Truth To Wealth Blog

Treating Internet Marketing Like An Employee

2008-09-05T13:39:00.001-04:00

By Ken Cobb

There are many reasons businesses spend a lot of money on internet marketing but the most common reason is that they think they have to. For most businesses, especially those with an online presence, marketing their name and message online is actually a necessity. For those businesses that conduct no business online, network marketing can still provide a boost in their business.

As in most things in life, success through internet marketing is determined by the effort that goes into it. With some forms of marketing online it will cost money, sometimes some serious money to move you up in the search engine rankings, but there are many other ways a business can get a foothold online without putting themselves and their business in hock up to their eyeballs. It just requires some creative thinking and once a decision has been, it requires action.

The first thing any business owner will need to do is take an objective look at their internet presence and determine exactly what they expect to accomplish. In order to get your internet site to work for you, it needs a job description. Like any other employee in an organization the website needs to have a definite purpose and a way to measure its performance. The business owner can provide all the tools it needs to accomplish its job and offer encouragement along the way to help boost its performance.

Even if the website seems to be slipping in getting its job done by a set deadline, the owner may be able to offer it some help to get it back on track. However, the first step has to be defining what it is that is expected from the website.

If the website is in charge of internet sales, walk through your website like a customer. See if all of the ingredients are present. Using the "5 Rights" of the internet customer persuasion, see if you have the right merchandise, during the right time of year, being sold at the right price, with the right information about the product prominently displayed and the right security to make people trust doing business on your site.

A good test of your website is to enter it like a customer and make a purchase. If anything along the way slows the process down, or makes it difficult to find any piece of information, the website will require a little encouragement to get it right. If the business owner is also the web designer, have a friend or another employee attempt the purchase and do not look at it as though they are an idiot if there is a problem. Chances are, potential customers will have the same problem and you may never know they were there. If there is a problem, fix it.

If your website marketing is simply to gather leads for offline contact and sales, it should be very easy for visitors to enter contact information. Provided the website offers them enough of an incentive to do so, keep it simple. Only collect the information that is absolutely critical for the follow-up contact. If you ask too much, making everything on the list a mandatory entry, visitors may think it is a survey and leave quickly.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

To Reach Business Success You Must Begin With A Marketing Plan

2008-08-29T21:24:00.001-04:00

By Ken Cobb

If you want to begin on the right path towards business success you have to have a game plan set in to place. A key part of your over all idea for where you want to take your business should involve a well thought out marketing plan. There are key areas within your marketing plan that will help you to know how to reach your target audience, how you will advertise and what amount of your budget will be required to do so.

Planning Importance
Your main goal within your marketing plan is basically to promote your products or services in the most effective manner within your current budget. This plan will allow you to understand what methods you will use to draw and obtain customers while doing so on a modest budget. Choosing methods that are the most effective will allow you to reach your target audience as planned.

Marketing methods
There are numerous methods to use when advertising your business. Each choice often varies due to cost. Some of these well-used methods include the yellow pages, brochures or flyers, direct mailing and display advertisements in the local newspaper. These methods are often put in place to draw attention to your targeted audience. Other useful methods include tradeshows and sales calls, which can be effective in general.

Keeping Track
When you are building your marketing plan you will want to list your marketing strategies. This allows you to keep focus on where to research and to keep track of current activity through previous methods. You will want to list whether or not you have plans for a website and what actions you will take to assist customers in finding your site.

Last Resort Method
Telemarketing and or cold call prospects are often uncomfortable and not often ending with a positive result. Telemarketing is a last result form of marketing and she be used as such. Instead of focusing on this choice look for free advertising ideas. Are there connections in which you can promote your business or service for free or at a minimum fee? You can look into press releases from your local newspaper. A new local business is often offered one free press release at the start of the business. You can also look into advertising in a trade customer’s magazine.

Pricey Yet Effective
Radio, television and web marketing can be effective but costly. Radio and television are the pricier methods and they are short and to the point. You would have a greater chance in advertising online through ezines, banner ads or pay-per-click ads that are effective and affordable. You may also want to look into organizations or clubs in which you can network and promote your business. You will also want to research online newsgroups for this same opportunity.

With the wide range of marketing opportunities any business with any budget can begin to spread words about its business and bring in customers to build this business from something new and small to a lasting financial success.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Tips for Staying Healthy for the Busy Entrepreneur

2008-08-21T22:10:00.000-04:00

By Ken Cobb

If you consider the fact that websites speaking about the necessity to stay healthy are legion on the Internet, and you furthermore investigate and find that many of them are addressing quite specifically small home based business owners, you will most likely realize that there is a pressing need for the busy entrepreneur to take better care of her or his health. Consider the fact that a business person well versed in the intricacies of online marketing and multi level marketing networks may still be just a layperson who does not have the time to weed through a plethora of health related information and thus requires quick, accurate, and concise information.

Here are some tips for staying healthy for the busy entrepreneur who recognizes that getting sick is not in the budget:

* Utilize the readily available resources which provide accurate information on a plethora of medical issues without lapsing into jargon. If the website features text and articles written for those without medical training, the odds are good that you will understand the nuances and intricacies much better than if you have to reread several sentences of paragraphs just in order to make sense of them.

* Find a reliable website and make it your starting point for health related research. Sure, everyone knows that going to a physician is a vital aspect of a healthy lifestyle, but if you are honest with yourself you know that some situations do not need medical care as much as they need lifestyle modification lest the condition becomes a health issue, and this is where the Internet can be tremendously helpful!

* Get a good grip on information related to alternative medicine, dieting and healthy lifestyle choices, nutritional supplements, and exercise regimens for those with desk jobs, fitness tips for the entrepreneur on the go, and also self help for the worrywart or anxiety driven type “A” personality.

* Be open to the ideas of yoga, aromatherapy but also hypnotherapy if you find that you have developed a smoking habit you cannot kick. Ignoring it will not make it go away!

* Remain up to date on your immunizations and consider the yearly advice to get a flu shot not just as a suggestion but instead a call for immediate action!

* Know the signs to look out for when a stress related condition is transcending into a full fledged illness that requires medical attention immediately.

* Follow your doctor’s orders to the letter. Ignoring health advice may save you a few minutes here or there, but in the long run it may force you to cut back severely on your work habits and may actually cause you to lose your business rather than keeping it.

As you can see, tips for staying healthy for the busy entrepreneur abound, but it is up to you to decide to follow the advice given. No business is worth losing your life or health over, and if you consider that you most likely are in business for yourself to spend more time with your family and friends, taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance!

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Training New Network Marketing Recruits

2008-08-15T12:49:00.001-04:00

By Ken Cobb

When you want to train new recruits in order to earn additional commissions each month, you should make sure you are training them correctly so they will be profitable, but also feel like a member of the team. In order to do this, practicing sound business methods is important. This means creating easy training sessions online or over the phone that will teach new recruits what they need to know in order to be successful. Trying to sell them products in the process or encouraging them to sell to their family and friends is not recommended as it will cause many people to find another way to earn money online.

In addition to creating training materials, you should also help new recruits by offering advice, getting them as involved in the company as possible so they will feel like they are part of the company rather than only feeling they were recruited to earn money. While you will benefit from the people you recruit, you should not treat them like 'cash cows'. Instead, treat them like co-workers who are helping the company grow and expand so everyone can earn money each month. This will allow you to get the most each month in commissions.

Once you have established a relationship with recruits, you should maintain contact to see how they are performing. If they need a little help or advice, then you should give it to them. This will help you become more profitable in the end. When you help others, you are also helping yourself. For many recruits, learning new skills on the Internet can be difficult, especially if they have not used the computer for advertising purposes before. In order for MLM's to be successful, you need to help everyone you recruit so each person can become more profitable.

For many years, MLM home businesses have been considered dangerous or fraudulent in part because of the pressure placed on recruits. By treating them like they are less than worthy to work for your company, you will end up losing money in the long run. Giving recruits respect and teaching them how to use the Internet to make money can only benefit you and everyone else involved in the business. Many companies now have these programs and monitor them carefully so it will be profitable. If you belong to a few programs that also offers recruitment commissions, find out how recruits are treated before agreeing to find recruits.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Tips to Secure a Home Based Internet Marketing Business

2008-08-08T11:00:00.001-04:00

By Ken Cobb

When the notion occurs to you that you want to start working from the home, giving yourself more time with your family and less time at a corporate office, there are going to be several things that will probably run through your head. If they don’t occur to you, they should. First off, you should make sure you find a way to make money that is worth your time and investment. You’ll also want to make sure this new business of yours is on the up and up, so to speak, as you don’t want to run into legal troubles down the line. You’ll also want to make sure that the path you head down will actually make you enough money to sustain your lifestyle. And finally, you’ll want to make sure your home based internet marketing business is not going to suck up all of that extra family time you wanted in the first place.

First of all, making sure your business is legitimate and legal, not to mention safe. If you’re going to work for someone else, this is of paramount importance. Take the time to do a little research on the company you plan to work for. Are there positive postings about the company in work-at-home message boards? If the company has a decent reputation, there should be. Go to Google and put the company’s name into the search bar. Run a search and see if anything out of the ordinary comes up. Any angry ex-employees complaining about how they got ripped off? While this might be no more than sour grapes, it wouldn’t hurt to investigate further. Make sure, most of all, that you know what you’re getting into.

A major thing you’ll want to do when entering into a home based internet marketing business is to protect your sensitive information. Unless the company you’re going to work for has a sterling reputation that you feel you can bank on, be very cautious before handing over your social security number or any other sensitive numbers or pieces of information. In the wrong hands, this kind of info can lead to identity theft and the emptying of your bank account. Since you’re getting into a home based internet marketing business to make money, not lose it, you’ll want to be especially careful and tread lightly when it comes to your personal information.

Consider the issue of whether or not you’ll be making enough money. Often, this cannot be decided upfront. You should plan to work two jobs for at least six months or so, until you see where it’s heading. You could start making twice the amount you were making at your old job tomorrow, only to have the entire business plan fall through in three months, leaving you broke and jobless. Keep the office job until you are confident that the home based internet marketing job is going to be able to keep you in the lifestyle to which you have become accustomed. There’s nothing wrong with scrimping and pinching for a little while, but before long this way of life can become a soul killer, and you don’t want to find yourself in a bad financial position just for the luxury of working from home.

Finally, consider the amount of time you’ll need to invest in your home based internet marketing business to make it a success. Will it require more hours than your office job ever did? Quite possibly. Make sure you strike a balance with life and work that doesn’t allow your home based job to take the other over. Only then will you find true success.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Three Tips for Finding Viable Online and Home Business Resources

2008-08-01T22:31:00.000-04:00

By Ken Cobb

Finding resources to assist in establishing a new online or home business can be both frustrating and challenging, depending on the field, the business’ particular objective and the business owner’s degree of knowledge and level of research experience.

The types of resources for home businesses are crucial for the kind of success a business owner seeks. This is a why it is important for a business objective to be established at the onset of any venture. Why are business resources crucial? The answers are simple: (1) They offer business owners a variety of means (i.e. financial, creative, technological, administrative, etc.) through which a business can grow and direct itself,(2) provide an ongoing array of networking contacts, (3) educate said business owners as to the legal rights and authoritative powers they have, and (4) inform said business owners as to the certain rules, procedures and processes involved in online home businesses and the extent to which they work. Home business strategies are directly tied in with these resources in that the latter are sought and selected in accordance to the strategies intended to be employed later on in the venture. Those home business owners using forethought know exactly those resources for which s/he should search to achieve her or his goals.

Three tips are offered below for finding viable online and home business resources:

* SEO Searches – Just like those who will seek out and find the business websites, the business owner can conduct similar searches to find what is available in a chosen field. This includes competitors; legal agencies; web designers and their supplies; Internet marketing merchandising applications; options, sources and downloads for advertising online; loans for home business; affiliate marketing alternatives, including affiliate programs; and further online and home business strategies.

* Library References – Today’s libraries have whole sections dedicated to growing technology and what that technology’s capabilities are. This includes the Internet. Although nothing teaches as well as hands-on experience, books and articles offer a basis of insight by experts in the field. These printed sources provide delineated concepts in both business and technology that can be applied to computer and online use. Examples include “how-to” samples, the “dos” and ‘don’ts” of starting an online business, and case studies of failures and successes.

* Business Software – Yes, this will cost a little bit of money, but it is worth every penny. A variety of software programs in business issues, technology applications and Internet communications exists to instill basic knowledge in the minds of the newcomers. As a matter of fact, specific programs in initiating and conducting business practice through technology are available for just this kind of situation.

There are many different types of resources on which business owners can draw for support and business development. The good thing is that such a supply of resources is so ample that the possibilities are virtually endless. This means that the possibilities for one’s new business are virtually endless as well. Finding viable resources is easy once a serious entrepreneur knows where to look.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Tips for Quickly Establishing Home and Online Businesses in the Internet Community

2008-07-25T09:01:00.003-04:00

By Ken Cobb

There are many things home business owners should know when establishing a business on the Internet, especially newcomers who are very unfamiliar with the online business game, which is both easy and difficult, depending on one’s state-of-mind, degree of preparedness and particular approach. For most, the start of a business comes down to devising a plan and object for the business, developing a marketing strategy, determining the primary costs that have to be met and the budget to cover them, and designing a basic but thorough website blueprint (in tree formation).

Resources for home businesses, such as home business loans and field contacts, allow business owners the breadth of space to spreading their wings and being creative, along with drawing on additional options for merchandising possibilities and advertising. Online businesses with a unique angle can grow and expand through ongoing exposure and constantly expanding capabilities. Gradual progression, however, is always the wisest move to take when building a business, as moving too fast can cause serious, sometime irreversible, damage to said business. Newcomers must know how to proceed from one point to the next.

Below are some online and home business tips for those searching for some insight regarding Internet marketing, affiliate programs and SEO marketing:

* Acknowledge strangers with sites in the same field – One way of gaining friends in the field and establishing a working—and growing—network of contacts is to acknowledge others on one’s business site, even if they haven’t reciprocated. Other entrepreneurs managing similar online businesses will take notice and either initiate contact and/or eventually reciprocate by adding one’s link to their site. By being “neighborly,” new business owners gain a positive and likable reputation with other businesses, and that always helps.

* Feedback forums – Newcomers to the online business world should add a feedback forum as soon as possible. This holds several advantages. First, it shows right off the the business owner values customer voices by providing means for them to speak up. Surfers usually get a positive Impression from this, as potential customers look for the entrepreneurs who actually care about the customers and their needs. Secondly, by requesting feedback on how to improve, newcomers can gain valuable insight that can lead them in the right direction of growth. All home business strategies strive for this latter objective, as success is every business’ ultimate goal. The sooner a new online business owner reaches this goal, the better. This will solidify a strong, positive image for the business.

* Join affiliate programs as soon as the online business is launched – newcomers can benefit from getting into the mix immediately. This is networking. The sooner they make themselves known and learn about others on their field, the better their business will fair. Even more, affiliated marketing gets the business and its objective out in the community where it will continue to circulate and draw traffic, which, in turn, accumulate “hits” that will cause the business website to be automatically recognized by search engines.

The sooner new business owners begin their Internet marketing and advertising online the more beneficial their respective businesses will be. The early bird catches the worm!

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

The Wrong Affiliates Can Sully Your Reputation

2008-07-18T15:03:00.000-04:00

By Ken Cobb

Affiliate marketing is an easy, effective method of increasing sales for an online business and if the right affiliated companies are chosen, can provide sustainable income without the site owner having to do a lot of extra work. Affiliate marketing is simple in its concept, in that a website can post advertisements from other companies and receive a commission on sales from that company, if one of their visitors makes a purchase.

There is an old saying that says if you lie down with dogs, you will probably get fleas and it also applies to who you associate with in your business dealings. Having just one affiliated company that develops a bad reputation can ruin any positives your site has developed over time. In business, it has been said that a person that has a good experience will tell three others, but a person that has a bad experience will tell a dozen of the friends. Of course, those 12 friends will inform six to eight others, and so on, leaving a trail of negatives from one bad experience.

For website owners, an attitude of hey, they only advertise on my site, there is nothing this site can do to help, is not going to create any good will among your customers. While it is true, the affiliated site's customer service is completely out of your hands, you need to do something to let your site's visitors know that you care about their experience with your company.

Many reputable websites that host numerous affiliate accounts will offer their visitors a means of sending feedback about their experience with their affiliates. When a customer complains, and has received no satisfaction from the company, the site owner does have a means of contacting the affiliate coordinator for the company to attempt a resolution on behalf of the customer. While it is true they have no real power, if enough websites see no attempts by the company to resolve customer disputes, and enough complaints are submitted to the affiliate hosting site, they will lost that capability.

Your visitors will also know that while you have no control, you at least tried to help them and now that business is not longer a part of your offerings. A half-good reputation beats a bad one in any business. Additionally, it can help put a lot of bad companies out of business before they can aggravate more people.

You have to always remember that it is your website and your efforts to attract visitors to your site that had them go to the affiliates you host. Once word gets out that the businesses you are affiliated with do not care about the customer and are only interested in ripping people off, it will not take long for your traffic to fall.

Keep tabs on the companies you host and make sure you deal only with reputable companies. This will not only insure your customers have a good experience, but also that your reputation stays in tact. Additionally, if the business is not treating their customers honestly, there's a good chance you will not be paid your due commissions as well.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Thoughts on MLM Networks

2008-07-11T12:28:00.000-04:00

By Ken Cobb

The majority of all the multi level marketing sites on-line declare that they are the best in their field. They claim to be widely successful and have been since they started doing business. These sites are each filled with praises from former clients or celebrities, charts, graphs and financial information. A lot of this information is bogus. Also, there are scam artists who have MLM sites that are just waiting to turn your hard work, commitment and inexperience into their profit. It is very unfortunate that these types of businesses are just waiting to take advantage of others.

The good news is that there really are multi level marketing opportunities that are tried and proven to work. The components of a superior level MLM opportunity are easily recognizable. You can learn to recognize the frauds, the unsuccessful and amateurish businesses. By recognizing certain signs you will be able to use your time, talents, money and energy to work making profits for yourself.

A background check into a multi level marketing company will help you recognize a superior network. A company that is just starting up may not have the background information that other companies may have. This can work in your favor, however. Getting in on the ground floor is a good thing on a legitimate multi level marketing business. By being on the bottom of a new, fast growing multi level network you can make unbelievable profits. The background of an established company should be free of scandals and negative publicity. Extensive research into a company’s background will turn up any negative happenings. These negative items could be shady financial dealings that keep cropping up, deceptive business practices, that could be real or not, and rumors. You could also find claims that have been settled out of court or claims of up line or down line structuring. Any of these types of shadows on a company’s background should be a red flag to you.

Another superior component to consider in choosing a multi level network is the product. Just as you researched the company’s background you need to research their product. It is a good idea for you to try out the product. Is this a product that you could honestly promote? Could you sell enough over a significant period of time to make a decent profit? If you are selling make up but it causes red blotches on your face, do you really want to endorse it? It is a good idea to try to find a product that is different from others. You don’t want to try to promote a product that has a great deal of competition.

A good training program is another essential component of a superior multi level marketing business. The training program should help you achieve success and give you the tools to do so. A lack of either of these essentials should make you wonder if the company has your best interest at heart. It is only possible to succeed with out proper training if you are highly self motivated.

Multi level marketing networks that have problems in their backgrounds, have a poorly styled product or have a poor training system is one that you will want to stay away from. Research, testing and believing in your product can lead you to a successful run in the MLM network.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Tips for Starting Your Own Home Business

2008-07-04T12:31:00.000-04:00

By Ken Cobb

If you've decided that you want to work from home and run your own business, you are in good company. Each year, thousands of people leave their jobs in order to be their own boss, set their own hours, and build a successful business. If you have a family, or you just don't want to work for anyone else anymore, there are many opportunities for you to find online that will provide you with the means to earn a living and create a better life for yourself. Depending on your skills, there are a variety of careers waiting for you online.

Some of the most common online jobs you will find include freelance positions. These are jobs that allow you to work for a variety of people instead of one company. You will most likely be responsible for finding work, maintaining financial records, billing, and other paperwork, but if you want to be the boss, there is no better way to do this than by taking responsibility for every aspect of the business. Freelance positions include writing, website design, administrative, clerical, medical transcription, graphic design, consulting, and other positions. These jobs give you the freedom to work when you want and for how long each day.

Depending on your skills, prior jobs, and the number of contacts you have, you should be able to start your own business without too many startup costs. Many times, all you will need is a computer, printer, fax machine, and a phone line. Once you build a client base, you will not need to market your business as much. If you want to work part-time, then having two or three clients is all you will need. Because freelance work can be feast or famine depending on the time of year, you should put some money away so you will be able to pay bills and other expenses while finding new clients or while waiting for additional work.

If you don’t want to freelance, but you still want to run your own business online, you can also sells products that you create or products from other companies. Affiliate marketing is online marketing that is used to generate interest from different groups. For each sale that you make, you will earn a commission. Most people are able to increase their commissions without having to spend too much time learning about the ins and outs of online marketing. If you enjoy spending time online, then you will enjoy this opportunity.

You can also sell items through online auction sites. This job will also include packing and shipping items to those who win the bid. You will have to keep careful business records and payment records in order to run a successful business. But if you are looking for part-time work, this may be the home business for you. Additional equipment you will need is a digital camera so you can post pictures of the items you are selling and a metered stamp machine so you don't have to purchase a thousand stamps or haul packages to the post office each day to have them shipped. This business is also a good idea when you want to work with your spouse or friends.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Time Management Tips for the Fledgling Entrepreneur

2008-06-26T23:09:00.001-04:00

By Ken Cobb

While working from home is a dream-come-true, the very act of working from home may turn it into a nightmare before long. Interestingly, it is not the lack of clients, income, or other external pressures that may sour the experience for you, but more likely than not it is your own setup, or more truly your time management or lack thereof. Much has been written about time management in general, but time management tips for the fledgling entrepreneur are not as often considered.

Consider for example the need to schedule your daily tasks. This includes the house work, the commitments made to others, and also the work you must get done for the business. If you fail to schedule your entire day, you may find yourself cleaning the house until the banisters gleams in the afternoon sunshine, while in the meantime your business has sat idle and you are now required to burn the midnight oil just to get partially caught up. Allocating two hours of housework to take care of the most pressing tasks prior to delving into your business chores may be a good way of assuaging your conscience in this area; similarly, leaving some of the work for the evening or the next day, or simply to hand over to another family member is a good idea as well.

Have an objective for your day. Know the things you must accomplish, understand the things you would like to accomplish, and also note the tasks that you need to get around to at some point. A deadline must be met, but the load of laundry that is beckoning from the bedroom might be ok to sit for another day, while the weeding in the yard will not cause any problems if you leave it for the weekend. Similarly, if you have personal obligations you must meet, be sure to incorporate them into your daily schedule rather than trying to squeeze them in. Allowing enough time for each and every task is the key element of the successful entrepreneur who is not suffering from road rage or seems to live with a cell phone pressed to the ear.

Do not over commit yourself. When it comes to time management tips for the fledgling entrepreneur, this is one item that is most often disregarded. With the freedom of working from home comes a bit of guilt which the individual most often will seek to assuage by taking in more tasks than can be realistically completed in the time allotted. Similarly, a bit of guilt will most likely to say yes to friends and family in need of favors, when your business actually demand that you say no. Keeping a realistic calendar is vital and if you have the ability to shuffle tasks around, go for it, but if it will upset you entire plan for the week, do not fall into the trap of penciling it in and then trying to somehow make it happen. This leads to missed deadlines, forgotten appointments, speeding tickets, stress, business meetings which are way too short to accomplish all that needs to be covered, and also the frustration that goes along will being on the run all day and then having nothing in the evening to show for the effort.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Things You Need To Own When Starting an Internet Home Based Business

2008-06-13T23:00:00.000-04:00

By Ken Cobb

The prospect of starting your own internet home based business can be a daunting one. While the rewards of such a business can be plentiful, they can be difficult to get if you don’t go into your work with all of the preparations necessary for success. While this can mean having a secure and direct business plan, being able to mold your schedule around the work your new business will take, and having some capital to get things rolling in the beginning, there are some more practical considerations to pay attention to as well. There are some things a home business entrepreneur should not be without. Here are a few of those things, and how they can help you in your quest to make your internet home based business the best it can be.

The first thing you’ll want to make sure you have before embarking on your journey is an updated and fairly new computer. You may find yourself struggling to keep up with the demands of today’s internet world if you’re still running Windows 95 on an old computer. There are too many important software programs, internet based applications, and broadband necessities to have such out of date hardware. Getting a new computer can be pricey, but the difference it can make in your ability to do business can more the make up for the cost. Even if you have a new computer, make sure you check for updates and upgrades whenever possible. These updates will help you stay on the cutting edge.

Another thing you must do, if going into a business that will be selling something (and this will account for nearly all web based businesses), is take a careful account of all of your sales. Remember, you’re starting a business now. It may not be the same as renting a brick and mortar store and hiring employees and getting incorporated, but if you’re planning to make money, it’s not just a hobby anymore, either. Things have to be done in a certain way. If you get sloppy and handle your transactions in a sloppy manner, you’re asking for a whole heap of trouble. Trouble with customers, trouble with the IRS. Since keeping these records on your hard drive can take up space and cause your computer to run slowly, you may want to consider storing the information on CDs or a second drive, in order to keep your main computer running as it should.

To go along with the new computer, you’ll want to secure yourself a high speed internet account. Business in 2007 and beyond cannot be done efficiently on a dial up server. Broadband has come down in price to the point where there is no excuse not to have it. If you can’t afford it, you need to reconsider your internet business aspirations. It doesn’t matter if you go with DSL or Cable, and availabilities of one or the other may vary depending on where you live.

Sometimes it is the simplest of things that make all the difference!

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Understanding Both Sides of the Affiliate Marketing Equation

2008-06-13T11:43:00.000-04:00

By Ken Cobb

In the world of online commerce, affiliate marketing is perhaps one of the few transactions that can offer a benefit both the merchant and the affiliate marketer. While most other advertising vehicles fail to net the kind of results hoped for by either side, sometimes both sides, it is refreshing to find a method that will be useful and welcomed by all. Understanding both sides of the affiliate marketing equation will make it possible to see just how this is accomplished.

For the merchant, the process is simple and clear:

* The merchant will create a website where a good or service will be sold. The price is set and any discount offers are clearly spelled out.

* The merchant will create several banners, links, and other advertising graphics that affiliates may download and display on their sites. Even here the options are staggering: entire online stores may be devised or, in the alternative, self updating links may point to the hottest sellers.

* Depending on the affiliate scheme offered, the merchant will pay an affiliate for the amount of click through traffic the site sent to the merchant, or perhaps only a percentage of an actual sale will be rewarded. These programs are entirely at the discretion of the merchant and thus the expense associated with this form of marketing is very easily controlled.

* Since a well designed campaign will attract a lot of potential affiliates, the merchant stands to gain a lot of exposure for her or his business.

From the affiliate marketer’s point of view, this is one of the easiest ways of generating revenue from a website:

* The affiliate marketer chooses one or more programs to market on her or his website. Since there are a number of programs available, this is an easy process and it guarantees that there will be something for even the most highly specialized niche site.

* The affiliate chooses the banner or link ads to be displayed.

* Since link placement is vital, the affiliate will carefully arrange the site to prominently display the links in spots where consumers are most likely to click on them and visit the merchant’s site.

* As the affiliate tracks the click through visitors and also the completed sales that were made thanks to the advertising based on her or his site, it is easy to ascertain how much money will be owed at the end of a marketing period.

* Since payment is directly linked to results, the affiliate marketer will work hard to find the best possible placement for the ads on their sites.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

The Truth about Network Marketing

2008-06-06T08:01:00.001-04:00

By Ken Cobb

Much is being said and written about network marketing. Some malign it as an industry which is plagued with fraud and where scam artists are legion. This is sadly a true statement. Others laude the business for the potential of making vast sums of money in a relatively short period of time; this, too, is a true statement. The mixed messages which therefore seem to galvanize those in search of network marketing opportunities have made it difficult to become sold out to the idea of the business at all.

Yet in a not surprising twist, in order to succeed in network marketing, you will need to be sold out, ready to go, a dream firm in mind, and able to overcome some of the lore that has begun to surround the business. The truth about network marketing is just like the truth about the time share, used car, and stuffing envelopes businesses: there are the good, the bad, and then the ones that are the fodder for undercover exposés by network news shows in search of ratings.

The odds of your getting scammed are ever present, yet if you heed common sense, listen to expert advice, and do your homework before you sign up for anything, you will have a reasonable amount of safety. There is not guarantee that you will succeed, but your odds of not falling for a scam are much better than those of someone who will disregard this warning and go for the first great opportunity that presents itself.

Interestingly, a good bit of prevention is also found in your very own ethical makeup. The truth about network marketing also includes the fact that some scams are written for those who are looking to get something for nothing, who are willing to engage in some shady dealings, and who believe that making money while you sleep is the answer to their financial setbacks. If this describes you in some way, you will find that you are at a higher risk of falling for a scam not only because you may be a bit more gullible than some, but also because your willingness to bend some rules and cut some corners will put you in contact with others who do the same. The odds of getting taken advantage of by that set of online advertisers is far greater than if you were dealing with those who are on the up and up.

Last but not least, remember that there is no free lunch. Each and every business opportunity will require a financial commitment of some kind. Some are minor, such as the purchase of a computer or the investment in a certain kind of software program. Others will ask for a rather substantial financial commitment which may not be a good idea for you if you do not have this kind of money readily available. Therefore, even a reputable network marketing business opportunity may turn out to be a bad idea for you, specifically, simply because of your lack of financial resources.

Do your homework, find something that aligns with your passion and commit yourself to success!

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

The Seven Main Types Of Internet Marketing

2008-05-30T19:52:00.000-04:00

When it comes to Internet or online marketing you have several choices of marketing forms. There is a marketing type for every budget, service and product. The seven main types of Internet marketing are search engine marketing, display advertising, e-mail marketing, affiliate marketing, interactive advertising, blog marketing and viral marketing. Depending on your business budget and your over all preference, this will vary on which service you will likely choose.

Search Engine Marketing

This form of marketing is based around search engine optimization. You want to build a solid keyword density that assists the robots and automatic crawlers to find your site without considering your site as spamming.

Display Advertising

This form of advertising is a still or scrolling banner ad. When you pull up a site and you see an advertisement box, this is an example of display advertising. There are also scrolling banner ads. Each carries there own price and each is an eye-catching form of advertising.

Email Advertising

This form of advertising is based on customer interest. If a customer agrees to receive email updates on your products or services by email, this is email advertising.

Affiliate Marketing

This advertisement method is positive for you as well as your affiliate. If you offer a website for fitness advise and you carry an affiliate link for fitness equipment, this is affiliate advertising. This can be key to increasing your traffic flow for both sites. A form of this marketing type is Google AdSense where you can advertise an affiliate ad on your site and make additional funds from ad clicks.

Interactive Advertising

This method is often used to increase brand popularity through advertisements that customers can click on and have the option to receive product feedback via email.

Blog Marketing

This advertising method allows customers to add their own feedback and commentary on products or services on a web log that is updated daily to weekly.

Viral Marketing

Advertisement is done through funny video, flash games or images. It is a more creative and often humorous advertising method.

If you are looking to find more information on Internet marketing, you can read over some books from your local library. There are numerous books on home business marketing as well as online business advertising. Review business magazines for up to date articles on Internet marketing as well. All of the resources available to you can help you to gain a full understanding of which advertising method you will find the most success from.

It is advised to try a few of the above methods. Finding the most effective method can be a matter of trial and error. This is key to finding the most successful method in the quickest amount of time, as you have other methods that you can compare your results directly too. Pick three advertising methods and you can triple your website traffic and raise your profits through the roof.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Traffic Makes The Economic World Go 'Round

2008-05-23T10:59:00.004-04:00

By Ken Cobb

What is the one thing the local shopping mall and your website have in common? You both rely on customer traffic to make money. While affiliate marketing is one of the more popular methods of earning money on the internet, getting traffic to your site is going to be key in making that happen.

Many online companies are offering rewards for customers you can send their way and are willing to pay you for your efforts. The way this works is that visitors to your website see an ad for the company, click on it and make a purchase. The company is so grateful for the business that they give you a percentage of the sale for your efforts. Not only that, but you have provided a link back to their site, which is important to their search engine marketing plan that counts incoming links in their favor.

There are a few issues with affiliate marketing that you will need to address in order to make your effort successful. First, it is better to use your own website, despite the number of companies that offer to put your name on one of their sites as an affiliate. When you do this, you are not really in business for yourself, rather you become a sales associate for that business and you will not be able to change the website in any way. Adding additional affiliates to the site is out of the question and your marketing and advertising efforts will only benefit through any sales you might achieve with that one site.

By having your own website, it will reflect your personality and you can pick and choose the companies with which you want to be affiliated. Offering more than simply another online shopping mall probably will not generate a lot of buzz among online visitors, but if you can offer useful information to give people a reason to visit your website, then choose the affiliations based on the information you are offering, you have a better chance of making money.

For example, you create a website based on something in which you might be considered an expert, fashions for instance, and publish a series of articles about fashion. Men, women, children and the fashion industry as a whole may draw visitors searching for information on fashion trends. Once they arrive at your site if they see affiliate advertising for online clothing stores, they may be more apt to click through to see what the company has to offer. Based on your information they already know what to look for and the affiliate ads can help them find out where to look.

If you pay attention in a traditional retail store you will rarely see two similar items next to each other on the end of an aisle. That is because retailers understand that when you give customers too many choices at the same time, chances are they will not choose either. The same can be said about affiliate marketing. Too many affiliate ads on the same page for the same type of merchandise will probably have them ignoring all of the ads. Choose your affiliates wisely, and only those with a good reputation for quality and service.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Three Reasons You Should Advertise Online

2008-05-16T11:15:00.003-04:00

By Ken Cobb

As the Internet continues to grow, there will be more opportunities for you to advertise online. When you market your product to the right audiences, you will see an increase in sales. This will help you become even more profitable over time. But if you still aren't sure whether you should advertise online, here are three reasons why you should reconsider.

The biggest reason you should advertise your business online is that more and more people are turning to the Internet for information and purchasing needs. When you create a website, people will visit it to learn more about your business and the products you are selling. You can include an order page so visitors can become customers. While you may or may not have to devote time to packing and shipping items, you will increase sales because people from all over the world will be able to see your website.

The second reason you should advertise online is that there are many markets available that are in need of the goods and services. While you don't have to cater to all of these markets in order to see a profit, when you market to those who are in need, you will increase your customer base. Many times these customers will make additional purchases and tell their friends and family about your website. Most people own a computer in their homes these days, so you will be able to reach people looking for specific items that you sell quickly and easily.

Once you've created a strong customer base, you should allow customers to sign up for your emailing list. You will be able to send email advertisements during the year highlighting new products, sales, and other discounts. Increase your sales by prompting customers to make repeat purchases.

The third reason you should consider advertising online is that many of these methods are less expensive than placing an ad in your local newspaper. Methods include creating a blog, submitting articles that pertain to your business to online article databases, submitting press releases, joining marketing groups, and participating in open forum discussion groups online. Each of these methods will require you to put in some time each day, but the pay off can be huge. Take advantage of free marketing opportunities as they come up and you will see an increase in sales and in return customers.

Advertising online doesn't have to cost a fortune if you are willing to conduct some research along the way. If you want to expand your business or you just want to reach more people and let them know your site is worth visiting, then you need to advertise online. Even if you choose one or two of the marketing methods mentioned above, you will see a difference in the amount of traffic you receive. Most people who advertise online have seen dramatic results and are happy that they took the time to find the right marketing opportunities. If you are interested in marketing online, you should find out more information and take more control of your business.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Using Software To Track Network Marketing Leads For Success

2008-05-09T11:06:00.004-04:00

By Ken Cobb

Tracking your marketing leads is a vital aspect of your network marketing business’ success. Failure to keep adequate track of your leads will not only lead to your needlessly repeating a variety of steps you have already taken, such as generating leads via an outdated or ineffective methodology, but it will also reduce your return on investment simply because you will fail to complete and adequately profit from each and every lead. If you remember correctly, you will have spent a lot of money not only to generate your leads, but also to contact them and supply them with informational materials.

Perhaps the most commonly offered reason why many network marketers do not use dedicated software - tracking network marketing leads is so much easier on the computer than by hand – is the fact that they fail to view their leads as an asset. As odd as it may sound, the fact that many a marketer paid good money for the leads seems to be forgotten as soon as they are contacted and instead of making use of even the ones that may appear to be unyielding at first the general mindset implies that more leads may be had at any time. Even though this is a distinct possibility, it does not negate the fact that if you follow this business model you will waste a lost of you money on generated leads which you do not utilize to the fullest extent possible.

By using software, tracking network marketing leads for success and profit is a rather easy undertaking and will actually go hand in hand with your customer relationship management! Perhaps the most useful software application for this purpose will be a spreadsheet or database program that usually comes already loaded into your computer’s standard software, although specific applications geared toward network marketing businesses are indeed available. Ideally you will look for several key points and bits of information when tracking the lead:

1. You want a full name, address, and also zip code whenever possible. When dealing with foreign consumers, make sure you understand the proper way of addressing the prospect. Failure to abide by local customs will lose sales and render a number of leads virtually useless.

2. Keep track of the promotion that netted you the lead. You need to remember if it was a sales promotion for your product or a call for new distributors to join your down line. This enables you to make the most of each and every lead you generate. There is little use in sending product coupons to potential business associates, while potential customers may not be interested in becoming distributors.

3. As you are keeping tracks of the various promotions you run and the responses they elicit make sure you keep a copy of the wording and also the customer response to jog your mind when it comes to which aspect of the ad the consumer responded to. Such information is vital in understanding how to win over the customer in the future.

4. Diligent network marketers have found that utilizing a note field to document interactions with the consumer is most rewarding step since this will foster a personal relationship between you and the consumer.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Using Fear Marketing Smartly

2008-05-02T22:43:00.004-04:00

By Ken Cobb

There are many ways to market your product, and one of the ways that is very popular today is fear marketing. Many companies will use fear in order to motivate people to buy their product for whatever reason. Now, there is nothing wrong with using this method, but if you do use it, you have to make sure that you are doing it in a smart way so that you have the intended result, and that you aren't losing customers along the way.

There are several ways that you can make sure you are doing your fear marketing in a smart way. First of all, be sure that you are being sensitive to what the issue is and what the product is, as well as what people might be afraid of. You don't want to actually scare them into taking or buying your product. More than that, you want to use the small fears that they might already have as motivation in order to choose your product instead of the alternative. This means that if you make too much out of the fear tactics, or scare them too much, you aren't going to gain them as customers, and will in fact lose them.

There are many ways to sell your product using this marketing tool. Fear is indeed something that a lot of people deal with, and can be a strong motivational force to many people. Remember though that fear is something that people don’t want to walk away with. This means that even if you are using it during your presentations or in your marketing campaign, you really want to end the situations on a good note, and you want to be sure that you are providing your customers with something positive to fall back on.

For instance, when you are selling your products to a group of people, one of the things that you might want to use is the fear that without your products they will be unhealthy. This might be a good motivating factor to put into your presentations, but you certainly don't want to leave them with that at the end. After you have explained how they will be unhealthy without your product, you absolutely must turn the conversation and the marketing to positive lines and be sure that you are leaving your customers with happy images – how healthy they will be when they have used your product. You never want to leave your customers with negative images, and you never want to leave them with the fear that you might have used during your marketing campaign. This is not something that is fair to do, and you should be sure that you aren't doing it.

Part of dealing with fear is going to be listening to people argue with you. When you are bringing something up that they might be frightened of, it is very common for an audience member to argue with you. You should always be positive when you are answering these objections, and you should be sure that you are starting your answers by acknowledging that they are correct. Remember, the customer is always right, no matter what they say and you must use this opportunity to turn their fear into a fear of being without your solution.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

The Real Scoop on Article Marketing

2008-04-25T08:49:00.003-04:00

By Ken Cobb

Article marketing has become a new buzz word in the world of online network marketing. A favorite tool of multi level marketing (MLM) participants, this development has led to a surge of freelance writers who specialize in the quick creation of such website content. Yet before you pay for a bunch of articles that contain your product information, beware! There is a right and a wrong way to go about article marketing.

The real scoop on article marketing essentially identifies seven key points:

1. The articles need to be professionally written. If you do not write well and cannot think of innovative ways to talk about the business you are in, outsource this aspect of the business! Freelancers will be knowledgeable not only with respect to grammar and punctuation, but also understand how to write articles for inclusion in your site.

2. Do not think of article marketing like product placement in movies. Although some lesser quality articles will portray the process as such, it is the savvy article marketer who will only sparingly use your company name or the name of the product and instead lead the reader to the only possible conclusion – the one for which you are paying.

3. Think about the kinds of information that would be useful or of interest to those visiting your site. This is the basis for the topics of the articles which you use to market your product and service. Obviously, if you run a site that sells doggie biscuits, you do not want to write about abstract Spanish paintings. Conversely, if you know of an abstract Spanish painter with a strong love for his or her canine companion, then you have fodder for an article!

4. Do not limit the exposure of the articles to your website. Instead, find sites that will permit you to freely publish your content and then publish the article there. If it is well written, it will not be considered spam and thus it will be well received.

5. Be careful when posting the article on forums or blogs since the rules against spamming are very stringent and it is easy to make a misstep. By understanding an individual forum’s definition of spam – which may vary widely – and then abiding by the rules, you will find that your reputation will be protected and you may even become something like an instant expert!

6. Article marketing, by extension, can also be used in the world of public relations. Many multi level marketers have begin publishing press releases, and since you can send out a release on virtually anything having to do with your business, you will be wise to take advantage of this avenue of readily available publicity.

7. Last but not least, ensure that your articles meet the needs of the various websites where you are intending to post them. Many have requirements with respect to word count, coding within the article text itself, and also links included in the text. Some sites frown on any link leading away from their sites!

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions.

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Turning a Network Marketing Lead into a Client

2008-04-18T12:38:00.004-04:00

By Ken Cobb

Many a novice new to multi-level marketing (MLM) or network marketing is of the opinion that lead generation is perhaps the most difficult aspect of the business experience. Quite often the newbie is pleasantly surprised when a well-constructed website generates a large amount of hits and visitors appear to steadily flock to the site. The realization that turning a network marketing lead into a client is the aspect of the business which is difficult usually does not dawn on the novice network marketer until she or he reconciles the amount of visitors with the amount of sales generated. Worse yet, eventually the newness of the site and product will wear off, and the numbers of visitors will most likely flock to the next new competitor who has listed a new site. It is at this juncture that many a home based MLM business will find itself floundering mercilessly without the cause being readily apparent to the entrepreneur.

Yet turning a network marketing lead into a client is not as hard as it appears. As a matter of fact, there are three failsafe tips that will almost guarantee your success! First and foremost, you need to know your product. Knowing a product is a lot different from reading about it in the glossy brochures and memorizing the ingredients of the wellness drink or nutritional supplement you may be selling. Instead, truly knowing a product implies that you are intimately familiar with it. This kind of intimacy with your product will only be accomplished by actually using it, testing it under various circumstances, and honestly acknowledging its weak points – each and every product has weak points – and understanding its strong points. Product knowledge of this kind will enable you to overcome customer objections by highlighting the strong points from personal experience! As a sales tool, product knowledge is unbeatable, yet if you simply parrot back that which the potential client can read on the website or in the brochure, you will automatically operate from a position of disadvantage.

Secondly, the market is ever changing and thus requires you to maintain a current understanding of trends and consumer behavior. Do not assume that clients will purchase goods for the same reasons they did one or five years ago. Instead, if the current consumer trend leans toward environmental consciousness, you will need to slant your sales presentations accordingly. Conversely, if it is the healthful living aspect that is causing consumers to part with their money, you will need to be aware of this angle as well. Read the trade journals – many of which are available for free online – and listen to business shows on radio or television. Consumer behavior is ever changing and the successful network marketer is operating in harmony with or on the cutting edge of trends.

Third and last is perhaps the most important aspect of turning a network marketing lead into a client: be in constant contact with the greats of the industry. In your immediate business environment this will most likely refer to your very own up line! Ask questions, learn from them, find out what works for them and what does not; in short, squeeze every bit of business wisdom from those who will profit from your success and thus will not hesitate to share their knowledge and understanding of the business with you.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions.

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Website Templates: The Faces of Online Businesses

2008-04-11T11:36:00.006-04:00

By Ken Cobb

When it comes to a business, appearance is virtually the crux of the deal, or at least many entrepreneurs think so. Quality merchandise and respectable service form the foundation of every venture, but the image representing that business—in other words, its “face”—is the initial attraction to the public, which is made up of people who are predominantly visually stimulated beyond everything else. This is was an online site must look a certain way. Logos, ads, colors, menu organization, font style . . . all of this goes into shaping an online business’ particular image. Attraction, though, isn’t only what seems “pretty”; the apeal comes from uniqueness and innovative arrangement—a design unlike no other, one that stands out in the eyes and the mind. This is the”business sign” that draws the ongoing traffic.

All this is accomplished through the website template. This comes in many styles and features, depending on the personal preference and necessity of the particular entrepreneur and that person’s business. Construction with the template is simple, quick and very convenient, not to mention pre-organized to facilitate every business venture’s sense of professionalism, with those features common with most businesses, such as menus, title space, cells for section division, and areas for imagery, like photos. Everything is patterned but can be re-devised or arranged to accommodate a user’s needs.

Employing the same template for each page of a site keeps things uniform. This not only assures consistency in style and design, but using the same template throughout the site makes construction effortless, since every page will feature virtually the same thing, perhaps with slight or subtle variations here and there, such as an addition to the menu, a video application, a “search” and/or interactive fill-in fields, a different image on each page, or a different color for the same template style to set off a particular page.

Templates, however, are expensive, or can be, especially the better quality models. The price range extends from $50.00 to $200.00 or more, along with web designer fees, which typically run about the same or shoot to over $1,000, depending on the expert and that person’s level of experience. This, of course, is unless the entrepreneur possesses web-building skills her- or himself. In either case, templates will need to be bought, although discounts and specials will help one save money. Because of the high cost, those with limited budgets could buy one and use it over and over again, especially if outsourcing the website construction. The price of the desirable template, and the budget, should give entrepreneurs a clearer idea in which direction to go with spending.

With a template business owners are able to put a “face” on their site and give it a distinctive character. As a matter of fact, the template, when used the right way, actually becomes their site, speaking out as the representative for the business.

Those who wish to start from scratch can do that, too, with the help of a major editor like Dreamweaver ™ or Front Page™, and some knowledge of HTML or PHP will allow any entrepreneur to build her or his own site to appear unlike any other. The only limit here is the imagination.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions.

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Why Global Resorts Network Is Better Than Other Online Travel Opportunities

2008-04-04T10:32:00.010-04:00

By Ken Cobb

Global Resorts Network is in fierce competition with their rivals and doing very well I might add! They have been at this for many years. They were one of the first (if not the first) to develop an Internet reservation and customer service system providing members with access to their world-wide inventories of accommodation, as well as expertise in the vacation industry. So if they are in the same industry as others and are offering a similar product with a similar business model, what makes GRN (Global Resorts Network) a better opportunity? You not only get paid on a sales commission basis but you also get paid based upon a perpetual leverage system.

Perpetual leverage allows you to earn money from representatives that you sold a membership to. For example: you make your first sale, which is your qualifying sale. This money goes to your sponsor. Then any sale after your first sale pays a commission directly to you. You make a membership sale to Anna, Brandon, Charlie, David and Elizabeth. Anna makes her first sale and the $1000.00 commission goes to you. Anna makes three sales; you earn commission from each of her sales. Brandon and Elizabeth both make four sales a piece. Out of those eight sales one of the buyers under Elizabeth makes two sales. You now earn the commission from that person. With this method you can continuously make a profit and you do not have to make any other sales. Who would want to stop though? With this virtual sales force in place the stakes get higher and higher!

Other online opportunities make a profit on a direct sales basis only. If you are struggling with sales you earn little to no profit. With a perpetual leverage position you can be struggling with sales but your past sales are still brining in an income. This is the one area where GRN may have a leg up on their competition.

The top four reasons why Global Resorts Network is a better online opportunity include the following reasons:

* Breakthrough compensation plan- perpetual leverage or continuous pay

* Product can be marketed worldwide-unlimited sales opportunity

* No personal selling required-no hassling friends or relatives

* Instant residual income-a single sale is all it takes to earn a continuous income

Why Choose Global Resorts Network?

* Global Resorts Network is more than your average online opportunity. GRN offers millions of people the opportunity to earn a substantial income while enjoying your new career from the comfort of your very own home. They offer both three-year memberships as well as lifetime memberships travel packages. This provides you with a larger customer market and a better opportunity for a successful home-based business. You will become a part of a seven trillion dollar a year industry and begin making commissions of $500 to $1000. Not only will you be providing yourself with this pleasing income but also you will be helping people all around the globe to fulfill their travel dreams.

* GRN does not offer any hotel to their customers but the best. Only four and five star resorts are offered to their customers. They believe in quality travel offers and not just another discount rate.

Global Resorts Network has the opportunity to work from home and to change your quality of life for the better!

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions.

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

Learning To Use Internet Marketing To Help Your Business

2008-03-28T08:04:00.004-04:00

By Ken Cobb

Internet marketing is a great way to reach customers in a cost efficient way. It is being used all over the world to bring targeted traffic to websites. Companies are using it to reach clients everywhere. It also allows them to stay in touch with their customers, send out invitations and special offers. They can also update consumers on the newest information about products or services.

Companies are finding they can generate business by joining message boards that are related to the business they are promoting. Business owners are given the opportunity to promote their own websites. By placing a link on a message board, others will know that they are in the same business and check out the website. Owners can also comment on the message, therefore generating more web traffic.

Some business owners are hiring consulting firms with search engine optimization experience. These firms assist companies in obtaining high search engine rankings. Search engine optimization can be done with experience and education. Since most companies don’t want to wait that long, hiring a consultant makes sense. High search engine rankings mean improved traffic to a website. Since Internet users trust the search engines to offer relevant websites first, it only makes sense that this ranking is very important.

Internet marketing is a full time job. For this reason some business owners hire a consulting firm to plan and execute their Internet marketing strategy. Running a business and organizing Internet marketing can be to difficult for some business owners. They find it much easier to outsource the marketing division leaving them time to fully concentrate on the rest of the company.

Internet marketing can also be as simple as a newsletter or announcement to targeted recipients. When doing this there are some tips to help make this effective and rewarding. It is best to never join up with Spam articles. Never send out items that are not valuable. Claims that are unbelievable should not be used either. When informing customers of deals or discounts never make offers that are lower than your profit margin. This defeats the marketing effect. Memos to customers should be short but informative. Newsletters or post cards can provide useful information to your clients. This is a very effective way to reach clients and keep your business foremost in their minds.

Internet marketing can make or break your business. It is important to show your business in the best possible light. Whether you are advertising or using search engines or link popularity, it is very important to get your business name out where others can locate you. Web marketing can be done either by yourself or with a consulting firm. It is your company and in order to succeed you will need to spend time, energy and money. It is possible that success may be a trial and error venture. It is also important to find what works best for you and expand it as your business grows.

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions.

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com

What To Do With A Small Marketing Budget

2008-03-21T22:15:00.001-04:00

By Ken Cobb

If you have a small marketing budget, don't worry, there are still many ways for you to market your business and increase sales. Research the ways to reach your potential customers and determine the cost for each. Based on your findings create a budget and use that budget to prioritize the order in which you will proceed. Along with this budget consider your reach. If you only have $250.00 to spend then ask yourself which method will reach the most people and will that method be effective. Does it make more sense to hand out 1000 flyers to strangers in a parking lot or give 250 business cards to your closest friends and ask them for referrals? Sometimes its not the quantity its the quality you should consider.

If you have a traditional storefront business, you can place an ad in your local newspaper as well as free newspapers and coupon saver type publications during the holiday season or other time during the year when your products and services are needed. While ads vary in terms of size, graphics, and placement, you can ask for a spec sheet that can tell you how much ads cost. If you have success by placing an ad, you should consider using most of your budget on a well placed advertisement.

Another way to advertise when on budget is to create fliers or a simple brochure highlighting your location and a few products. You can create a sign-up list that customers can use to receive marketing materials during the year. You can also pass out fliers to customers so they will know about upcoming sales and events. If you have a computer and a copy machine, you can print off as many fliers as you want. This is a cost effective way to encourage customers to return and make future purchases.

If you own an online business or a storefront and have a website, there are many cost effective way to advertise online as well. Creating an email sign-up list is a great way to send sale information, discounts, and other information to customers. Because you won't have to spend money on paper, ink, and postage, this is a very inexpensive way to market your business. When you create a website that is easy to use and filled with valuable information, you will attract more business. Most web hosts are inexpensive and include low monthly fees. Investing in the Internet is a wonderful way to attract business from those who live all over the world.

Other ways to advertise online include creating a blog, submitting press releases, and giving away informational reports, eBooks, and other items that encourage people to visit your website. Include your URL on each product that you give away and encourage people to send informational reports to friends and family. This is a great way to start a viral marketing campaign.

Being creative when it comes to your marketing efforts will save you money and increase sales. Depending on your budget, you may want to focus on specific methods that have worked in the past. You may need to spend a little more money experimenting with new marketing methods, but in the end, you will find ways that are inexpensive and can be used again and again. Just remember, money spent on marketing without the ability to track its sucess or failure is always wasted money!

Ken Cobb is the founder and CEO of Next Level Enterprises, LLC an industry leader in home business Internet Marketing, Consulting and CRM Solutions.

For more information: info@NextLevelEnterprises.com