Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Creativity in Partnership

Partnership is a single-purpose, shared business activity that can create massive profits...
Without a lot of expenditure on your part...
Simply put, Partnerships are:
- The fastest way to make a fortune.
- The easiest way to make a fortune.
- The safest low-risk way to make a fortune.
- The best way to create/leverage business relationships that make you a fortune.
Keep in mind that workable deals take time to mature and finalize.

Here are a few ways to creativity contributes to partnership success.

Market Differentiation- Creativity in branding, marketing, and communication strategies can help partners differentiate themselves in the market. This distinctiveness can attract customers and set the partnership apart from competitors.

Cross-Pollination of Ideas- Partnerships bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skills. Creative collaboration allows for the cross-pollination of ideas, fostering an environment where different perspectives contribute to more robust and well-rounded solutions.

Agile Decision-Making- Creativity promotes flexibility and agility in decision-making. Partners who are open to creative approaches can respond more quickly to changes in the business landscape, making their collaboration more adaptable and resilient.

Cultural Alignment- Creativity is essential in aligning organizational cultures within a partnership. Finding innovative ways to integrate different work cultures and values contributes to a harmonious and productive collaboration.

Long-Term Value Creation- Creativity contributes to the generation of long-term value by identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends, customer needs, and market shifts. Partnerships that can creatively adapt to these changes are more likely to succeed over time.

In summary, creativity is a catalyst for success in partnerships by fostering innovation, encouraging collaborative problem-solving, and promoting a dynamic and adaptable approach to business challenges. Partnerships that prioritize creativity are better positioned to navigate complexity, differentiate themselves, and create lasting value.

Merry Xmas and enjoy your Holiday.

Monday, December 06, 2010

Why Joint Ventures

A joint venture is a business relationship.
- hopefully, a mutually advantageous one
- between two (or more) parties.

It is not a merger, a general partnership, or an ongoing business agreement.
It's not you buying someone's company or them buying yours. It's not an equity sharing or 
equity position in anybody's company. It's not a private placement.

Most joint ventures are unique, and the best ones will be the result of applying your 
own imagination and creativity to form the best win/win situation for you and your partner.

The success of your joint ventures will be limited by only two things, your own creativity and your own sense of what's possible. Make sure your joint ventures are profitable for all involved, meet legal guidelines, and operate in an ethical manner - and the sky is the limit!

Creativity plays a vital role in the success of joint ventures by fostering innovation, problem-solving, and collaborative growth. 

Creativity can contribute to joint ventures success by:

Innovative Solutions- Creative thinking allows partners to approach challenges and opportunities with fresh perspectives. This can lead to the development of innovative solutions that address specific needs or gaps in the market, providing a competitive advantage.

Joint Product Development- Partnerships often involve the creation of new products or services. Creative collaboration can result in the development of unique offerings that combine the strengths and expertise of each JV partner, appealing to a broader audience.

Collaboration- When challenges arise, a creative mindset enables partners to work together to find effective and unconventional solutions. This can strengthen the partnership by demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

See You at The Top

Friday, November 05, 2010

Bribery in a Security Perspective

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.”............ Helen Keller

Bribery from a security perspective is a form of corruption that severely undermines both public 
and national security. It often acts as a facilitator for insecurity by allowing illegal activities 
to flourish, such as smuggling, human trafficking, arms trading, and enabling terrorist movements. 
Bribery of security personnel at checkpoints or borders can provide safe passage for criminals 
and terrorists, compromising the safety of citizens and entire states.

The Bribery Act 2010 comes into force in April 2011 in UK, and it is important we are all well-informed about it. The Act creates offences of individuals or commercial organizations giving or receiving a bribe. If a commercial organisation has committed an offence, any senior officers who have consented or connived are also liable. 

The Act creates a new, separate offence of bribing a foreign official. It also creates an offence of failing to prevent bribery.
The offence of bribery can be committed by anyone associated with the company -- this will capture employees, subsidiaries, agents, joint venture partners and anyone who provides a service for the organization. The bribery can take place anywhere in the world and the Act specifically makes no allowance for local custom or practice in foreign jurisdictions. It is a strict liability offence, and a statutory defense is only available if the organization can show it had "adequate procedures" in place to prevent Bribery.

Consider the recent events in China.

GSK CORRUPTION

China has barred a GlaxoSmithKline executive from leaving the country as it turns up the heat on the drug maker over allegations of corruption.

Steve Nechelput, finance director for GlaxoSmithKline China, has been prevented from traveling outside China since June.

The U.K. drug maker has been accused by China of using a network of more than 700 travel agencies and other firms to channel bribes to health officials since 2007.

It would be an interesting terrain to observe.

Bribery also facilitates corruption within political, military, social, and economic systems, 
weakening institutions that uphold security and rule of law. This corruption creates 
vulnerabilities that criminal and insurgent groups exploit to further violence and instability. 
In many cases, the misuse of public funds and bribery in security sectors leads to diminished 
accountability and increases opportunities for organized crime and terrorism

I Wish You Great Success

Friday, September 24, 2010

Technological Trend

The trend here is for new technologies to be made available for the consumer market before they are available to the business market.

The consumer market and the business market (also known as the business-to-business or B2B market) 
represent two distinct segments of the economy with different characteristics, buying behaviors, 
and marketing approaches

Here are the key differences between the consumer market and the business market:

Target Audience.
Consumer Market- Targets individual consumers or households as end-users of products or services.
Business Market- Targets organizations, businesses, or institutions as customers.

Buying Decision.
Consumer Market- Typically involves individual or family decision-making units. Purchases are often made for personal use.
Business Market- Involves a more complex decision-making process with multiple stakeholders, including various departments and decision-makers within an organization.

Purchase Volume.
Consumer Market- Involves smaller, individual transactions. Purchases are usually made in smaller quantities.
Business Market- Involves larger, bulk transactions. Purchase volumes are often higher due to business needs.

Businesses are under pressure to use these new technologies. Younger employees simply are not satisfied with using outdated technology. They're either going to figure out ways around the corporate security rules or change jobs to a trendy company.

With cloud computing a lot more employee computing devices are nothing more than dumb terminals with a browser interface; When corporate e-mail is all webmail, corporate documents are all on Google Docs, and when all the specialized applications have a web interface, it's easier to allow employees to use any up-to-date browser.

Senior management may also pressure security out of the way, they may want to get to the company's databases from their brand-new iPad.

With these pressure from employees and senior management, it is going to be harder and harder to say no to consumer tech.
 
I wish You Great Success.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Social Media Data

User data refers to the information collected from individuals while they interact with various online platforms, services, or devices. Here are some important facts about user data:

Types of User Data.
Personal Information- Includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and other identifiers.
Demographic Information- Age, gender, income, education level, etc.
Behavioral Data- User actions, preferences, browsing history, and interactions with content.

Collection Methods.
Explicit Data Collection- Users provide information willingly (e.g., filling out forms).
Implicit Data Collection- Data is collected without the user's direct input (e.g., cookies, tracking pixels).

Data Privacy.
Concerns- Users are increasingly concerned about how their data is collected, stored, and used.
Regulations- Various data protection laws, such as GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California, aim to protect user privacy and give individuals control over their data.

Data Security.
Encryption- Protects user data during transmission and storage.
Security Breaches- Incidents where unauthorized individuals gain access to user data, emphasizing the need for robust security measures.

Monetization.
Business Model- Many online platforms monetize user data by using it for targeted advertising and personalized services.
At the back end, social networking sites can monetize all of the data. Generally, by selling targeted advertising, users often do not mind if a site uses its data to target advertisements, but users are less appreciative when it sells that data to third parties.
Free Services- Users often exchange their data for free access to various online services.

There are different ways to look at user data.
Some of it you give to the social networking site in confidence, expecting the site to safeguard the data.
Some of it you publish openly, and others use it to search for you. 
some of it you share only within a circle of other users.

Different social networking sites give users different rights for each data type.
Some are always private,
some are always public.
Some can be edited or deleted. 
Some can be viewed, and some cannot.

It is fundamental that users should have different rights with respect to each data types. Users should be allowed to export, change, and delete disclosed data.

I Wish You Great Success

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Developing the Business Model

Developing a successful business model is a fundamental step in starting and growing a business. A business model outlines how your company creates, delivers, and captures value. Here's a step-by-step guide to developing a business model.

1. Understand Your Target Audience:
Define your target market and understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. Your business model should cater to your customers' demands.

2. Identify Your Value Proposition:
Determine what unique value your product or service offers to customers. This should address a specific problem or need.

3. Choose a Revenue Model:
Decide how your business will make money. Common revenue models include selling products, charging subscription fees, offering freemium services, licensing, or generating revenue through advertising.

4. Define Your Customer Acquisition Strategy:
How will you attract and acquire customers? This may involve marketing, advertising, partnerships, or referrals.

5. Outline Your Distribution Channels:
Determine how you will deliver your product or service to customers. This could include online sales, 
brick-and-mortar stores, distributors, or a combination of channels.

6. Develop Your Key Resources:
Identify the key assets and resources your business needs to operate effectively. This may include physical assets, intellectual property, technology, or partnerships.

7. Consider Key Activities:
List the critical activities your business must perform to deliver value and maintain operations. This could include manufacturing, research and development, marketing, or customer support.

8. Define Your Cost Structure:
Understand the costs associated with running your business. These can be divided into fixed costs (rent, salaries) and variable costs (materials, marketing expenses). Create a budget to manage expenses effectively.

9. Assess Key Partnerships:
Determine if your business model relies on strategic partnerships or collaborations. Partnerships can help expand your reach, reduce costs, or access new resources.


I wish You Great Success.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Ebook Versus Published Books

The choice between eBooks and paper books depends on your reading preferences, lifestyle, and specific circumstances. Many readers enjoy a combination of both formats, using eBooks for convenience and paper books for the joy of a physical reading experience.

Ebooks and paper books both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between 
the two often depends on personal preferences and circumstances. 

Here's a comparison of eBooks and paper books:

Ebooks

Advantages:
Portability- eBooks can be stored on electronic devices like e-readers, tablets, or smartphones, allowing you to carry an entire library in a single device.

Space Efficiency- eBooks don't take up physical space, making them ideal for those with limited storage space.

Accessibility- eBooks can be downloaded instantly from the internet, making it convenient to acquire new books.

Search Functionality- eBooks often come with search features that allow you to quickly find specific content or keywords within a book.

Adjustable Text- You can customize the font size, style, and background color, making it easier for people with visual impairments or preferences.

Highlighting and Note-Taking- eBooks allow you to highlight text and take notes without damaging the book.

Eco-Friendly- eBooks don't require paper production, reducing the environmental impact associated with paper books.

Disadvantages:
Screen Fatigue- Extended screen time can lead to eye strain and discomfort for some readers.

Battery Life- E-readers and devices need to be charged, which may be inconvenient if you're reading for an extended period.

Digital Rights Management (DRM)- Some eBooks have DRM restrictions that limit sharing and transferring between devices.

Lack of Tangibility- eBooks lack the physical sensation of holding and flipping pages that some readers enjoy.

Paper Books

Advantages:
Tangibility- Many people appreciate the sensory experience of holding a physical book, flipping through pages, and the smell of paper and ink.

No Screen Fatigue- Paper books don't emit blue light, which can cause eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns.

Collectability- Collecting physical books can be a hobby, and some editions or rare books can have significant value.

No Battery Required- You can read a paper book without needing to worry about battery life or recharging.

Sharing- You can easily lend, borrow, or give away paper books to friends and family.

Artwork and Design- Physical books often feature cover artwork and design that can enhance the reading experience.

Disadvantages:
Space and Storage- Paper books take up physical space, which can be a challenge if you have limited storage.

Portability- Carrying multiple paper books while traveling can be cumbersome.

Accessibility- Accessing a specific paper book may require a trip to a physical bookstore or library.

Environmental Impact- The production of paper books can have a higher environmental footprint compared to eBooks.

Sony claims eBooks is set to overtake paper BOOKS in 5years. What does this mean to your business?

Within five years there will be more digital content sold than physical content, the initial prediction was for ten years, but as Sony is experiencing the same patterns in the digitization of music and photography this will be repeated in the book market within the next 5 years.

I wish You Great Success.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Keeping International Business Simple

The Internet has exponentially increased the ease of working with international customers and suppliers. The Internet Technology eliminates a lot of boundaries and makes it convenient to conduct business globally.

Doing business overseas.

1.Start simple. Start with Anglo-Phone countries with a legitimate banking system and established regulations.

2.Unique Product. Offer Uniqueness otherwise someone in a different country will undercut you on price.

3.Get Help. Get professional advice, it does not have to be expensive, there are lots of free resources provided by the government on brokers and freight forwarders.

4.Exercise Caution: There are plenty of fraudsters ready to prey on the Ill-Informed Entrepreneur. Remember; there is no Free lunch.

5. Communication:

a. Develop Key Messages: Craft clear, consistent, and truthful key messages that address crisis, and response.

b. Spokesperson: Designate a credible and well-trained spokesperson to communicate with the media and stakeholders.

c. Media Relations: Establish a protocol for interacting with the media, including press releases, interviews, and press conferences. Respond promptly to media inquiries.

d. Social Media: Use social media to provide real-time updates and engage with concerned individuals. Monitor social media channels for feedback and misinformation.


6. Legal and Compliance:

a. Legal Counsel: Consult with your legal counsel to ensure that your actions and statements are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

b. Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all actions taken during the crisis for future analysis and potential legal issues.

7. Convenience and Accessibility:
Make it easy for customers to do business with you. Streamline processes, offer convenient payment options, and provide accessible customer support. Optimize your website and mobile apps for user-friendliness and accessibility.

Regularly gather and analyze customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Encourage a culture of continuous improvement within your organization, focusing on enhancing the customer experience.

I wish You Great Success.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Keeping Buyers Happy


Customer satisfaction is a critical aspect of any business's success. Satisfied customers are more likely to remain loyal, recommend your products or services to others, and contribute positively to your brand's reputation. 

How do you get happy customers?
Here are strategies for achieving and maintaining customer satisfaction.

Understand Customer Needs and Expectations:
Conduct market research and gather feedback to understand what your customers want and expect from your business. Segment your customer base to tailor your products, services, and communications to specific customer groups.

Sell less expensive goods to generate first time buyers, for example, eBooks or accessories such as guitar strings and wool, and then offer more expensive products, (guitars and knitting machines!), as back-end products.

Deliver Quality Products and Services:
Ensure that your products or services meet or exceed industry standards and customer expectations.
Regularly assess and improve the quality of what you offer based on customer feedback and market trends.

Excellent Customer Service:
Train your staff to provide exceptional customer service. Friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive employees can make a significant difference.

Create clear customer service policies and empower your employees to resolve issues quickly and effectively. You could try offering bonus gifts and product updates that extend beyond the refund date for your product, this will make people less likely to return goods.

Effective Communication:
Maintain open and transparent communication channels with your customers. Provide updates, relevant information, and answer inquiries promptly.

Use multiple communication channels, including email, social media, and phone, to reach customers where they are most comfortable.

Personalization:
Tailor your interactions with customers based on their preferences and past behavior. Personalized experiences make customers feel valued.

Use data analytics and customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track customer interactions and preferences.

Consistency:
Provide a consistent experience across all touchpoints, whether online or offline. Inconsistent service can lead to confusion and dissatisfaction.
Ensure that your brand messaging and values align with the customer experience you deliver.

Employee Satisfaction:
Happy employees are more likely to provide excellent customer service. Invest in your employees' well-being and job satisfaction.

Remember that customer satisfaction is an ongoing process. Consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations is key to building lasting relationships and sustaining your business's success.

I wish You Great Success.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Managing Crises

Managing crises effectively is crucial for individuals, organizations, and governments.

Triumph and Crises are cyclical, our success in business and personal lives depends on how effectively we manage all seasons to minimize damage and maintain public trust. 

  • There is always a solution to a problem.
  • Crises need to be looked at as opportunities.
  • Crises should galvanize you to action and stimulate your creative thinking.
  • The solution to a problem is often an improvement on the situation that existed before the problem.
  • Crises help you break uncreative habits.
  • Giving up is the only guaranteed method of losing.
  • Solutions to problems will often come from the most unexpected sources.

Crises can take various forms, including natural disasters, public relations issues, financial emergencies, and more. 

Here are steps to manage crises.
1. Preparation and Planning:

a. Risk Assessment: Identify potential crisis scenarios and assess their likelihood and potential impact on your organization.

b. Crisis Team: Establish a crisis management team with designated roles and responsibilities. This team should include key decision-makers, communications experts, legal counsel, and subject matter experts.

c. Crisis Management Plan: Develop a comprehensive crisis management plan that outlines procedures, communication strategies, and specific actions to take in various crisis situations.

d. Training and Drills: Train your crisis management team through simulations and drills to ensure they are well-prepared to respond effectively when a crisis occurs.

In problem situations, keep your eyes and mind wide open and expand the membership of your team. It is not over until it is over - and even then, it is not over.

I wish You Great Success.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Thread of Hope

Poverty is not a lack of material things but the lack of purpose.

People hardly earn above their personal development, 
here are a few things that can make this a productive season:

  • Honor your loved ones by living a life they can be proud of.
  • To love and to be loved is the greatest of human connections.
  • Common human experiences such as marriage, children and friendship, shape people's lives. 
  • Enjoy more of life experiences.
  • Invest regularly in your professional, personal and spiritual growth.
  • Plant the seeds today and profit from the fruit harvest tomorrow.
  • Your time might be the only thread of hope for a friend.
  • Let the people you care about know you care.
  • Do not let fear of failure cripple your determination to succesd 
  • Opportunities are cyclical, when you get a second chance embrace her with all your might.
  • Learn to commit 100% to everything you do.

People do not succeed because they have talents or knowledge, they succeed because of how they use those skills.

Have a great season

Monday, December 21, 2009

Mentor 2


Selecting a mentor should be taken seriously, it is not just a matter of finding someone you like. Choose mentors that have genuine history of success.

There are several people who look only at superficially successful people as role models for their own goals, do not make such mistake.

For instance, there is a good chance that some of the companies cited as models of efficiency in the top selling business books and magazines will be out of business in the next five years. There is a need for great care in selecting a mentor whose success will stand the test of time. Choose based on their achievement of goals that are similar to yours, they should have overcome some of the obstacles you are facing.

Ideally, a mentor really represents both the challenges you face and what you intend to become in a particular area of your life.

Benefits of a mentor
Learning from Experience- Mentees can learn from the mentor's experiences, including their successes and failures, which can save time and avoid common pitfalls.

Career Advancement- A mentor can provide insights and advice on how to advance in a chosen career or field.

Confidence Building- Having a mentor can boost a mentee's confidence by validating their abilities and potential.

Networking- Access to the mentor's professional network can open doors and create opportunities.

Personal Growth- Mentors can help mentees develop personally as well as professionally, promoting a well-rounded approach to life and work.

Long-term Perspective- Mentors often provide valuable insights into long-term career planning and development.

Merry Xmas. Enjoy the festive season, get close to family, make new friends and find a mentor. 

See you in the New Year

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Tax Knowledge

Tax knowledge covers a wide range of topics, including tax laws, regulations, and procedures. 

Types of Taxes:
Income Tax- Tax on an individual's or entity's earnings, including wages, salaries, dividends, and interest.
Corporate Tax- Tax levied on the profits of businesses and corporations.
Sales Tax- Consumption-based tax imposed on the sale of goods and services.
Property Tax- Tax on the value of real estate or personal property.
Excise Tax- Tax on specific goods like alcohol, tobacco, and gasoline.

How much tax knowledge do you have? 
How effectively can you answer the following questions?

- Should you own properties in your own name, via a limited company, a partnership or another structure?
- Do you know the Key changes to the tax treatment of investment properties.
- How to become non domiciled for tax purposes and how this tax status can help you pay virtually no tax.
- How rental income is treated by the revenue and how to minimize your tax bill.
- Which expenditures related to your property business you can legitimately offset and which you can't.
- Tax loopholes that apply when carrying out maintenance on your properties - understanding the difference between a repair and a capital improvement.
- How to properly offset interest paid on loans including mortgages.
- Why do so many professional property investors set up property management businesses and how are they using them to help them save tax?
- Advanced strategies for reducing your income tax bill.
- How to pay less tax when purchasing properties - stamp duty strategies for the smart property investor 
including tips for mitigating stamp duty.
- The rent a room relief and how to use it to reduce your tax bill.
- What is capital gains tax? When does it apply?
- How to use PPR relief to completely mitigate capital gains tax.
- How to time your property purchases and disposals to minimize the amount of tax that you will have to pay.
- Husband/wife strategies for reducing taxes.
- How to quickly and easily calculate your capital gains tax liability.
- How and why are holiday lets are treated differently to buy to lets and why do so many smart property 
investors choose to own holiday lets.

Why It Matters:
Corporate Tax Planning- Tax knowledge is crucial for successful corporate tax planning. Businesses can strategically manage their tax liabilities through informed decisions.
Compliance Efficiency- Efficiently handling compliance-related tasks reduces costs and ensures adherence to tax laws.
Government Perspective- Governments may desire firms to be aware of tax legislation to minimize administrative costs and encourage specific actions (e.g., investment in research and development).

You should have an understanding of Tax Ethics:
Ethical Considerations- Adhering to ethical standards in tax planning and reporting.
Tax Evasion vs. Avoidance- Understanding the distinction between legal tax planning and illegal tax evasion.

Staying informed about tax laws and regulations is crucial for individuals and businesses to ensure compliance and make informed financial decisions. Consulting with tax professionals can be beneficial, especially when dealing with complex tax situations. Additionally, tax knowledge is subject to change, so it's essential to stay updated on relevant developments.


I wish You Great Success.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

The Business of Marketing

As a business owner, you are in the business of MARKETING.
What % time do you spend on the following?

Production- the creation of the product/service. Most people 30%
Operation- the running of the business. Most people 50%
Marketing- the marketing of the product/service Most people 20%

For a new business the stats should be:
Production: 20%
Operation: 20%
Marketing: 60%

What is the size of your backend:

Many business owners have a front-end product or service, but they have no backend, where most of the profits are really made. The business of marketing is to retain and service your old customers, one of the ways to ensure you have a successful business is to think about what the customer would like next.

If a customer is happy with your first offering, then there is a good chance they will purchase something of a higher value. Create a product to market to your customers once they are happy with your first offering.

This could be your most lucrative product.

Always be upselling and downselling!
When a customer says yes to a product, what do you have to offer them during their 'buying mood'?
Mc Donalds, 'would you like chips with that?' to which most people say 'yes'.
Italian Restaurant, 'would you like garlic bread to start' to which most people say 'yes'.

What can you offer instead of your primary product?
What can you offer at 'point of sale'?
What can you offer that beats your competitor?
What if they say 'no' to your first offer? 

Always downsell something of less value, that way they may buy something as opposed to leaving without a purchase.

I wish You Great Success.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Selecting a Book Title

Finding a great title for your book can be one of the most challenging yet satisfying.
processes you will go through. The title is the purpose of your book and very
important that it presents your book’s subject in the best way possible. It needs to
grab your audience's attention, make them question and think and act by picking up
the book and start reading. Then eventually buy.

You’ll need to go through a series of questions, digging deep into the why, how and
what motivated you to write the book in the first place… 

Then dialogue with as many arguments and questions as possible to unearth the
underlying concept.

One way is to write down a bunch of possibilities and have people vote, another way is to go through the manuscript. looking for ‘themes’ and any re-occurring words.

You can start by creating phrases of 3-5 words, short preferable. 
Look at them over and over and keep reworking them until you get what you want. 

Remember, do something every day toward your book and promotion.

You can get a Title before writing the book. However, if you decide to write the book first.
consider the following creative genres!
Travel Writing:
a. Share your travel experiences and tips for a specific destination you've visited.
b. Write a fictional travelogue set in an imaginary or fantastical location.
c. Create a "bucket list" of places you dream of visiting and explain why each one is on your list.

Fantasy:
a. Build a magical world with unique creatures, rules, and cultures. Create a story set in this fantastical realm.
b. Explore the life of a character who discovers they have extraordinary magical abilities and must learn to harness them.
c. Write a fable or allegory that imparts a moral lesson through fantastical elements.

Personal Development:
a. Share your strategies for overcoming procrastination and boosting productivity.
b. Write about a challenging personal experience and the lessons you've learned from it.
c. Create a guide on achieving work-life balance in today's fast-paced world.

Remember that the key to successful title and writing is practice. 
Choose a topic that resonates with you, and don't be afraid to experiment with different genres and styles. 

Happy writing!

I wish You Great Success.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Perfect Press Release 2

A press release is a written communication distributed to members of the media to announce news, events, or other noteworthy developments related to a company, organization, or individual. Press releases serve as a tool for public relations and can help generate media coverage, raise awareness, and build credibility.

A well-structured press release typically includes the following elements:
Heading- Contains action verbs and grabs attention.
First Paragraph- Answers the questions: who, what, why, and where.
Body- Provides additional context, quotes, and relevant details.
Length- Most press releases are succinct, usually just one page (or two pages at most).

Press releases live in the public domain, which means your stakeholders and customers can see them. So, instead of thinking of a press release solely as a ticket to earning news coverage, consider it as a valuable piece of marketing content.

So, how do you draft the perfect headline?
Follow these steps:

1. It needs to be short with few words.
2. Write for your targeted audience.
3. Abbreviations and slang are good for Headlines
4. You can make a statement, a prediction, raise a question, state a statistic or report news
5. The statement is something bold: Donald Trump Must Resign, says economist
6. The question makes you think: Should Trump resign? asks economist
7. The statistic paints a picture: 62% say Trump should resign
8. News hits hard: Trump Is One Step Away from Resigning
9. Predictions have lots of flexibility: Trump Could Resign Tomorrow
10. Referencing something in the news is always helpful
11. Link your headline to things that matter most: love, health, wealth, fun, beauty, art, business.
12. Start your story with the word: EXCLUSIVE

Content and Style:
Lead Paragraph- The first paragraph should answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions. This is where you provide the most critical information.

Quotes- Incorporate quotes from relevant individuals within your organization or experts in the field. Quotes add credibility and a human element to the press release.

Body Content- Elaborate on the main points, providing supporting details and context. Keep paragraphs short and use bullet points or subheadings for readability.

Objective Language- Write the press release in a neutral and factual tone. Avoid exaggerated or promotional language.

Conciseness- Keep the press release to one page if possible. Journalists appreciate brevity and clarity.

Follow-Up:
After sending the press release, follow up with key journalists or media outlets to ensure they received it and to answer any questions. Remember that a well-crafted press release is more likely to capture the attention of journalists and get coverage. Tailor your press release to the interests of your target audience and the media outlets you're reaching out to.
 
Finally, consider the news value of your announcement to ensure it is newsworthy and relevant to the media and the public.

I wish You Great Success.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Adverting and Promotions 3

Consider conducting market research to understand your audience's pain points, desires, and motivations. Craft your advertising messages to address these aspects, showcasing how your offering provides a solution or fulfills a desire, making it more appealing to potential customers.

Example:
Feature- "Our new smartphone has a 16-megapixel camera."
Benefit- "Capture stunning, high-resolution photos with our new smartphone and relive your memories with crystal-clear clarity."

Incorporate customer testimonials or success stories that highlight how your product or service delivered on its unique promise. Real-life experiences can be powerful in reinforcing your USP.

Carefully proofread and edit the advert for grammar, spelling, and clarity. It should be error-free and polished. Timing is crucial. prepare the advert well in advance of the event or announcement to give time to review and plan coverage.

"PPC" ('pay-per-click') adverts...The interesting thing about these adverts is the fact that you can actually pay less than someone else competing on the same keywords- even if your search result is placed higher which traditionally should cost more.

The question is Why?

If you are more 'relevant' than they are, then you will pay less than they do...all other things being equal i.e your main site is relevant.

How is 'relevancy' determined?

The more people who click your advert as compared with the number who see it will suggest that you are more relevant. In other words, if your advert is shown 1,000 times and you get 100 people clicking through and your competitor only gets 50'click throughs' per 1,000 ad times -then you're more 'relevant' and you pay less.

This kind of logic applies to eBay too - the more relevant you are the higher you are in the search results.

I wish You Great Success.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Perfect Press Release 1

A press release is a written statement issued by an organization or individual to announce news or information to the media and the public. It is a valuable tool for conveying important developments, events, or announcements and is commonly used by businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and individuals to generate media coverage and public awareness. 

Here's how to write an effective press release:

Formatting and Structure:
Header- Include your organization's letterhead or logo at the top, along with your contact information (name, title, organization, address, phone number, and email).

Release Date- Specify the date when you want the press release to be published or made public.

Headline- Craft a clear and attention-grabbing headline that summarizes the main news or announcement in a few words.

Sub headline (optional)- Provide a brief sub headline that expands on the main headline.

Dateline- Include the city and date of the press release.

Body- Write the main content of the press release in a clear and concise manner. Use the inverted pyramid style, with the most important information at the beginning and less crucial details following.

Include a brief paragraph about your organization at the end of the press release. This paragraph provides background information about your company or entity.

Press Releases can be submitted to press release sites. Press releases have two broad purposes:

1- To attract the attention of the media and generate free publicity.
2- They can also be used for search engine optimization purposes.

When searching for an expert on a given subject, the media often search the internet. So, if your press releases are keyword optimized, the media will find them. To rank highly for the chosen keywords, it is important to put your most important keywords in your press release titles and throughout the body of the press release.

The search engines constantly crawl leading press release sites, they know that this is where breaking news are often first posted, and they want to have the content listed for their users. A properly keyword-optimized press release submitted to the leading press release sites, can give you the top ranking for your keyword.

I wish You Great Success.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Emotional Words

People don't buy things for rational reasons. They buy for emotional ones. They want to feel good... hopeful... satisfied... proud... relaxed... acknowledged... secure... .... If you can identify the underlying emotional needs your product or service satisfies, you can write copy that identifies with your reader in a very intimate way. 

With the right emotion expressed with words you can connect in a way that says you've found the solution to the very problem their emotions are driving them to solve.

That's powerful stuff.

So how can you write emotionally charged sales copy that connects with your reader? 
Start by looking at the problem your product solves. What's the underlying emotion it addresses?

The first step to writing emotionally charged copy is to identify which "power" emotions are at the core of your product. Then use those words to write sales copy that converts the MAXIMUM number of visitors into paying customers...

Here is one powerful emotion.

Fear of Loss:
One of the most powerful human drivers of change is fear. Fear of losing those things that are most important to us. It could be our sense of security that's at stake. Our money. Our health. Or even our happiness. When you identify fear, you can write salescopy that speaks to that emotion, and indicates how your product will overcome that fear. 

Here are some examples of copy that recognizes fear and offers a solution to it:
- "Lose $5,000 tomorrow without this advice…"
- "Protect your computer from viruses that can wipe out your entire hard drive."
- "Selling your home? Avoid the top 3 mistakes that can cost you thousands of dollars!

"Notice how these examples use words like "protect" and "avoid"? 
Just as there are power emotions, there are power words that correspond to those emotions! 

What are some other power words? 
- Save
- Secure
- Safety
- Clinch
- Red flag
- Defend

Keep in mind that when you identify negative emotions like fear, your ultimate goal is to show how your product or service takes away these fears. Your job is to identify the fear that is there, relate to your reader based on that emotion, then provide relief from that unpleasant emotion. That's why the power words related to fear are positive.

I wish You Great Success.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Tackling Worklessness

Quakers (A Christain religious group) formed 1650 believed Business and Marriage is a form of worship and in the depth of recession formed businesses like Sony, Barclays Bank, Lloyds Group, Clarks, Cadbury, Oxfam, Imperial Oil (Exxon) which are still very successful to date.

"A Success Story, I believe for most people has been and still is to provide an adequate living for themselves and their family: that means a home, a measure of financial security, to have hope, to have opportunities and have time for their friends. Planning, preparation, persistence, and opportunity are still very much part of the formula to achieve that Dream. Today, it may take several career changes, several new disciplines, several new associations and plenty of brainstorming during one's lifetime. It may mean moving to a different part of the country or starting one's own business. Whatever it is, keep on the pursuit of your own success story." 

Brainstorming is an extremely good way of scanning through your resource of knowledge to achieve that success. A brainstorm can work with an individual or a group. This technique requires the generation of as many ideas as quickly as possible without criticism. 

Sometimes stepping away from the stress point for a while can help refresh your mind. Take breaks, go for a walk, or engage in activities that allow your mind to wander creatively. Draw inspiration from movies, music, art, or other forms of media. Sometimes, a song, film, or painting can trigger creative ideas.

Your success story starts with:
1- Discovering your Passion
2- Communicating your Passion
3- Monetizing your Passion
4- Managing your passion
 
Learn to turn your Passion into Business as we tackle Worklessness and Youth Crime.

I wish You Great Success.