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Apr29
"I hate fake deadlines - what about you?"

Fake deadlines will brand your business as not being credible or customer sensitive.You know what I'm talking about.  How many million times have you seen an Internet marketer use the "impending deadline scare" as a reason to hurry and purchase a product or sign up for this or that before the deadline.

Of course they're trying to incorporate the sense of urgency into their marketing.  Many smart advertisers know that one of the greatest fears most people have is the fear of losing out or of being left behind.

So the ads of these smart people nearly always include some kind of deadline coming up in the near future designed to make the reader take some immediate action.

The urgency element, however, is often a bold face lie!  (Are those words too strong for what this is?)

There are free scripts floating around all over the Internet that will help you to add the urgency factor to any web page.  You've seen them in action everywhere.  Some scripts update the current time or day of the page making it seem like the deadline is coming at midnight tonight!

Continue Reading
Apr29
"Read the ad - then get your freebie!"
If you make your freebie too easy to access, or offer it as the first point of contact, many of your customers will leave, never to return, as soon as they grab your gift. Continue Reading
" . . . And now a word from our sponsor."
If you pick the right company, agency, or charity, you could find yourself flooded with new customers and mentioned in growing numbers of circles. Continue Reading
"Have you created a company press kit?"
Get a press kit developed and put it in the hands of the media contacts both in your area and in your niche, both on- and off-line. Continue Reading
"The power of a story!"
Business minds just naturally are tuned in to think in terms of facts, numbers, dates, deadlines, instructions, policies, etc.  These are the details that a solo operator has churning around in his mind every waking moment. Continue Reading
Apr28
"Where to place your offer."
I personally believe it's best to place your offer right up front in the narrative or ad copy.  Continue Reading
"Would you trade a few compliments for a long-term business relationship?"
Whenever you have the chance, leave a kind word of flattery for an author, a business owner, a product creator, a web master, etc. Continue Reading
"Lead your customers by the hand."

Have you ever noticed how customers like to be given very specific instructions or detailed directions from those they consider to be an expert?

Continue Reading
"Did you know that 'smash down the door' advertising rarely works?"
Do you get right in the face of the prospect to the point of being annoying, sometimes obnoxious, and always controversial?  Sorry, but that doesn't work anymore! Continue Reading
"What is your definition of a good advertisement?"
Small business owners are rarely trained or naturally talented in developing effective advertising.  It's no secret and nothing to be ashamed of. Continue Reading
Apr27
"Give your customers a free company brochure or product catalog"
It's amazing the number of productive and creative marketing ideas there are available for every small business, that are freely and openly shared and discussed online, but that so many business owners never think to include in their business. Continue Reading
"An easy and cost effective way to add value to your registrations."
A better way to capture the needed information is to offer something of added value to the products or niche of the web site. Continue Reading
"The attraction of a friendly sales personality."
So here's the challenge:  make the "voice" of your marketing message very personal and friendly. Continue Reading
"Here's an unlikely place to find targeted customers"
These are the people who carry their interests, passions, and hobbies to the extreme.  They have gone out of their way to find and socialize with others in their niche. Continue Reading
"Give your sales copy the 1 – 2 punch!"
If you can't engage the reader with the best shots you have (the 1-2 punch) you probably won't stand much of a chance to make the sale based upon the remaining 10% of your ammunition. Continue Reading
Apr26
"Is the blogosphere really the Evil Empire?"
I have seen a smattering of Internet marketers voicing loud and sometimes passionate opinions that blogs are destroying the Internet. Continue Reading
"Every Lone Wolf needs a blog!"
With the ease, speed, and usefulness of today's blogs, Lone Wolf business owners would do well to get blogging as soon as possible! Continue Reading
"Try this traffic building blogging tip!"

Here is a strategy for bloggers to try that will increase traffic to the blog because it displays information being sought by search engine users.

Continue Reading
"Would you kindly deposit a quarter to read my blog?"

Once again, the idea that people are willing to pay for the information of a blogpreneur verifies the strategy of the Lone Wolf - solo information business conducted over the Internet from anywhere in the world.

Continue Reading
"The pursuit of income through blogging"
Some authors of blogs have gathered quite an audience and engaged large crowds of daily viewers.  Anytime a captive audience is involved, shrewd business minds come up with ways to monetize the experience. Continue Reading
Apr25
"The power of YOU!"

One of the many and best ways marketers draw prospects into the sales dialogue is to use the word "You" often in their content so the reader begins to feel like the message is directed right at him personally.

Continue Reading
"The attraction of simple and easy."
It seems that the public prefers to buy products that are easy to use, easy to understand, take little or no set up or skill to activate, and that are simple to maintain. Continue Reading
"Is your business web site a rest stop or a destination?"
Do your customers stop by to simply stretch their legs, or are they there to interact, learn, and shop? Continue Reading
"Do you recognize hype when you see it?"
Some marketers will tell you that they can't sell products without adding a certain amount of hype. Continue Reading
"How often do your customers hear from your business?"
One of the foundations of any successful marketing program is repeated and systematic contact of the prospect. Continue Reading
Apr24
"Are you welcoming ladies to your small business?"
If you're a small business owner and are paying attention to the profiles of your buying customers, you will know that women are now making most of the buying decisions. Continue Reading
"The attraction of 'F-R-E-E' on the Internet!"
Do solo entrepreneurs really have to give away a lot of their valuable information products in order to attract customers and expect product purchases? Continue Reading
"Do-it-yourself postcard advertising that really stands out!"
There is so much mass marketing that appears in consumer mailboxes these days that it makes perfect sense to personalize and brand your business with something out of the ordinary that appears as a personal message. Continue Reading
"Have you ever considered using coupons to draw traffic to your web site?"
Coupons are perceived as having good value, even though they cost next to nothing to produce. Continue Reading
"Why do you always use quotation marks in your titles?"
Here are my feelings about the style of Lone Wolf Tracks that might be of interest to others that may be wondering as well. Continue Reading
Apr22
"The Basics of Writing a Blog" – Part 3
The blog you write will become a success or not depending upon your writing ability, the subject you've chosen, and the popularity of the niche you're in.  It will also likely be affected by the blog software you use, the distribution you are able to employ, and the viewers that share your blog with others. Continue Reading
"The Basics of Writing a Blog" – Part 2
By their very nature, blogs are personal, custom, and a reflection of the blogger's preferences and wishes. Continue Reading
"The Basics of Writing a Blog" – Part 1
Several of the top bloggers I have watched suggest all the same thing:  be patient, fill your site with lots of great, unique content, promote your blog wherever you can, and ask for outside links. Continue Reading
"How do you handle the constant critic?"
We've all been acquainted, or at least come in contact, with constant complainers at some point in our lives. Continue Reading
"A little secret that sells more information products!"
By having an image created, you give the customer more reason to believe that you are a legitimate company and you really will deliver a product to him once he orders. Continue Reading
Apr21
"Internet marketing off-line"
Online and off-line marketing can work very effectively in tandem when the support and supplement each other. Continue Reading
"It's so easy to say 'NO' on the Internet"

There are no strategies that are more important than simply giving your customers all the value that you can in everything you do in your business.

Continue Reading
"Marketing tips for a solo business that most don't understand"
Here you have some of the most simple, down-to-earth, practical yet seldom followed ideas that will boost your marketing success almost immediately. Continue Reading
"Email newsletter considerations for the solo business owner" - Part 2
If you'll follow these suggestions, your newsletter will add great value to your Internet business and keep your customers tethered to your company. Continue Reading
"Email newsletter considerations for the solo business owner" - Part 1

Most profitable Internet business owners will tell you that a consistent, fresh, value-packed email newsletter is one of their key ingredients to success.

Continue Reading
Apr20
"Will innovation be the key to the growth of your business?"
We typically think of innovation as something high-tech or futuristic, but that does not have to be the case. Continue Reading
"How long can your company compete against the world?"

The businesses that thrive here in the U.S. in the near future will be those that excel at something other than offering the lowest price around.

Continue Reading
"Are you and your business ready for regionalism?"
Does your business revolve around or support an old school business?  If so, you may soon loose your largest and most important client. Continue Reading
"Why has the U.S. become the world leader in developing great products?"
According to a recently released study, over 50 percent of U.S. annual GDP growth (gross domestic product) can be attributed to increases in our innovation. Continue Reading
"How is your business linked to the information highway?"
Each owner determines for his business, both the number roads leading in and out and the ease with which those roads are found by passers-by that have an interest in this side trip. Continue Reading
Apr19
"Seven important advantages of sponsoring contests at your web site."
For many years marketers have known the popularity and selling power of contests that are offered to prospects and customers. On the Internet, a fun and profitable (for the participant) contest can to lead to increased traffic and site popularity,... Continue Reading
"Quick tips on writing your first Internet classified ad!"
Here are some quick tips of developing a profitable Internet classified ad. Continue Reading
"Simple trends in online buying that will hit your business."
As I have watched Internet business begin to grow and mature, I have noticed that certain recurring patterns seem to play themselves out over time. Continue Reading
"Do you have a clue why customers buy from you?"
When the business operator understands the various reasons why a targeted customer is buying from his site, he is in a better position to strengthen his sales process in the areas that are meaningful. Continue Reading
"Press releases then and now."
Press releases and the way businesses keep in the public eye have also changed significantly with the speed and open access of the Internet. Continue Reading
Apr18
"What are the best types of subscription web sites to own?"
I'm sure there are profitable membership models in every industry and niche, but there are some models (regardless of niche) that seem to thrive on the subscription web site platform. Continue Reading
"Considerations for any type of membership software platform"
Here are some questions you can ask about the individual products that will help you determine which is best for your own skills, budget, and the way you want to deliver your information. Continue Reading
"Subscription site services, software, and tools"
As the owner of a membership site, you will have to determine how to best handle the security of your information and still make it convenient and easy for your paid members to get access. Continue Reading
"So you want to create a subscription membership site!"
If you want to start a subscription site, you need to go into that business fully aware of what you're getting yourself into. Continue Reading
"The paid subscription business model"
The number one reason why people come to the Internet is to get information.  They come to read the latest news, comparison shop, find answers to questions, communicate with friends and associates via email or voice, seek out entertainment, or play games. Continue Reading
Apr17
"Another case for quality over quantity"
In the Internet world, quantity often means little because it is so relative depending upon the context in which it us used. Continue Reading
"Solution based marketing for your online business"
There are many, many ways to make money online with a small business; but the strategy of selling solutions to people's problems is one of the best and most profitable methods around! Continue Reading
"Ten quick and easy ways to get your business noticed."
The successful business owner is the guy that knows where he wants his business to go and he executes the plan consistently over time without a lot of distraction. Continue Reading
"Personal letters and customer attention"
Have you ever considered sending a personal letter to a customer or even a potential prospect for your business? Continue Reading
"The Power of Being Cool and Friendly"
Are you prepared to welcome and befriend your site visitors so they'll want to return often? Continue Reading
Apr15
"How does your company view change?"
It is during times of great upheaval and uncertainty that the best new opportunities for innovation and development present themselves. Continue Reading
"How well defined is your business purpose?"
Ask yourself, "What is it that I want from this company?"  Whatever your answer may be, that is probably a great starting point for defining the companies purpose. Continue Reading
"Small business should accept social responsibility"
Get a little creative and earn some goodwill and positive feedback for your company. Continue Reading
"Addressing your fears as an entrepreneur."
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. Continue Reading
"What's holding you back from your business dream?"
I've been around entrepreneurs all my working life and I'll tell you this:  I don't remember one of them, not a single one, that said "I wish I had waited longer to start my business." Continue Reading
Apr14
"Conserve your cash and reduce your risk."
Think of the security and peace of mind you will have knowing that you're not risking your life savings in a business venture, and that you have a reserve stashed away for times of emergency. Continue Reading
"Create value in your business without spending money."
But few of us think about the implications and profitability of creating a business, not just for an income stream, but for the value we can create and own and control by growing that business over time. Continue Reading
"Check customer impressions for valuable clues about your niche."
By checking out public opinion of companies in your niche, you will begin to see what kinds of issues are of concern to your customers. Continue Reading
"Don't make this popular marketing mistake!"
Drawing new customers into a business is always more difficult, time consuming, and costly than making additional sales to your existing satisfied customer base. Continue Reading
"Testimonials build trust and confidence in your prospects"
Potential buyers are reassured to know that others gave your company money and actually received and enjoyed what they got in return. Continue Reading
Apr12
"Chasing consumers isn't always the best sales strategy!"
There are some advantages to avoiding consumers and simply dealing with businesses in your niche. Continue Reading
"Become an expert at forums and in discussion groups."
A great way to become an expert in your field is to participate in these groups and offer helpful, valuable, and insightful information to others that share your same interest in the subject. Continue Reading
"Seizing the title of 'expert' online!"
Freely give of your knowledge and time and others will recognize you as a professional who is caring, fair, and one they can trust with their money. Continue Reading
"Six steps to help you get started in affiliate marketing"
These six easy steps will help you get started in affiliate marketing today.  Once you get your feet wet, you can branch out with more complex marketing strategies that will broaden your sales effort. Continue Reading
"Is a slogan or tagline really important for my business?"
Once you have found the perfect phrase for your business, put it on everything that goes out of your office. Continue Reading
Apr11
"So you're going into solo business because you want freedom?"
If you're considering starting and running a business because you want freedom and extra time to do the things you like, you may need a strong dose of reality. Continue Reading
"Ten very simple ways to make your web site pages load faster" – Part 2
Here are five more suggestions of easy simple things you can do to decrease your web site page load times. Continue Reading
"Ten very simple ways to make your web site pages load faster" – Part 1
Of course there are a lot of elements to making a good web site impression.  I'm only going to talk about one small piece of that puzzle right now:  page load time. Continue Reading
"What is this business 'passion' you're always talking about?"

If you have passion for your niche, you will be inspired to dig deeply down into the subject and devour all the information you can get about it.

Continue Reading
"Do you believe in yourself?"
A solo business owner must believe in himself if he expects others to believe in his business and his products. Continue Reading
Apr10
"Email advantages: the low cost is only one of the benefits"
Email is a "killer" application and no group enjoys greater benefit than solo Internet business owners that use it in a host of different ways. Continue Reading
Apr 7
"How do you know if you're a good solo business manager?"
In a solo business, performance is always the bottom line. Continue Reading
"How much is yesterday's knowledge worth to your business?"
You can assume that what you have learned and gathered over your lifetime of education and experience, however long it has been, has in some ways become obsolete, out of fashion, and been replaced with new information. Continue Reading
Apr 6
"How good are you when it comes to change?"
If your business can't make a change, when change is needed, your market will treat you harshly. Continue Reading
"How to write an effective press release." - Part 2
Here are a few simple suggestions to boost your press release copywriting effectiveness. Continue Reading
"How to write an effective press release." - Part 1
Here are some simple suggestions to boost your copywriting effectiveness and increase your chances of having the release published. Continue Reading
"Why editors trash most small business press releases!"
The next time you sit down to do a press release, forget that you're drafting it to help put your company on the map. Continue Reading
"Crank up the affiliate sales!"
Why not evaluate your business and see if adding affiliate sales makes sense for the niche you're in and the products you offer. Continue Reading
Apr 5
"Who gives out points for creativity and innovation?"
Most entrepreneurs and new small business owners feel that in order to be successful at Internet business, they must create or invent the next unique and valuable product - something different from others in the same niche market. Continue Reading
"Selling your products by personal letter."
Each of these formats is a little different, but they can all be very effective sales tools because they are all personal (and prized) letters from one friend to another. Continue Reading
"The five 'Rs' of an Internet marketing campaign" - Part 2
Your small business needs the leveraging power of a unified and comprehensive approach that ties all your different marketing efforts together and cements your brand in the minds of your customers. Continue Reading
"The five 'Rs' of an Internet marketing campaign" - Part 1
Your small business needs the leveraging power of a unified and comprehensive approach that ties all your different marketing efforts together and cements your brand in the minds of your customers. Continue Reading
"Where should I spend my offline advertising budget?"

Often, a business owner will have no specific marketing plan in mind.  In fact, he may simply try to get the largest bang for the buck that he can buy.

Continue Reading
Apr 4
"Does your business message simply add to the noise?"
The small business, especially the solo Internet business, can't play this same "broadcast your message loudly" game that these big players indulge in.  They don't have the resources and it wouldn't work well anyway. Continue Reading
"Six basic ways that every online business needs to market every day."
Every business needs to be marketed every day.  Great products, new innovations, and technical superiority mean nothing if visitors can't find you. Continue Reading
"Why so many new businesses fail."
Often a technically sophisticated entrepreneur knows little or absolutely nothing about marketing a small business. Continue Reading
"Do your marketing prospects fear your business?" - Part 2

All of these practical suggestions will help to reduce the fear your prospects may have that they will lose their money by dealing with your business.

Continue Reading
"Do your marketing prospects fear your business?" - Part 1
Every new technology faces the same uphill battle when it comes to public acceptance and dispelling people's fears that something bad will happen to them as a result of some unknown or unanticipated problem. Continue Reading
Apr 3
"Does adding a 'bonus' to an information product increase sales?"
You may think that bonuses should naturally increase sales; but that is not always the case. Continue Reading
"Optimizing your web pages for Google Adsense."
There are several factors that determine how much revenue a web owner can generate for each of the particular content pages on his site that serve Adsense advertising. Continue Reading
"Should I send visitors away from my site with Google advertising?"
The premier search engine Google has come up with several programs that may be of interest to the Lone Wolf business owner. Continue Reading
"How do I keep track of all my VRE Adsense site stats?"
As you probably understand, ad effectiveness (which leads to maximizing your ad dollars) can only be judged through a process of tracking, testing, and modifying.  Google understands the need for pertinent information so they now provide channel data in real time. Continue Reading
"$500,000 annually from Google advertising for the Lone Wolf?"
VRE stands for Virtual Real Estate.  John Reese claims that it's not too late for anyone to set up a similar system right now and profit from Google advertising in a similar manner. Continue Reading
Apr 1
"Why a solo business owner needs to step out of his business regularly."
I believe the solo business owner needs to step out of his business regularly and pay attention to the world around himself. Continue Reading
"Why the solo business owner shouldn't play the game of cutthroat."
My feeling is that solo businesses will almost always have difficulty trying to compete on the basis of product pricing. Continue Reading
"Small business branding: build it into everything you do."
Branding for a small business is a worthwhile activity if . . . Continue Reading
"Does 'brand' matter in a solo business?"
Is it worth the effort and expense for a small business owner to try to establish a brand of some kind for his business? Continue Reading
"Can you really make money from your blog?"
If you own and operate a blog, you have a number of avenues open to you to pull some income from your effort. Continue Reading

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