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Getting Media Attention Through Press Releases
First the Mistakes!I do quite a lot of press releases and as a result clients often send me theirs for review and comment before they release it. Here are some of the most common mistakes which people tend to make, and which you should avoid if you’re to have any chance of getting your piece published!*** Inadequate contact details: the header of your release should contain your name, company, address, telephone, fax, email and web site, and should make it very clear who is the contact person for questions.*** A header that sounds like an advertisement: newspaper article headlines are nothing like advertising headlines. Never use the headline to convince, and do not big-note yourself or your product in the headline unless the achievement is truly newsworthy; eg “Australian Entrepreneur Buys Walls Street” or “Widget sales top $1 million in 6 months”.*** Claims about products: never make a claim for a product unless you put

s being a kid again with E.T. (the Extra-Terrestrial,) Men in Black, Jaws, Barney, and Nickelodeon. Why? In times when innovation is so crucial to success, we must challenge our teams to do the things we think we cannot do, are off-beat, or are seemingly crazy and wild to the rest of the world. Outdoor challenges involving fun, laughter, and raw adventure can spark problem solving and teamwork and can be a fantastic approach for reducing stress and incorporating fun and laughter into the corporate setting.

6. A Day Trip to NASA: The Kennedy Space Center

Buying a Business? Think Due Diligence
Congratulations. You have just decided to purchase a business, merge with another company or invest in a someone else's company. Exciting, isn't it?You have probably been busy learning the business, talking to the seller about the operation, conducting market research and planning how can you run it better than the previous owner.It does not matter if you are buying a small cell phone store, a large high-tech company or investing in a friend's "next big thing". There is one thing you should seriously consider: a due diligence.What is a due diligence and why is it so important?One (very technical and boring) definition of a due diligence is: Due diligence can apply either narrowly to the process of verifying the data presented in a business plan or sales memorandum, or broadly as completing the investigation and analytical process that precedes a commitment to invest. The purpose is to determine the attractiveness, risks, and issues reg

The ability to build effective teams is a must for any organization who wants to succeed in the millennium. This article offers ten examples of highly creative excursions which can provide insight into developing the leadership qualities essential for success in challenging times.

1. A Day Trip to the Sharper Image

The Sharper Image is a specialty retailer that is nationally and internationally renowned as a leading source of new, innovative, high-quality products that make life better and more enjoyable. Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Richard Thalheimer started this business 25 years ago with one goal in mind: to have fun!

The Sharper Image is a company that thrives on special conveniences and innovative products that sit on the cutting edge of technology. This day trip is fantastic for stimulating creativity and becoming a forward thinker!

2. A Day Trip to the Gettysburg Battlefield

A visit to this historical Civil War battlefield in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, can be an empowering lesson in leadership. This day trip can be devoted to walking the historic site while evaluating the leadership decisions and structures that General Robert E. Lee struggled with over 140 years ago. Prior to this day trip, I recommend that those attending the trip read the book, “Leadership Lessons from the Civil War” by Tom Wheeler. It is an extraordinary book that takes a close look at the parallels between business and military strategy.

3. A Day Trip to ING Direct

With locations in New York City, NY, and Philadelphia, PA, ING Direct takes the “dull” out of banking. The facade is made of glass. On the inside are caf? tables and biscotti, Internet stations and mochas, and clients hanging out just for the fun of it. This innovative company invests the majority of its time, energy, and money in technology, marketing, and in making people feel proud about saving their money...and to make them feel that saving is a cool and hip thing to do. The website itself (www.ingdirect.com) is a wild and fun excursion, breaking away from the traditional and stepping way out on the edge. This day trip can create a lightning bolt effect for motivating your company to move to new levels of creativity and innovation.

4. Carnegie Hall and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra was conceived by cellist Julian Fifer and a group of fellow musicians in the 1970s. The Orpheus process is highly unique, for this is an orchestra with no conductor. In the absence of a conductor, the individual musicians of Orpheus must rely on one another for innovation and team building. The self-governing and leadership abilities have not only made Orpheus a group of highly gifted musicians, but has built a world which teaches those who observe them to understand that a CEO never has or should have all of the answers. Central to the collaborative process of Orpheus is the sharing and rotating of leadership roles. This unique approach unleashes the talent, vision, creativity, and the leadership of each and every member of the group. Observe this group carefully, and ask your team “What is it about this group that is so compelling? How can we use their system for our success?”

5. A Week-End at Universal Studios (Orlando, FL; Hollywood, CA; Japan and Spain)

Are you having fun? I mean: "Are you really having fun?" If you are or are not, consider a journey through a week-end filled with fun, adventure, wonder, and wild times. Spend a few great days being a kid again with E.T. (the Extra-Terrestrial,) Men in Black, Jaws, Barney, and Nickelodeon. Why? In times when innovation is so crucial to success, we must challenge our teams to do the things we think we cannot do, are off-beat, or are seemingly crazy and wild to the rest of the world. Outdoor challenges involving fun, laughter, and raw adventure can spark problem solving and teamwork and can be a fantastic approach for reducing stress and incorporating fun and laughter into the corporate setting.

6. A Day Trip to NASA: The Kennedy Space Center

The #1 Way To Kill A Phone Interview
Typically the topic of verbal crutches is something that people are coached on when they are improving their group presentation skills. Verbal crutches are those little “connector” words that all of us use from time to time. These are the ums, ahs, and even in the case of one candidate I interviewed—fabulous, that we unconsciously toss in while we’re thinking about the next sentence.Let me tell you—this will KILL and I mean—RUIN your chances for a follow up interview, especially if your first interview is a phone interview.As the interviewer on a phone interview, I have nothing else to focus on other than the sound of your voice. If that sound is constantly interrupted by an umm, or a ya know, I’m really going to notice it. If the job I’m considering hiring you for has a lot of phone work involved, I’m not going to subject the person on the other end of the phone to your poor verbal abilities. At this point, I don’t care if you are the most quali

ay Trip to the Gettysburg Battlefield

3. A Day Trip to ING Direct

4. Carnegie Hall and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

5. A Week-End at Universal Studios (Orlando, FL; Hollywood, CA; Japan and Spain)

6. A Day Trip to NASA: The Kennedy Space Center

Realizing Your Dreams Through A Small Business Loan
Starting a small business can be an exciting – but sometimes terrifying - journey. For those who have dreamt of entrepreneurship, small business ownership can be the realization of a lifetime aspiration. There are many things to consider when starting a small business, not the least of which is financing. Determining the best method to acquiring a small business loan can be as complex as starting the business itself.When beginning the search for a small business loan, it will do you well to be organized and diligent in your efforts. There are many avenues to explore when it comes to securing the most appropriate small business loan for your specific situation. It’s important that you are comfortable with your choice and that the particular small business loan you choose fits your unique circumstances. Remember, this is your small business. And your small business loan should reflect the principles that matter to you.To begin your efforts to find a sma

This innovative company invests the majority of its time, energy, and money in technology, marketing, and in making people feel proud about saving their money...and to make them feel that saving is a cool and hip thing to do. The website itself (www.ingdirect.com) is a wild and fun excursion, breaking away from the traditional and stepping way out on the edge. This day trip can create a lightning bolt effect for motivating your company to move to new levels of creativity and innovation.

4. Carnegie Hall and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

5. A Week-End at Universal Studios (Orlando, FL; Hollywood, CA; Japan and Spain)

6. A Day Trip to NASA: The Kennedy Space Center

How To Save Advertising Dollars For Small Businesses
Businesses usually spend about 2 to 5% of their annual gross sales on advertisements. Some companies use the cash method yet others use the task method for determining their advertising budget. Cash method is when they use that 2 to 5% of gross sales for advertisements and task method is determined based on their past experiences.It is imperative that small businesses do not waste the small amount of money they can afford on advertisements by using ineffective marketing and advertising strategies. They have to figure out how to save money yet not compromise on the quality and reach of their advertisements. They will have to do market research, be very clear who their target market is, develop a catchy yet inoffensive way of conveying the right message to the target market, focus on the product or service they sell, and list the benefits to the customers. They have to ensure that it is done within a budget and that money is not wasted. There should also be RO

self-governing and leadership abilities have not only made Orpheus a group of highly gifted musicians, but has built a world which teaches those who observe them to understand that a CEO never has or should have all of the answers. Central to the collaborative process of Orpheus is the sharing and rotating of leadership roles. This unique approach unleashes the talent, vision, creativity, and the leadership of each and every member of the group. Observe this group carefully, and ask your team “What is it about this group that is so compelling? How can we use their system for our success?”

5. A Week-End at Universal Studios (Orlando, FL; Hollywood, CA; Japan and Spain)

6. A Day Trip to NASA: The Kennedy Space Center

Customer Loyalty – Is it too Expensive?
Any retail business, indeed any business, loves loyal customers and will spend a great deal of time and money trying to lure and secure them. Once a customer feels some sense of loyalty they become a huge asset. Loyal customers come back week after week, year after year. They are inexpensive to keep and, as time goes by, bring in a great deal more custom. Often part of our coffee shop sales model has a ‘buy nine coffees, get the tenth one free' card as part of the strategy to encourage some sort of loyalty from customers. It is common among many retailers. This strategy really needs second thought about its value and its cost.How to lose profits without tryingThe ‘buy nine, get the tenth one free card’ has been used to encourage customers to return and buy another of the same in many circumstances in various guises. Coffee shops suit this system well because a cup of coffee is a cup of coffee. Easy to identify, easy to give the reward for ‘loya

6. A Day Trip to NASA: The Kennedy Space Center

Want a little inspiration and motivation for building effective teams? By visiting the Kennedy Space Center, your team can witness how history and the future, nature and technology, young and old meet for an unforgettable and highly creative journey through space and time. The Kennedy Space Center tells a compelling story of how the United States built a space program that launched men to the moon and have orbited satellites that have improved our life on earth.

7. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York, has brought together thousands of works of art that display a full and extraordinary range of creativity which can enhance your team building efforts. See and hear a story of human deceit from “The Kitano Tnjin Engi Emaki,” a thirteenth century picture scroll. Open a discussion around the historic moment when General George Washington led the American revolutionary troops across the Delaware in “George Washington Crossing the Deleware.” Explore Korea’s distinctive cultural identity and the ways in which the arts of Korea have been affected by trade and diplomacy, by war and peace, and by religion and philosophy. This day trip is one that is filled with curiosity, creativity, and of seeing the perspective of people and cultures from around the world.

8. A Day Trip to Nordstrom

Outstanding customer service and Nordstrom go hand in hand. Their innovative approach has allowed them to find out exactly what the customer needs and wants and then gives it with grace and style. A family-owned business, Nordstrom considers their customers a part of their extended family, and the corporate culture supports and encourages salespeople to engage in intimate business dialogue and relationships with key vendors in each department. A visit to Nordstrom will teach you how to better respond to customer’s needs so that they will come back to you again and again and will teach you the lessons of : valuing outstanding customer service, bonding with each and every customer, and giving people on the frontline the freedom to make decisions.

9. A Four-Day Hike on the Appalachian Trail

From Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail wanders the ridges and valleys of the Appalachian range for more than 2,168 miles. Those who have traveled this trek return feeling much more light- hearted, saying that they no longer sweat the small stuff in life. One of the biggest benefits of walking the Appalachian trail is that you and your team will learn adaptability, and you will begin to appreciate the people and things in life that you often take for granted. Many people report that even one week of hiking is a life changing experience. They realize that a fast pace of living and that money, prestige, and power are only surface deep…that the true beauty of life lies in the secrets of nature.

10. A Day of Brainstorming

A Super S.W.O.T. Session with a communications company is a great way to offer your company a highly creative day of brainstorming. This session should be a fast-paced, deeply probing session highly designed for your organization’s best thinkers. Using easels, drawing pads, and other audio visuals, a great facilitator will keep the ideas flowing by asking you first to boil down your mission statement to ten words or less. From here, they focus on your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. These critical factors are listed, considered, and ranked to show you the three most significant factors in each S.W.O.T. category. The results are always revealing and often quite surprising. A session can require as little as three hours—on up to a full day.

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The remarkable power of stories to drive readership, and burn your sales message deep into your prospects brains...

A sound marketing plan helps you define who you are and how you differ from the competition. It outlines the benefits your product offers and exactly how you will beat your competitors. It's the most fundamental and important business tool, yet starting a business without a written marketing plan remains the single greatest mistake made by most entrepreneurs.

It's sometimes bewildering to discover that some people bid higher that what a product would be sold out of eBay. This is an opportunity which every seller on eBay might not want to miss. And this account for the reason, among others, why you should be considering selling your stuff on eBay now! This may not apply to all products and merchants, but it does happen many a time.

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