Sunday, March 31, 2013
The New Google Algorithm Farmer- What SEO/SEM Professionals Need to Know
It's official! While there has been talk of an upcoming algorithm change from Google for at least a couple of months, these past couple of weeks saw a definite change in the way that Google ranks those sites on the web vying for top placement in its listings. So what is the big news? This algorithm specifically went after content farms and in addition to a broad extent low quality sites that have been gaming the system for higher rankings. Since the algorithm targeted content farmers, this algorithm has been nicknamed The Farmer.
If you read our recent article: "Google Moving Against Content Farms- What Does This Mean for SEO?" You probably were already on the look-out for the coming algorithm change. Now that the algorithm has taken effect, the SEO/SEM community definitely knows a little bit more about it, however there are still a few things that require more research and information.
Who Was Targeted by the Farmer Algorithm?
This algorithm change which took effect since late February is said to have affected between 11% and 12% of the search queries in the United States. As of the moment, it is not sure when the algorithm will affect other regions in the world.
Some of the major website properties that were affected included article distribution sites, aggregated content sites (those sites that republish original content from others), sites that mostly sell products with little or no content associated with them, and in general sites that don't have unique or high quality content. Generally speaking, if a website's goal is to monetize content that is not original or high quality, then it is likely that the site has been targeted by Google.
Who Has Benefited from the Farmer Algorithm?
Generally speaking, those sites that have or will benefit from this algorithm will be sites that create unique, high quality content. Obviously, white hat SEO always included creating high quality, unique content as a prerequisite for obtaining long term quality results, this fact hasn't changed.
Tips for SEO/SEM to Avoid the Wrath of Farmer
If you noticed a sudden drop in the Search engine result pages or if you want to avoid a sudden drop in the future, here are some tips that should help you avoid the raft of the Farmer algorithm.
Make sure that the vast majority of content that you post on your website is unique and original. Obviously, you may have to post product descriptions or technical specs that come from a manufacturer, however when possible, create original and unique content in addition to this republished content.
Consider using the Original Source meta tag from Google: meta name="original-source" content=http://www.somedomain.com/article1.html More information at: http://www.google.com/support/news_pub/bin/answer.py?answer=191283
This meta tag directly tells Google that the content you have on your site is original- this way if someone plagiarizes your content or duplicates it in anyway, Google will know the original source and you should get all the credit from Google.
Another good tool to checkout is at www.copyscape.com This tool will scan the net looking for duplicate content so that you can identify specific pages on your website that need to be re-written so they are 100% unique.
Be choosy with the type of articles that you distribute. It should be noted that while Google has targeted many article distribution sites, you will not be penalized for having your content on these sites- the more likely possibility will be these back links will have less power and thus be less effective- so there is no need to remove any of your content from these sites.
Be careful how you monetize your content. Obviously, those that heavily advertise on their site will receive extra scrutiny from Google. If you use content to lure traffic for monetization, definitely use unique content and do not rely solely on aggregated/republished content.
Obviously, the Farmer algorithm has only been out for a couple of weeks, so SEO/SEM professionals are still researching its broad effects. As always, we'll keep you updated as well if we find important information.
Online Instructor - Is it for You?
The computer and internet age has pushed the envelope of traditional educational formats. Just a few years ago, online education was a second thought, maybe not a thought at all, in the minds of traditional brick and mortar schools. Today, if an educational institution does not have online programs – they are missing thousands of opportunities and dollars from traditional and non-traditional students.
With some extra time on my hands, I thought I would explore the world of online educators – some easy extra money – Right?
Wrong! Boy, did I have a lot to learn.
Let me share my journey to becoming an Online Instructor.
To begin the journey, I set criteria for selection – 1. Must be an accredited school, regionally and national accreditation – no diploma mills! 2. Offer degrees that match my skill and experience areas. 3. User friendly online education format. 4. Good record of accomplishment in online education – good reviews from students/peers. 5. A quality training and/or orientation program for new instructors.
From these starting points, I performed web searches and identified six potential schools. By visiting their web sites, I discovered a wealth of information regarding the schools, accreditation and online degrees offered. Next, searches included using the schools name and various criteria e.g. satisfaction, alumni, etc. These queries revealed web sites and blogs dedicated to specific topics on the subject of the school. Some were positive sites; others were dissatisfied students with an axe to grind.
The next step involved telephone contacts. Making contact with the schools online experts was a challenge – most referrals were to a website or email account. At two schools, I actually spoke to a live person! (This added some points to their score!)
With information assembled – I was now ready to move forward to the application process. The information packages requested were very similar in nature for each school. They included, a detailed educational history, including submission of college and graduate school transcripts, detailed work history resume and any experiences in teaching/training of adult learners. Three references, preferably from academics were the expected norm. (It’s been so long for me, most of my professors are retired or no longer with us!)
Two schools rejected me off-hand. Their criteria for online instructors included an earned doctorate. My MBA did not fit with their instructional criteria, for graduate or undergrad instruction. Two schools requested that I develop a course – prior to any reimbursement. They required their instructors to select a textbook from their lists, develop a curriculum and all instructional supports for an online course. These schools failed my selection criteria both in terms of instructor support and remuneration. The final two schools both had good records of accomplishment in online instruction, user-friendly learning environments and good matches for my skill areas.
The final decision key- training and orientation for new instructors. School 1 presented an online manual for instructor’s preparation. Study the manual, take an online test, pass, and you were ready to go. School 2 presented a different approach – one that set it apart from all the others.
For School 2 , I was enrolled in an online instructors training course. A month long course in which I became the student/learner. All of the requirements expected of students applied to the potential instructors. Weekly assignments were graded, participation and discussion expectations were set, and methods of instruction were tested. The course was facilitated by an experienced online faculty member – one who was dedicated to quality education and setting the bar for future expectations.
A few of the class members washed out after a week – they did not realize the instructor commitments of 16-20 hours per week were the norm – not the exception.
After passing the instructors training course, I was offered the opportunity to team teach a course. This process involved working with a mentor – an experienced online facilitator. The facilitator provided a systematic process for setting up the class. The then reviewed each instructional component prior to my posting in the classroom environment. Constructive feedback on work products was frequent and appreciated. The mentor monitored all components of instruction; feedback to students, individual and team work assignments, grading of assignments and instructor online interactions.
Weekly performance evaluations were provided by the mentor. These documents provided feedback for needed improvement areas or kudos for a job well done. The students provided formal evaluations of the instructor/mentee at week three and the conclusion of the course during week six. These anonymous evaluations shared some excellent insight into my performance as an instructor. Since the majority of the students are practicing professionals – they are experienced in providing feedback for performance appraisals.
The final step included an evaluation by the Universities online faculty committee. This evaluation included all the steps in preparation for the course work, mentor evaluations and student feedback. Having successfully passed all the requirements, I was promptly offered a position to provide instruction for future classes.
The Online instruction format is not for everyone. Students must be dedicated to a level of professionalism that has not been expected in the typical classroom. Time management is crucial for success in the online environment. Both individual and teamwork skills are tested – the experience is not just an individual effort. Working in teams to solve challenges in today’s work world is critical for the success of the organization.
For instructors, the same criteria hold true. To approach this instructional methodology is not an easy task. It requires dedication to the model and a true enthusiasm for sharing your acquired skills and experience. Personally, I have found my online instructional experience both rewarding and challenging. A vocation I look forward to enjoying for many years to come.
Online Instruction – Is It For You?
How to Succeed with a Cash Only Medical Practice
While many people assume that physicians today earn substantial incomes and enjoy large periods of leisure time, the reality is that most doctors put in long workdays and end up relinquishing a large portion of their fees to insurance companies and patient billing services. Negotiating prices and fees with insurance companies may mean that a doctor is asked to perform their work for less money, in addition to begin burdened with immense mountains of paperwork. A typical physician will see between 25 and 35 patients per day in an effort to simply pay staff, coordinate with insurance companies and cover their office overhead. Many doctors begin to wonder if there is a better way to run their medical practice; and the truth is that there is another option: a cash only medical practice. Unlike physicians who develop relationships and establish contracts with insurance companies, a cash only medical practice necessitates limited paperwork and can provide patients and physicians with some of the following benefits:
More time with each patient: Because physicians will not have to pack their schedules with as many patients as they can in order to meet their overhead costs, they are able to spend more quality time with fewer patients every day.
No need to prequalify tests and diagnostics. Doctors who work with insurance companies often need to obtain permission to complete certain diagnostic tests prior to completing them. A cash pay medical practice is based on a two-way relationship between a doctors and their patients; effectively removing the middle man (the insurance company) and streamlining service.
Less paperwork. Whether a physician completes insurance and billing paperwork or there is a designated member of the office staff for these tasks, insurance forms undoubtedly take up a large portion of the activity of a typical medical practice. Many doctors who have chosen to run a cash only medical practice will tell you that less paperwork is the primary reason they have chosen to sever their ties with insurance companies.
There are many different ways to set up a successful cash-only medical practice, and every office will likely be a blend of the following models:
Complete cash only. Some physicians set up offices that are completely cash pay only. This means that there is a set fee for particular procedures (i.e. $200 for a complete physical; $150 for strep testing), and the fee is due upon services rendered.
Concierge medical services. Under a concierge plan, patients may pay a yearly fee to the physician, with a small sum due upon each office visit. This type of service is ideal for patients who may need to see a doctor several times a year for maintenance of a chronic ailment.
To further assist you in determining if a cash pay medical practice is right for you, contact with Hippocrates Publishing. Since 2004, Hippocrates Publishing has provided invaluable information to thousands of medical professionals around the world. Their unique specialty is writing and publishing books and booklets that help physicians succeed with medical practice marketing and niche medical practices. Visit their website at www.HippocratesPublishing.com today for more information, or call 877-408-2462.
For more information about medical practice marketing please visit http://www.hippocratespublishing.com/
More time with each patient: Because physicians will not have to pack their schedules with as many patients as they can in order to meet their overhead costs, they are able to spend more quality time with fewer patients every day.
No need to prequalify tests and diagnostics. Doctors who work with insurance companies often need to obtain permission to complete certain diagnostic tests prior to completing them. A cash pay medical practice is based on a two-way relationship between a doctors and their patients; effectively removing the middle man (the insurance company) and streamlining service.
Less paperwork. Whether a physician completes insurance and billing paperwork or there is a designated member of the office staff for these tasks, insurance forms undoubtedly take up a large portion of the activity of a typical medical practice. Many doctors who have chosen to run a cash only medical practice will tell you that less paperwork is the primary reason they have chosen to sever their ties with insurance companies.
There are many different ways to set up a successful cash-only medical practice, and every office will likely be a blend of the following models:
Complete cash only. Some physicians set up offices that are completely cash pay only. This means that there is a set fee for particular procedures (i.e. $200 for a complete physical; $150 for strep testing), and the fee is due upon services rendered.
Concierge medical services. Under a concierge plan, patients may pay a yearly fee to the physician, with a small sum due upon each office visit. This type of service is ideal for patients who may need to see a doctor several times a year for maintenance of a chronic ailment.
To further assist you in determining if a cash pay medical practice is right for you, contact with Hippocrates Publishing. Since 2004, Hippocrates Publishing has provided invaluable information to thousands of medical professionals around the world. Their unique specialty is writing and publishing books and booklets that help physicians succeed with medical practice marketing and niche medical practices. Visit their website at www.HippocratesPublishing.com today for more information, or call 877-408-2462.
For more information about medical practice marketing please visit http://www.hippocratespublishing.com/
Is Drop Shipping a Realistic Way to Make Money Online?
Drop shipping, for those who are unfamiliar with it, is a system whereby you promote the products of a particular manufacturer, take orders directly, and the manufacturer/source handles all the inventory and fulfillment functions for you.
In a nutshell, here is the drop-ship system:
==> You generate and accept the order.
==> You take your profits out of the sale price.
==> You forward the order and the wholesale cost to the drop shipper.
==> The source factory ships directly to your customer.
The benefits of this arrangement are probably obvious: No inventory cost to you.
* Substantially higher profits to you over what most regular affiliate programs allow.
* The ability to quickly set-up inexpensive, highly targeted, niche or mini-sites to test and promote diverse products.
This process has been around for years and has been responsible for many highly successful mail order dealer relationships in the past. Many of the top catalogers and other direct response marketers, have been using this system to increase profits for decades. If you have ever ordered a high priced item from a mail order catalog and been told that the product was being shipped from the factory... then you have experienced drop shipping first hand.
Drop shipping is, I believe, a virgin un-tapped storehouse of profits for todays internet marketer.
On-line directories exist which reveal essential contact information for drop shippers of over 2,000,000 products and 4,000 brands. Most legitimate drop ship sources will require that you have a state tax reseller number in order to approve you to sell their products and give you the wholesale pricing you are looking for.
Beware of any drop ship source which requires you to pay a fee in order to become a drop-ship dealer... or requires a membership. These are generally organizations which make their money selling "drop ship licenses"... and are, for the most part, scams. Legitimate drop shippers and factory sources never charge you any fees other than the actual shipping costs of the products you sell.
Another caveat... always make sure that you have a written agreement with the source factory that you own the customer! The factory or drop ship source should agree in writing not to solicit your customers in any form. This is very important to you. Your customer list is one of your most important assets. If the factory you are dealing with balks at this request... use another source who will agree.
Almost every conceivable type of product is available from a drop shipper willing to ship products in single units under your companies name. Pick your interest area... electronics, consumer products, agricultural & industrial products, office equipment & supplies, hobby gear, recreational / sporting goods, clothing, furniture, etc. The list of available products from drop shippers is almost endless.
The products actual source is invisible to the consumer. The seller (you) is able to build a database of customers that he/she owns and controls (by agreement with the manufacturer) and has all the direct marketing advantages that accompany that arrangement... while eliminating the need for maintaining expensive inventory.
This arrangement offers maximum flexibility and cost savings for the seller. If a product does not sell well online you can pull the advertising (web page or mini-site) instantly with very little cost to you outside of the actual time it took to build and test the web marketing effort. Or, since this type of page/mini-site is so inexpensive to maintain and host... you can simply leave the pages online and take whatever orders trickle through... while you move on to the testing and promotion of new drop ship products.
The manufacturer benefits from this relationship by gaining a legion of active marketers promoting their products... at little or no cost (other than those small costs involved with supporting the marketer with online marketing materials like product images, sales materials, etc).
As a marketer you are looking for several key components in developing the drop-ship relationship with a source factory or distributor:
* High Quality Products
* Blanket Product Liability Insurance (if applicable)
* A clear guarantee and return policy
* High Quality Marketing Materials ... product images (gifs, jpegs, etc.), selling copy, other suitable web graphics, etc.
* A Customer Service Department that will work with you to develop the best selling situation for you.
If you are a manufacturer seeking to expand distribution (or an inventor with a new product ) you will find the willingness to drop ship in single units will give you a strong competitive edge while you carve out increased market share at little cost.
If you are an online marketer interested in offering high profit products to your niche market (your website visitors) without incurring high front-end development or inventory costs... then drop shipping is for you.
Internet marketers are uniquely positioned to take profitable advantage of the drop ship arrangement and should give this system a serious look.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Real Estate Marketing Slogans; A Brand Of One
Real Estate marketing slogans arouses interest in your audience and can be the vehicle that helps establish your "name brand" and invigorate your real estate career.
A good, well crafted slogan can propel your business in quantum leaps, while a poorly considered one can be as effective as none at all. Real estate marketing slogans can work equally well online and offline, but they must be good enough to appeal to mass, targeted audiences.
Consequently, agents work hard and long for the right words to coin the right phrases, for the perfect slogans. After all, their slogans may be powerful or aspiring enough to define their careers.
Realtor Alert! Real estate marketing slogans don't have to be over intellectualized to create huge "brand names." Catchy and clever works every time.
For example, Century 21, ERA, & Coldwell Banker are national and/or regional real estate companies whose corporate names serve as their "real estate marketing slogans". Examples of some gigantic, non-real estate companies are Xerox, IBM, Pepsi and Coke.
Successful Realtors know the importance of using real estate marketing slogans to create "name brands", but when conjuring up a slogan for yourself why not something as simple as your name.
If Mike, Bill and Hillary can pull it off you can, too. Of Course you know who I mean, which epitomizes the power of a name.
Creating A Slogan!
Now, I can go to the yellow pages, write down a bunch of real estate marketing slogans and throw a bunch of them at you to jump start your creative juices, but you can do that yourself.
A more constructive approach in creating your own slogan is to make a list of 10 slogans that reflect who you are, what niche real estate market you want to be known for, and your interests and personality in general.
Use the yellow Real Estate Agents section of your local yellow pages to get ideas, then strive for phrases that uniquely characterize you.
Imagine being the Madonna, or "leave the driving to us" of the real estate industry.
Is it possible? Absolutely, but you'll have to create a slogan first! Then you'll need to use and publicize it every opportunity you get; in your ads, on your business cards, letter head, website, vanity car tag, etc.
Don't expect instant success right out of the gate. It'll take a while, but you'll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a year or so. And if you have a real estate marketing system that reaches a minimum of 10 prospects a day the numbers can quickly add up in your favor.
10 contacts a day x 20 days a month = 200 contacts a month
200 contacts a month x 12 months a year = 2,400 contacts a year
Without too much effort you can passively market your slogan to a minimum of 2,400 prospects a year.
I wonder what impact having your marketing slogan on your car would have?
No matter where you live, or what market you're in you're missing out on massive amounts of free marketing if you don't have a car tag of some kind advertising the fact that you're a Realtor.
And what about advertising your slogan through the penny, nickel and dime publications? Think cheap advertising, high visibility, and lots of readers of your slogan to drive business opportunities your way.
So, create your own unique, real estate marketing slogan; then publicize it heavily; freely and/or inexpensively, but heavily.
Can you see the impact that this might have on your real estate marketing results? I can!
Video Source: Youtube
Are Data Entry from Home Programs Scams?
Are work from home data entry programs Scams? This is the question asked by thousands of people who are looking to join data entry work at home. The problem arises because ordinary internet users fail to distinguish between traditional data entry and online pay per click marketing data entry programs. Though most of the online data entry programs explicitly tell on their sale pages that the data entry opportunity is about ad word compaigns.
work from home data entry programs may not make you a million dollars in a week but you can certainly work your way up to making a comfortable living and perhaps even more than that if you play your cards right. You will be amazed by the scope of this simple, genuine and result-oriented opportunity. The subscription cost for these data entry at home programs is just $49 which is not a big deal, keeping in mind the scope they offer.
Data entry Impartial Review has put this question before qualified Consumer Advisors to offer their expert advice. The analysis provided by impartial reviews about home based data entry programs is based on opinion of Consumer Advisors and more than 10,000 consumers.
Traditional Data Entry VS Online Pay Per Click Data Entry Campaigns
Traditional data entry from home involves secreterial work which can be medical transcription or simple data entry for offshore companies. These jobs can pay anything from $10 to $15 per hour. People normally search for online jobs which are related to traditional data entry from home. Job Search engine is very good website to find these kind of jobs.
http://jobsearchengine.com/
On the other hand, data entry which involves preparing PPC campaigns is altogether a differnt role. This fast emerging opportunity offers unlimited potential to earn huge commissions. These data entry from home programs provide step by step guidance to their subscribers to set up their online data entry campaigns. Affiliate programs pay upto 75% per sale to their members. There is huge margin of profit and thousands of companies to choose from. Most of these data entry at home programs teach about Google adwords and yahoo marketing.
Best Data Entry programs include Data Entry Bank and Home Data Typers. They are both top ranked on Click Bank the online market place. They are by far better than other programs available and offer real value for money.
Is There a Minimum Amount of Debt Required to File Bankruptcy?
This is a question I hear quite often as people contemplate filing for bankruptcy. The answer is no. The decision to file for bankruptcy relief is relative to the debtor’s financial situation. For example, it is not uncommon for someone who is living on social security or other fixed income to file for bankruptcy only owing a few thousand dollars in credit card debt.
The problem here is ridiculous interest rates coupled with people who, because of their limited incomes, are unable to make anything more than the minimum monthly payment on these debts. It creates a vicious, never-ending cycle which a bankruptcy snaps.
Whether or not you have a mountain of debt, or very little debt, so long as that debt appears to be beyond your ability repay, you likely will qualify for bankruptcy.
This again comes back to the importance of seeking out and hiring an attorney who is able to competently analyze your options and help you determine the best course of action to take.
For more information regarding minimum debt requirements, or for other bankruptcy law questions, contact The Larkin Law Firm at http://www.live-debt-free-now.com
How Home Renovations Increase Home Value
When it comes to the real estate market, a home's value is relative to many different factors, such as location, comparable home values, and age and condition of the home. While the overall market is unpredictable, there are have always been, and always will be, those homes that stand out and command a higher value. Historically, regardless of the economy and market conditions, homes that have been renovated within five years of the date of sale command higher prices than homes in the area that lack similar updates. Even in the current economy, there are numerous home renovations that can increase a home's overall value.
Whether you are planning to sell your home within five years, or plan on living in your home for years to come, certain renovations can add value to your home. This value can include both real cash value and personal value derived from enjoyment of the finished product. Traditionally, some renovations, including kitchens and bathrooms, result in the best return but other smaller renovations are surprisingly beneficial to a home's value as well.
It's no secret that kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a sale. An outdated kitchen or bathroom can turn a potential buyer off just as easily as an updated kitchen or bathroom can sell a home. For a number of years, kitchen renovations topped the list of return for investment in home renovation projects. While the price of a remodel has increased and the return has fallen slightly, the kitchen is the one area of the home people focus on first. If you're living with an outdated, ugly kitchen or one that is not functional, the cost of a renovation will be recouped by personal enjoyment alone but you can also recoup up to 80 percent of the cost if you sell your home within five to seven years.
Similarly, bathroom renovations have been in the top five of investment versus return value for years. Today's trends lean towards the spa-style bathroom, with a preference towards separate showers and tubs, double sinks, and even seating areas. Even in homes where bathroom space is limited, there are a number of improvements that can be made to increase the functionality of the bathroom and the value of the home.
Major renovations may be out of reach for some homeowners' budgets, especially in the current economy, but some minor renovations can also add value to a home. One of the leading minor renovations in terms of cost and return is the home's entry door. Replacing the entry door with a mid-range replacement door helps provide curb appeal, a welcoming entrance and energy efficiency all at the same time. Another minor renovation that adds instant appeal, and thus value, is detailed trim work like chair railing, crown molding, and cornice board. Carpeting and paint are also minor renovations that add value and appeal.
As more people focus on energy efficiency, replacing major mechanical systems, such as a furnace, air conditioning system, water heater and windows, with energy efficient equivalents can also add instant value to a home. Not only will your energy bills be reduced but the resale value of the home will improve. A new roof and insulation will add to the investment.
If you've already focused on the inside of your home or are confident that the interior is at least moderately up-to-date and efficient, turn your focus to the outdoors. In 2008 and 2009, the term "staycation" was coined to refer to people who preferred to stay home and enjoy downtime over traveling in order to save money. With this trend came an increased demand for outdoor living space. Decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens conducive to entertaining and relaxation are improvements that are in demand. In fact, like kitchens and bathrooms, decks are in the top five of renovation returns.
Investing a large sum of money into home renovation for the sole purpose of resale should be considered carefully and you might want to consult a real estate expert in your area before you decide to invest in a major renovation project. However, if you have budgeted for a large scale project because you want to enjoy the improvement while adding potential value to your home, invest in the project that is most important to you now. It may be unrealistic to expect an increased sales price of $100,00 on a $50,000 renovation but you can expect to recoup some of the cost if you sell your home before the update becomes outdated again.Home Renovation Guide provides free information and advice on all aspects of home renovations and on a variety of topics ranging from roofing and landscaping to windows and doors we have the information you need to get the job done right. Visit them today.
Click Here for more information
Whether you are planning to sell your home within five years, or plan on living in your home for years to come, certain renovations can add value to your home. This value can include both real cash value and personal value derived from enjoyment of the finished product. Traditionally, some renovations, including kitchens and bathrooms, result in the best return but other smaller renovations are surprisingly beneficial to a home's value as well.
It's no secret that kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a sale. An outdated kitchen or bathroom can turn a potential buyer off just as easily as an updated kitchen or bathroom can sell a home. For a number of years, kitchen renovations topped the list of return for investment in home renovation projects. While the price of a remodel has increased and the return has fallen slightly, the kitchen is the one area of the home people focus on first. If you're living with an outdated, ugly kitchen or one that is not functional, the cost of a renovation will be recouped by personal enjoyment alone but you can also recoup up to 80 percent of the cost if you sell your home within five to seven years.
Similarly, bathroom renovations have been in the top five of investment versus return value for years. Today's trends lean towards the spa-style bathroom, with a preference towards separate showers and tubs, double sinks, and even seating areas. Even in homes where bathroom space is limited, there are a number of improvements that can be made to increase the functionality of the bathroom and the value of the home.
Major renovations may be out of reach for some homeowners' budgets, especially in the current economy, but some minor renovations can also add value to a home. One of the leading minor renovations in terms of cost and return is the home's entry door. Replacing the entry door with a mid-range replacement door helps provide curb appeal, a welcoming entrance and energy efficiency all at the same time. Another minor renovation that adds instant appeal, and thus value, is detailed trim work like chair railing, crown molding, and cornice board. Carpeting and paint are also minor renovations that add value and appeal.
As more people focus on energy efficiency, replacing major mechanical systems, such as a furnace, air conditioning system, water heater and windows, with energy efficient equivalents can also add instant value to a home. Not only will your energy bills be reduced but the resale value of the home will improve. A new roof and insulation will add to the investment.
If you've already focused on the inside of your home or are confident that the interior is at least moderately up-to-date and efficient, turn your focus to the outdoors. In 2008 and 2009, the term "staycation" was coined to refer to people who preferred to stay home and enjoy downtime over traveling in order to save money. With this trend came an increased demand for outdoor living space. Decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens conducive to entertaining and relaxation are improvements that are in demand. In fact, like kitchens and bathrooms, decks are in the top five of renovation returns.
Investing a large sum of money into home renovation for the sole purpose of resale should be considered carefully and you might want to consult a real estate expert in your area before you decide to invest in a major renovation project. However, if you have budgeted for a large scale project because you want to enjoy the improvement while adding potential value to your home, invest in the project that is most important to you now. It may be unrealistic to expect an increased sales price of $100,00 on a $50,000 renovation but you can expect to recoup some of the cost if you sell your home before the update becomes outdated again.Home Renovation Guide provides free information and advice on all aspects of home renovations and on a variety of topics ranging from roofing and landscaping to windows and doors we have the information you need to get the job done right. Visit them today.
You can find additional info at the following links:
Click Here for more informationClick Here for more information
Jacqui Q
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Maintaining a healthy body and mind can sometimes be a struggle. In fact it is virtually impossible for a person to get all the vital nutrients and vitamins that they need to stay in great condition from their diet alone. Everyone knows the importance of ... Read >MRSA Symptoms: A Look at Lung Infections
MRSA or methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus infections are becoming a common problem in many different settings today. The two most common types of MRSA infections involve a individual's skin or lungs. With that noted, MRSA infections can also occ... Read >Mesothelioma New Cures on the Horizon for Asbestos Causing Cancer
Mesothelioma and Asbestosis exist without a cure. Singular methods of chemotherapy and radiation have gone through medical scrutiny only to be declared potentially ineffective. The secret to extending the longevity of life in mesothelioma patients, and re... Read >Wholesale Distributors for Leather Handbags can Dropship for Optimal Leather Care Buy Wholesale Leat
Wholesale distributors that specialize in leather clothing and clothing accessories are well versed in leather apparel care. When you buy wholesale leather handbags or clothing from leather wholesalers that dropship, you'll be able to guarantee your custo... Read >Buy Wholesale Handbags Online for Trendy Profits at your Online Store Buy from Wholesale Distributor
Wholesale distributors recognize the popularity and profits of online stores. Many of these wholesale distributors also recognize the value of fashion trends. Choosing wholesale distributors that carefully select their wholesale handbag line can help you ... Read >Buy Wholesale Handbags from Wholesale Distributors that Help Build Customer Relationships Wholesale
Wholesale handbags are often sold to a finicky crowd. Handbags are very personal and display the carrier's unique style and individuality. Dropshipping services from a wholesale distributor can keep your wholesale handbag line open to appeal to each uniqu... Read >Three Types of URL Cloaking
URL Cloaking is when your website domain name remains in the address bar of the browser "cloaking" the destination URL (web address) from all visitors' eyes. The web surfers won't see the "forwarded to" web address in their browsers at all. URL or link cl... Read >The Different Cons Of Homeschooling
Despite being a viable alternative to traditional classroom setting, there are still some people who feel that Homeschooling is not for everyone. Like many things, this new system of education has its disadvantages.
Here are some of them.
1. When you decide to put your kids to homeschooling, you have to be prepared to spend all day with your children for several days. With homeschooling, you have to be their teacher. You have to be there to supervise their lessons and even check on their progress. You also have to think of activities and make worksheets. This is why most parents would leave work to go fulltime in teaching their kids.
2. Deciding on homeschooling will mean that you have to go against the norm. Be prepared to be grilled by other parents. You should also be prepared to find some difficulties when you do decide to put your kid back to mainstream. Adjustment will be hard as they will not be used to the environment that traditional education has.
3. Spending 24 hours of the day with your child and being their teacher is no joke. At the beginning, you really have to be patient with your child as he or she will not always understand the lesson as fast or as easily as you want. Do not lose your temper because this will only make matters worst. Remember that it is just normal for your kid to be behind in some subjects or to take a longer time understanding lessons.
4. Most would think that a homeschooling education is cheaper. This is not the case. Although you are not paying for any tuition fee, you have to shell out money for the materials that you will be using. Also, a parent may need to quit his or her job to become a full-time teacher. This can pose a problem in the finances especially if both incomes are needed to make both ends meet.
5. Being a teacher is not an easy task. Not only will you have to patient with your child but you also have to put an enthusiastic appearance even when you are not really in the mood to teach them their lessons. It is important that you make the lesson appear fun and interesting for them so that they will be interested to learn. When they see you bored stiff, they will also follow suit, making your task of teaching them all the more difficult.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Home-Based Business on the Rise
As America’s economy stands still, many small businesses and home-based businesses have expanded. These work at home ventures show no signs of slowing down, according to the Home Business Manual.
Many Americans dream of being able to make their own schedule, spend time with family, and make a steady income all while staying at home.
With the technology of today that dream has come true for many. The internet keeps us free from paperwork and punching a clock. It makes business portable and less complicated.
The Home Business Manual shows that 3 percent of small business owners are women, with 47 percent operating from a home base.
Home-based businesses are now being recognized as a viable source of new jobs and economic growth, according to msucares.com.
People are choosing to create their own jobs at home rather than seek employment elsewhere. Now home-based businesses make up 62 percent of all small businesses, according to the manual.
Several of these work at home opportunities being advertised are said to be misleading by those who have tried them, such as myself.
Stuffing envelopes, online surveys and assembling crafts are just a few of the business telling people they will make hundreds of dollars a week just filling out surveys or mailing brochures.
Then there are those such as AVON, Mary Kay, Mellaluca, Tupper Wear and so on, that promise high incomes when in actuality you only receive a small percentage of your sales.
These types of business schemes obviously do not work or everyone would be pretty well-off money wise.
Some of these companies never even send the materials promised, after they have received payment. These are scams! People are making money off of individuals trying to make money to provide for themselves and/or their families.
This is not true of all home-based businesses though. There are those that make you a little bit of money and then guarantee that you’ll be a millionaire in just a few short months.
Speaking from experience, I am here to tell about a real home-based business that has been successful for thousands of people throughout the United States.
Over the last few years, I have tried almost all of the types of businesses mentioned, and have lost money and been disappointed time and time again.
But this business I am in now has been around for 12 years and is growing daily. Its employees get paid every day and receive plenty of benefits. Training is provided three days a week and you can finish it without ever leaving the house. There is no paperwork required because everything can be done online.
The best thing about this home-based business is that you are not working for someone else and making them rich while you receive little to nothing. This is your own business and you are an independent business owner.
In this company you are in business for yourself but not by yourself. If at anytime you have questions or need anything, there are plenty of numbers and websites provided for you.
This is an opportunity to build a business that will actually make you money, not only for now but for your entire lifetime! In the unfortunate event of your death your business and money made will go to your family.
This company is with the Dallas Better Business Bureau and has been featured on 60 Minutes. They are one of the few companies that save people money while making people money.
It is possible to earn $600 to $2000 in your first month, and this is only the beginning. No experience is necessary and the only requirement is that you be comfortable talking to people.
For more information on this business opportunity visit www.shay4success.simpleasabc.com or email me at shay4success@simpleasabc.com.
You cannot afford to pass this up. This is the new American workplace, your own home.
What Household Budget Percentage Breakdown Is Typical?
The typical American household budget percentage breakdown looks like the list below. For most of the categories a range is shown. A range makes more sense to help you see where your personal budget fits (or doesn't fit.) If your budget doesn't fit the typical American household budget, rejoice! The average American household budget is jacked up - we carry too much debt and we just don't save enough. We're so worried about our neighbor's new pool, our co-worker's new car and our friend's new designer shoes that we spend more than we earn to try and keep up. But take heart! Review the percentages below, compare your household budget and then read on to find out how you can move yourself into the elite minority of Americans who have mastered where their money goes.
Typical Household Budget Percentages
33-38% Housing (59%-66% of this is on shelter - mortgage interest, property taxes, repairs, and rent, and other items)
15-19% Transportation (38-48 of this is vehicle purchase - 2 cars per household average)
13-14% Food Budget (55% at home, 45% away)
0-2% Alcohol
0-3% Tobacco and related products
0-2% Caffeine related products
4-5% On clothing and related services (drycleaning)
4.5 - 6% on out of pocket Health Care
9% Personal Insurance and Pensions (breakdown: 1% life and other personal insurance, 7.5% SS, .5% investment
5% Entertainment
2.5% Charitable Contributions
2% Reading and Education
1% Personal Care products and services
2% Miscellaneous
4% Credit Card, Consumer Loan Interest
If your budget closely matches the above, here's what you can do to fix that. Do these in order. Do not proceed to the next step until you've addressed the current step:
1. Stop using your @#!&*! credit cards!
2. Make a down and dirty budget right away! Don't worry about it being right at first...you can perfect it over time. Just do it!
3. Cut back on your easy to identify, frivolous spending habits (3 dollar lattes, magazines, 450 extra satellite channels, etc.) If you've got some expensive habits you've wanted to quit for some time, now's the time. For example, if you're a hard-drinkin', chain smokin', coffee drinkin' fool, you can reap a windfall of up to 7% or more of your income! Just cutting back to 2 drinks per day, only drinking coffee from home and quitting the cigarettes will net you a nice amount of extra cash and add years to your life! Refine your budget after eliminating what you can.
4. Reduce your 401K and other investment payments (if you have any) to the minimum allowable to keep your 401K and/or other investment accounts open. If your employer has a stock matching plan, keep that in addition to the minimum to keep your investments accounts open (but only up to the minimum you need to get all the matching money.) You're going to reap a whole lot more return on paying off your debts than you can ever hope to reasonably get from traditional investments. If you're paying into a college fund for your kids - keep doing that - if you're not and you really want to, hold off until step 6. Refine your budget to reflect the extra income available, if any.
5. Build an emergency fund equal to 2% of your gross annual income. It should be a little hard to get to (like a separate checking account or mutual fund), but not too difficult (Certificate of Deposit.) Work this into your budget - it's very important. You will not believe the amount of stress that will melt away when you do this.
6. Pay off your debts - everything except mortgages. And don't just move your revolving debt into a second or third mortgage - that's bad. Pay them off using a rapid debt paydown system like the Debt Hammer™. Pay off any student loans (for future reference, these are a bad idea.) Pay off your car(s) too. If you're not upside down on a car loan (your car is worth more than you owe) you can sell it and get a cheaper, paid for car. Throw a small (inexpensive but fun) party for yourself and your loved ones every time you pay off a debt.
7. Take all the money you WERE spending to pay off your non-mortgage debt and start putting it into those investment accounts you put on idle. Make sure you're investing at least 10% of your gross income. If you followed steps 1-4 exactly, you should have lots of breathing room in your budget now. If this is true and you want to invest more than 10%, go ahead, but be sure to reward yourself too and live a little. Grow your emergency fund to a level you're comfortable with (2 or more months of income is a good start.) If you have young kids and you want to send them to college, start putting money into a college fund of your choice for them, if you haven't already. Throw a bigger party than usual when this is done.
8. Pay off your mortgage and throw your biggest party yet! You can start towards this by refinancing to a single fixed rate mortgage (your credit should be in pretty good shape having paid off all your other debts.) If it's a 30 year mortage, pay more than your monthly payment to dramatically lower the amount of interest you give to the bank. If it's a 15 year fixed - wow! That's excellent!
9. When you're totally debt free, regularly give away whatever you think you can afford. It's good for the soul!
Easy? Not. Worth it? Doing the above will pay dividends in your life in many more ways than just dollars and cents. You will assure yourself a dignified and financially secure retirement. Do this well and you will also build a way for your kids and your grandkids to enjoy prosperous lives, and they will remember you with fondness and respect long after you've moved on to the other side. Now get started!
Millionaire 2020™ can help you cut through the nonsense and get you on the path quickly to good budgeting. Check it out at http://www.homerworks.com.
You can find additional info at the following links:
Click Here for more informationClick Here for more information
Email Marketing And Your Natural Soap Business
You run into an old customer at the grocery store. She tells you how much your soap has helped her husband’s skin condition and you remind her that she can reorder from your website. You wonder if you will ever hear from her again. In today’s super-hectic culture, convenience is the key to getting repeat orders from customers. It is very easy for one product or another to slip the mind of a customer even if they are fond of your product.
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways for the handmade soap maker to keep in touch with customers is with email marketing. Start a product announcement marketing campaign. Send it once a month. If you do more than this, it can seem pushy, especially in the beginning of a marketing effort. When a customer buys from you offer them a 20% off coupon if they will sign-up for your announcement list. They will get the coupon via email, this way you will get a legitimate email addresses. Friends, family, neighbors - ask everyone you meet to join your list. Keep mini samples with you. It can be an icebreaker when you meet new people. Tell them that you give away a nice item once a month in a drawing from your email list. If this does not entice them to join, you are probably better off without them. As the list grows, your business will grow. Offer a nice sample item to customers who get someone else to join your list. This type of word-of-mouth advertising is the best type!
of advertising you can get. When you have a winner from one of your contests, be sure to announce it in your email.
All this marketing takes is some dedication, a few samples and some of your time. It does not take a large budget. If you happen to be the crafting type that does not interact with customers as well or as often as you would like, you might consider teaming up with someone who does. Handmade soap making and marketing are two completely different skill sets. We all have that friend or relative that seems to know everyone in town. This is the type of person who should be first and foremost on your sample list. You need not have a formal arrangement with this person as I’m sure if they genuinely like your product they will not be able to contain themselves when talking to their circle of friends.
If you decide that having some type of marketing agreement is necessary, be careful, as they can go awry very quickly. Keep it simple and don’t make too many demands on this person as he or she is the one who is doing you the marketing favor. Remember their time is valuable also. Offer product in lieu of cash for their efforts. Manufacturer’s reps typically get anywhere from 7% to 15% of sales they generate. This is a great way to go as you don’t have to pay anything until a sale is made.
Once you get a customer, keep in touch with them yourself through your email marketing campaign. I have found customers generally like to talk directly to the crafter. Many customers are involved in a craft of their own and like to share experiences with other crafters. Having a monthly email list is a surefire way to expand your business at a very nominal cost.
How To Combine The Internet and Playing Games To Make Money
It is interesting when you look at all the different ways the Internet is used today. One of the most fun ways the Internet is used is to play games. This is being done from little kids, all the way up to senior citizens. One thing you may not thought out however, is it is possible to make money playing games and capitalize on this huge market.
In this article we want to consider how you can make money playing games online.
1. First of all you need a business opportunity that allows you to not only play games, but to make money selling games. Because people are online 24 hours a day the Internet has made it possible to play games. How great would it be if you could make money with some of those people?
2. Another exciting enhancement in the world of Internet marketing is called blogging. Initially blogging started out where people would log their thoughts on the web. Now you're able to monetize your blog, allowing you to make money while interacting with other bloggers and your readers.
3. What has happened after websites and blogging has become known as Web 2.0. This has allowed blogging to move to the next level. Web 2.0 is when you allow your visitors to become part of the blogging process.
This can be done through allowing people to make comments, to vote on polls, or to simply in this case, play games. When you blog and your visitors can be involved they will come back. This process is known as social networking.
Playing games online is very easily done thanks to social networking, because you get to meet other people who want play to games as well. Social networking is really just meeting people online that have common interests as you.
You are able to form communities, known as blog communities and social network communities. RSS feeds allow you to quickly keep in touch with each other. People can subscribe to your RSS feed and receive your blog updates as you post them.
Another piece of all of this is internet chatting. This allows for instant contact with people almost anywhere in the world. When you start to consider the number of people playing games, the potential of blogging, social networking, RSS feeds, and combining Internet chatting, you begin to get the idea that to make money online playing games and selling a product that people will want play games is huge.
So the answer is yes, you really can make money playing games online. You can make a lot of friends in the process as well. You just need to find the right opportunity to take advantage of what will offer the best profit and most fun for you.
You can find additional info at the following links:
Click Here for more informationClick Here for more information
Free Affiliate And Clickbank Training
Millions of people all over the world are making money this way, and it’s widely understood that the internet is a fast, efficient resource for many money-making activities. Regardless of whether you are a private company owner, or a free agent, is simple to use.The simple, fast, awesome way to make money online. Start today!This is the hot new way to create multiple means of income online as an affiliate. You simply visit the Clickbank site, select a certain product from the various categories and load up the built in review template using this software. You also have a choice of themes, which will depend on the specific product’s category or niche. The advantages of online employment are, you are working from home and therefore there 's no need to commuting, you eliminate the ubiquitous hassle of dressing up and the preparation of leaving the house and now you can spend more quality time with your family. The online employment work can be easy and quick. If you are efficient and can keep deadlines in submitting your assignments, you are guaranteed continuous work from home.
Being a online employee, you are given the choice of working part-time or full-time as with any commuting jobs. Also, you can choose to be paid bi-weekly, monthly or get paid on a per project basis with online job employment. No experience is required with most online jobs. In many instances, you will be provided with training or with easy step-by-step instructions on what your job will entail.
The beauty is that using it doesn’t involve copywriting, product creation, or graphic design. You can upload affiliate banners and you are also provided with an opt-in form so you can build your lists with ease.The shocking truth: Affiliate money can be yours.Simply sets up a Clickbank review site for a particular niche product, with compelling content created to entice potential customers to click the link, and buy the product- and the best part is you have to do absolutely nothing after your initial set up! It’s just that simple.
The fastest way to make money online and it’s absolutely legal! This is a win-win situation for everyone involved. It has user friendly instructions that make it easy to use whether you are a newbie or a more advanced user.This is so easy you probably won’t believe it. But money making seems to be real easy.
http://www.money-makingmoney.com/home
You make money by being an affiliate with Clickbank, which means you will be earning a commission by selling other people’s products. The fact that you don’t need your own product means that you save money, and everything you make is pure profit. The money making potential is nearly endless. I’ve never been this excited about an affiliate program machine like this! You can literally leave the hard work and see a profit, fast and consistently. There isn’t an easier way for you to make money on the internet. Professional looking, realistic results make it easier than ever to find customers and make money.Online cash just got simpler and more fun! And it is easy!The simple, fast, awesome way to make money online. Start today! When this software pulls in relevant content from other third party websites, you sure have more chances of making a fortune!
http://www.money-makingmoney.com
Dish Network TV on Your Computer - Where can You Watch Dish Network Television Online
Dish Network TV on Your Computer for Free : You can now watch Dish and cable television channels online without paying the monthly fees. A special program offers you over 3000 cable TV channels to watch right from your pc at home or work. The software is downloadbale from a very few websites that offer quality programs and are easy to download in less than 3 minutes.
To watch dish network channels on your pc, you need to confirm that you have the right internet connection. a connection of about 128kbs is ok to streaming television on your computer screen. If you have a DSL or a broadband internet connection, that should work fine.
The websites that offer the very best software to watch dish network online have an easy download process. The difference with the others is that most of the rest also include adware in their software which can easily mess your computer speeds.
Your computer needs to have speeds and memory that can support streaming of television shows on pc. The required speeds for streaming cable TV channels is about 300mhz. The virtual memory that won't give you pain is about 520mb. This virtual memory will not give you the annoying error message of low virtual memory.
You can run the satellite TV channels on your pc if you are using any of the windows operating software like WIN2000/2003/XP/Vista. You can also opt to watch the streaming TV and radio channels through a free media player like the windows mediaplayer and VLC.
There are several good websites that will offer you good service and they are recommend here below.
Please get more details on the best way to watch dish network computer streaming channels here: Click here
To watch dish network channels on your pc, you need to confirm that you have the right internet connection. a connection of about 128kbs is ok to streaming television on your computer screen. If you have a DSL or a broadband internet connection, that should work fine.
The websites that offer the very best software to watch dish network online have an easy download process. The difference with the others is that most of the rest also include adware in their software which can easily mess your computer speeds.
Your computer needs to have speeds and memory that can support streaming of television shows on pc. The required speeds for streaming cable TV channels is about 300mhz. The virtual memory that won't give you pain is about 520mb. This virtual memory will not give you the annoying error message of low virtual memory.
You can run the satellite TV channels on your pc if you are using any of the windows operating software like WIN2000/2003/XP/Vista. You can also opt to watch the streaming TV and radio channels through a free media player like the windows mediaplayer and VLC.
There are several good websites that will offer you good service and they are recommend here below.
Please get more details on the best way to watch dish network computer streaming channels here: Click here
Thursday, March 28, 2013
The Mazu Business Pack Explained
Copyright 2006 Timothy Rohrer
The Mazu Business Pack makes some pretty grandiose claims. They claim that, by purchasing their training package, one can make $100 to $1000's per week in passive, residual income without having to sell anything. It sounds almost too good to be true, but is it?
Included in the $297 Mazu Business Package is: an overview DVD, downloadable step-by-step instructions, access to the Mazu "member's area", a 2-hour affiliate seminar on audio cd, and entry into the Mazu affiliate program. According to the company website, this package gives the user information about 10 of the most lucrative income streams available today.
One of these incomes streams is arbitrage. According to Wikipedia (an online encyclopedia), arbitrage is defined as: the practice of taking advantage of a state of imbalance between two or more markets: a combination of matching deals is struck that exploit the imbalance, the profit being the difference between the market prices. The term is mainly applied to trading in financial instruments, such as bonds, stocks, derivatives and currencies. Arbitrage is possible when one of three conditions is met:
The same asset does not trade at the same price on all markets ("the law of one price"). Two assets with identical cash flows do not trade at the same price. An asset with a known price in the future does not today trade at its future price discounted at the risk-free interest rate (or, the asset does not have negligible costs of storage; as such, for example, this condition holds for grain but not for securities).
For example, if you can buy items at one price at a factory outlet and sell them for a higher price on an internet auction website such as eBay, you can exploit the imbalance between those two markets for those items.
According to the encyclopedia, arbitrage transactions in modern securities markets do involve fairly low risks. The key is being able to identify these imbalances quickly and execute the trade before the market shifts. This can be challenging and nearly impossible for the novice, but according to Matt Gagnon, the founder of Mazu, his software makes it possible. It is an automated program, which checks every few seconds for arbitrages around the world. When an arb is found a bell goes off, and the user then places their arbitrage.
Arbitrage is one of the reported 10 income streams included in the pack. Not all of streams are revealed on the website, but they claim that the others are also quite valid and lucrative. Mazu also offers a full refund if the purchaser does not make money in the first thirty days.
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Tim Rohrer is an established home business owner and writer. To learn more about a program that has been paying the bills for months, visit http://www.profitplusonline.com
The Mazu Business Pack makes some pretty grandiose claims. They claim that, by purchasing their training package, one can make $100 to $1000's per week in passive, residual income without having to sell anything. It sounds almost too good to be true, but is it?
Included in the $297 Mazu Business Package is: an overview DVD, downloadable step-by-step instructions, access to the Mazu "member's area", a 2-hour affiliate seminar on audio cd, and entry into the Mazu affiliate program. According to the company website, this package gives the user information about 10 of the most lucrative income streams available today.
One of these incomes streams is arbitrage. According to Wikipedia (an online encyclopedia), arbitrage is defined as: the practice of taking advantage of a state of imbalance between two or more markets: a combination of matching deals is struck that exploit the imbalance, the profit being the difference between the market prices. The term is mainly applied to trading in financial instruments, such as bonds, stocks, derivatives and currencies. Arbitrage is possible when one of three conditions is met:
The same asset does not trade at the same price on all markets ("the law of one price"). Two assets with identical cash flows do not trade at the same price. An asset with a known price in the future does not today trade at its future price discounted at the risk-free interest rate (or, the asset does not have negligible costs of storage; as such, for example, this condition holds for grain but not for securities).
For example, if you can buy items at one price at a factory outlet and sell them for a higher price on an internet auction website such as eBay, you can exploit the imbalance between those two markets for those items.
According to the encyclopedia, arbitrage transactions in modern securities markets do involve fairly low risks. The key is being able to identify these imbalances quickly and execute the trade before the market shifts. This can be challenging and nearly impossible for the novice, but according to Matt Gagnon, the founder of Mazu, his software makes it possible. It is an automated program, which checks every few seconds for arbitrages around the world. When an arb is found a bell goes off, and the user then places their arbitrage.
Arbitrage is one of the reported 10 income streams included in the pack. Not all of streams are revealed on the website, but they claim that the others are also quite valid and lucrative. Mazu also offers a full refund if the purchaser does not make money in the first thirty days.
------
Tim Rohrer is an established home business owner and writer. To learn more about a program that has been paying the bills for months, visit http://www.profitplusonline.com
Evaluation of market entry strategy of Amazon.com
Introduction
Amazon.com is a Public Company formed ion the year 1994 by CEO and Chairman Jeff Bezos. It began as an online bookstore but later diversified its products to include computer software, DVDS, VHS, CDS, video games, toys, apparels, food and furniture among others. The Company has been a pioneer in the field of e-commerce and its success was marked last year through its high revenue collection; $ 14.84 billion.
Analysis of the market entry strategy for Amazon.com
Amazon.com is looking towards the introduction of online delivery of books, movies and music. But it has used a toe-in-the-water approach. Here are some of the reasons why the Company could have adopted such a standpoint
Lack of enthusiasm from investors
Although the Company has recorded increased sales, this has not translated into net income. During the year 2005, Amazon.com registered an increase in sales of about twenty six percent yet at the very same time; it recorded a drop in net income of about thirty six percent. In the year 2007, net sales reached an estimated one hundred and forty three billion dollars; however, this was not seen in increase of profits. Part of the reason for this trend could be that any increases in sales generation are only brought about by more spending on the part of the Company. Consequently, the differences recorded as profit margins will be diminished.
The above reason is also topped up by the fact that the Company has to be registered into a new stock index. Last year, the Company entered the S&P 500 index which means that only three stock analysts rate its stocks as a buy 10 and eight consider the stock a hold and a sell respectively. In that same year, the Company went below its target share price; it came down from forty five dollars to thirty six dollars.
Because of all the negativity surrounding new investments and higher spending, perhaps it is best for Amazon.com to take the introduction of new services slowly. If they had begun shipping of digital media via the internet through high gear, they would have had problems with their stock investors and profit margins. Therefore it is best that they use their current approach.
Levies and taxation for digital media downloads
Tax regulators and State legislators have started eyeing digital downloads as potential sources of revenue. Initially, this market had been ignored by state governments in the US because the market was rather small. But now, the industry has recorded entrance of new players.
Studios in Hollywood recently announced that they will enable the sale of whole movies through the internet via downloads. Besides this, internet companies have registered a whooping 1.1 billion dollar revenue in 2005 through the sale of internet downloads. States within the US have realised that there is a resource here that has not been tapped yet. In the year 2007, free music downloads alone, without the inclusion of video games, movies or books, recorded total sales revenue of over five hundred million dollars.
These are some of the reasons why States have decided to wake up. By the year 2007, around fifteen States in the US had started collecting revenue through internet downloads of digital media. States already doing this normally collect revenue on taxation day or during product delivery. These States have either passed new laws concerning taxation of downloads or they have simply decided to interpret previous laws to apply to the scenario.
Some of the States are that have given proposals regarding this issue include Rhode Island, New Jersey and Vermont. Other States that believe online shoppers should be treated the same way as physical ones include; West Virginia, Utah, South Dakota, New Mexico, Maine, Louisiana, Kentucky, Idaho, Hawaii, Colorado, Arizona and Alabama.
These new introductions have caused a lot of uproar from internet stakeholders. Some of them, have argued that taxation of digital downloads is anti-productive and deters fair competition. Legislators have retaliated by claiming that any type of shopping is the same-whether online or physical. Such legislators have found ways to obtain revenues from internet transactions even when their laws have not clearly defined the issue. For example in the States of Washington and Kentucky, tax agencies and legislators have interpreted their law differently. Their law defines software as any set of instructions that cause a computer to perform certain functions. Such Stages have claimed that this is the very same thing that music does when downloaded from the internet. In this regard, music should therefore be taxed.
Such flexible interpretations have been a cause for concern among members of the internet fraternity. This is because they now realise that any new product launched may be examined by legislators and made taxable thus undercutting their profit margins to a very large extent. The same scenario applies to Amazon.com. The Company could have been deterred from plunging into online shipping of digital media because it realises that there are some regulations which might hinder product success. This is why it is best to first analyse the scenario and then engage in the new business venture after understanding the business environment. (Including taxation laws and regulations)
Other product offerings
Amazon is still busy with other product offers. This implies that it may not have the time and resources to give full attention to the product. For example, The Company is busy coming up with a system that allows free movie downloads merged with DVD sales. The Company has employed the services of some freelance studios from Hollywood to provide them with material for this service. Some of the Studios that Amazon is collaborating with include;
• Image Entertainment
• Ardustry Entertainment
• First Look entertainment
The Company plans on offering this service in a variety of ways, as elaborated by their spokesperson Kristin Mariani. The Company may offer consumers the opportunity to watch a movie for free on the condition that they have already purchased a DVD and are simply waiting for delivery. Alternatively, the Company is also planning on offering free digital movies on condition that the consumer will exchange the credit earned for use in purchase of a DVD.
On top of this, Amazon is also working on introducing a new show to woo its audience. It will be a comedy and they have hired the services of Bill Maher.
All these activities are keeping Amazon very busy, it is a Company that has received acclamation for its innovative nature and therefore must be very busy with these issues. It is therefore very difficult for the Company to put all its efforts into the development of new services, more so at full capacity. Amazon views the delivery of digital media online as a sort of investment for the future. This is a fair assumption.
Existence of pressure to increase revenue from competitors
In the year 2006, internet Company regulators FASB and SEC reported that there is renewed pressure for internet Companies to recognise less conventional routes of generating revenue such as Barter exchange with partners. The regulators reported that some of the reasons for such behaviour could be that most companies require more financing after short periods of time and most of this financing must be external. In addition, internet companies realise that they need more sources of revenue since some of them offer stock options for their employees when required to give them compensation. This is also backed up by the fact that some companies have registered increased interests by individuals in stocks, they therefore nee to back this up with additional revenue.
The survey also found that most of these internet companies have levels of activity consequently causing burn out levels to increase too. This has promoted them to engage in highly aggressive revenue generation through barter exchanges by partners and other alliances. On the other hand, this latter fact could be the very reason that has caused aggressive revenue generation. Some internet companies that intend on forming greater alliances are motivated to use barter systems in their transactions.
Because of competitors are employing such unconventional means, perhaps it is best that Amazon.com first analyses the situation within its industry before jumping straight into a new marketing campaign.
Strategies that the Company can adopt for the launch of its new service; online shipping of digital media
Economic strategy
As the Company initially introduces the service, it could monitor a number of economic factors surrounding the service so that it can assess its success and develop ideas to improve it. Amazon.com can conduct a survey of how well a product is doing by looking at its distribution, production and consumption and then deducing whether this is economically viable. It could utilise economic data to assess the prices of the new venture-online shipping against the backdrop of how much consumers are paying for it.
Besides this, it is also possible for Amazon to analyse how the new product is doing in terms of other parameters. It could carry out a comparison between prices of online shipping and levels of employment or other factors such as; preferences, consumption, preferences, buying, selling and value of money. This will enable the Company to come up with a real picture as to the performance of the new product. This ought to be backed up by some changes. If the current rate of employment, consumption etc is high and this is also reflected on prices of the commodity then it can increase its level of its investment in that area. On the other hand, if the economic indicators of the commodity are very low, then it is best for the Company to keep its level of investment low.
Strategies in marketing
Marketing strategies are the most fundamental components when drawing up business plans. They normally incorporate the identification and maximisation of opportunities that serve the competitive market best. Amazon.com could engage in a series of marketing strategies in the future both during and after the launch of online shipping.
The Company could adopt a strategy that is strictly based on the issue of market dominance. Here, the Company could fall under any one of the following;
• follower
• leader
• challenger
Because online shipping is a relatively new product in the e-commerce market, the Company could ensure that it becomes a leader in the market. This will mean continuously coming up with new innovations in the service so that it can stay ahead of the competition. It could conduct a research of what is currently missing in the system and then act accordingly to fill that gap.
Under marketing, the Company could also incorporate the issue of growth strategies. Here, it could consider increasing the volume or value of product offerings. This can be achieved through the use of either horizontal or vertical integration or through intensification and diversification. With regard to the issue of online shipping of digital media, horizontal integration could be applied through online shipping of all products. Vertical integration as a strategy can mean that online shipping will be applied to new products in the market. Intensification could mean applying online shipping to all or almost all products currently offered by the Company. Most of the time, this could be see as a signature product offered by the Company.
Digital strategy
Perhaps this is the most crucial element that Amazon.com should consider when launching its new product because the most important aspect about Amazon is that it is an internet Company. For other types of Companies that may not consider digital strategies as part of their day to day operations, then this may take up a small part of their resources. But since the digital field is right under Amazon.com's ally, then serious changes should be made here.
First of all, the Company could identify what are consumer's digital needs. It has already done this by realising that there is a need for online shipping. However, it can also create the need in other consumers to increase their market through marketing tools. Secondly, the Company can then develop a vision of how client's needs can be fulfilled. Amazon.com should examine all the necessary resources that will need to be incorporated into the provision of that service.
Amazon.com will have to make sure that they have the support of all the stakeholders in the Company. They can also ensure that they have adequate financial backing to meet this high demand for online shopping. It should make sure that it respects all patent rights and obligations placed upon it. This can be done by collaborating with studio operators in Hollywood, Publishing Companies and video game producers. It should focus on the most important of these groups; music studios. The Company should make sure that it works hand in hand with all the stakeholders involved in digital media. From Music producers, CEOs of Publishing Companies and other patent holders.
Closely linked to this strategy is the technology strategy. Technology strategy involves coming up with a plan that will denote how information technology will be incorporated in all the parts of the organisation. What this normally deals with is all the issues in the information technology department but documents detailing this strategy must be written in language that can be understood by other non-IT members of staff.
In the technology strategy, Amazon could highlight all the strengths and weaknesses in its operations of online shipping. Then it could include the factors that are determining what users are looking for in products or services. This can then be backed up by describing the opportunities available to the Company using Information Technology. Finally, the Company can then address the need for improvements based on threats that may be facing the Company after the launch of the new product.
Pricing and product strategies
Since the Company will be introducing a new product to the market, then it could take advantage of penetration pricing. This is a strategy where the Company first sells a new product in the market at a low price. After consumers have become aware of the product, then it could change this to a higher, more economically viable price. The reason for such an approach is that Amazon.com needs to create large market share for online shipping. After Customers have seen the benefit of the service, then they can increase their prices.
The approach can also be used together with product adoption pricing. Maybe consumers may feel that a sudden increase in price is unfounded. However, this is a factor that can be solved by adding some value to the product. Amazon.com could improve their online shipping by say increasing its speed and this could be adequate justification for the penetration pricing mentioned earlier. They can be able to increase their prices with the confidence that consumers will not be disgruntled.
Adequate communication with its market
Amazon.com already has a system in place that enables it to correspond to consumers. Normally, consumers send emails to the Company and there are usually respondents available to reply the emails. Answers to clients' questions are normally found on their UGA pages. The Company normally takes note of suggestions and if one particular issue raises a lot of concerns from customers, then it is worth noting that that issue should be resolved. What the Company can do is that it could focus on online shipping as an issue of discussion between itself and the clientele. It could ask consumers about the reliability of its online shipping system then it could asses' consumer's responses to the issue. It could also top this up by making all the necessary changes to the system depending on what the customer wants.
Use of e-commerce
Amazon.com could take advantage of the internet to advertise the online shipping programme. It could do this through some of the non conventional methods that it has been using in the past. For example e-mail marketing. This is a good form of investigating the progress of the product through interaction with the client. The Company could also use the process of search engine marketing optimisation. This can be achieved through the use of search engines to determine whether or not the new product offering is heading in the right direction.
E-commerce will provide numerous advantages to Amazon.com. It will enable the Company to save a lot of financial resources in the recruitment of physical sales persons or be part of their sales force. On top of this, the Company will also be able to determine what are the underlying issues behind client's decisions since it can be bale to access information that nay not easily be obtained from other sources of advertising or marketing.
The Company can use e-commerce in the common way. It could display some of the services it offers including online shipping on other Company's websites and of course on their own website. This will go a long way in informing clients about this idea and will therefore increase their market share.
However, there is a limitation to this kind of marketing. Amazon.com has a very large client base that it has to reach. This means that it will need to reach one individual in the shortest time possible and then proceed to the next. However because of the numerous individuals that the web hosts every day, internet connectivity can prove to be quite slow for commercial internet Companies like Amazon. Therefore solely relying on email-marketing alone will not be sufficient as internet speeds are wanting. The Company should instead create a marketing mix that will incorporate all the earlier mentioned aspects.
Improving customer relationships
Amazon.com can make sure that all its consumers' are satisfied through a four stage process. Fist of all, the Company can 'initiate' consumers to the new service of online shipping. What is normally done here is that new customers are welcomed and informed about the new service of online shipping. At this stage, there may be some level of doubt from the consumer. This is then followed by the integration stage. Amazon.com will be managing the quality of online shipping and customers at this stage become less anxious. The third one is called the intelligence phase here Amazon engages in an exchange with the consumer concerning services they would like to see. Lastly, the Company is expected to create value through innovations suggested by the consumer.
Conclusion
Amazon.com has been a pioneer of online shopping in the past despite critism of its business models. It is now considering the launch of a new product; online shipping but has taken its time before fully plunging into the venture. It should incorporate various marketing, economic and digital marketing strategies upon launch of its product. Besides it should take care of the needs of all its stakeholders. This will go a long way in ensuring that the service becomes a success.
Reference
Jeff Bezos (2008): Founder, President, Amazon., Inc. 'Home Page'. www.Amazon.com accessed on Feb 22, 2008.
Flaming, L. and Connor B. (1999), Real-Time internet applications; Linux Journals pp
5-12
Hoffman, D. and Novak, T. (1996): Marketing in Hypermedia Computer-mediated Environments: - Conceptual Foundations: Journal of Marketing, Vol. 60(July), pp 50 - 68
Flanigan, G (1994). Internet Applications New York publications
Parries, M K. and Jeffay, F.D (Dec.2002); the proceedings of the 9th International workshop on internet interface elements
De Kare-Silver, M. (2000): e-Shock 2000. The Electronic Shopping Revolution: Strategies for Retailers and Manufacturers. London: Macmillan Press, p 554-602
Kamm, J.B., Frederick, R.E. and Petri, E.S. (2004): International marketing strategies; a look at E-commerce in Practice, Connecticut. P 88
Chan, H., Lee, R. & Dillon, T., (2001): E-Commerce in Practice; Fundamentals and Applications, England: John Wiley & Sons, LTD. P 120-138
King, D., Lee, J., and Viehland, D. (2004): Electronic Commerce; A Managerial Perspective, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. P 23-69
Kotler, P. (1988): Marketing Management: Analysis Planning and Control, Prentice-Hall p. 90-103
Negroponte, N. (1996): Being Digital. London: Hodder & Stoughton. P. 1109
Minnow, N (1995): Emerging Global Business marketing Oxford: Blackwell Business, p. 120-128
Nielsen, J. (2000): Designing Web Usability. New Riders Publishing, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. P 45-60
Schwartz, E. I. (1997): Webonomics, London. Penguin. p 110-133
Pastore, M. (2001): E-Commerce, Try to Master the Customer Service Thing, Oxford, UK p. 870-889
Richard, K. (2001): International Business Ethics and culture, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc. p 50-61
United Nations (2001); Global impact: corporate leadership in the Online trading. United Nations office, New York, p 56-67
Amazon.com is a Public Company formed ion the year 1994 by CEO and Chairman Jeff Bezos. It began as an online bookstore but later diversified its products to include computer software, DVDS, VHS, CDS, video games, toys, apparels, food and furniture among others. The Company has been a pioneer in the field of e-commerce and its success was marked last year through its high revenue collection; $ 14.84 billion.
Analysis of the market entry strategy for Amazon.com
Amazon.com is looking towards the introduction of online delivery of books, movies and music. But it has used a toe-in-the-water approach. Here are some of the reasons why the Company could have adopted such a standpoint
Lack of enthusiasm from investors
Although the Company has recorded increased sales, this has not translated into net income. During the year 2005, Amazon.com registered an increase in sales of about twenty six percent yet at the very same time; it recorded a drop in net income of about thirty six percent. In the year 2007, net sales reached an estimated one hundred and forty three billion dollars; however, this was not seen in increase of profits. Part of the reason for this trend could be that any increases in sales generation are only brought about by more spending on the part of the Company. Consequently, the differences recorded as profit margins will be diminished.
The above reason is also topped up by the fact that the Company has to be registered into a new stock index. Last year, the Company entered the S&P 500 index which means that only three stock analysts rate its stocks as a buy 10 and eight consider the stock a hold and a sell respectively. In that same year, the Company went below its target share price; it came down from forty five dollars to thirty six dollars.
Because of all the negativity surrounding new investments and higher spending, perhaps it is best for Amazon.com to take the introduction of new services slowly. If they had begun shipping of digital media via the internet through high gear, they would have had problems with their stock investors and profit margins. Therefore it is best that they use their current approach.
Levies and taxation for digital media downloads
Tax regulators and State legislators have started eyeing digital downloads as potential sources of revenue. Initially, this market had been ignored by state governments in the US because the market was rather small. But now, the industry has recorded entrance of new players.
Studios in Hollywood recently announced that they will enable the sale of whole movies through the internet via downloads. Besides this, internet companies have registered a whooping 1.1 billion dollar revenue in 2005 through the sale of internet downloads. States within the US have realised that there is a resource here that has not been tapped yet. In the year 2007, free music downloads alone, without the inclusion of video games, movies or books, recorded total sales revenue of over five hundred million dollars.
These are some of the reasons why States have decided to wake up. By the year 2007, around fifteen States in the US had started collecting revenue through internet downloads of digital media. States already doing this normally collect revenue on taxation day or during product delivery. These States have either passed new laws concerning taxation of downloads or they have simply decided to interpret previous laws to apply to the scenario.
Some of the States are that have given proposals regarding this issue include Rhode Island, New Jersey and Vermont. Other States that believe online shoppers should be treated the same way as physical ones include; West Virginia, Utah, South Dakota, New Mexico, Maine, Louisiana, Kentucky, Idaho, Hawaii, Colorado, Arizona and Alabama.
These new introductions have caused a lot of uproar from internet stakeholders. Some of them, have argued that taxation of digital downloads is anti-productive and deters fair competition. Legislators have retaliated by claiming that any type of shopping is the same-whether online or physical. Such legislators have found ways to obtain revenues from internet transactions even when their laws have not clearly defined the issue. For example in the States of Washington and Kentucky, tax agencies and legislators have interpreted their law differently. Their law defines software as any set of instructions that cause a computer to perform certain functions. Such Stages have claimed that this is the very same thing that music does when downloaded from the internet. In this regard, music should therefore be taxed.
Such flexible interpretations have been a cause for concern among members of the internet fraternity. This is because they now realise that any new product launched may be examined by legislators and made taxable thus undercutting their profit margins to a very large extent. The same scenario applies to Amazon.com. The Company could have been deterred from plunging into online shipping of digital media because it realises that there are some regulations which might hinder product success. This is why it is best to first analyse the scenario and then engage in the new business venture after understanding the business environment. (Including taxation laws and regulations)
Other product offerings
Amazon is still busy with other product offers. This implies that it may not have the time and resources to give full attention to the product. For example, The Company is busy coming up with a system that allows free movie downloads merged with DVD sales. The Company has employed the services of some freelance studios from Hollywood to provide them with material for this service. Some of the Studios that Amazon is collaborating with include;
• Image Entertainment
• Ardustry Entertainment
• First Look entertainment
The Company plans on offering this service in a variety of ways, as elaborated by their spokesperson Kristin Mariani. The Company may offer consumers the opportunity to watch a movie for free on the condition that they have already purchased a DVD and are simply waiting for delivery. Alternatively, the Company is also planning on offering free digital movies on condition that the consumer will exchange the credit earned for use in purchase of a DVD.
On top of this, Amazon is also working on introducing a new show to woo its audience. It will be a comedy and they have hired the services of Bill Maher.
All these activities are keeping Amazon very busy, it is a Company that has received acclamation for its innovative nature and therefore must be very busy with these issues. It is therefore very difficult for the Company to put all its efforts into the development of new services, more so at full capacity. Amazon views the delivery of digital media online as a sort of investment for the future. This is a fair assumption.
Existence of pressure to increase revenue from competitors
In the year 2006, internet Company regulators FASB and SEC reported that there is renewed pressure for internet Companies to recognise less conventional routes of generating revenue such as Barter exchange with partners. The regulators reported that some of the reasons for such behaviour could be that most companies require more financing after short periods of time and most of this financing must be external. In addition, internet companies realise that they need more sources of revenue since some of them offer stock options for their employees when required to give them compensation. This is also backed up by the fact that some companies have registered increased interests by individuals in stocks, they therefore nee to back this up with additional revenue.
The survey also found that most of these internet companies have levels of activity consequently causing burn out levels to increase too. This has promoted them to engage in highly aggressive revenue generation through barter exchanges by partners and other alliances. On the other hand, this latter fact could be the very reason that has caused aggressive revenue generation. Some internet companies that intend on forming greater alliances are motivated to use barter systems in their transactions.
Because of competitors are employing such unconventional means, perhaps it is best that Amazon.com first analyses the situation within its industry before jumping straight into a new marketing campaign.
Strategies that the Company can adopt for the launch of its new service; online shipping of digital media
Economic strategy
As the Company initially introduces the service, it could monitor a number of economic factors surrounding the service so that it can assess its success and develop ideas to improve it. Amazon.com can conduct a survey of how well a product is doing by looking at its distribution, production and consumption and then deducing whether this is economically viable. It could utilise economic data to assess the prices of the new venture-online shipping against the backdrop of how much consumers are paying for it.
Besides this, it is also possible for Amazon to analyse how the new product is doing in terms of other parameters. It could carry out a comparison between prices of online shipping and levels of employment or other factors such as; preferences, consumption, preferences, buying, selling and value of money. This will enable the Company to come up with a real picture as to the performance of the new product. This ought to be backed up by some changes. If the current rate of employment, consumption etc is high and this is also reflected on prices of the commodity then it can increase its level of its investment in that area. On the other hand, if the economic indicators of the commodity are very low, then it is best for the Company to keep its level of investment low.
Strategies in marketing
Marketing strategies are the most fundamental components when drawing up business plans. They normally incorporate the identification and maximisation of opportunities that serve the competitive market best. Amazon.com could engage in a series of marketing strategies in the future both during and after the launch of online shipping.
The Company could adopt a strategy that is strictly based on the issue of market dominance. Here, the Company could fall under any one of the following;
• follower
• leader
• challenger
Because online shipping is a relatively new product in the e-commerce market, the Company could ensure that it becomes a leader in the market. This will mean continuously coming up with new innovations in the service so that it can stay ahead of the competition. It could conduct a research of what is currently missing in the system and then act accordingly to fill that gap.
Under marketing, the Company could also incorporate the issue of growth strategies. Here, it could consider increasing the volume or value of product offerings. This can be achieved through the use of either horizontal or vertical integration or through intensification and diversification. With regard to the issue of online shipping of digital media, horizontal integration could be applied through online shipping of all products. Vertical integration as a strategy can mean that online shipping will be applied to new products in the market. Intensification could mean applying online shipping to all or almost all products currently offered by the Company. Most of the time, this could be see as a signature product offered by the Company.
Digital strategy
Perhaps this is the most crucial element that Amazon.com should consider when launching its new product because the most important aspect about Amazon is that it is an internet Company. For other types of Companies that may not consider digital strategies as part of their day to day operations, then this may take up a small part of their resources. But since the digital field is right under Amazon.com's ally, then serious changes should be made here.
First of all, the Company could identify what are consumer's digital needs. It has already done this by realising that there is a need for online shipping. However, it can also create the need in other consumers to increase their market through marketing tools. Secondly, the Company can then develop a vision of how client's needs can be fulfilled. Amazon.com should examine all the necessary resources that will need to be incorporated into the provision of that service.
Amazon.com will have to make sure that they have the support of all the stakeholders in the Company. They can also ensure that they have adequate financial backing to meet this high demand for online shopping. It should make sure that it respects all patent rights and obligations placed upon it. This can be done by collaborating with studio operators in Hollywood, Publishing Companies and video game producers. It should focus on the most important of these groups; music studios. The Company should make sure that it works hand in hand with all the stakeholders involved in digital media. From Music producers, CEOs of Publishing Companies and other patent holders.
Closely linked to this strategy is the technology strategy. Technology strategy involves coming up with a plan that will denote how information technology will be incorporated in all the parts of the organisation. What this normally deals with is all the issues in the information technology department but documents detailing this strategy must be written in language that can be understood by other non-IT members of staff.
In the technology strategy, Amazon could highlight all the strengths and weaknesses in its operations of online shipping. Then it could include the factors that are determining what users are looking for in products or services. This can then be backed up by describing the opportunities available to the Company using Information Technology. Finally, the Company can then address the need for improvements based on threats that may be facing the Company after the launch of the new product.
Pricing and product strategies
Since the Company will be introducing a new product to the market, then it could take advantage of penetration pricing. This is a strategy where the Company first sells a new product in the market at a low price. After consumers have become aware of the product, then it could change this to a higher, more economically viable price. The reason for such an approach is that Amazon.com needs to create large market share for online shipping. After Customers have seen the benefit of the service, then they can increase their prices.
The approach can also be used together with product adoption pricing. Maybe consumers may feel that a sudden increase in price is unfounded. However, this is a factor that can be solved by adding some value to the product. Amazon.com could improve their online shipping by say increasing its speed and this could be adequate justification for the penetration pricing mentioned earlier. They can be able to increase their prices with the confidence that consumers will not be disgruntled.
Adequate communication with its market
Amazon.com already has a system in place that enables it to correspond to consumers. Normally, consumers send emails to the Company and there are usually respondents available to reply the emails. Answers to clients' questions are normally found on their UGA pages. The Company normally takes note of suggestions and if one particular issue raises a lot of concerns from customers, then it is worth noting that that issue should be resolved. What the Company can do is that it could focus on online shipping as an issue of discussion between itself and the clientele. It could ask consumers about the reliability of its online shipping system then it could asses' consumer's responses to the issue. It could also top this up by making all the necessary changes to the system depending on what the customer wants.
Use of e-commerce
Amazon.com could take advantage of the internet to advertise the online shipping programme. It could do this through some of the non conventional methods that it has been using in the past. For example e-mail marketing. This is a good form of investigating the progress of the product through interaction with the client. The Company could also use the process of search engine marketing optimisation. This can be achieved through the use of search engines to determine whether or not the new product offering is heading in the right direction.
E-commerce will provide numerous advantages to Amazon.com. It will enable the Company to save a lot of financial resources in the recruitment of physical sales persons or be part of their sales force. On top of this, the Company will also be able to determine what are the underlying issues behind client's decisions since it can be bale to access information that nay not easily be obtained from other sources of advertising or marketing.
The Company can use e-commerce in the common way. It could display some of the services it offers including online shipping on other Company's websites and of course on their own website. This will go a long way in informing clients about this idea and will therefore increase their market share.
However, there is a limitation to this kind of marketing. Amazon.com has a very large client base that it has to reach. This means that it will need to reach one individual in the shortest time possible and then proceed to the next. However because of the numerous individuals that the web hosts every day, internet connectivity can prove to be quite slow for commercial internet Companies like Amazon. Therefore solely relying on email-marketing alone will not be sufficient as internet speeds are wanting. The Company should instead create a marketing mix that will incorporate all the earlier mentioned aspects.
Improving customer relationships
Amazon.com can make sure that all its consumers' are satisfied through a four stage process. Fist of all, the Company can 'initiate' consumers to the new service of online shipping. What is normally done here is that new customers are welcomed and informed about the new service of online shipping. At this stage, there may be some level of doubt from the consumer. This is then followed by the integration stage. Amazon.com will be managing the quality of online shipping and customers at this stage become less anxious. The third one is called the intelligence phase here Amazon engages in an exchange with the consumer concerning services they would like to see. Lastly, the Company is expected to create value through innovations suggested by the consumer.
Conclusion
Amazon.com has been a pioneer of online shopping in the past despite critism of its business models. It is now considering the launch of a new product; online shipping but has taken its time before fully plunging into the venture. It should incorporate various marketing, economic and digital marketing strategies upon launch of its product. Besides it should take care of the needs of all its stakeholders. This will go a long way in ensuring that the service becomes a success.
Reference
Jeff Bezos (2008): Founder, President, Amazon., Inc. 'Home Page'. www.Amazon.com accessed on Feb 22, 2008.
Flaming, L. and Connor B. (1999), Real-Time internet applications; Linux Journals pp
5-12
Hoffman, D. and Novak, T. (1996): Marketing in Hypermedia Computer-mediated Environments: - Conceptual Foundations: Journal of Marketing, Vol. 60(July), pp 50 - 68
Flanigan, G (1994). Internet Applications New York publications
Parries, M K. and Jeffay, F.D (Dec.2002); the proceedings of the 9th International workshop on internet interface elements
De Kare-Silver, M. (2000): e-Shock 2000. The Electronic Shopping Revolution: Strategies for Retailers and Manufacturers. London: Macmillan Press, p 554-602
Kamm, J.B., Frederick, R.E. and Petri, E.S. (2004): International marketing strategies; a look at E-commerce in Practice, Connecticut. P 88
Chan, H., Lee, R. & Dillon, T., (2001): E-Commerce in Practice; Fundamentals and Applications, England: John Wiley & Sons, LTD. P 120-138
King, D., Lee, J., and Viehland, D. (2004): Electronic Commerce; A Managerial Perspective, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. P 23-69
Kotler, P. (1988): Marketing Management: Analysis Planning and Control, Prentice-Hall p. 90-103
Negroponte, N. (1996): Being Digital. London: Hodder & Stoughton. P. 1109
Minnow, N (1995): Emerging Global Business marketing Oxford: Blackwell Business, p. 120-128
Nielsen, J. (2000): Designing Web Usability. New Riders Publishing, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. P 45-60
Schwartz, E. I. (1997): Webonomics, London. Penguin. p 110-133
Pastore, M. (2001): E-Commerce, Try to Master the Customer Service Thing, Oxford, UK p. 870-889
Richard, K. (2001): International Business Ethics and culture, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc. p 50-61
United Nations (2001); Global impact: corporate leadership in the Online trading. United Nations office, New York, p 56-67
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