Not Just Another Ezine


Issue Number 94
In this issue:
Welcome
Featured Article: Are You An Ethical Person?
Subscriber Comments
Featured Article: 7 Ways of Building Customers' Trust With Your Web Site


Link: Members' Lounge


Forget The Hype!
You Can Save Time, Money and Your Sanity with a little help from "Forget the Hype". This easy-to-read guide will give you all the tips and resources you need to take contol of your business. It's even fun to read so check it out today. http://annamarketing.com/FTH



WELCOME

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Welcome to all, old and new! :~)

Wow, it's been way too long since I last sent out an issue. Almost so long that it was getting a bit hard even thinking about getting back into the swing of things. But hey, here I am, all afresh and full of new ideas for the future, and hopefully ready to help as many of you as possible with as much as possible again ;~)

I keep reading that "your customer/subscriber/client only ever wants to know what you can do for him, and is never interested in you and your life" etc etc etc. After being away for this length of time, I'd just like to say "Hogwash!" So many of you have sent me emails and text messages worrying about me and wondering where I was that it was totally overwhelming, and absolutely appreciated. I'm sorry I couldn't get back to you all, but life has really been hectic for me the past couple of months. Suffice to say, I am in total awe of how caring and wonderful all of you are. Thanks!

So a quick update (if you want more "in-depth" come along to the conference room for a chat sometime) for you all before we get started on this weeks issue; We finally got moved and we're loving it! The house is great, the garden's fantastic and we've been having absolutely gorgeous weather too.

Kyle (8) finally got to see a specialist and was diagnosed with "overly moderate ADHD, so at least now we know for definite what we're working with. Chris (15) got himself a weekend job at the local hotel and he's loving every minute of it. Kelsey (12) has started helping out at the local Oxfam shop on Saturday mornings. The other people working there are mega-impressed with her people skills and her attitude to life. Courtney (4) is really enjoying school and even brought her first "homework" home this week. Unfortunately for me, it was in Welsh, so I had to get Kelsey to help her with it..lol

With everything that was going on I had to put all online stuff on the shelf for a while. I have so much catching up to do, after only being away for a month or 2, but I'm really looking forward to it. Time to re-start work on my 2nd website, and also work with my blog again. Speaking of the blog, I was pleasantly surprised when I checked my stats at Google Adsense. Even though I haven't done a single thing online the past 2 months, I've earned almost $9 there, just for having their ad blocks on my blog. Remember, that's without any promoting or anything, so if you have a site that gets a lot of traffic, the adsense affiliate program is well worth checking out.

As an "I'm Back" gift, I've decided to give 5 of you a free copy of Forget The Hype and offer 100 copies at $10 each for the rest of you. As soon as I sell 100 copies from today 16th June, the price will go back up to $39.95, no if's but's or maybe's. So if you want a copy for only $10 grab it while you can :~) http://annamarketing.com/FTH

How do 5 people get a free copy? Easy; come and visit me in my conference room. The first 5 will receive their copy via email asap.

Until next time, get those votes in, get those interviews in, come visit me in my conference room and above all...

Enjoy Reading!

May you be happy and prosperous in everything you do!

Anna-Marie Stewart

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This weeks download/ebook is 7 Fatal Mistakes....: that almost every business owner makes on their website, and how to avoid them.

Visit the Members Lounge for the download link, and don`t forget to get your votes in for next weeks e-book while you`re there.
I haven't added new downloads to the poll this week to vote on, as I need to find some more great stuff (and newer)for you, so be patient. Remember, all good things come to those who wait ;~)

Not Just Another Interview #63 is posted this week. Don`t forget, the interviews may possibly be used in future ebooks as well as the ezine, plus they`re a great way to gain new contacts interested in exactly what YOU do.

Don`t worry, it`s only a teeny tiny questionnaire type interview.. lol

C`mon, don`t be shy. We really love getting to know you better. (Remember to add your website url too.) If you`re unsure of how to send one in, the form is in the Members Lounge, along with all the other forms and stuff ;~)
As always, the link to the Members Lounge can be found at the bottom of this page EVERY week.

If you need your password to update the info I have for you, please request it here: http://annamarketing.com/lostpass.php

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Welcome to the NJAE Conference Room
and the scheduled "Get To Know Each Other" meetings.

At this point in time the meetings are scheduled to last 2 hours, but if they last longer, that's fine with us. If you'd like to hang around for a quick demo of the software after a meeting, that's fine with us too. We are also hoping for feedback from you as to which days and times would suit you best so that we can work something out for as many people as possible.

Scheduled Meetings

Brainstorming Session. Come see if we can help you with your ideas.
  • Sunday 5pm EST - 7pm EST (10pm GMT- Midnight GMT)

    Website Reviews. Come flaunt your stuff.
  • Tuesday 8am EST - 10am EST (1pm GMT - 3pm GMT)

    Website Reviews. Come flaunt your stuff.
  • Wednesday 3pm EST - 5pm EST (8pm GMT - 10pm GMT)

    Brainstorming Session. Come see if we can help you with your ideas.
  • Friday 10pm EST - 12am EST (3am GMT- 5am GMT)

    Early Morning Coffee Break. If you're up this early, come in and shoot the breeze.
  • Saturday 8am EST - 10am EST (1pm GMT - 3pm GMT)

    Brainstorming Session. Come see if we can help you with your ideas.
  • Saturday 12pm EST - 2pm EST (5pm GMT - 7pm GMT)

    • Download my conference room here: Conference Room This will install the conference software on your pc. It's perfectly safe and has no spyware, adware nor viruses attached. To read about the software and opportunity please visit this link: www.hotconference.com

    Remember, the room is open at all times, so if I'm not there at the time, email me at admin@annamarketing.com and I'll catch up with you as soon as possible.

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    Featured Article:

    Are You An Ethical Person?
    Copyright 2005 By Mike Shanta

    A few years ago I attended a vocational school for computer programming. During my last semester there, we were all required to do a speech about the field of computer programming. I chose to do one on the ethics of computer programming, i.e. the industry you chose to work for, the type of programming you did, etc.

    I discussed things like; if you design programs for a company that produces highly gory video games, and that company promotes those games to young people, do you bear any responsibility for violent behavior in those young people? Or do you bear any responsibility if your programming skills are used to slip pornography through the filters that parents put on computers to protect their children from online porn? What about if you design programs that help online criminals steal from others, do you bear any responsibility even if you don't use the program yourself?

    In my summation I stated that I felt you did bear responsibility for these things. If you look at the S & L scandals some years ago, and some of the scandals in the big corporations these days, you might draw the conclusion that ethics in business is a thing of the past.

    I think those currently making their living in the internet marketing arena, and those of us trying to break into that arena need to consider the area of ethics very seriously.

    It amazes me how many wonderful opportunities are offered to me each day. It's great; I can make tons and tons of money each month even if I'm a really lazy person. All I need to do is buy some ebook for a low $47 or put up some mini site and I'll have more money coming in than I'll know what to do with. What makes this so sad is that you can become so cynical from all the unethical offers, that it makes it hard to recognize the legitimate ones when they come.

    Now, let me assure you, there are many ethical internet marketers out there. There are a few of them that I really respect and look forward to their newsletters and offers. But you have really got to watch yourself. One of the things I really respect about the ethical marketers is they tell you right off, an online business is like any other business, it takes time and hard work to develop.

    It's kind of funny also when I get three or four emails within a day or two telling me how their friend so and so has this great thing going on. It's of course only open to a few people, and fortunately I'm one of the lucky ones. :) It wouldn't even be so bad if they would at least personalize the offer with their own voice a bit, but they don't. It's exactly the same, word for word, "hey buddy, this ones for you".

    You see, a lot of them are not what I would consider ethical business people. Most of them could really care less about any benefit I might derive from the offer, what they care about is what they can get out of the deal.

    Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with people trying to sell you or I something. After all, isn't that the idea of internet marketing? But, if I get an offer from someone that I think has a great product and I want to send it along to you, I'm going to do things a little different. First I would send you a note telling you about why I thought the product was a good one. I would then tell you that I was forwarding you a copy of the letter I received so you could get more details about the benefits of the product.

    To me, if I really believe in a product, and I want to be honest, that is the only way that I can endorse it. Being ethical is being honest, it's treating and dealing with people as you would have them treat or deal with you.

    You may get someone to buy something from you with a slick sales letter once. But if the product isn't really something that will benefit them; but you used a slick sales letter to gloss over that fact, it may be the last time you sell them anything.

    The moral of the story? If you're going to sell something, make sure it's something that you believe in yourself. If it's an offer from someone else, don't pretend like the offer comes from you directly, use your own voice lest you sound phoney. Be honest, be ethical, and in the long run it will pay dividens many times over, and in many areas of your life.

    -=-=-=-=-=-=-Resource Box-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-
    Mike Shanta is a student of success who resides in Branson,
    Missouri. He is editor and publisher of a Free Newsletter
    "All-Round Success" which you can receive by going to his
    website http://www.all-round-success.com, He also publishes
    a Success Blog called "All-Round Success"
    http://www.all-roundsuccess.blogspot.com
    =============================================
    This article is available for reprint in your opt-in ezine,
    web site or ebook. You MUST agree not to make any changes
    to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.


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    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    Subscriber Comments, Keep Em Coming :)
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    I haven't had a newsletter in what seems like a couple of months. Have I done something wrong? I promise I will do the interview thing, really! And I have my own e-book to give to anyone who wants it...

    Ron

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    Hi Anna,

    I was just emailing because I haven't received a newsletter or any announcents for about a month now. Are you still up and going, or have you shut down for a while?

    Hope all is well with you.

    Mike

    Just 2 of the mails I received while i was away.. Wow, it's great to be missed and loved :~D

    Sorry I kept you all hanging on for so long, but I'm back now, so hopefully I'll be able to catch up with you all soon either via mail, messengers or the conference room. Bear with me if I haven't replied to you personally yet, ok?
    Love you all :~)
    (Hey Ron, where's that interview then?? heheheh) Oh, and thanks so much for the article Mike!

    (Hi guys, this is where i need your feedback, send it on in so I can post it here.
    Include your link in your sig for that extra bit of free advertising, ok?)

    Got something to say? Drop me a line. Know of a cool site?
    Drop me another line. Got any ideas for making the ezine
    even better for you? You know the drill: Drop me yet another line...
    I really enjoy hearing from you all.
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++




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    Featured Article:

    7 Ways of Building Customers' Trust With Your Web Site
    By Herman Drost

    When I purchase something from a web site I first check who is behind this site. If there is no contact information or anything about the owner of the site or his/her company I move on.

    Unfortunately the Internet attracts some people who are dishonest and prey upon unsuspecting people to make quick money for themselves.

    Therefore your web site must put your visitor immediately at ease and convey honesty and integrity about it.

    Here are 7 essential ways of building customers' trust:

    1. Provide contact information - visitors will easily become frustrated if they have a question to resolve but can't contact you. At least place an email address or contact form on your web site. Some people prefer to talk to a real person rather than use electronic communication so provide a telephone number and even a real address not a P.O. Box number. Answering one or 2 customer questions may be enough to win his or her trust before purchasing from your site.

    2. Create an "About Us" page - here you can tell a little about yourself and/or your company. Another nice touch is to include a photo of yourself. The more you can establish a personal bond with your potential buyer, the greater your chances of success.

    3. Include Testimonials - testimonials is a wonderful way to showcase your product, establish credibility, and improve sales. It takes some work to get them but it is well worth it in the long run.

    Here's how to get a testimonial from your customers:

    a) If you have a service oriented business, then ask for a testimonial after you have completed the work for them. This is because you are still fresh in their minds and they still have a desire to thank you for the excellent work you completed.

    b) If you are selling a product i.e. e-book or software, ask for a testimonial after they have paid for the product. Send a reminder to them 1 or 2 weeks later.

    You may even provide an extra incentive by giving away a copy of your product in return for a testimonial.

    c) Make sure the testimonial is verifiable - ask them to include their contact information such as an email address or web site address. You may even ask for a small photo to go along with what they have written. Don't just make up a testimonial as this will look false and unprofessional.

    d) Testing- try different ways to introduce your testimonials. Sprinkle them throughout your web site content as shown on http://www.isitebuild.com then link to the rest of them on another page. You may also want to strategically place them in your sales letters (http://www.isitebuild.com/web-site-promotion), emails or promotional materials associated with your business.

    4. Be courteous - often customers can't communicate exactly what they have in mind because they don't have your expertise. Try to clarify what your product or service will do for them to make their life easier. If you put their fears at ease you will have a happy customer.

    5. Use secure transactions - someone sending you his or her credit card number, home address, or other personal information should be able to do so through a secure link from his or her browser to your server. Make sure you use Secure Socket Links or 3rd Party Verification in all information transactions that involve sensitive data.

    6. Accept refunds - always accept reasonable return and refund requests. Deal with them promptly and professionally, no matter how the customer acts towards you during the process. It may be a hassle, but this instills a lot of trust. A customer's biggest fear is that he/she may not receive what he wants or may not be able to return it.

    7. Provide a guarantee - if you provide a guarantee for your product or service it will place your customer's mind at ease. The longer the guarantee the better. If you have a service oriented business, you might include a statement such as:

    "We will work with you until you are satisfied"

    If selling a product you may say something like:

    "If for any reason you are not satisfied with this product, I will offer you a 90 day money-back guarantee".

    Conclusion:
    Online transactions and communication can be impersonal because you don't meet your customers face to face. If you follow the points mentioned above, it will quell their fears and allow you to make more sales based on the credibility and trust you have established from your web site.

    -=-=-=-=-=-=-Resource Box-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-
    Herman Drost is the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW)
    owner and author of http://www.isitebuild.com. Affordable
    Web Site Design and Web Hosting. Subscribe to his
    "Marketing Tips" newsletter for more original articles.
    mailto:subscribe@isitebuild.com. Read more of his
    in-depth articles at: http://www.isitebuild.com/articles
    =============================================
    This article is available for reprint in your opt-in ezine,
    web site or ebook. You MUST agree not to make any changes
    to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.




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