10 Often Overlooked, But Easy-To-Implement, Marketing Tools!

I've been approached by many entrepreneurs over the years who want to know if there is an ad piece that will magically get people to call and book jobs.

Sadly, there is not. But, what I'm about to share with you might just be the lifesaving system you need to pump profits back into your business.

It's not complicated to do. In fact, it could have considered more common sense than magical ... I call it "Back to Basics".

I'd like to share with you 10 often overlooked, yet easy-to-implement ways to increase sales, create happy clients and get a ton of referrals.

'Thank You' cards - Very essential ... use them! After each sale, as long as you have captured their contact information, send them a personal hand-written "Thank You" card.

A follow-up call - Do it! Call the client and make sure they are happy with the product or service. Objections can be handled right away and you have the opportunity to show the customer you truly care about them.

Reminder cards - Do them, too! You determine the frequency, but I would suggest at least three times a year. They do not have to be a sales pitch ... but they should remind the client you are available to help them.

E-mail marketing - It's essential that you keep open the lines of communication with your clients. An e-mail is quick, easy and affordable. You can use a service to schedule the times and dates your e-mails are sent.

Social media - Make it a priority. Facebook, Twitter, Buzz, LinkedIn, Plaxo, MySpace and the host of other sites make it so easy to promote your business that I find it unbelievable some companies have not taken advantage of them yet.

Newsletters - Staying in constant contact with clients is key to growing your business. A newsletter, if done right, can build trust and make you the "go-to" expert in your field.

References - Ask for them. Getting referrals is essential to growing your business. The easiest way to get referrals is to simply ask for them. If you deliver a great service, people are more than willing to share a few names with you.

Testimonials - Mail, e-mail or hand deliver a survey to your customers where they can tell you how they felt about your service. Use the testimonials in your ads, website and other marketing to build credibility and show potential customers what people are saying about your service.

Brag book - Create one. A brag book is way to show off your work. You can include your testimonials and pictures of your products, services and customers.

A money-back guarantee - Every company should have one. A guarantee tells the client that you are willing to back up your product or service and put your own butt on the line. Having a guarantee gives the client peace of mind.

If you are not doing these things ... start today. If you're only doing some of them ... then ask yourself why you are not doing them all.

When you institute a "back to the basics" approach, you'll discover that your clients will be happier with your service, you'll receive more referrals, and your sales will increase.

Used Auto Warranty-Questions & Answers

A used auto warranty will come in handy if you have a used car and it has many miles and starts showing signs of wear and tear. Many companies will give you a free quote for your car on an extended auto warranty and you will know pretty quickly if the warranty makes financial sense or not. Many people are not aware of the fact that you can get a used auto warranty for their car but they come in handy for people who prefer a fixed budget for repairs as opposed to having to pay a large sum when breakdowns happen. In this article we will take a look at 3 questions that people have about an extended auto warranty.

Used Auto Warranty-How do I file a claim?

When you have a breakdown than the warranty company will have it towed to a repair shop and you present the warranty to the shop. The shop will then call the warranty company after it has diagnosed the problem and let them know what is wrong with the car and the cost. The warranty company will then authorize the repairs and have the car fixed. You really do not to do much in the way of getting the claim going it usually is handled by the mechanic and the warranty company.

Used Auto Warranty-What extended warranties are available?

The most common warranty is for a power train warranty, which basically is 29 parts of the car that the oil flows through. These parts are typically the most expensive to repair so you will want to make sure that you get this coverage for you car. You can also choice other options if they make sense for you and the more you choice the higher the price will be.

Used Auto Warranty-Can I get an extended warranty from another company other than the manufacturer?

Yes, there are many companies that offer extended warranties for your car and it is all that they do so you can typically look to save up to 60%. There are a lot of companies that will get you a quote and a policy on an extended warranty so you should shop your options around to make sure that you are getting the best deal.

If you are considering a used auto warranty than make sure that you are getting the best deal for your money. An extended warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that if your car breaks down than you will be covered. It can also help you set up a budget so you are not responsible for large repair bills.

Working For Money Instead Of Freedom

Once again, this past Sunday in the Los Angeles Times Business section, there was a story featuring the latest Southern Californian who has been out of a job for a long time. While shocking, it always puzzles me to read these stories, as it's quite appropriate that these people have no interest in their own freedom.

This time, it was a 47-year old woman who was apparently an amazing insurance salesperson. After being downsized, she decided to take a few months off before looking for work again. She figured that because she was so good at what she did (especially with her experience), she'd be able to find another job without a problem. Those "off" months passed and she re-entered the job search. Almost 2 years later, she's still without a job. And that's after also applying for menial jobs.

When I first read this, I felt incredibly. First of all, how amazing could she have been if she was laid off? How could this woman not realize how bad the job market was (is)? How could she have such a big ego to think that she could take a few months off because her skills were so good? And how in the world could she miss just how successful she could be owning her own network marketing business ??

Fundamentally, this woman is incapacitated of doing anything else except choosing to be poor. Why? Her values ​​are such that she must have a steady paycheck from an employer, where she can have promotions, bonuses, etc. She values ​​security and money over her own freedom. What she's found out the hard way is that there is no security anymore as an employee. She worked so hard and developed skills, and for what? So she can apply for a job at Costco at 47 years of age?

If she valued her freedom, she could easily succeed with a network marketing business - especially with Infinity Downline. Instead of spending her time working hard for money, she could be working hard for herself, building a business that would create steady passive income for her for life . This is the true power of network marketing businesses.

What most people tend to miss when they hear terms like MLM, direct selling, and network marketing, is the power of passive income. Ads for MLM programs tend to emphasize how much money you can make every month, but the numbers tend to be so high that few people can believe it.

The truth is that those numbers are in fact real (5-figure salary per month ) (and it takes WORK to get there), but that's missing the point. Building a business allows you to build your own security. Who needs a 401k plan if you're making 5-figures a month doing nothing?

Back to the woman, if she invested her time building a business online with Infinity Downline, where she'd only have to pay $ 25 to join (and $ 25 a month to continue), get 100% commissions on her sales, and learn a new skill (internet marketing), she could easily be making her old salary within a year, if not sooner. Especially with a background in sales, this woman's success would most likely happen much sooner than she'd imagine.

But unfortunately, she will not get involved and will miss this opportunity for one big reason - her values ​​are not geared towards that of freedom; she values ​​money and security over all else.

Which would you choose? (Poor) Giving your work working life (40+ years !) Over to various companies? (Rich) or giving 4 years to a network marketing business, leaving the rest for yourself and your family?

I say, make the rich choice.

Drive Your Business With the Automotive CRM Tool

If you are always scrambling for active leads, future leads, dropped leads, or sold cars, then your CRM data management is up for a drastic overhaul. You can not give the lame excuse that you're not computer savvy that's why you can not make use of the automated CRM tool. This is suicide if you're in business.

Car Dealers, Sit Up!

A sale a day keeps the bankruptcy at bay. Car dealers have to reach a target sales quota monthly to reap their rewards from the wholesale purchase of cars. That's how they make a living. If you're in the car business, you know how important it is to keep your customer information updated and manageable. The automated CRM tool saves all the trouble of wading through messy files.

If you are not computer savvy, or if your CRM staff is not that clever with computers, you still can not give the reason that the technology is beyond your ken. Software architects had this in mind when designing the software. They have made the features easy to use, and they did not design a rubic-like puzzle just to confound users of the software.

The screen layout of the software has recognizable buttons and have different color codes for different files. You can even keep track of the weekly appointments you have scheduled, so there's no time wasted; you have the customers well within your speed and mileage meter. You can also send your customers emails or chat them up.

You can even do a quick inventory of supplies and spare parts in just one go. You do not have to get up and rifle through old files to update anything needing a quick touch up. This expediency is not limited to your customer databank, but also extends to your suppliers' info tank.

Easy collaboration with suppliers from all over the globe makes it effortless for you to be updated about their latest products and stocks. You can always have first hand and consistent information to share with customers and target leads. This improves your customer care and services, helping your business pick up speed.

Efficient Collaboration

The automated CRM tool enhances your accounting methods. It becomes easy for you to track customer accounts and company expenses. You do not need many workers to manage your CRM databank. A fully trained employee can do the job of three persons efficiently with the CRM tool for automotive dealership.

You still have the option to let a third party manage your system. This comes cheaper because you do not have to pay for add-ons that may be required later or measures for your data security. Instead of paying the wages for a worker to manage your CRM, the service provider does this competently and costs much less when expenses are summed up.

The technology gives you the edge in sharing information with different departments in the business and with the car makers, gives better communication links with customers and suppliers, and helps personalize customer interaction.

Improved Sales

When there is a ready and updated file on customer information, it is easy to track leads and consistently follow them up, especially when there are new car models or spare-parts that have become available.

The automated CRM tool contains modules for sales force computerization and customer communications administration. Collection of customer data becomes efficient and the information that is collected is organized for easy analysis, which determinates consequent action.

With prompt action on leads and better customer service, sales is improved. Automotive CRM tool gives the business the better drive.

What You Need To Know About Monetizing Your Bank Instrument

This methodology in its truest essence dates back to the 1940's shortly after WWII whereby heads of states and banks came together to think up ways in which money could be generated to rebuild Europe which as completely devastated as a result of the war. This meeting was known as Bretton Woods.

Fast forward to today, the methodology can and is used to raise money for infrastructure projects around the world. Large financial bodies such as the World Bank and the IMF use specialized trading programs which generate sufficient cash to go towards large infrastructure project funding.

There is a common misconception about monetizing bank instruments and most people, brokers included, have very little to no knowledge on what it takes to successfully monetize a Bank Instrument.

Bank Instrument Misconceptions

It is not uncommon for many individuals to think that if they have a bank instrument such as a Standby Letter Of Credit (SBLC) from a bank, they can cash it in. These individuals expect that the service provider (Monetiser) will automatically give them several million in cash just like that. However the reality is much different.

In reality, there are many people who purchase a Standby Letter of Credit and are then shocked to learn that their newly purchased bank instrument was never designed to be monetized to begin with. The bank instrument is therefore deemed worthless for their intended purposes.

Purpose Of A Bank Instruments

SBLC'S issued for monetization or for the purpose of securing lines of credit tend to be worded specifically and must include certain terminology. Not all SBLC's are intended for monetization so it is important to understand what you paying for and what you are getting to ensure that it will work for your intended purpose.

The truth of the matter is that having the money to buy a bank instrument doesn't automatically mean that your SBLC can or will be monetized. As well, there are limited service providers who are in the business of Monetizing Bank Instruments.

If the purpose of having a bank instrument issued is for project funding, it is important to note that all the 'components' have to be in place. Another words the SBLC Provider, Bank Issuer, Monetiser and Trader all have to be in sync with one another to stand the best chance of raising funds for project funding.

SBLC Considerations

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Service Provider

Ideally, you should know who will be monetizing your bank instrument before you purchase it. This may not be forthcoming to begin with if you are utilizing the services of a broker and are taking an instrument you already have in your possession to them. Brokers will tend to ask for a copy of your instrument first and run it past their Provider to see if indeed it can be monetised? You should also understand that not all SBLC's are the same.

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Bank Instrument Issuance and Bank Rating

Next, pay attention to where the Standby Letter Of Credit is coming from? This will have a big impact on not only whether the instrument can be monetised but also how much LTV (loan to value) you can anticipate to receive? For example instruments from say the United Kingdom would have a much higher credit rating than an instrument from Argentina. The jurisdictions and legal ramifications are not the same and you should know and understand the differences. This will also affect the bank instrument's cost and acceptability to Monetizing third parties.

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Bank Instrument Wording

If possible, ask for a copy of the DOA which should have a sample of the wording of the SWIFT MT-760 (the actual SBLC) and read it carefully. Pay attention to every word and have it reviewed by professionals and the beneficiary prior to paying for it. Verify if the bank instrument is suitable for monetization and if possible, try to find a service provider who will monetize it in advance. Whilst it involves extra work up front, it will pay off in the long term. There are two key words you need to look for when reviewing the text being "Cash backed." Most monetisers will not be able to do anything with a bank instrument which is not Cash backed.

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Purchasing An SBLC For A Line Of Credit

If you are establishing a credit line with your bank, it will be helpful to them if you can show them the text ahead of time. However, just showing someone your SBLC text may not be sufficient to establish a credit line. Of course the text is the first thing a Monetiser will look at but its far from the only thing we will consider.

Monetizing Bank Instruments; Things To Consider

There are several things worth considering. For example when using a bank instrument to raise funds for a project, a solid business plan and solid relationships are a good start. In other words, you must have an actual project and a professional business plan.

If your entire business plan was to get the Standby Letter Of Credit and then send emails to companies involved in monetizing bank instruments in hopes of finding someone to give you cash, then this would not be considered as a 'business plan.'

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Other Supporting Documentation

If you have a solid written business plan for a new company say in the energy sector as well as PPA's and off-take agreements in place and need a Bank Guarantee to secure credit lines, this would more than likely bode well with the bank.

The key is that you must have your paperwork together and you must have a tangible way to make money from your project or investment. These are the things which credit providers are looking for. Ultimately the bank must like and believe in your project if you are looking to them to raise credit against a bank instrument. Anyone can purchase an SBLC but only those who have done the hard work and homework will stand a good chance to get the instrument monetized or have a credit line initiated if that is your end goal.

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Your Own Credit Line

If you are going down the route of having a Third Party block millions of dollars to set up a credit line for you backed by a Bank Instrument, be prepared to listen and follow instructions from the credit provider - they are assisting you and not the other way round. You are propositioning the investor, not the other way around. It is not uncommon for the project sponsor to be of the belief that theirs is the most important project and that their demands should be met. It doesn't work that way.

If the credit line provider has set procedures and guidelines to adhere to, it is well advised to comply with their procedures. One thing for sure, service providers are in need given the lack of liquidity in the banking world and therefore they can pick and choose whom they want to work with. We have witnessed many service providers walk away from transactions due to clients being difficult and uncooperative.

Be prepared to submit a full Corporate Information Sheet (or Biography/Application) on your company and its officers along with a complete business plan. In the case of monetising an instrument, be prepared to submit the text of your SBLC. Explain how you acquired the bank instrument and why you need it monetized.

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Your Exit Strategy Plan

Go into detail about how you plan to exit this strategy and how you intend to return the instrument at the end of the term. However in the case of monetising an instrument, the monetiser will be responsible for returning the instrument at the end of the term. In essence you will be assigning the instrument to the monetiser in order for it to be monetised. Be aware that you may need to show Proof Of Funds (bank statements, not blocked funds) in many cases. If you follow the instructions and what is required of you, there shouldn't be a problem in having your line of credit established and/or having your SBLC monetised.

Different Types of Turbos

One way to enhance the horsepower of a car's engine is with a turbocharger. This will enhance the overall performance of the vehicle. A turbocharger allows an engine to produce similar power as that of a heavier engine.

A turbocharger is a turbine driven forced induction device that injects extra air at increased pressure, temperature and density into an engine's combustion chamber; thus improving the engine's efficiency and horsepower.

The exhaust gas that a turbocharger uses to operate is energy that is lost in a normally aspirated automobile engine. In cars, there are various types of turbochargers, and each has its own characteristics, drawbacks, and benefits.

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Single-Turbo
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The single turbocharger offers excellent variability and is a cost-effective method of increasing power in a car engine. It is relatively easy to install, and the addition of a single turbocharger produces the equivalent power as that of a larger and heavier normally aspirated engine, thus increasing performance. However, the turbo response by the engine may not be as quick as with other turbo configurations.







• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Twin-Turbo
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Similar to single turbos there are several options when considering a twin turbo. A single turbocharger can be added to each cylinder bank regardless of whether the engine is a V6 or V8. For parallel twin turbos on "V" shaped engines, the benefits, as well as the drawbacks, are the same as with the single turbo. They can be placed sequentially or in other configurations that enhance the engine's torque and power. Cost and complexity can be a disadvantage as it is doubling the number of turbo components required.







• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Twin Scroll-Turbo
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cylinders can be programmed to feed to one particular scroll or the other thus allowing for the enhancement of horsepower by maximizing the efficiency of the turbocharger. The addition of a twin scroll turbo will allow for more energy to be translated to the wheels. Let your wheel supplier guide you on this. Different scroll designs allow for a wider RPM range thus enhancing the effective boost of the turbocharger. Installing a twin turbo requires a specific engine layout and exhaust design when compared to the traditional single turbocharger.

The best way to enhance the performance of any car in a cost effective manner would be to install a turbocharger. It is also important to consider what your car is capable of, such as the torque your wheels can handle, the force the drive shaft can handle and the speed you, as a driver, can handle.

Seven No-Money Gifts You Can Give Everyday

This year the money has been kinda tight in many families, including ours. As our son turns a teenager (13) and our daughter, turns 15, we've been scratching our heads about exactly what to do for these two teenagers' birthdays. It does not make it any easier that both teenagers' natal day fall on the same day. Attribute that to perfect family planning techniques on our part. Or chuck it up to chance, and you'll be closer to what really happened.

At any rate, I have been thinking of low-cost or non-cost gifts that each of these teenagers can proudly call "cool". Clearly, no easy challenge. But whereas we may actually spend some money giving our children a birthday celebration worth the name, it is my hope that one day they will discover those special gifts in life that cost no money but mean so much more. There are at least 7 such no-money gifts I can think of and ramble about in no particular order.

1. Gracious words: These can be words of thanks, like "Thank you." They can be words of encouragement: "You can make it. Do not give up." What about words of praise or compliment: "You did great! You look sharp. That's a brilliant observation." Words of affirmation: "You are important to our family. You make a difference in our school, company or church." How about words of comfort? "I do not know what it's like to experience what you're going through, but I'm standing with you; I'll support you through this. I'm praying with you." Words of appreciation: "We could not have achieved this without you." What about humor, like a good joke? Or words of greeting: Please say "Good morning" every day when you wake up; yes, "Good morning", even to each person who lives in the same house with you.

2. You can give your ears at no cost to you. How? You listen. Simply listen. You come across as caring, concerned, and wise when you listen to another human being with that feel of empathy, which says, "I understand, I care, I know, I want to know."

3. How about giving your eyes? This is the gift of attention or eye contact, and it does not cost money. Do you know that 'love is in the eye'? A good look can seal the deal between two people as one falls in love, and the other confirm the feeling is mutual. Your eyes, if you are blessed with the gift of sight, are a wonderful gift; use them to give someone special that special look engenders love, confidence, compassion, and the like.

4. Forgiveness: More than a gift to another person who has hurt you or offended, the free gift of forgiveness can heal you and free you just as much as it releases your offender. "I forgive you" is one of the most powerful sentences one person can utter for another to hear. It says you are ready to move on, and so can the other person. Forgiveness sets two prisoners free, though they may still head in different directions from the cell of grudge, bitterness and resentment.

5. Presence: This is one of the most undervalued gifts in our world. Your presence, just being there can make a whole lot of difference. Presence makes a difference in the lives of millions of children. Do you know that a son may drop out of school, use drugs and alcohol, engage in pre-age sex, commit crime, and end up in jail, simply because his dad was 'not there'? Never underestimate the power of 'being there'. The gift of presence is also essential for organizations like a sports team, a church, or a company. What good is a team, a church, or a company if no one shows up, if the players, members, or employees do not attend, if they are never 'there'? Attendance is just another name for the gift of presence. For those who are religious, one of the beliefs that keeps many of them going is a simple promise from the Almighty: "I will be with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I am with you, even to the end of the world. " Presence. What a gift!

6. Smile or Laughter: Few things communicate "I'm on your team" like a genuine smile, or a good laugh. For years now, I have made it a point every day to have one good 'laugh of the day'. If the day wears on, and I have not yet gotten my laugh of the day, I will surf the Internet until I locate a good laugher. But on most days, I get my dose of laughter with a family member, a friend, or even over the phone. By the way, laugh relieves stress and conditions your mind like you know what. By the way, we are speaking of a "laugh with" someone, not a "laugh at" anyone.

7. The Gift of Touch: The Mother Teresas of this world have understood the great gift of that human touch, the tender kind. That gift can shape the personality of a baby for the rest of that child's life. A child that is often touched will develop differently from one who never gets a hug or kiss. A gentle touch from a nurse or doctor can cheer up or even speed up the healing process for a patient, or make the difference between a peaceful death and a traumatic exit from this life. Jesus the Rabbi distinguished himself from other religious leaders and endeared himself to the common people by being a tourer rather than just a detached teacher. He touched the epileptic, those with leprosy, the prostitute, the hated, and he touched his disciples. The touch of Jesus changed lives and brought tears to the eyes of the most macho of men, including Simon Peter, that strong fisherman of Galilee. Never regard a handshake, a hug, an empire, a kiss on the cheek or lips as anything less than a precious gift.

There is little chance that our son or daughter will be impressed with any of these cost-less gifts for their birthday. The good news is that, as their parents, we know that it is these gifts that they will remember the most once they leave our nest. And thankfully, we can dump these precious presences on them just about any day of the week, whether it's their birthday or not.