Casual Articles - Internet and Businesses Online

Can Your Small Business Afford Not to Have a Web Site?
I’ve been accused of being opinionated by more than one person in my life, but try as I might to work on that part of my personality, it remains pretty much the same. So, in this article, I’m going to discuss my “opinion” on one reason why, even if your target market is strictly local, your small business can’t afford not to have a web site.A few statistics from Statistics Canada to start us on our way-. In 2003, there were about 12 million households in Canada, and of those 8 million had regular access to the internet from work, home and/or school. Around 60% of the total households had a computer and internet access at home.Ok, so now we know how many households had access to the internet, but what were they using it for? Almost 90% used the internet for browsing, but more importantly for our discussion- 34% used the internet for purchasing goods and services, and by the way, that’s almost double 1999 figures for purchasing goods and services on the internet.Industry Canada reports that in 2000, Canadian ecommerce sales were $7.2 billion, a whopping 73% increase over 1999 numbers. And no, it’s not a typo, it really is $7.2 BILLION! I’d say there’s a pattern

al for marketers. So what is the problem?

For some reason, probably the old apartheid days, South Africa was boycotted by the wealthy first world countries and nobody has told them yet, that times have changed. South Africans suffer many discriminatory obstacles in the use of the internet and over the last few years, I have repeatedly been stumped by these. I have two messages of advice here. To the frustrated, aspirant South African marketers and those who will follow shortly, stop and listen. Do not waste more time and money trying all sorts of offers, you will not succeed. Rather use the time to brush up on your skills. Select a market niche and learn to use control panel, FTP, html, php, hyperlinks and all the other things, that will help you to run your business. Wait for the solution. I have enlisted the help of two of the world's top mar

Are You A Victim Of Sales Cycles
Many products and services have different sales cycles – from the first prospect meeting to the close of the sale. Some cycles can be several months to a few years. Some can be just a few days.Many salespeople believe that they are not in control of the sales cycle. They put the buying control into the hands of the prospect. Of course, you cannot sell something to someone before they are ready, but you can discover the sense of urgency or attempt to create it.Keep in mind that people buy when they are ready to buy, not when you need to sell.This week, let’s focus on these arbitrary sales cycles. First of all, remember that you do not change the prospect’s buying needs, timetable, readiness or urgency – you discover it or them. If your prospect has just signed a three year contract with a competitor, guess what? This is not a prospect for you until the time when he begins to consider renewing or changing suppliers.Most sales cycles are not etched in stone. They are a function of your ability to get to the real issues, needs, pain, problems, etc. If you fail to identify these accurately, you will most likely never develop the interest or desire necessary to

This article is on the problems facing South African marketers. As a South African, I have been trying to establish myself in internet marketing, for the last three years, but have come across a number of obstacles, which have proved seriously detrimental to my efforts. If you are South African, you can probably relate to this. If you have been battling what seem insurmountable odds, or if you are new to this concept, the message is the same. Stop wasting your time and your money on what is bound to be nothing less than - wasting your time and your money. If you are an internet marketer, who is not South African, you should also read this, as you are leaving money on the table.

South Africa is a part of Africa and is considered as a third world country, with the perception that the second largest continent is nothing more than a waste of time, in the field of internet marketing. I beg to differ.

Yes, Africa has not progressed as much as the so called first world countries, but it is taking giant strides towards that. The advent of internet is only just beginning and the vast majority of the population still have no access at all, but it is coming and it is coming fast.

South Africa is the most technologically advanced country in Africa and not far behind the standards of the other technology rich countries, but we are seriously lacking in internet technology. Internet is new to South Africa and has only just begun to catch on. It is experiencing phenomenal growth and more and more businesses and individuals are hooking up. All of the major cities are able to offer various means of connection such as ADSL, bluetooth, wireless and people are getting connected on their pcs, laptops and cell phones. A largely rural populace are battling to get connected and the only option available to them at this stage is the old antiquated dial up system using a telephone line or satellite. Promises have been made by government, that in a few years, everyone will be able to get a telephone and therefore, will have internet access available to them. Unfortunately dial up is not a very satisfactory method as service is erratic, expensive and very slow. Satellite is extremely expensive, but offers greater speed and reliability.

Recent political changes, have reversed the fortunes of the South African population, in that the previously disadvantaged black community, now have money and the fine things in life, including access to the internet. Whereas before they wouldn't have been considered a viable market, they are now able to access the internet and dabble in small business. The whites on the other hand now find themselves out of work and desperately seeking alternative means of income. Both groups make good target markets. The internet is the biggest employer in the world and does not recognize age, color, education, physical disabilities, wealth etc. Everyone has equal opportunity, well, almost everyone. Not South Africa.

Something like 70% of the S.A internet community, access the internet on the computers at their places of employment and as much as two hours each workday, is lost to private usage of the internet. If the price of internet access was cheaper, all these people would use it at home. Millions are searching for opportunities on the internet and the fact that crime is rampant only makes them more determined, to start a business from home. This is a huge potential for marketers. So what is the problem?

Seven Networking Tips for Happiness and Survival
“It’s not what you know, or who you know…it’s who knows you!” Over the course of my career I’ve come to believe that if employees were to make that statement to themselves every day on the way to work they would find themselves getting more done and enjoying work more. Fact is, however, that most employees don’t realize the value of that statement until they’ve been “let go”, “re-engineered” or just plain “fired”. Networking is the cornerstone of success. Even if you are employed. Here’s why: think about a successful person you know. Got one? Great! Now do you think that person became successful on their own? Of course not! Everyone who has ever been or ever will be successful has, at some point in their life, stood on the shoulders of others. Not in a punitive or mean-spirited way. Rather, in a supportive way. I like Dr. Phil. To me, he makes common sense… sensible. Yet, for all his talent and gifts even he will acknowledge that were it not for Oprah, he would not be enjoying the kind of celebrity status he now has (and deserves!). Success is not something one can do alone. Everyone needs someone at some point that can help them get f

in the field of internet marketing. I beg to differ.

Free Grant Applications
One must check one’s eligibility to be able to make free grant application. Free grant application are only allowed to qualified individuals or organizations. If you are not a student for example, you cannot make a free grant application for the campus-based aid programs. Free grant application will depend on your needs. And the eligibility requirements to be able to forward the free grant application.Students can make free grant application using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form whether online or on paper. FAFSA can be accessed by its website http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Free grant application eligibility for students include:Existing financial need.Submit high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate or pass “ability to benefit” test approved by Department of Education.Studying toward a degree or certificate.Must be enrolled in an eligible program.U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with valid Social Security Number (SSN).For males 18-25 years old, must register with selective service.Maintaining satisfactory academic standing in school.Have result of eligibility or par

s and cell phones. A largely rural populace are battling to get connected and the only option available to them at this stage is the old antiquated dial up system using a telephone line or satellite. Promises have been made by government, that in a few years, everyone will be able to get a telephone and therefore, will have internet access available to them. Unfortunately dial up is not a very satisfactory method as service is erratic, expensive and very slow. Satellite is extremely expensive, but offers greater speed and reliability.

How Can I Make Money With Surveys On The Web
Do Online Surveys Really Pay?Anyone and everyone seem to be making a "paid surveys" website now-a-days. Not that it is difficult to make one, it is just a matter of some basic skills and a few hours of time, and they are raring to go. Most of these websites have single most intent – to make you pay to be a member, so that they would render you the service of pointing you to other URL's, where you can find and fill out surveys that pay. If you fall for them, you will find that they lead you to URL's of companies that have long ceased to exist or to websites that would ask you to pay again to join their websites.These websites charge anywhere between $30-$100 in fee for accessing their database or list of "highly paid" survey sources. But these websites offer you nothing else other than a waste of time and money ... As per the our research conducted in July 2006, which reviewed hundred's of work from home scams and paid survey websites, by interviewing their clients, workers and owners, we concluded that .... we could certify only 5 websites out of so many hundreds ! We being the industry watchdogs for the work at home websites, our standards are very stringent. Howeve

internet and dabble in small business. The whites on the other hand now find themselves out of work and desperately seeking alternative means of income. Both groups make good target markets. The internet is the biggest employer in the world and does not recognize age, color, education, physical disabilities, wealth etc. Everyone has equal opportunity, well, almost everyone. Not South Africa.

Here Is The Truth About Legitimate Envelope Stuffing Jobs, Take It Or Leave It
The Reality is that envelope stuffing from home has been around for a while and with the raise of the internet this kind of opportunity is getting more exposure and for most people looking for an easy exit to earn money, is very appealing the offer of working from home just a few hours stuffing envelops very easily and making millions. However there are many envelope stuffing scams and although it could be some legit company, most of the sites that sell envelope stuffing from home are scams.What you have to know is that to qualify to work stuffing envelops from home you have to buy their kit for a registration fee, then they will send you the kit with all the ads and information required for your work. What you will see, is that they tell you to advertise their ads of making money stuffing envelope on newspapers, classifieds ads or anywhere else but at your expense.Once a prospect sees you ad and send you their registration form and payment, you will stuff an envelope with the same kit information that you received, so the client can do the same as you. So what you are doing is advertise at your expense to sell kits of the company, they are not selling any real product o

al for marketers. So what is the problem?

You are probably wondering what problems I'm talking about and how they are affecting our chances of success. If you have been involved for a while, you have probably encountered a few and if you are a newbie, you are likely to come across these problems soon.

As the internet is still relatively new to South Africa, we don't have many experts or experience in the field. Those calling themselves experts, have limited knowledge and are too expensive, when compared to overseas competitors. Simple things like service provision, web hosting, design and site building, software, tools, optimization and advertising, are grossly overpriced. In most cases, they are bought overseas and resold here. I was given a quote of R120 (17) per month, for basic, small web hosting, excluding the domain and excluding the ISP. That was only the hosting. I was quoted R6000 (857) for a designer, to look at one of my websites and to make a couple of small changes. It is crazy. We pay between R8 and R12 for an mp3 song, which costs from 10c to 90c in USA.

The state owned telecommunications company,Telkom, have the monopoly and squash all opposition. This has led to very highly priced access and an indifferent service. Nearly all packages offered by them, or sub contactor service providers, are restricted and capped.

Overseas companies, offering opportunities, services and resources require a fixed email address, at the time of joining. This is to prevent temporary accounts and others such as Hotmail, from being used, as it is very easy to cancel, or change, after joining and the marketer is left with a useless address, in his contact list. South Africans have another problem, in that most of our suffixes, such as .co.za, telkomsa, za, are not allowed. Usually your country is required and many of the drop down menus have small, insignificant countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mauritius, Ivory Coast listed, but not South Africa. Why?

We have no shopping carts and payment processors, suitable for international use, or integration, into overseas websites and the biggest culprit is PayPay. They are the first choice, worldwide and any marketer not offering PayPal, as a means of payment, is seriously disadvantaged. Why then, do they not deal with South Africa? Sure, you can make a purchase through them, but they will not collect monies for you, or allow you to make a withdrawal, if you are South African. Other smaller countries are catered for, but not S.A. There are other options, but none as popular. Most payments, affiliate plans and opportunities, pay through PayPal. I joined dozens of respected affiliate plans and spent a great deal of effort, on advertising, before I found out the truth.

There are no local, South African internet companies, for memberships, product sourcing, resources, search engine optimization etc, so we have to look abroad. Although these are offered reasonably, overseas, we are still subjected to the exchange rate. At present the rate is 7 to the $, 14 to the Pound and around 9 to the Euro, but even so, it is usually cheaper, than our own prices and of course you are spoilt for choice. I compared prices recen

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About 98% of the retailers who I talk to complain that their advertising doesn't pay. There are reasons. Here's one.

If you own a business and are looking for a marketing consultant you need to determine the best place to find such a marketing guru. There are many people out there that can help you with your small business or large business as far as marketing is concerned. But choosing a good marketing consultant is not easy.

There are several e-book formats you can write to that are thought-provoking enough to get your words flowing, and flexible enough to make them as long or short as you like. Each of these formats is extremely appealing to the readers for its breezy, informative style.

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