complained to the FCC that many local phone companies are not allowing their customers to make this switch. Number transfers ideally should only take days. Some phone companies let the process drag out for months and some frustrated customers simply give up. About 10 percent of households had removed their landline in 2006, and Yankee Group expects this figure to climb to 15 percent by 2010. Just under half of those who are cell phone only are under 30, according to the Pew Research Center. They are also typically less affluent, young, and single.</p>
<p>Vendors structure their marketing around various factors.  They consider overall trends in cell phone usage, the frequency with which subscribers use phones, and the most utilized functions (checking e-mail or text messaging, for example). They consider basic demographics as well, such as gender, age, and geographical location.  Young people, for example, are typically drawn to technology and are willing to adopt new devices. They are often very brand conscious. They are typically drawn to a new phone that is multifunctional, allowing them to text message, play music, and browse the Internet. Manufacturers design cellular phone devices and services that cater to these features. Business users, on the other hand, typically have different needs. Those using cellular phones for business have needs that tend to involve handsets with a large screen, mobile e-mail functionality, and advanced calendar and synchronization capabilities. Manufacturers design devices accordingly for the business user and market them through different media outlets directed to a professional audience.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FMarketing-and-Advertising%2FLatest-Trends-on-Cellphone-Purchasing.186233"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FMarketing-and-Advertising%2FLatest-Trends-on-Cellphone-Purchasing.186233" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:09:12 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>The 14 Attitudes of a Successful Seller</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/Marketing-and-Advertising/The-14-Attitudes-of-a-Successful-Seller.169937</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<ol>
<li> Work hard. Be dedicated to your task. Start preparing each day early and work till the job is done.</li>
<li> Love to sell. Love what you do. Be enthusiastic and passionate about the value you bring.</li>
<li> Seldom quit. Quitting on the first rebuff or at the first hurdle is an indication you should switch careers.</li>
<li> Be eternally optimistic. Look at setbacks as temporary, with better things surely ahead. The glass is always half full and never half empty.</li>
<li> Be knowledgeable. Know your product capabilities and specifications inside out. Also, know the industry and competitive products and services intimately.</li>
<li> Never stop learning. Learn from     
<ul>
<li> your mistakes</li>
<li> courses</li>
<li> customers</li>
<li> reading</li>
<li> trade shows</li>
<li> sales and industry magazines (get subscriptions!) </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li> Be enthusiastic. Show excitement about your profession, your organization, and what you offer to your clients.</li>
<li> Be empathetic. Understand the point of view of the customer. Put yourself in your customers' shoes and devise solutions that will benefit them.</li>
<li> Be a believer. See good in yourself, your family, your products, your company, and your customers.</li>
<li> Be self-confident. Wake up each day, look in the mirror and say, "You're wonderful!"</li>
<li> Have high energy. Get things done with gusto. Don't procrastinate even if the task at hand is difficult. Never say someday. In fact, tomorrow is today!</li>
<li> Arrange your time ruthlessly. Understand the Pareto principle: 80 percent of your success comes from 20 percent of your activities. So allow those activities to take 80 percent of your time. Delegate activities that don't contribute directly or indirectly to sales.</li>
<li> Have a sense of humor. Salespeople are likeable because they see the lighter side of life. Always wear a smile, laugh easily, and enjoy listening to or telling a good story. Make sure your jokes are always tasteful.</li>
<li> Project a sense of pride when representing the organization</li>
</ol><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FMarketing-and-Advertising%2FThe-14-Attitudes-of-a-Successful-Seller.169937"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FMarketing-and-Advertising%2FThe-14-Attitudes-of-a-Successful-Seller.169937" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:09:30 PST</pubDate></item>
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<title>Selling Is Interesting</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/Marketing-and-Advertising/Selling-Is-Interesting.153693</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>As a salesman for Demecs Insurance Company Plc., it has never been an easy task getting clients. As my 6 months of probation was approaching it deadline, I was in trauma and almost confused. Though I was a graduate who could find another befitting job, I want to overcome my very nature. I am a very shy person. I hardly talk outside or even answer questions during the Sunday school teaching my our local church. I wanted to be bold that was why I applied as a salesperson in this kind of work.</p>
<p>Marketing is the core aspect of any business. When there is a strong marketing foundation, then the company is bound to expand. For instance, how would you feel when you produce a wonderful product or render a needed service and no one knows about them? Are you going to buy them yourself? The answer is &amp;ldquo;NO&amp;rdquo;.</p>
<p>The humiliation and negligence I get when I go out to sell insurance policy was alarming. Could you believe that I was sent out of a company like a thief just because certain company rendering same service like ours duped them. When I was going home that day, I halted on a nearby motel, ordered for a soft drink and sipped. An inner voice spoke to me and I heard clearly. He said &amp;ldquo;But you can win those same clients that drove you out today, it's possible. Go home and have a night rest and tomorrow visit those same companies and see what's going to happen&amp;rdquo;. I definitely know that was a divine voice though I was not a religious person. I got home exactly 8.pm and had a good night rest.</p>
<p>The next day been Wednesday in the month of July 2003, I awoke and had my bath. Took my file containing some policy forms and headed to the office about 3 kilometers away from my house. While going, I was thinking over the voice that spoke to me the previous day. I arrived at the office at exactly 8.am. Took a cup of coffee and left for business. To be candid with you, I was afraid to talk to those same managers and directors who flinged my paper away but I had become brave overnight because of that voice. Arriving at the first company (Jebros Shipping Company Int'l Ltd.) the director wasn't in or probably have not resumed this morning. I agreed to wait and the receptionist offered me a seat. While sitting, I developed an extreme boldness to speak. Though I have not felt like that before. The door swinged and the director came in. I greeted and to my utmost amazement, he invited me into his office. The discussion was smooth. I left the office having sold a policy worth $4,000</p>
<p>That same day, I sold 100 policy before 2.00pm in a district that never feel concerned about insurance and all their terms.</p>
<p>Whoever you are in life, it's possible to get what you want by deciding once. You might not be opportuned to hear a voice speaking to you, sure, not everyone have that privilege. But I did and that is why I write to congratulate you beforehand that you can win customers in any field you find yourself.</p>
<p>Since then, I have become an extraordinary salesman and my company is happy with me. I just received a confirmation letter of promotion last week.</p>
<p>Two steps that are effective guided me. Please digest it and apply it to your life and business no matter the form.</p>
<p>The steps are:</p>
<h3>Do Not Limit Yourself<br /></h3>
<p>God has given us life and everything that makes it meaningful. The truth is that not everyone knows their worth. There is a better life than where you are right now. Do not put a limit on your attainment. Whenever you want to talk to a client (prospective), stop thinking that he/she is not going to respond well. That is a wrong mindset and it does more harm than good to us. I had limited my self for so long and its got to stop today not tomorrow. Success is paramount to anyone who does not regard his feelings. Your real you is not the body you are seeing. Your real you is invisible and intangible. That is your spirit. It's where things takes place before it manifest to the physical. Your body is only a container to hold your spirit so it could fulfill his assignment on earth and then leave to meet the owner (God). Therefore when your position your real you (spirit) through a right mindset and self worth, it will begin to show outside and affect your business for good.</p>
<h3>Persistance</h3>
<p>Persistence pays. Success does not require much about earthly education or family background but persistence is the key.</p>
<p>Can you examine some of the world leaders in America and the world. Some of them where not school-educated as such, virtually, they were like outcasts whose words meant nothing to the people. The principle of persistence is what they applied and what do we see today, Bill gates of Microsoft growing tremendously, Warren Buffet or wall street and many others. Their success and exploits are celebrated all over the world but not their persistent ability. If you would meet any of these great men, if they are honest enough, they will advice you to persist always. When failure comes, use it as a stepping stone to your goal. That is what it takes to be great.</p>
<p>These are just a few tips that will catapult you to your place in life. Please, imbibe them and success is yours.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FMarketing-and-Advertising%2FSelling-Is-Interesting.153693"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FMarketing-and-Advertising%2FSelling-Is-Interesting.153693" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:51:46 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Marketing For Beginners: Writing Targeted Article Titles That Make Money</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/Marketing-and-Advertising/Marketing-For-Beginners-Writing-Targeted-Article-Titles-That-Make-Money.128138</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>The Internet is a very big environment with nearly a billion citizens around the world participating in this massive global afford. Just like in the real world marketing is an art that requires patience and dedication to learn to do right.</p>
 
<p>What does a writer have in common with a multinational cookware manufacturer? Both have created products to sell to the public. The cookware manufacturer normally charges upfront for their cooking products and the writer's products are generally free to read on the Internet, but the writer does get paid from advertisers who have purchased ads from third-party advertising brokers. The readers are not required to pay to read their favorite authors' writings.</p>
 
<p>When writing an article title to publisher on the Internet, it really should be written using descriptive words and phrases. If you have written a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) article about building birdhouses, then which of these article titles would draw your attention to it:</p>
 
<p>&amp;ldquo;How to Build a Birdhouse&amp;rdquo;</p>
 
<p>&amp;rdquo;Build Your Own Birdhouse In Six Easy Steps&amp;rdquo;</p>
 
<p>&amp;rdquo;Build an Awesome 5-Star Birdhouse Using Only Toothpicks&amp;rdquo;</p>
 
<p>Of course, we are assuming that the building instructions require toothpicks in the construction process.</p>
 
<p>The first article title is a very basic example that is written using the direct approach, but employs no high value descriptive keywords in the title.</p>
 
<p>The second article title is a bit more descriptive than the first article title, but does not pack a powerful enough punch to make the first impression memorable. The best keyword used in this title is the word &amp;ldquo;Easy&amp;rdquo;. This word alone would attract more readers to stop to read more. People just have a thing for learning easy things.</p>
 
<p>The third article title is very attractive as it uses three good keywords that if used together can create powerful results. The first keyword in the title is &amp;ldquo;Awesome&amp;rdquo;, the second keyword is &amp;ldquo;5-Star&amp;rdquo;, and the third and final keyword is &amp;ldquo;Toothpicks&amp;rdquo; and it is the last keyword that creates the curiosity factor, which is a powerful marketing tool within itself.</p>
 
<p>The &amp;ldquo;Awesome&amp;rdquo; keyword, tells the audience that this article is better than the rest. Using the &amp;ldquo;5-Star&amp;rdquo; descriptive word combination, informs your audience that the birdhouse are high quality and the third keyword &amp;ldquo;Toothpicks&amp;rdquo;, generates curiosity, because toothpicks are usually not a traditional constructing material.</p>
 
<p>Writing a winning article title for the Internet publishing market is kind of kin to how newspapers write their frontpage news headlines that are commonly larger than life. Boring titles will not take a writer anywhere, but add a splash of personality and showmanship, and then you are writing like a true Internet copyrighter.</p>
 
<p>Winning article titles do need a little seasoning and planning to write successfully, but adding too much extra flavoring to the descriptive word flow could cause a mess to happen. Avoid making too powerful of statements when writing your article titles and do not write an article title that does not have anything to do with the article that you have written. This is considered being deceptive and you as a writer will lose your credibility and your online reputation will be damaged in the process.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FMarketing-and-Advertising%2FMarketing-For-Beginners-Writing-Targeted-Article-Titles-That-Make-Money.128138"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FMarketing-and-Advertising%2FMarketing-For-Beginners-Writing-Targeted-Article-Titles-That-Make-Money.128138" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2008 02:58:19 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>What Employers Look For in a Resume</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/Employment/What-Employers-Want-in-a-Resume.129681</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>A resume is that &amp;ldquo;first impression&amp;rdquo; that the employer will get about you and so you want it to be a good one.  It not only lists your skills and qualifications, but the way you present it will be the difference between getting a job interview and getting passed over.</p>
 
<p>An important notation is that resumes are determined within the first ten seconds as to their value.  Why?  Because busy employers take that time to go over the first few lines of the resume and from that they determine whether or not they will go any further.  Therefore, your most selling information needs to be at the top of the resume in clear view of the employer.</p>
 
<p>Here are a few suggestions to make your resume professional and appealing to employers.</p>
 <ol>
<li>You need to put your name and address, phone numbers and E-mail addresses as a header at the top of the page.  This is necessary for two reasons: it lets the employer know that you have a permanent address and are not transient, and also how they can contact you.</li>
<li>Next, put a one-line &amp;ldquo;Career Objective&amp;rdquo; that states your career goal and how it lines up to this job position.  This lets the employer know that you share an interest in the position and that it would be worth the time training you for it.</li>
<li>Then, list your skills and qualifications, beginning with the ones that are pertinent to the position you are applying for.  If you have a long list of credentials including education, type in, &amp;ldquo;See Appendix A, attached&amp;rdquo;, and then list everything on a separate document and attach it to the resume.  In this case, you would not need to submit Point 5).</li>
<li>Follow that with volunteer work that you have done in this type of work.  This tells the employer that you have a sincere interest in this position because you performed similar duties even without being paid.</li>
<li>Then list your education and special training starting with your most recent.  This lets the employer know that you have knowledge and training for the position that you are applying.</li>
<li>Next, list your record of employment starting with your most recent.  Include dates and duties performed.  Don't go back more than ten or so years unless the jobs directly pertain to the one you're applying for. </li>
<li>List any other volunteer work that you have done even if it doesn't relate to this job.  This tells the employer that you have a responsible concern for your community, a point which most employers find favourable.</li>
<li>Finally, you need to let the employer know that you have both character and work references ready for them.  So, under References, put &amp;ldquo;Available upon request&amp;rdquo;.</li>
</ol> 
<p>Do not list your reference names on your resume.  You don't want the employer contacting them first and pre-judging your character in a negative fashion, preventing you from getting an interview.</p>
 
<p>Let your resume sell your qualifications for the job interview, and let the job interview sell your personality and character qualifications, and let your references verify what the employer has learned from you.</p>
 
<h3>Points to remember:</h3>
 
<ul>
<li>List all your information in point form and not as an essay </li>
<li>Include a covering letter with your resume that is in essay form and that compiles your qualifications with the benefit that you believe you will be to the company</li>
<li>Type your resume in an acceptable business font ie:  Courier New, 12 pt.  Never use an artistic script.  You need to keep it clear and to what the employer prefers so that you know they will read it</li>
<li>Don't list menial jobs that might make you appear transient or uncommitted, such as a job you took that didn't work out.</li>
<li>Don't make your resume longer than two pages. </li>
</ul>
<p>When your resume is prepared with professionalism, the employer will also be prepared to receive you that way.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FEmployment%2FWhat-Employers-Want-in-a-Resume.129681"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FEmployment%2FWhat-Employers-Want-in-a-Resume.129681" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2008 06:53:24 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Ebay Feedback Manipulation</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/E-Commerce/Ebay-Feedback-Manipulation.127201</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.ebay.com" target="_blank">Ebay</a>, the highly successful online marketplace, is very well known for the huge number of transactions that are conducted on a daily basis.  All of these transactions are graded on a daily basis as well, in the form of a feedback rating system.  This feedback policy has been in place since the beginning of eBay and it is what drives all business managed on the site.</p>
 
<p>Feedback can be entered at the option of each member for either party involved in any transaction.  For example, if a buyer purchases an item on eBay and pays promptly, the seller will normally give positive feedback to the buyer.  The same circumstances apply when a seller sells an item to a buyer. If the buyer feels positively about the transaction then he or she will reciprocate with positive feedback to the seller.</p>
 
<p>Positive feedback is a win, win situation for all parties that are aggressively trying to do business on eBay.  The more positive feedback that is received, the better your reputation and the more likely you will be able to enter in many successful business transactions on the site.</p>
 
<p>Negative feedback, on the other hand, may result from many things.  For a few examples; a seller may not ship as quickly as the buyer would like, or the actual item received is not like it was advertised online, or the merchandise was damaged in shipping.  A buyer may not pay promptly, or their method of payment may not be satisfactory.  Another case of negative feedback may stem from the fact that one party will give the other party negative feedback, so then the second party will give negative feedback in return.</p>
 
<p>Feedback extortion is also known to happen.  One party may want more or different merchandise that is not currently offered in the sale and that party may threaten with negative feedback in order to get the merchandise that they want.</p>
 
<p>Negative feedback is deadly to your reputation on eBay.  You may have many positive transactions with a wonderfully high feedback rating, and then one negative feedback can drastically harm your reputation eBay's former policy was that negative feedback would affect your reputation for the term of your membership. In their latest change in policy, eBay states that negative feedback will affect your reputation for one year. In most cases, a high feedback score is a good sign, but eBay warns that members should always check another member's Feedback Profile to read comments and look for negative remarks.</p>
 
<p>Here is how the positive and negative feedback ratings affect your overall feedback score:</p>
 
<ul>
<li> +1 point to your Feedback Score for each positive comment and rating left for you</li>
 
<li> No points for a neutral comment and rating left for you</li>
 
<li> -1 point to your Feedback Score for each negative comment and rating left for you</li>
 
</ul>
<p>As you accumulate more positive points, you are awarded different colored stars. Following are the different levels of stars that are awarded:</p>
 
<p>Yellow star: 10 to 49 points <br />Blue star: 50 to 99 points <br />Turquoise star: 100 to 499 points <br />Purple star: 500 to 999 points<br />Red star: 1,000 to 4,999 points <br />Green star:  5,000 to 9,999 points <br />Yellow shooting star: 10,000 to 24,999 points <br />Turquoise shooting star: 25,000 to 49,999 points <br />Purple shooting star: 50,000 to 99,999 points <br />Red shooting star: 100,000 points or more</p>
 
<p>Some members who are trying to build their reputation on eBay by acquiring the different levels of stars will specifically look for transactions that are easy and cheap to complete.  A cheaply priced item, with free shipping, or greatly reduced shipping will be very attractive to them.  They can easily score another positive feedback rating without having to spend too much to do so.</p>
 
<p>Digital items that can be downloaded are another way for them to achieve higher feedback ratings at little or no cost.</p>
 
<p>&amp;ldquo;Digital goods are often reproduced at little to no cost to the seller. On eBay, this creates the potential for feedback manipulation. To preserve the integrity of the feedback system, all goods that can be digitally downloaded or transferred electronically (including e-mail delivery) must be listed using the Classified Ad format in the Everything Else&amp;gt;Information Products category only.&amp;rdquo;</p>
 
<p>eBay has specific guidelines set in place in an attempt to thwart feedback manipulation:</p>
 
<p>&amp;ldquo;Feedback left or received, including detailed seller ratings (DSRs), where the feedback's primary value is to artificially enhance a member's reputation rather than provide commentary and ratings on genuine transactional experience is not permitted.</p>
 
<p>Consequently, offering to sell, buy or barter feedback is not permitted. In addition, registering multiple accounts (or working with others) in order to exchange feedback to artificially increase your feedback score is not permitted.</p>
 
<p>EBay will view the recurrence of listings which are uncharacteristic of a reasonable business model to be in violation.&amp;rdquo;</p>
 
<p>Violation of eBay's feedback manipulation policy may result in the following actions:</p>
 
<ul>
<li> Listing cancellation</li>
 
<li> Limits on account privileges</li>
 
<li> Account suspension </li>
 
<li> Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings </li>
 
<li> Loss of PowerSeller status</li>
 
<li> Feedback removal </li>
 
</ul>
<p>Threatening to leave negative or neutral feedback for another member unless the other member provides goods or services not included in the original listingBottom of Form</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FE-Commerce%2FEbay-Feedback-Manipulation.127201"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FE-Commerce%2FEbay-Feedback-Manipulation.127201" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2008 06:45:16 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Secrets of an EBay Powerseller</title>
<link>http://www.bizcovering.com/E-Commerce/Secrets-of-an-Ebay-Powerseller.120113</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[								<p>The day to day routine of a single working mother is no paradise. I know. I lived it. Each morning I would rise at 7am, make myself and my daughters look beautiful, drop them off at daycare, work for eight hours, pick them up at 5:30pm, buy groceries, make dinner, and go to bed - only to rise and do it all over again the next day.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/2464828246_1c253dd592.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>Although I had a good job and the promise of a rewarding career in the future, every morning I felt like a slave to a system that demanded so much of my time. Caught in the maze that I had indeed created for myself, it seemed like there was no escape. But then I had an epiphany, and I put the monotony of that hard life behind me, forever.</p>
 
<p>First I should say that I'm still a mom, and I still work hard, but gone are the dreaded hours sitting in traffic and the boredom of my old job.  My children are happier now, and we spend infinitely more time together as a family.  And no, I didn't drop off the grid to live on a commune - I still live in the same house, and I still put in 8 hours a day, same as before, but now I wear comfy clothing and walk my girls to school in the morning.  Now I leisurely shop for clothes, take photographs of my finds, and work for a few hours at the computer in the afternoon. And I waste time watching the money come in.</p>
 
<p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2464828082_5a79fa6c91.jpg?v=0" alt="" /><br /><br />I started my eBay business in January 2007 operating under the user ID Attic*Industry.  My target market:  twentysomethings with fat wallets and an avant-garde sense of style.  It started innocently enough.  I bought a mouthwatering flocked 1950's vintage prom dress for $50.00 at a thrift shop in Kingston, Ontario. The dress was gorgeous and I just had to have it, even though it was obvious that it would never fit me.  The anguish of spending fifty precious dollars on a decoration for the inside of my closet got to me in a matter of hours, and it was then, for the first time, I considered an ecommerce solution: eBay!</p>
 
<p>After snapping some digital pictures of the dress, I wrote a passionate, detailed description for potential buyers. I had no difficulty getting my very first item listed on the <a href="http://www.ebay.com" target="_blank">eBay</a> website; I already had a <a href="http://www.paypal.com" target="_blank">PayPal </a>account, and so before I went to bed that night Attic*Industry was open for business.</p>
 
<p>Day one was an eye-opener.  You know that famous quote from Ray Kinsella's Field of Dreams, “if you build it, they will come…?” These words came true online.  The bids came fast and furious, and from all over the world.  On day seven the auction closed and I realized a profit of $310.00. My love of good quality vintage clothing was no longer a burden to my bank account - now it was a terrific boon.</p>
 
<p>After dabbling for six months and seeing my sales grow exponentially, I decided it was time to put my executive career on hold and sell vintage clothing online full time.  After only four months I became a respected PowerSeller with stellar feedback, and in August 2007 I was selected as a finalist for eBay Canada's Entrepreneur of the Year.  I can proudly say that I've sold beautiful clothes and fashion accessories to hundreds of people on six continents in over two dozen countries, and all with zero negative feedback.</p>
 
<p>The good news for you is that the internet is still accepting applications for the next ecommerce success. With eBay the start up costs are minimal. Equipped with a nine year old digital camera, no knowledge of html and no budget, I entered the marketplace and experienced no difficulties finding buyers for my goods.</p>
 
<h3>Top Tips For Selling Online</h3>
 <ol>
<li>
<h3>Research your market</h3>
Recognize what buyers are looking for, and how much they will pay for it. Learn to identify what's common and what's rare.  Make yourself an expert in one or two categories, and develop the ability to spot each specimen's unique "hidden qualities." This means reading support material, articles and blogs and spending time on eBay watching popular auctions close to learn the true prices of things.</li>
<li>
<h3>Develop exclusive sources of merchandise</h3>
Once you've experimented with online sales and sold off some things you've had lying around the house, you must find the courage to shop for more stuff. "Merch" is what they call it in retail sales, and acquiring good quality unique merchandise is the downfall of many ecommerce businesses - everything from sales tax, broker's fees, transportation and the price of gas will cut into your bottom line. To shop smarter, you have to use the computer. Smart shoppers use their computers to select the best hunting grounds, find parking, and even the cheapest place to buy fuel, in advance.<br /><br />If you are like me and you buy and sell vintage clothing and fashion accessories, you'll shop at charitable second hand stores like Salvation Army, Value Village, and Goodwill. Use a local search service on your computer to find other discount retail outlets that are liquidating terrific merchandise at rock bottom prices. I use <a href="http://mypoynt.com/" target="_blank">Poynt</a> on Microsoft® Windows Live Messenger�,,� or AIM® to make a map of such stores in my area. Powered by Yellow Pages in Canada and Superpages.com in the United States, <a href="http://mypoynt.com/" target="_blank">Poynt</a> is a great tool for finding used clothing stores outside trendy overpriced neighborhoods. Enter keywords like "second hand", and "used furniture" and "used electronics" and click on the pins as they appear on the corresponding Microsoft® Virtual Earth scalable map interface. Poynt is a whole new way to economize shopping. Another secret: hit the "print screen" button on your computer to screen grab the image and make a handy map to print or send to friends.</li>
<li>
<h3>Get a merchant account</h3>
Get this at PayPal to safely and easily accept payments from your buyers. PayPal was bought by eBay almost five years ago and has since become the ubiquitous payment standard - the word PayPal is now used as a verb. “I'll send the dress when you PayPal the money.”</li>
<li>
<h3>Shoot crystal clear photographs</h3>
Make sure you include at least three different angles of each item you are selling. Amateurs, photograph the objects outside during the day against neutral backgrounds.</li>
<li>
<h3>The online world is a small</h3>
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you:  be honest about your merchandise and ship items quickly.</li>
<li>
<h3>Stay focused and don't give up</h3>
It WILL be slow at times, but a consistent presence is always key to building your profile as a reputable business. Remember this is a business, and just like the bricks and mortar firms on main street - you have to keep the shop open and lights on, even if people don't step inside the front door.</li>
<li>
<h3>Be Passionate</h3>
 I have found that the more adoring I am, the more expressive I become. Every article of clothing that I truly love seems to benefit from my descriptive praise and enjoys a higher than average final sales price. So be expressive. Use your vocabulary and instead of labeling something "blue", call it “sapphire,” and instead of saying that something has a "tight fit", why not write that it “hugs curves for maximum figure enhancement.”  You get the idea.</li>
<li>
<h3>Keep costs low</h3>
When shopping, make sure not to overpay.  That $50.00 dress I mentioned at the beginning of this article was an anomaly for me - most times I don't pay over $15.00 for anything.</li>
</ol> 
<p>Lastly, I will write the greatest secret of all - social network your business online as you quest to become an expert in your field. Keep my tips in mind but go forward boldly and indulge your passion, be it for baseball cards or butter churns, glass eyes or rare car parts. Ask yourself:  what is stopping you from becoming the next eBay Powerseller?</p>
<p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/2463995317_66b2c6d638.jpg" alt="dress" /></p>							<a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FE-Commerce%2FSecrets-of-an-Ebay-Powerseller.120113"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizcovering.com%2FE-Commerce%2FSecrets-of-an-Ebay-Powerseller.120113" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2008 01:25:02 PST</pubDate></item>
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