When it comes to Barack Obama’s new economic plan, there are positive and negative aspects. Some parts the plan should help us out as internet marketers. There are other parts that might hurt us. First, let’s start with the best news…we internet marketers are a resourceful bunch and we’ll probably make sure that everything goes well for our future no matter what.

That reminds me…before I go on, I will stick my opinion where it may or may not belong. Both candidates said “The American people are innocent victims of this financial disaster”…um, are you kidding me? I can’t think of a more dangerous thing to say. No one had guns to their heads when they signed those home loans! When American citizens completely stop taking responsibility for their own actions, as the candidates encouraged, then America loses its advantage as the superpower in the world. I know they were trying to win votes, but that’s just irresponsible.

My audience—internet marketers and entrepreneurs—will take care of themselves. They don’t WANT the government to take care of them. That’s how it should be and it’s that very attitude that makes them successful and independent to begin with. If everyone thought like and entrepreneur, we, er, the country wouldn’t be in this mess in the first place.

Okay, back to economic policy. The most exciting thing for internet marketers in Obama’s new economic plan is the deployment of what politicians are calling Next-Generation Broadband. With this plan, Obama wants to bring broadband to every community in America. Overall, this should eventually bring the costs of broadband internet down across the nation. Also, the internet users that are still on dial-up will likely switch over to faster internet, meaning more chances for them to stay on your site instead of clicking away because your graphics are taking too long to load. Flash sites tend to do this a lot. Overall, with this plan implemented, more of America should spend even more time online, meaning more chances for you to make a sale. (more…)

  Posted By tyna     Nov 4, 2008       4 comments  

You know the type of week.

* Your book is back from the printer, you have some newspaper interviews lined up, your attending a meeting with your target audience. . .you are entering one of the biggest publicity weeks of your business and your website crashes (sound familiar?).

* You’ve worked hard and are gearing up to launch a new product when a vendor calls and says that he can’t get the new website up on deadline which is “okay” because the graphic artist’s computer crashed and your product picture isn’t ready anyway. They’ll get back to you.

* Taxes are due and, in some previous insanity, you agreed to do them for friends and family. But you still need information and the tax deadline looms.

* Your hubby needs reading glasses but you can’t find the credit card which will give you the big discount. It’s gotta be around somewhere.

* Your sister wants to borrow your AAA card - it must be with the missing credit card.

* It hasn’t rained for weeks and yet the dog is covered in mud and lying on the couch.

* Your largest client calls on a Friday afternoon and requests the impossible. This was preceded by your smallest client calling and demanding that you drop everything as her every need is *urgent*.

What do you do when it all goes wrong?

1. Laugh.

Laugh hard and laugh often. Laugh like there’s no tomorrow - given the above, there may not be.

Seriously though. . .laughter will put you in a much better frame of mind to deal with life’s interruptions without losing your sanity. (more…)

  Posted By tyna     Nov 2, 2008       3 comments  

This is the most asked question people have when starting a service business. Pricing is always a tricky art. It requires research and experimentation. The wrong price could drive your customers away, or it could even break your bank. The right price could draw a ton of money and make some you very happy clients.

My own rates vary depending on the type of service I’m supplying, the location my customer lives in and the size of my customer’s business. My price always increases as my knowledge increases.

Some of my services are in high demand, so I can charge more. Some of my other services I am one in many that customers can choose from, so my rate needs to be more competitive. If I work for a larger company, they tend to be able to afford more. Individuals have smaller budgets.

What you charge is dependent on the market, as well as your own unique marketing and business angles. The best way to determine what price is right for your business is to do some research. The following suggestions should help you with your research:

1. How much is your service worth to your client?

Ask around. Ask your customers what they would be willing to pay for a particular service. Just come right out and ask or conduct a survey. Ask other businesses what they are charging for their services. Call and pretend to be a potential client. Find out how much they would charge you. Look for articles and forums in your field where you can ask other consultants what they are charging. Many will just come out and tell you or give you a price range. (more…)

  Posted By tyna     Nov 1, 2008       1 comment