HowToDoThings.com Recent Advertising, Marketing & Sales Articles

How To Get Free Publicity for Your Band

mobile mom — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:45:42 -0500

How To Design a Garden Path

pondlady — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:18:14 -0500

How To Promote Your Business Through an Email Newsletter

CK - TENFOUR writing — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:19:07 -0500

How To Conduct a Patent Search

JimLow — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:17:34 -0500

A patent search can be important for a new product-invention because it can confirm the originality of the idea or reveal that it has already been marketed or protected under a previous patent application.

Following are three steps for conducting your own patent search.

How To Prosper in Any Economy

stchitt — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:18:28 -0500

How To Promote a New Product

JimLow — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:26:31 -0500

Launching a new product on the market, to gain sales and exposure for it can be a challenge. The five steps below can be effective when marketing and establishing a new product more effectively.

Packaging. When you put a new product in a package, you want it to be eye-catching so that it tells the consumer exactly what the product is, at first glance if possible. Marketing experts call this “impulse appeal” because the purpose of the product is immediately evident upon seeing it displayed on the store shelf. The packaging should also exhibit the importance of your product, so that the consumer can see their own need in purchasing it. Your product details should be described with as little detail as possible, but in an informative fashion. The packaging should highlight the attributes of your product and also promote the fact that it is easy to use and will add convenience to the consumer’s life.

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How To Start Your Own Internet Business

incitedg — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:31:14 -0600

With today’s technology, there are more opportunities than ever to take your ideas and turn them into a profitable Internet business. But it's just not enough to have a computer and access to Internet! There are several things to consider before jumping into this new way of making money. Below are some best tips how to increase your chances for Internet marketing success.

How To Use a Blog to Build Your Business

stephenc — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:27:02 -0600

One of the quickest and easiest ways to build your work from your home business or online business is to start blogging and letting the world know about your skills, abilities and services. We hear the term blogging almost every day, yet only a few are able to take advantage of this channel to get our word out to the world. Here are some steps you should follow to use blogging most effectively.

How To Develop Sales and Marketing Strategies

stephenc — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:25:00 -0600

Every company exists for the sole purpose of providing a product or service to the end user. No matter how fantastic a product or service is, you will never be able to sell and generate revenue unless the end user knows that it exists. Also if you are a small or home business owner with a set customer base and you only service those customers, and yet you have no active and ongoing marketing strategy, your business will not grow as much as it otherwise could have. Of course, your existing customers may increase their orders, but without a constant stream of new customers, your business will not grow beyond you and your current circumstance. Here are a few steps you can take to structure your sales and marketing strategies.

How To Choose an Advertising Agency

donkobes — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:00:45 -0600

One of the most difficult decisions a growing business can make is choosing an advertising agency. In choosing an agency, you're choosing a business partner, and a wrong choice can be expensive. Nay, disastrous!

A right choice, on the other hand, could propel you to leadership in your business arena. To guide you through this process, we have created a simple, common-sense procedure, including some practical tips to help you choose the "best" agency for your needs and your budget.

The Relationship

Agency people often speak of the client-agency relationship as a "marriage". The relationship, like marriage calls for:

How To Cash in on Your Assets

primal — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:32:45 -0600

Are you feeling the pinch? Facing the prospect of wrapping up last year's presents for Christmas and hoping the kids don't notice? Boosting your spending power can be easy.

How To Generate Sales Leads in any Market Condition

Ron Appel — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:38:34 -0600

I am sure that everyone knows that the mortgage industry, especially the sub-prime sector, is going through a rough stretch right now. It's all over the news. Every time you turn around, another company is filing Chapter 11, or just closing up shop. The mortgage industry is going through yet another consolidation, only this time the stakes are much higher.

Many brokers are pulling back on their marketing plans until there are signs of stability in the marketplace. Is this the smart thing to do? Well, it really depends on how well developed your ‘pipeline' is. Brokers that have insulated themselves from the current market conditions by offering a diverse portfolio of financial products are not going to feel the pinch of, say, a sub-prime broker. The sub-prime market is going through a transition right now that is unprecedented in recent history.

How To Renew Your Business Direction

CWeddington — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:43:12 -0600

As we aspire to new beginnings and improvements in our personal lives, so must we endeavor in our professional lives. In 2008 professionals must look ahead with even more diligence and creativity to maintain positioning. Here are some very basic-but-necessary pointers that will help steer your business success in the coming year:

How To Provide Roll-Out-the-Red-Carpet Customer Service

goldenpen — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:03:14 -0600

Your business can become a magnet for attracting great customers. Your ideal customers: the ones who are happy, who spend a lot of money with your company, who return over and over again... Who's your ideal customer and how do you attract them to your store?

To "roll out the red carpet" means "to give a grand welcome to an important guest", according to TheFreeDictionary's idioms reference. So how do you give your guest (customer) a very warm, special welcome? Whether you have a brick-and-mortar operation or a virtual presence, you can use these techniques to raise your level of customer service.

How To Use the USPTO Provisional Patent Program

JimLow — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 18:17:38 -0600

The USPTO "Provisional Patent Program" is a valuable program that allows inventors patent protection for one year while they develop their invention and establish its value, before investing in a more permanent type patent. This is an important way to help inventors have more money available for invention development, rather than having to have more up-front money to invest in their patents, before having the opportunity to test-market their inventions.

How To Sell to Retail Customers: Point of Sale Pricing

goldenpen — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:41:37 -0600

Right from the beginning, train your staff to be top-notch retail clerks and customer service reps. Show them how to take control of the sale at the point of purchase, and guide customers along. Be confident, give them assurance, and increase sales for your company. These techniques are designed for your staff members who are ringing up sales for customers. Help your employees, help your customers...which in turn helps you!

How To Sell to Retail Customers: Ideas for Service

goldenpen — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:31:52 -0600

Have you walked into a store lately and tried to get some service? Sometimes employees are so busy chatting with each other (or on their cell phones) that they don’t pay much attention to you. They have bad reputations for customer service, and they’ve earned it! Well, don’t let your business get a tarnished image. Get out there and “polish” your customer service by training your employees!

How To Sell to Retail Customers: Solve Problems

goldenpen — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:21:55 -0600

The big mistake many retail reps make is that they don’t address customers' real issues! They avoid anything negative because they are afraid to deal with “problems.” As a result, clients get discouraged and refuse to do business with you. Even worse, they’ll file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and write up a bad review of your company online.

However, you can train your staff to listen honestly to customers and respond to their needs. View a customer complaint as an opportunity to re-sell your company’s products and services.

How To Sell to Retail Customers: Tips for Talking

goldenpen — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:09:02 -0600

As a retail business owner or manager, you know that an increase in sales can boost your bottom line, while even a slight decrease in sales can hurt your business. Keep your business interested in customers by teaching your front-line clerks how to build a good rapport with customers. It’s important to find out what customers need and how you can help them.

In fact, very few businesses seem to care nowadays. So if you show customers you care, you have already beat out most of your competitors! Just by training your staff to do a few simple things, you can multiply your sales and watch your profits soar.

How To Sell to Retail Customers: Business Boosting Tips

goldenpen — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:00:07 -0600

Worried that your customers may ditch your store and instead shop online? Want to continue drawing in new clients? Create a fun and inviting atmosphere and make your shoppers feel special. Welcome them in offering extreme customer service that shouts, “You’re important!”

These final tips will put the finishing touch on your staff’s customer service skills. Turn your retail clerks into super salespeople, gain loyal clients, and create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere in your store. Your retail business will be the talk of the business community as you grow your profitability.

How To Monetize Your Blog

nisham99 — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 23:51:14 -0600

Everyone in today's world is troubled with finances and we all want to earn money from places where the input required is at its minimum. Well, let me show you how you can monetize your blog and actually generate some money from it.

Here are some tips:

How To Close Sales Leads

shaanq — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:19:52 -0600

A sales person must not only have the 'ego drive' to make a successful sales lead, but he must have the skill of 'empathy' to satisfy his customer's need. It is a challenging environment; a customer is always right and he will always have the choice to go to another shop. It is rarely the fault of the product that is not being sold; it is the promotion that is being done the moment customer makes his purchase decision. This is where the role of a salesperson becomes so important. Empathy is one quality that every salesperson may not have, therefore it is an edge for a salesperson. This quality has a major role while closing a sales lead.

How To Price A Logo

magoo72 — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:53:36 -0600

In the mysterious and confusing world of graphic design and printing, there are many things that just don’t make sense. Ask two different people for a quote on business cards and you’ll get two different prices.

It seems that no business professional can agree on anything remotely to do with graphic design and printing pricing. Although, there are many factors that can go into this (for example the overhead, employees salaries, greediness, ignorance, etc of business owners), the biggest sinkhole of pricing inequities is how to price a business logo. For years the pricing has been all over the place. You hear stories of businesses having paid $50,000, $1,000,000 or even $30 to a designer for having designed a logo. The price for a logo is all over the place because no one truly knows how to price a logo.

How To Get Leads from Business Networking Events

goldenpen — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:29:30 -0600

What is networking? Quite simply, it's developing business friendships. It's about meeting other business professionals and expanding your circle of influence. Widening your warm market. Helping others become successful. Networking is NOT about selling.

What is the best way to network? Schedule at least one weekly network-related activity. This can include Chamber of Commerce mixers, classes or seminars, professional organization meetings, industry association meetings, and social groups. Attend several and then decide which events are most effective for you. For instance, referral groups (such as BNI, Leads Club, or LeTip) are much more focused than social or community groups.

BEFORE THE EVENT:

How To Effectively Market You and Your Business

article@dansrant.com — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:12:45 -0600

If you’re a freelancer, lone marketer, or a small business executive, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about growing your business, getting new customers, and increasing sales. So you KNOW marketing your business is a critical to your overall success.

If you haven’t taken the time to outline your marketing plans, which you should do by the way, today you’re getting 7 powerful tips to start with. They’re proven and they work.

How To Understand Branding

yardena — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:10:11 -0600

From a shallow point of view, brand is what's given by a company to its merchandise so the manufacturer can be identified by consumers. Yet, after an increasing evolution on the production systems that allows almost any manufacturer to make high quality and satisfactory products, brands became a way of distinguishing simple commodities and their manufacturers by status, emotional characteristics and subjective qualities. A well-built brand gives the company or product personality, and evokes emotional and subliminal characteristics that are not necessarily found in the company or product themselves.

A brand is built, initially, considering the following main characteristics:

How To Boost Business Through Negotiation

article@dansrant.com — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:13:26 -0600

Today's business climate is extremely competitive. And yes, the internet has leveled the playing field. But don't get lazy thinking a level playing field means success is a walk in the park. You still need every edge you can get. And if you're in for the long haul, you'd better be prepared to negotiate at some point.

You can gain an edge not just by learning SOMETHING about negotiating. Your edge will only get sharper if you actually practice what you're about to learn.

Negotiating is practiced by everyone, every day, in all ways. You do it. We all do it. Do it with skill and intent, then watch your bottom line improve.

How To Do Public Relations

StacyTaylorPR — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:37:15 -0600

Public relations (“PR”) can generate media and public awareness for any type of business and its products and services. Ask several people to describe PR and you’ll probably receive varying definitions for two main reasons: Either people don’t understand the difference between advertising and PR; and/or, PR is tailored for each specific business. Following is an outline of “PR basics” you can use for your business.

How To Eliminate Writer’s Block Forever Starting with Your Next Sales Letter

article@dansrant.com — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:07:55 -0600

Maybe you're one of the few who never suffer from writer's block. But since you're reading this, then I'm guessing you're not one of the few. It's okay. As you gain more experience, you'll naturally figure out what works best for you. What follows is a technique to get you writing that never fails to work. And it doesn't really matter where you begin your next killer sales letter.

Most new copywriters suffer from something similar to perfectionism. You want everything you write to be award-winning; to sound great just as soon as you type it. That's a sure-fire way to start off like you're knee-deep in mud. Remember one thing: Every great, critically acclaimed piece of writing went through a process of revision and editing before it walked out onto the world's stage. Every single piece of writing, no matter who wrote it! So throw your perfectionist expectations out the window right now. And then do the following...

How To Build Successful Sales Relationships

JimLow — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:18:25 -0600

Always represent a product or service you firmly believe in. When you truly believe in the product or service you represent, this comes across in your presentations of that product to prospective buyers. Your firm belief in the product – and in its ability to fulfill a need they have for it – will be evident to the person to whom you present the product. In fact, many salespeople who are successful actually express their own strong personal belief in the product, while giving their presentation. It can also be impressive for salespeople to cite their own positive experiences with the product and/or examples of positive experiences others have had with it.

How To Write a Really Effective Press Release

miriamyoung — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:51:45 -0600

Whether you've got exciting news you want to share or you want press coverage to form part of a general publicity strategy, the approach you take to creating press releases could make the difference between a headline article and complete failure to be published. If your story is to compete effectively for attention in the public domain, then it must have impact. If it is to hold that attention, it needs substance. An editor's job is to produce quality publications that their audiences love, so if your press release helps them do that, you're in! But if it does no more than add to information clutter, then it's probably headed for the bin. The action points below will help you assess the validity of your story before creating press releases designed to stimulate interest from editors while enabling you to benefit from the eventual exposure.

How To Develop Category Marketing Strategies for Your Small Business

stephenc — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:21:08 -0500

Structure and strategy are the main things which are missing from most small and home businesses. The majority of businesses do things according to industry norms and never seek to set themselves apart from the competition. Failure to develop a structured approach to your business strategy will ensure that the business does not grow to a level where it otherwise could have.

How To Use a Blog to Promote a Real Estate Business

RobP — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:26:31 -0500

This article assumes that a Realtor already has a website to promote their business. If not, getting involved with a blog (web log) is really putting the cart before the horse. For Realtors with their own website, having a blog can be an invaluable tool to promoting their site and themselves.

For those not familiar with blogs, a blog is a web-based method for an individual to provide commentary or news on a particular subject. They typically can combine text, images, and links to provide information that will be of interest to their audience. Blogs allow readers to leave comments and thus promote an interactive exchange of ideas and information.

Why Should a Realtor Have a Blog?

There are two reasons for a Realtor to include a blog in their on-line web presence:

How To Use Electronic Newsletters to Promote a Real Estate Business

RobP — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:20:28 -0500

It is not necessary to already have a website or a blog to get involved with electronic newsletters. However, having a website and/or blog will help to support your electronic newsletter marketing. In addition. using an electronic newsletter will support your website and blog. Think of them as three legs to an online promotional stool. The stool works much better with all three... Each of the tools complements each other and provides a well rounded electronic approach to marketing.

Why Should a Realtor Use Electronic Newsletters?

There are many reasons that a Realtor may wish to include electronic newsletters in their marketing mix:

How To Use a Website to Promote a Real Estate Business

RobP — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:08:27 -0500

With the advent of the Internet, selling real estate has changed dramatically. It is now very important for a Realtor to have a web presence - their own website. It is also important that they follow a few simple steps to set up and promote that site properly. Doing so can make the difference between a website that languishes and a website that stands out above the rest and helps to generate prospects and business.

Obtaining a Real Estate Website

The first step to obtaining a website is obtaining a domain name. The domain name is the URL by which the site will be known (e.g., www.my-real-state-web-site.com). The second step is to find a vendor who will host a website for you.

How To Develop Your Company's Branding Strategy

stephenc — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:39:11 -0500

In my consulting work, I take customers through a branding exercise lasting for a few hours. I leave them with a mindset which focuses on what they want the end user customer to think about when their company's name comes to mind. Unfortunately, most small business do not spend any time whatsoever on this particular component of a marketing strategy; they do it is as an afterthought rather than thinking it out with marketing fundamentals as the basis.

Here are some steps taken from high level corporate strategy development which you can use today to shape the direction of your small or home business so that you stand for something in the mind of the customer.

How To Write a Business or Social Speech

David Block — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:59:50 -0500

Your audience first and foremost. Remember that speeches are not just about something, they're for something. So ask yourself what you want your speech to achieve. Then consider the nature of your audience and how best to approach them to achieve your aims. When deciding on the tone and content of your speech, answer the following:
- What is your relationship with the audience?
  
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How To Make a Speech

David Block — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:04:57 -0500

Some people would prefer to dive over a cliff than make a speech. They conjure up all kinds of nightmare scenarios: What if I freeze? What if the audience hates me on sight? What if no one laughs except in places they shouldn't? Will everyone remember the mistakes I make for the rest of my life?

And yet, by learning a few techniques used by professional speakers -- who are very often the most scared of all -- you can not only conquer your nerves, you can also make a powerful impression and within seconds, actually start to enjoy the whole experience. Here's how.

First, check how you look. Dress appropriately, and be well groomed, so you feel comfortable and smart. Dressing professionally also helps the audience feel you've taken trouble for them and that they are respected. But make sure you don't go too far and unintentionally distract them, for example, with a man's flashy tie or a woman's low neckline.

How To Avoid Being Scammed by an Invention Company

JimLow — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:17:08 -0500

Invention companies are in the business of helping inventors get their inventions marketed. They act as an agent for inventors by submitting their inventions to manufacturing/marketing companies, who may consider entering into a "License Agreement" with the inventor. Should the invention company accomplish this for an inventor, they will either receive a percentage of the inventor's royalties, be paid a fee by the inventor, or both.

While there are honest and reputable invention companies available to inventors, there are also ones who simply scam inventors out of fees and do not perform the services they claim they do. I am an inventor who was scammed by an Invention Company out of nearly $5,000 before successfully marketing my inventions on my own.

How To Use the Internet To Generate Income

stephenc — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:40:15 -0500

You can use the expertise you already have to build an Internet presence. If you run or are involved in what we call a traditional off-line business, such as a woodworker, makeup artist or plumber, you can and should be using the Internet to generate income. These types of businesses mentioned are among the types of business I consult with; when I get to the Internet marketing section of the consultation, I normally meet with a level of disbelief and resistance as we move to embrace the new technologies.

Here are some simple steps to follow to begin making money on the Internet using your business expertise.

How To Use Internet Marketing Within Your Marketing Strategy

stephenc — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:31:31 -0500

I consider Internet marketing to be an essential and even compulsory part of any company's channel marketing strategy. The critical thing to grasp with Internet marketing is to keep in mind that marketing through the Internet is 'simply' marketing through another marketing channel. There are multiple stand-alone channels to market or multiple ways to move your product or service to the end user.

How To License Your Invention

JimLow — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:15:38 -0500

A License Agreement is a contract that an inventor enters into with a marketing company that can manufacture and sell (market) his invention. What's in it for the inventor is that the manufacturer agrees to pay the inventor a small percent on sales they achieve. The steps below help an inventor know how to proceed with obtaining a License Agreement for his invention. An inventor should first follow the steps for protecting his invention in How to Patent an Invention.

Make a prototype of your invention or have one manufactured. When manufacturing/marketing companies are approached with a new product idea by an inventor, they prefer to have a working model or sample design of a new invention submitted to them.

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How To Start a Home Business for $20

beckyjo — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:36:49 -0500

There is so much misconception online about starting a home business. Many people think that if they purchase the higher ticket items, they will succeed much faster, only to find that they are just that much deeper in debt.

The $20.00 Guide is designed to show you that there are many ways to start earning an extra income without breaking the bank.

The $20.00 Guide

How To Structure Your Home Business

stephenc — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:19:42 -0500

To set up and run your home or new business and achieve success, there are a few imperatives that you must follow. No matter whether you are a makeup artist, painter and decorator or interior designer, your business must be structured around a flexible marketing strategy plan. Following the steps below will provide a platform on which to build your home business.

How To Market Your Own Invention

JimLow — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:46:09 -0500

The steps below will give an inventor a general idea of the process for marketing a product-invention. These steps should follow those that have already been completed for protecting and patenting an invention, so that it is ready for public disclosure.

Incorporate. With the possible risks of “product liability” and patent lawsuits, an inventor should “incorporate”, meaning form a corporation or form a “Limited Liability Company” (LLC) so that you become a corporate entity or company and not remain a liable individual. This may seem like a strange step but it is a necessary one, in order to reduce the risk of someone pursuing you as an individual for patent infringement, or to contest your patent, or for product liability, meaning an injury lawsuit from use of your product.

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How To Patent an Invention

JimLow — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:50:38 -0500

When you come up with an invention that you feel might be marketable, there are steps you can take that will help you to determine whether it is. If you proceed with an invention, before taking these steps, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment by going forward with an idea that is already out there and that you cannot obtain a patent for.

My experience in this area comes from marketing and licensing six of my own inventions, beginning in 1989. I was able to establish five of these on the market by getting them into Wal-Mart stores. Then I turned them over to companies who could take over manufacturing and marketing and pay me a royalty on sales.

How To Get Google to Index You

shand0 — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:20:35 -0500

The most important thing you should do after setting up your new web site is to be sure it is indexed by search engines. All of us know the importance of being indexed by search engines--it means steady, free and very targeted organic traffic. Search engines give you visitors who need your services very quickly.

What about Google search engine? Simply, it is the biggest search engine on the planet, and has a huge database. More than 40% of Internet users use it to find their needs online. To get your website viewed, you should get it indexed by Google search engine. I will explain how you can let Google bot index your home page very quickly, in about 5 days.

Have you tried the Google Add URL page before? This lets you suggest your website URL to be indexed. This method may take more than one month to get you indexed by Google. Try this method instead to speed the process along:

How To Optimize the Meta Tags

shand0 — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:32:18 -0500

What are the meta tags? Meta tags are HTML code inserted into the head of a web page. Title tag is the first, most important meta tag; it determines what appears at the top of your internet browser, and also appears bolded in search engine results. So, the title tag is the number one meta tag to appear in search engine results pages. The meta description tag is the brief summary of your web page; it appears below the title in the search engine result. So it is very important to include your main keywords in the meta title and description tag.

The first step of search engine optimization is optimizing the meta tags. The first and the most important tag is the meta title tag, the code should be something like this: <title>your title here </title>, below the <head> tags.

How To Build Back Links by Blogging

shand0 — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:02:38 -0500

I will show you step-by-step how to build back links by blogging. I want to talk first about the importance of back links for any website. As all webmasters know, the number and quality of links are very essential for your website to appear in the first pages of search engines. And you know the importance of being in the first pages of search engines -- you can expect to get targeted organic traffic which will take your website to success.

So, links can give you more traffic, but the question is, how can you increase the number of links to my website? There are many strategies to start with it; I will mention one of these strategies -- building links by blogging.

How To Get Your Logo Designed

ldonnelly — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 08:39:07 -0500

There are many levels of design. Just as you would not expect a gourmet meal from a drive through, do not expect a highly effective logo or brand for fifty dollars. The saying “you get what you pay for” truly applies in this instance and it all depends on your investment tolerance as well as your vision for building a true brand for your business.