The Life and Times

Help Your Child to Read

2010-05-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

Lyn Savage is an Optician.

Lyn Savage lives in the cosy market town of Ulverston, Cumbria.

She has a passion for working with children, and helping them to maintain healthy eyes.

Lyn keeps right up to date with latest findings in the optometry world.

She recently visited several primary schools throughout Cumbria. She spent time with the children to test their eyesight, talk to them about their vision, and help them with their reading.

Help them with their reading?

You see, Lyn Savage recently read a new book with new findings that relate reading difficulties to impaired eyesight.

With the latest findings in the book, Vision and Reading Difficulties, parents are now being encouraged to take their child to an optician if they are struggling to read.

Many parents simply think their child will grow out of it, pick it up eventually, or must have something wrong with them.

A good check up with a professional, like Lyn Savage, and some worthy advice later, and your child may well be able to start reading.

Please visit her website, and get in touch with Lyn Savage with any concerns you may have about your child’s reading difficulties.

Click Here!

Want to be a copywriter?

2010-04-12T03:54:00.000-07:00

You want to be a copywriter…

You are probably just starting out, and want to know how to write genuinely compelling and effective copy that actually does its job. (Whatever that job may be – copywriting isn’t just about selling.)

Before you jump in at the deep end and learn how to write the text, you need to be sure you have the attributes to become a top copywriter.

Writing Skills
Plain and obvious. Or so you might think…

The beauty of copywriting is you don’t need to be a literary genius. You don’t need to have an English degree.

Writing copy is all about engaging the reader, putting yourself in the readers’ shoes, and writing as the customers speak.

While you should be aware of correct grammar – it can sometimes be a sin to obey it in copywriting.

Imagination
You don’t need to be a literary genius and you don’t need to be a ‘creative writer’.

Long, waffling descriptions is an absolute no no for copywriters. Short, simple and concise is the key.

But you do need an active imagination. Think of breakfast cereals. Quite a mundane product to sell. But if you watch the TV, you’ll note that good copywriters are always coming up with new, inventive ways to advertise breakfast cereals.

A businesslike approach
Most, if not all, of your clients will be business people – often in senior positions. They want to know they can trust you with their business, and rely on you to generate sales.

The last thing they want from a copywriter is someone who is going to give them a headache. You must be professional at all times.

Attention to detail
Journalists have the pleasure of sub-editors. Freelance copywriters don’t. You are the producer, designer, writer and editor of your own work.

Self motivation
Especially important if you are freelance. Hard work and self motivation are inevitably rewarded.

Although you don't have a boss (as such) standing over you, telling you to work harder and work faster – you still need to put the hours in and stick to deadlines.

Easygoing temperament
Like ghostwriting, copywriting is all about suppressing your own ego.

The customer is always right – even when they are obviously wrong.

You client is your customer. Your client pays your wages. Don’t risk falling out or arguing with your wage-payer because you disagree with his/her approach.

Listening and questioning skills
On average, you’ll get around 15 minutes worth of brief from your client. You need to know exactly what is required of you. Do not be afraid to repeat questions and do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you like.

The more questions you ask, the more detailed your brief, the better your copy. The more questions you ask, the more enthusiasm this shows to your client. This can help towards gaining future work from them.

Adaptability
You need to be versatile. You need to be able to write about anything. If you narrow down your topics too much, you risk your copy becoming trite and predictable.

You also narrow down your chances of finding regular work.

Persuasiveness
Not just to convince potential clients that you are the copywriter they need, but if there is one key feature of copywriting it is this:

The goal of a copywriter is to influence a reader to change their attitude or behaviour.

Can you persuade someone to buy a product? Change political party? Apply for a job? Stop smoking?

People skills
You need to be sociable and a ‘people person’.

You may be working for a mechanic one week and the director of a multinational blue-chip organisation the next. You need to be able to talk with them in their language.

People buy from people they like. At any stage of the spectrum.

You need to be able to prove to potential clients that you understand them and understand what makes their business tick.

So there you have it; the skills to be a pro copywriter.

Do you have the necessary skills?

Well, that doesn’t really matter. The more important point – are you willing to work at these skills? If the answer is ‘yes’: enjoy your career as a successful freelance copywriter.

Writing For England
www.writing-for-england.co.uk

Advice for the Unemployed Grad

2010-04-06T07:49:00.001-07:00

I’ve learned a valuable lesson over the last few months.

In fact, I’ve learned quite a few.

I was no doubt in the vast majority when at school and when at college. I was bright, but never had any real ambition. There were things I wanted to do, places I wanted to go and people I wanted to meet – but career-wise?

Nothing really stood out on its tiptoes.

I coasted through exams and partied my way through university – never thinking any further ahead than the next day.

People used to always ask what I wanted to be when I’m older.

“Dunno”, would be the usual reply.

I suppose I always saw myself in a traditional 9-5 job, get up for work in the morning, come home in the evening and enjoy my weekend.

That was all I knew.

My dad had done it, my brother had done it, my uncles had done it…

I was no different.

Then came the luckiest break of my life…

…unemployment.

I was one of 47,000 unemployed graduates in the UK in 2009.

Where was my 9-5 office job that I thought I’d end up in?

Wait…

…I found myself having to actually work in order to find work.

Out of nowhere came a passion and a desire to find employment that I never knew I had.

But what was it I was looking for? A job? Money? Happiness?

This made me stop, and think to myself:

What do I actually want out of life?

Do I want to travel the world?

Do I want to be a family man?

Do I want a traditional 9-5 job?

The fact is; I came to realise that money really isn’t everything.

Rather than finding a mundane job so I can pay the bills and do what I want to do in my spare time – why not decide what I want to achieve, and then aim for that?

I wanted to write. I wanted to work in my own time, and be my own boss.

So, who cares if I’m making slightly less money – I’m doing what I love.

Would you rather enjoy yourself at work every single day, or trudge through a job you hate for 40 hours a week, only to earn a few measly pennies more?

What’s my point?

Ask yourself what you want out of life.

Don’t jump into a job because it gives you money.

You want the extra money so you can afford to do the things you love, right?

What do you love?

Do you love cruises?

Why not work on a cruise? Then you get PAID for doing what you love… every single day.

Do you spend your extra money on books?

Become a writer! Work in a book store! Work with authors!

Do what you love and you will be happy.

That’s the goal, isn’t it?

Why He is the World's Best Internet Marketer

2010-03-27T02:48:00.000-07:00

Frank Kern is a Genius.

I dare you to contest that.

As far as internet marketing goes, you will go a long way to finding a mind so pure, so brilliant and so effective.

They say that content is king – Frank Kern is King Content.

As far as copywriting goes, you will go a long way to finding anybody better than Frank.

So who is Frank Kern? What does he do? And more importantly – what will he do for me?

Frank Kern is probably the greatest internet marketer around. He’s one of those guy’s who rakes in boat-loads of cash at the click of a finger, a sip of a beer or on a ride on a wave. Yep, Frank is also a pro surfer. I read somewhere that he looks like someone who still lives in his parents’ basement: that he has to drag himself away from his Xbox to do a couple hours work.

But don’t be fooled – Frank Kern is clever. Really clever.

One step ahead of the game at all times.

He knows what a customer wants long before they even know themselves. Using outrageously brilliant copywriting techniques (or ‘mind control techniques’ if you’d prefer), Frank can tell a customer what it is they want and what it is they need – and he’ll give it to them. For FREE. And he’s made millions of dollars doing this.

Weird, huh?

In March 2010, Frank Kern set out to show the world exactly how he does this. The guy’s got so much cash; he now feels the necessity to tell others how to take their share.

The guy’s a genius.

Ethical? Yes.

Helpful? Yes.

Friendly? Yes.

A genius who is always one giant step ahead of everybody else, who makes tons of money by giving away FREE products, and is about to have sales sky-rocket by telling everybody else his secrets and techniques? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Here’s how he’s doing it - :

Customers = Sales
Sales = Money
Money = Happiness

We all want to reach the point of Happiness. That’s why we get out of bed in the morning, that’s why we go to the office everyday, that’s why we brush our teeth and wash our hair. We all want to be happy.

To get to this point, we need money. Why do we go to work? We want money. What do we strive for? More money.

How do we get more money? Sales.

How do we make sales? Through customers.

So, logic tells us that in order to be happy (the ultimate goal), we have to make more money, make more sales and get more customers.

Eureka moment for Frank Kern.

He decided his whole philosophy for internet marketing was going to be based on customers – how to keep hold of the ones he’s got, and how to grab hold of the ones he hasn’t got. Pretty simplistic, but it’s amazing how many internet marketers still focus on themselves rather than their customers.

More customers – more sales – more money – happiness – repeat customers – new customers – and it goes on and on.

So Frank set out to reach as many people as possible, and turn them into customers. He pinpointed email marketing as the key. To achieve his ultimate goals for success, he had to get hold of as many email addresses as possible.

This would mean as many potential customers as possible. As we already know, Frank is the master of copywriting and email marketing. Once he has hold of somebody’s email address, he can work his magic to transform them into a customer – a paying customer.

Frank has long worked in Joint Venture Partnerships. He understands the power of people. By working with and collaborating with other people, everybody can achieve common goals.

Every person that Frank has had a partnership with has lead him towards more contacts. More sales. More money. Viral marketing.

Therefore, Frank set out to form Joint Venture Partnerships not just with big companies and already successful internet marketers, but with everybody – his customers.

Frank released a video, to his already huge mailing list, called Core Influence. Frank declared Core Influence to be the single most successful video that he has ever produced. Big-paying customers had raved about how Core Influence had changed their lives for the better. And now Frank decided to give away the video for free.

“In order to receive the video – just insert your email address into the box below and I’ll email your unique link to the video.”

Step 1 – brilliant. This simply worked in the same way as most of his campaigns had in the past. The majority of his already trustworthy followers would sign up, so would a few new customers, and most importantly (for Frank – find out why very soon), the big internet marketers who want to keep an eye on what he’s up to.

Once a link arrived and the people had access to the video, they would be given access to a FREE 2-hour long lecture on sales, mailings and marketing. A fascinating video worth its weight in gold.

Viewers were also given a unique code. An affiliate link.

Frank states in the video that when you refer 10 people to Core Influence, using your unique code, you will be given exclusive access to Core Influence 2.

Core Influence is a fantastic video – but it has been used for years, and by lots of people. Lots of people who are now using the same tricks and techniques. If you get access to Core Influence 2, however, you will be treated to a brand new video, recently updated that no one else has seen.

Very appealing.

So, as you’d expect, the people went mad. Everybody was spraying their affiliate links all over the internet. Websites, Twitter, Blogs, Facebook statuses you name it…and of course, more and more people were receiving their desired 10 referrals.

And so, more and more people were gaining access to Core Influence 2.

Step 2 – who’s a clever boy?

Reading this right now, you no doubt fall under one of two sets of people: The referrer or the referred.

Either you were one of those who signed up to Core Influence and encouraged others to do the same (via your affiliate link), or you were encouraged by another.

Either way, Frank Kern now has your email address.

Everyone that signed up in the first instance gave Frank their email address. Everyone that was referred by an affiliate also had to give their email address – to Frank Kern.

To be frank, Frank Kern is a genius.

Are you starting to see it yet?

The big internet marketers created pages on their well optimized websites – check out Ewan Chia and Ryan Deiss. They advertised Core Influence to thousands of their followers in the hope that 10 people would sign up. Naturally, more and more signed up – and Frank Kern was granted access to the single most important thing in an internet marketer’s possession – their mailing lists.

18 months preparation for four days work.

Back to your Xbox now Frank.

Genius.

But the best part of Frank’s plan is this:

He’s saturated the market. Take a look at how he advertised/marketed his Mass Control video, the layout and format of his emails and the introduction of Bonuses and FREE gifts as a way of persuading people to give away their email addresses.

Now everyone is copying it! The lack of an introduction in emails (no ‘hi’, ‘howdy’ or ‘hey’), the short, split up sentences, the bonuses and FREE gifts, the closure of ‘talk soon’ and the final ‘P.S.’. And the best part of all – all the while, without even knowing it, they are advertising Frank Kern.

They are telling people to visit his websites and sign up to his videos – and all Frank is doing is showing everyone the same thing – if everyone follows the same principals and techniques – they won’t be unique and they won’t work!

This leaves him to create his own methods of turning people into customers.

Perhaps best of all, with even the big internet marketers following Frank’s techniques, everyone can see where they get their influence from – or who should I say.

Frank Kern. That’s who.

Adam and Jit, Jeremy Schoemaker, Tellman Knudson…they’re all at it.

So what can we learn from this?

Implementing a marketing campaign strategy is essential. The rumour mill has it that Frank took 18 months to put this campaign together. And it has paid off dividends. From Frank Kern’s Four Day Cash Machine to his List Control, Frank has us eating out of the palm of his hand.

And that’s why he rakes in boat-loads of cash at the click of a finger, a sip of a beer or on the ride on a wave.

New Findings for Children with Reading Difficulties

2010-03-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

A growing number of parents and teaching professionals are turning to eye practitioners when their children have difficulty reading.

Visual problems associated with reading difficulties are discussed in a new book which has been developed by three of the country’s leading eye experts.

Vision and Reading Difficulties has been written primarily for eye care professionals, to help them stay up to date with the new developments.

The book not only addresses the problems, but also comes up with a clinical protocol that can be used to identify and treat these conditions.

The findings have been of particular significance to Ulverston Optometrist Lyn Savage. Lyn Savage Opticians celebrated its 25th Anniversary last year, and Mrs Savage continues to develop her knowledge of the industry.

Mrs Savage, based on Market Street, prides on providing first-class vision care for the entire family. Mrs Savage is now keen to meet children with reading difficulties, to see if there is a visual problem that she can diagnose and treat.

She has recently visited Pennybridge, Leven Valley and Broughton Primary schools to talk with children about their eyesight.

The new findings focus on those people who have vision concerns with reading, though do not have eye diseases or low vision, the visual problems that are most often associated with reading difficulties.

Vision and Reading Difficulties points out early on: “There has been increasing evidence in recent years of visual factors contributing to reading difficulties…”

With a strong interest in these visual factors, Bruce Evans, Director of Research at the Institute of Optometry, said: “We felt there was a need for a book for eye care professionals that would give them the background on which visual problems may be contributing to reading difficulties, how they can detect those problems and what they can do about them when they find them.”

A discussion with Mr Evans and the authors is available to view on the Association of Optometrists website. Vision and Reading Difficulties is also available from the OT Bookshop.

Lyn Savage will be happy to speak to anyone who would like further information on the subject.

Go Barrow website

2010-03-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Go Barrow is the ultimate Business Directory for Barrow-in-Furness!

Run by Paul Moore and Ben Tyson - Go Barrow is the 'go-to site' for ALL the information you could need about modern Barrow.

WE NEED BUSINESSES
Yes - we are in the process of a complete overhaul of the existing website. We want our local businesses to strengthen their customer bases, increase sales and make more money.

That’s our goal…how can you help us achieve this?

We need our pages BULGING with information on all of the Independent businesses in Barrow.

So if you are a local business owner in Barrow - get in touch with either Paul or Ben, and we'll feature you on Barrow's favourite website!

PEOPLE OF BARROW - WE NEED YOU!
Go Barrow isn't just for businesses. Oh, no...we want to hear from local bands, sports clubs and activity groups!

Barrow-in-Furness is a beautiful part of the world - the land that defines 'Hidden Gems'.

But what makes Barrow, Barrow, is the people! We're currently looking for local bands to interview and place on our upcoming Music Scene in Barrow page!

Barrow Sports Clubs - we want training times, contact details and all other information about you. We'll invite a whole new host of members to your club!

SOCIAL MEDIA
AND finally...we understand the VITAL importance of using Social Media in today’s modern world of Business and Marketing. In fact, we'd consider ourselves experts on the subject. We work alongside numerous local business owners, showing them how to use social networking websites such as Twitter and Facebook to gain new customers.

If you'd like more info on this..please give Ben a call: 07920 409 158

We look forward to hearing from You!

What would you do with 140 characters?

2010-03-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

I suppose you could discuss business ideas with them?

World Cup is just around the corner – how about a natter about England’s chances?

Find out how tall your followers really are?

I can’t wait to find out what interesting stories @northwestscenes has dug up in the last month.

Last time I met @kayhebbourn, she was telling me about an unbelievable new business opportunity.

Are you coming to Britain’s most exciting Tweet Up next Tuesday?

If you enjoy a Tweet now and again, come along to 140 Characters – the UK’s largest ever Tweet Up.

Meet Twitter followers from all over the country.

Enjoy the evening.

Make valuable contacts.

Meet 140 characters.

The Mill, Ulverston. Tuesday 23 March 2010. 5pm

RSVP here:

http://twtvite.com/qj8r20

See you at the party!

How to create a highly effective Advertising Flyer

2010-03-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

Flyers are a great way to grab attention.

They are an inexpensive and effective way to advertise your business to a large selection of people.

But with so many companies using advertising flyers, how can you make your flyer design stand out and be noticed?

How can you produce a no frills flyer that will have people begging to buy from you?

First of all, like in any form of marketing – or business for that matter – you have to establish your audience. You cannot market to everybody all at once.

Know your audience and tailor your flyer to this group.

Before we go into the copywriting side, let’s take a quick look at the basic format of a killer flyer.

One focal image is better than lots of smaller images and logos. If you are producing a flyer to show-off a new toothbrush – use one large picture of a toothbrush. This shows people immediately what the flyer is all about before they have even read anything. There is no need to confuse them with lots of different images – it will simply put people off, and they won’t bother reading.

Black text on a bright (preferably white) background. Stick with it. It’s simple and easy to read. Don’t confuse people with fancy colour combinations – this will not increase your sales – quality copy will – but they have to be able to read it first.

Always leave lots of white space. Text-heavy flyers are suicide. They don't work. If you have long, complex sentences - break them up into bullet points. Less is more. A flyer has to be easy on the eye.

And finally, as far as general content goes – always offer something for Free. Never produce a flyer that doesn’t offer discounts.

Now for the copy

I read somewhere that the Greek philosopher Aristotle came up with this basic concept that still applies today:

Attention
Interest
Desire
Action

Attention
When designing a flyer, you should be spending at least 50% of your time on your headline. The headline grabs attention. This is the most important aspect of the flyer

Providing you have a great product and a great offer, that will sell itself. Putting yourself in the position to pitch your product to someone is what the headline is all about.

Your headline should have two components. It should create curiosity. Entice the reader to want to read more.

Perhaps most importantly, it should have people thinking that reading this flyer will be of benefit to them.

For example: “New Toothbrush from AquaClean fights tooth decay in adults”. Clearly a benefit is there for adults and people wary of tooth decay. This will encourage all concerned to read on.

Interest
Let the relevant people know that it is relevant to them. Address a common problem and state how you and your product will solve the problem.

For example: “Are you tired of having to clean your football boots?” Solve it: “This product cleans them for you”. This creates an interest for all the people who at any time have to clean their football boots. The more specific a demographic group you can reach – the better.

If the flyer speaks directly to them – so will the product.

Desire
This is where you state the benefits. You have told them what the problem you will solve is – now its time to say why they should take a strong interest in you and your product. Testimonials can do this well.

The features – benefits approach is the best method. This applies to any form of copywriting. The ‘Interest’ section states the main feature and attracts the right audience – ‘Desire’ tells them why they need to buy and what they will get out of buying. I.e. they’ll save time and money, and be happier in doing so.

Action
Call to action. Such a simplistic element but you cannot forget or overlook this.

Call Today!
Send us an email!
Visit us at…!

Tell them exactly what they need to do in order to get your wonderful product. Always provide a phone number, email address, web address and physical address where possible. Different people like to contact you in different ways. Give them every opportunity they could need to contact you.

Providing a physical address helps with credibility and is particularly useful if you are a local company attracting local customers – it shows you are nearby and have a common bond with them.

So there you have it, an excellent, simple, effective flyer in no time. For more information, and exercises to help with the content of your flyers, just drop me an email: info@bentyson.me

www.writing-for-england.co.uk

Tweet Up with 140 Characters in Ulverston

2010-03-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Twitter enthusiasts are encouraged come out in force to make Ulverston’s latest Tweet Up the biggest in the UK.

The Tweet Up, aptly titled ‘140 Characters’, will take place at The Mill, Ulverston, on Tuesday 23 March.

Tweet Ups are fun Meet Ups for people who love to use Twitter and other forms of social media. The idea is to meet your online friends and have a good time finding out more about each other.

The last event was held at The Mill in February. It was attended by Barrow’s Labour candidate John Woodcock, CancerCare and LakesTV, amongst numerous other Twitter fanatics.

Kay Hebbourn, organiser of the event, has been amazed by the level of interest. She said: “Following the success of the last Tweet Up, which was the biggest in Cumbria, we have decided to have another and would love anyone who loves social media to come.

It's an excuse for a bit of a social, and to find out what everyone else is up to.”

There will be a variety of prizes up for grabs, and also charity donation opportunities.

Award-winning photographer Lesley Wood will be donating a particularly special prize to one lucky Twitterer. She explains: “I will give the winner a free photo-shoot. It will be for half a day, at your home or an outdoor location of your choice.”

Lesley is currently the “UK Pet Photographer of the Year” and specialises in portraiture of people with or without their animals. She is currently based in Cheshire, but is due to relocate to Ulverston this year.

The Evening Mail will be there to cover the event, which has already attracted interest from all over the UK.

Music and nibbles will be provided by The Mill, who will also be donating a special prize to a winner drawn from a hat.

Plans are still in the pipeline to introduce a Twestival to the area, later on in the year. This will be a whole weekend of events, meet-ups and fundraising.

Everyone is welcome to join in the fun – even those who haven’t yet become captivated by Twitter. The event is due to start at 5pm on Tuesday 23 March.

How to save REDICULOUS money on your next holiday! ... (And the next one, and the next one, and the one after that, and…you get the picture)

2010-02-26T14:30:00.000-08:00

It’s actually cheaper for me to go on a week-long holiday to the Grand Canyon than it is to go to Sheffield for the weekend.

Therefore…

Hello Arizona!

I have recently discovered Primo Vacations. They are undoubtedly ‘the next big thing’ in the travel industry. They are still very much in their early days, so get in on this exclusive offer while it’s still hot!

“What are you talking about?!” I hear you cry!

Well, with Primo, you receive up to 80%...yes…EIGHTY PERCENT discount on Your holidays for the rest of your life.

For example – For a measly £50, You can treat yourself to an extravagant holiday in the Arizonian resort of Sedona Pines. Sedona is on the boundary of the Grand Canyon – one of natures most beautiful sites, and repeatedly named as one of life’s ‘must-see-before-you-die’ adventures.

Spain, Italy, France, Australia, USA, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, England, Canada, and many many many more countries, towns, cities and resorts are included when you join Primo Vacations’ Travel Club.

Why would I join Primo?!

As a typically pensive student, I developed a huge yearning for travel. I would love to see as much of the world as possible. BUT money was always going to stand in my way.

BUT with Primo Vacations, for a paltry one-off payment, I now have the freedom to explore and discover the world in my own time and at my own pace.

I’ve been banging on for years about how I want to go abroad.

There really are no excuses now.

Too good to be true?

Exactly what I thought at first. But when you think about it, it’s really quiet commonsensical how it all works:

The recession has hit the travel industry hard. People have not been able to afford the holidays they are used to.

Staycations became all the rage in 2009, remember?

So, rather than sitting back and watching their businesses go bust; hotel/cruise/condo owners all over the world have been approached by Primo Vacations to sell a large selection of their rooms and apartments at a huge discount.

People are guaranteed to go on holiday if they are getting 80% off. So, making a profit is better than nothing at all. And of course, they expect to make their money through drinks, tips and a high referral rate.

I’m genuinely considering a Caribbean Cruise for later on this Spring – all inclusive for 14 nights.

Did you honestly think I’d be doing this this time last year?!

Oh, I said I wanted to explore and discover the world – you were probably thinking of Indiana Jones-esq backpacking and swashbuckling adventures – instead; I’m lavishing it up on a Cruise.

Well, there’s always the summer!

It really is as good as it sounds.

Intrigued?

Get in touch with me!

Field Skills Presents to You...

2010-02-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

INTERNATIONAL expedition team, Field Skills, are running a refreshing Emergency First Aid at Work course, at Eden Lodge on Monday 1 March.

The one-day course teaches crucial first aid essentials such as CPR and Accident Procedures, all geared towards First Aid and safety in the workplace.

The course is prepared in line with Health and Safety Law, which states that every organisation in the UK has responsibilities with regards to first aid provision. The courses are always fun and interactive, but maintain excellent detail of first aid, for anyone wanting to gain skills for inside or outside of work.

Izzy Jones, who will be running the course, explains that Field Skills’ First Aid Courses are completely different to anything you may have experienced before. She said: “We always use hands-on practical training and scenarios, not hours sat in front of a PowerPoint presentation.

“These scenarios and our experience of working in a huge range of situations mean we always look at how to apply the principles to your situation - be that in an office, outdoors in the UK or the remote Amazonian rainforest!”

Core to all of Field Skills’ courses is use of practical scenarios to give an extensive practical experience of all treatments discussed.

One person who attended Field Skills’ first aid course was recently called upon to put their skills to the test. They described: “I had to use my new-found first aid skills after chancing across a semi-conscious older gentleman in the street, who had collapsed and hit his head.

It all came very naturally, and I’ll put that down to the way Field Skills’ course repeatedly practiced and drove home the essentials."

Field Skills have offices in Borneo as well as one in the UK. They work with a variety of clients from UK businesses looking for fun, enjoyable first aid training.

Some existing clients include: Universities that support safe fieldwork overseas, holiday companies looking for something different and TV crews looking to get into tricky spots.

What is so unique about Field Skills is the insatiable passion and enthusiastic drive to make First Aid training and Expeditions fun and different to the norm.

You’ll need to act quickly to secure your place on the Emergency First Aid at Work Course, which is on Monday 1 March, 0930 – 1630 at Eden Lodge, Bardsea.

Send an email to Izzy:

izzy@fieldskills.com

or visit the website for more information:

www.fieldskills.com

How to Choose Your Customers

2010-02-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

Which generation do you fall under?

• Traditionalists
- 1900 - 1945
• Baby Boomers
- 1946 - 1960
• Generation X
- 1961 - 1981
• Generation Y (Millennial)
- 1982 - 2000

There have been hugely significant cultural differences during the lives of these generations.

This has lead to variations of views on life. How people live, work, act, walk and talk is characteristically defined by the generation into which they were born.

How can two people from completely separate generations work side-by-side to create a new-wave multimedia magnum opus?

For some (guess the generation), Facebook has been the answer to all of life’s prayers.

Facebook allows you to access personal information on its 400 million users. That’s right, from the comfort of your armchair (guess the generation), you can see what Joe Bloggs in Australia had for his breakfast, what he is doing after lunch and what his favourite movie is.

But how can this information be used – across generations – to build businesses and profit?

Well, with Facebook ads, unlike Google ads, you can select the exact demographic group that you want to target.

Knowing your audience is imperative to your business. How could you possibly come up with a business plan, design a website, or advertise your business if you don’t know who you are targeting?

Learning the characteristics of your target audience is crucial to the success of your business.

So, Facebook.

Helps with keeping up with trends, for a start. Say you are an internet marketer, trying to sell your training services. What makes you different from anybody else? Why should anybody pay their money to hire you and your services?

What is your unique selling proposition?

Let’s say, for example, you want to attract Generation X females. You will teach them how to effectively market their new companies.

Facebook provides a very exciting tool:

With Facebook ads, you can select each individual characteristic of your direct target audience.

For example:

“My business target audience is:”
• Who live in one of the countries: United States, UK, Australia
• Between the ages of 40 and 49 inclusive
• Who are female
• Who like change, goals, positive affirmations, positive thinking, secret or women
• Who are single, in a relationship, engaged or married
• Who are interested in men or women
• Who speak English (UK) or English (US)

Therefore, using Facebook ads, I will only supply my advert on pages viewed by people…:

• Who live in one of the countries: United States, UK, Australia
• Between the ages of 40 and 49 inclusive
• Who are female
• Who like change, goals, positive affirmations, positive thinking, secret or women
• Who are single, in a relationship, engaged or married
• Who are interested in men or women
• Who speak English (UK) or English (US)

Handy tool, yeah?

Generations and Business
Entrepreneurship generations are equally fascinating. And this brings me nicely back to one of my original points:

How can two people from completely separate generations work side-by-side to create a new-wave multimedia magnum opus?

Studies show that entrepreneurship in men is most apparent with Generation Y, while with women, Generation X is the primary group.

Are you a woman in Generation X?

I strongly advise that you Get in touch with Kay Hebbourn; she’ll take you on a whirlwind tour on the life of an entrepreneur, and she will give you plenty of useful advice.

Do you want to make an exciting step forward in your personal and professional life?

Yes? Wonderful!

www.train-and-earn.com

Give Kay a shout, and have a friendly chat about your new life as a Generation X entrepreneur.

I am a Generation Y male. Together, Kay and I have formed a great partnership, helping each other, trading ideas and playing to each others strengths.

Our generations have combined by bringing together a variety of different ideas seen through different mind-sets.

The important element is to understand different generations and their differing views on work, culture and life. You cannot simply go out and target everybody. Narrow down your audience and make your service imperative to the group that you choose.

If you could choose your customers, who would they be?

This is your target group.

Move Over, Google

2010-02-18T03:59:00.000-08:00

How fantastic would it be to go back in time?

Using the knowledge you have today, you could invent things before they have been invented, write things before they have been written, and create things before they have been created.

You could become a millionaire overnight.

How great would it be to go back six years and advertise your business on Google!?

Far less competition and you could deploy marketing techniques unheard of for the time. Your ads would be infinitely more targeted, way more inventory, convert better, and cost far less than Google Adwords do today.

Today, you have four options to choose from.

See if you can spot the best one:

1. Hire an SEO expert. For around $2000, you can assign the services of an internet marketing ‘guru’. For this costly figure, the guru will fill your website with keywords and eventually help to fire your website up to the top page of Google.

2. Manual Labour Traffic. This is just as it sounds. Lots of work, lots of commitment. Through article marketing, blogging, press releases, social media, podcasting, video marketing etc, you can help fire yourself to the top of Google. This can be a long, often unrewarding challenge.

3. Do nothing – in which case you’re just someone in a suit, sitting in an office, hoping for the best. Good luck with that.

4. You can go back in time. More or less. How? Facebook.

Facebook Ads.

Facebook ads are the single most bankable source of traffic on the web today. Google admits this. Google even fears this. Facebook is a genuine competitor of Google.

With an astonishing 39 billion page views every month, your adverts on Facebook are infinitely more targeted, way more inventory, convert better and cost far less than Google Adwords.

Now is the time to market your business on Facebook. Facebook currently has only 1/20th of the advertisers that Google has.

What’s more, Facebook ads are easy to use and set-up, cheap and ultra targeted like you won’t believe.

Think about all the information that people provide Facebook with. Age, sex, hobbies, location, education, interests etc etc etc. Facebook ads work for practically ANY market.

With the quick set-up page for Facebook ads, you create your own advert in seconds, and within just a few more seconds, you can actively target your advert to ultra specific targeted prospects. You can select the age group, location, education etc of who you want to target, and Facebook even tells you how many people will have access to your advert.

It is like being back on Google six years ago.

Virtual Reality in the Workplace

2010-02-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

Problem

An address for your business is essential. Direct mail, professionalism and credibility rely heavily on being able to supply a physical address for your business.

An increasing number of companies are now running from home, and more than ever, penny-wise business owners are cutting operating expenses and eliminating unnecessary fixed costs.

Rent, leases, bills and insurance are all additional costs to a business that are increasingly being sought to cut-out.

In addition to this, many people who work from home are simply not comfortable with supplying their home address over the internet to everyone. Travelling workers, for example sales people, need a fixed address by which to direct all mail and further enquiries.

Solution

A virtual office is a combination of off-site communication and address services that allow businesses to reduce traditional office costs. Providing a physical office address adds magnificently to the professionalism of your business. Many home-workers only supply their email address – having a physical address increases credibility, and customers are reassured that they know where to find a company if needs be.

Virtual offices can suit any type of business. Traders working from home, freelance workers and even global companies are increasingly using virtual office services. Most virtual office companies offer additional tailored services to match individual needs.

Why?

Businesses use virtual offices for a variety of reasons, each company using services that are applicable to their needs.

One of the most prominent uses of a virtual office is that of a mail redirection service. The virtual office address will have mail boxes to receive any incoming mail or packages. This can the be forwarded on to a desired address.

Another commonly used service is a phone answering service. Businesses do not want to miss calls from prospective customers. People are much more likely to respond to a human voice than a standard answering machine.

In fact, many people simply put down the phone when put through to an answering machine, and the customer is lost.

A human voice maintains your business’s image and reassures customers that your company is legitimate, accessible and that their call is important.

Virtual office receptionists can forward phone calls, discourage cold callers and even take telephone orders to help bring in new business.

These services are at a fraction of the price of a normal receptionist or secretary.

Perception counts for a lot in the success of a business. Having phone calls answered by a receptionist will give the feeling of a ‘larger’ company than perhaps it actually is. Showing customers that the company is so busy that a receptionist needs to be hired will lead customers to believing the business is greater and more professionally run that they initially thought.

Enrolling the services of a virtual office is often on a ‘pay as you use’ basis. This is extremely cost effective for a new start-up business. This is of particular use for physical meetings. Many virtual offices provide meeting or conference room facilities for sporadic use.

Paying a month rent for a single meeting is financially damaging to a company. Therefore, being able to use a virtual office address as a one-off, or occasional, physical business place, is a substantial cost-effective solution.

The idea that businesses don’t feel tied down to contracts, and there being no long-term commitment is attractive to many businesses – in particular start-up businesses who cannot afford initial set-up costs while their business is taking off.

Many brand new business ventures’ often don’t take off the ground or simply take a change of direction. Registering with a virtual office company is a fantastic option when starting out a new venture. Initial costs of rent etc are covered by the virtual office, giving business owners more time, and finance, to concentrate on more important aspects of the business.

Who?

As previously mentioned, a large selection of companies, regardless of size, are enrolling in the use of virtual offices. But here is a basic list of common virtual office users:

• Home-based entrepreneurs
• Accountants
• Attorneys
• Law Firms
• Mobile salespeople
• Trades (Home service industry: roofers, electrical, plumb, landscape, construction, repair/remodel, etc)
• Doctors/Dentists
• Therapists
• Business consultants
• Mediators/conflict resolution
• Frequent travellers/foreign companies
• Chambers of Commerce
• Senior management
• Real estate
• Mortgage Companies
• Stock brokers/financial planners
• Collections agencies
• Networking groups
• Trainers/instructors
• Incubators

Serenity in Sedona

2010-02-15T05:27:00.000-08:00

The great American state of Arizona is home to some of the most brilliant landscapes on earth. The Grand Canyon and the magical formations of red sandstone rocks draw in millions of visitors every single year.

The majestic rock formations and mountain climate are equally appealing to the professional traveller and the first time holiday maker. Along with the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal, the Arizonian landscapes are undoubtedly some of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world. I guarantee that Arizona is a must-see-before-it’s-too-late paradise that you will never forget.

Nestled sleepily amongst these stunning sandstone rocks, lies the tranquil resort of Sedona Pines. Elegance has never been so affordable.

Style. Comfort. Luxury.

Old fashioned American vacation cottages at their very, very best are available for your pure pleasure. As one of Primo Vacations Hot Weeks, Sedona Pines Resort presents luxury in real American homeland.

Sedona Pines Resort offers something way beyond the usual day to day routine. For a break away with a difference, Sedona Pines is ideal.

It is so refreshing to have a mid-term vacation. Waiting around for the holiday season is not the way to experience this resort. That is why Sedona Pines has teamed up with Primo to offer cottages and first-class activities at an unbelievable price.

The good people at Sedona Pines truly understand the beauty of getting away from it all, and gain great pleasure from introducing you to the wonderful world in which they live.

Sedona is an enchanted wonderland for the adventurous and the bold at heart. Do you sit around and wait for life to happen? Or do you prefer go after it with a zest that would make even the great explorers proud?

No place else on earth holds Sedona’s promise of tranquil beauty and stimulating activity. The town of Sedona is known for its old world allure, harkening back to a time when life was simple, but quick minds and strong souls ruled the day. That spirit of adventure is alive and well, and the pulse of the desert still calls out to those with the adventurous heart.

Whether you crave the outdoor experience of hiking and biking trails, white-water rafting and hot air balloons, or you are a spiritual seeker, looking to find a unique peace, only Sedona can offer such diversity of experience.

Discover the pools, bars, bistros and activities that this great American resort presents to you.

We all need a break now and then. We need to relax, get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We need to lie on a hillside, gazing at the sunset over the brilliant red and orange sandstone rocks as we dream of a life so perfect…a perfect life that becomes reality at Sedona Pines Resort, Arizona.

Come Along and Tweet with 140 Characters

2010-02-12T04:21:00.000-08:00

Following on from the success of Ulverston’s first Tweet Up in February, social networking enthusiasts from the area are being encouraged to come out in force to make the next event the biggest in the country.

The next Tweet Up, aptly named ‘140 Characters’, will take place at The Mill, Ulverston, on 23 March. The aim is to get 140 people, making it the most attended Tweet Up produced in the UK.

140 Characters is being organised by Go Ulverston and the Evening Mail. The last Tweet Up proved a huge success, and was attended by an eclectic mix of people, including Labour candidate John Woodcock and Ulverston student Catherine Courtman.

Once again, there will be prizes on offer and fundraising opportunities.

Kay Hebbourn, organiser of the first Tweet Up, has been amazed by the level of interest already for the next event. She said: “The last Tweet Up was fantastic. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was great to see such a range of people and businesses.

The atmosphere was great, and we were well looked after by everyone at The Mill.”

The organizers are open to all ideas for 140 Characters and any future Tweet Ups. Possible avenues being explored are the possibility of stands, a projector screen and even a live video stream for the Evening Mail website.

Plans are still in the pipeline to introduce a Twestival to the area, later on in the year. This will be a whole weekend of events, meet-ups and fundraising.

Anyone who wishes to attend 140 Characters is more than welcome. The event is subject to start at approximately 5pm on 23 March at The Mill, Ulverston. Non-Twitter users are also welcome to join in the fun.

Travel Industry Taken Over By Giant

2010-02-10T04:55:00.000-08:00

A new giant has arrived in the travel industry. Primo Vacations challenges its customers to change the way they travel, and are certain that holiday experiences will never be the same again.

With ‘staycations’ being all the rage in 2009, the bright leaders at Primo decided that something must be done to save a travel industry in decline.

In 2010, Primo launched with a staggering offer that is set to transform holidaying culture.

For a single one-off payment, holidaymakers receive up to 80% off luxurious holidays all over the world. This huge discount can then be used as many times as the holidaymaker wishes.

Hotels, condos, villas and flights are all catered for in the incredible offer. Luxurious beach resorts, elegant 5 star hotels and lavish cruises are readily available as Primo looks to give the travel industry a massive boost in time for the summer rush.

The remarkability of the scheme does not end there. Primo is also set up as a great potential business investment. After purchasing your 80% discount package, you become a member of Primo Vacations, and have the absolute right to resell the package on – all the while keeping hold of your own discount.

So, you could literally be sitting on an extravagant beach in Hawaii, and making money as you soak up the sun.

One of Primo’s early investors, Kay Hebbourn, is particularly excited by the business opportunity, and is looking forward mentoring future investors, and showing them how to resell the package. She said: “When you partner with me, I will personally help you to get your business off the ground. You will have access to my experience and skills and support, so do get in touch. I am a big believer in success through positive attitude, trust and the right mindset.”

She added: “I love coaching people and helping them to create the future that they want.”

Primo Vacations is still a business in its development, but the opportunities for cheap travel and business success are going to transform the way we travel forever.

You can get in touch with Primo’s top leader Kay at kay@goulverston.co.uk or by visiting her Primo Vacations website:

www.yourprimovacationsexplained.weebly.com

TV Chef to Reopen Women's Boutique

2010-02-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

Women’s fashion boutique, Olive, is to reopen its doors to the public on Saturday, following a momentous effort by the Ulverston community.

Numerous local businesses have pulled together to refurbish and revamp the stylish women’s clothes and accessories shop on Market Street.

Hairy Biker Dave Myers will be present on Saturday to welcome customers into Olive, which will include a brand new range of clothes, furniture, art and accessories.

Olive closed its doors on Saturday to begin a week-long refurbishment. Opening day will be celebrated with food and drinks, supplied by Irvings of Ulverston. The re-opening of Olive will be a celebration of all the hard work put in by the community.

Shop manager, Fiona Kennedy, decided to renovate the store as a way of tackling difficult economic times.

“I knew that something had to be done, so I thought lets be positive, put in all of our efforts and go for a complete remodel of the store.

I wanted to go for an antique-feel to the shop. There are no shops like us in the area, so we really wanted to go the extra mile to stand out.”

The strength of the Ulverston community began to show through from a very early stage, with a number of local businesses offering to contribute. A number of locals volunteered to help with clearing out the store, and Ian Curwen agreed to decorate and paint the shop.

The new Olive store will have lots of unique, individual features to make visiting the shop a captivating experience.

The colours and design of the shop will be changed to support the antique-vibe that Fiona had initially hoped for. The walls will be filled with the artwork of Tina Balmer. Tina’s artwork has been displayed in galleries all over the country, and a selection of her work will be on display, and available to purchase from Olive.

One of the most exciting aspects of the new shop is the introduction of Liliana Orzac’s fashion brand. Liliana moved to Barrow in 2007 from her home town in Romania, to be with her partner, Hairy Biker Dave Myers. Liliana has started her own business as a fashion designer, and is proud to be providing her remarkable brand of clothing to Olive.

She said: “I am delighted to be supplying my brand to Olive. My collection is different to anything you can find on the high street, and that is what Olive is all about.

My clothing range will be exclusive to Olive. I want to design and supply clothes that women will feel good wearing.” Liliana designs and creates a range of clothes, from ball gowns to theatrical outfits.

One of Olive’s most popular products is the Momiji Doll. These are collectable friendship dolls, each with their own personality and characteristics. At the base of every doll is a slot that can hide a secret friendship message for someone special.

Momijis are enjoyed by all ages, and can be discovered in the new enchanting, fantasy corner of the shop. Ulverston toy shop, Rhubarb and Custard, is building a replica dolls house of the Olive store, to be put into the shop window as a display-home for the Momijis.

The brand new face of Olive is going to be local model Grace Foster. Grace is taking part in a photo shoot with former Evening Mail photographer, Milton Haworth, to show off the new range of clothing. The images will be used for the brand new website, and placed onto business cards and brochures.

Complete with a soulful collection of ambient music, Olive is set to become one of the most attractive boutiques in Cumbria.

All are invited come along to Olive on Saturday (9 Feb) for the grand re-opening. This is a celebration of the strength of the community in Ulverston.

Customer Service Enters the 21st Century

2010-02-06T02:52:00.000-08:00

How can you use Facebook and Twitter to substantially boost your business?

The extent to which Social Networking and Social Media websites are used is spiralling almost out of control. Hundreds of millions of people from all over the world are now logged on to these interactive websites. That’s a lot of potential customers, right?

There are still some very stern and astute marketers out there who believe you cannot make profit from the use of Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. I for one, am pretty pleased to be in competition with them.

With consummate ease you can find masses of people who are interested in the services you have to offer.

People buy from people.

It is so easy to interact with and meet new people.

‘People’ means ‘Customers’!

Establishing relationships with contacts on Twitter and Facebook is the equivalent of providing great customer service in your business place. The whole point in providing great customer service is to establish a relationship with the potential customer.

The first thing that crosses the mind of a customer in a purchasing situation is: “Do I want to do business with this person?” If the sales person is stroppy, has a bad manner, or has no time for the customer’s individual needs – then the answer will be a firm “No”.

By being polite, friendly, helpful and informative, the salesperson develops a relationship with the customer. They are more likely to want to do business with this person than they are with anybody else.

The same rule applies online. However, online, it is much, much easier.

Social Media is all based on relationships. There is no point in being on Facebook if you have nobody to interact with.

Social marketing is based on the relationship you have with your followers, prospects and customers. You cannot create a website and create a Twitter account and then expect for sales to shoot up. You have to work at it over a period of time – gaining followers and gaining trust.

People love to feel connected. It is part of human nature to feel like you want to be part of a group and have connections with like-minded people. Therefore most people will be responsive to your outreach of wanting to make a connection with them. Obviously you can’t just bombard them with “buy my product buy my product buy my product” – you have to work at building a relationship and building that level of trust.

Comment on what they are tweeting, help them when they ask questions and ask them plenty in return; let them know that you need their help and encouragement. Let them know that you trust them; this will make it an easier decision for them to trust you in return.

In addition to the theory that you cannot constantly be “throwing” your products in the faces of customers (“buy my product buy my product”), it is important to remember the one basic rule.

The number one rule:

People buy from people.

Do I want to do business with this person?

Relationship is key. You must build a relationship with customers first. And during. And after.

Generally, about 80% of your tweets, messages and interactions must be social. These are social networking sites after all. Don’t barrage potential customers with products. It will scare them away.

You need to show them that you are human. You are normal. You are just like them. You can help them. How? “Oh, I notice you need some help with your business…I think I may be able to help you there.”

Only 20% of your outgoings on social networking websites should be marketing based. It’s all about who you are, and not what you are offering. People go on these websites to connect and form relationships. Let them do this with you, and they will be much more likely to trust you when they have a business requirement.

As an extension to online relationships, Tweet Ups have formed all over the world, giving the chance for users of social networking websites to meet up and get to know each other in person. This forms a great opportunity to gain real trust with your contacts.

If you get a chance to attend a Tweet Up in your area, this is a perfect way to introduce yourself to the people you have been making friends with online.

People buy from people, remember.

Importance of Article Marketing

2010-02-03T04:31:00.000-08:00

Your business needs uplifting.

You have done exactly as the internet marketing guys have told you.

You’ve created a website, got your business on Facebook and even created a Twitter account.

Now just sit back and watch the sales and the profits go through the roof.

Right?

You’re certainly on the right path, but you must remember the number one rule that has stood the test of time throughout the history of marketing, sales and business –:

People buy from people

You have taken the right step forward by creating a website for your business, but what use is this if you have no traffic coming to your website? Traffic increases sales. There are no two ways about this.

You have got to prove to the world (potential customers) that you are human, just like them, and that you know what you are talking about, you care for your customers and you are always on hand to help them.

You have got to be credible; you have got to be trustworthy.

This is where Article Marketing kicks in.

Marketing is everywhere. It is in everything. Marketing rules our consuming world.

When a person wants to purchase something online, they search for it. They go to Google, type in their desired product and, generally, click on either of the first few options that come up on Google.

You want Your website to come at the top of this list. This gains traffic. This increases sales. Sales mean profits. This is the ultimate goal, right?

There are various methods that internet marketers use to increase the popularity of websites, but how can you do it?

Search engines are filled with Spiders that scan websites looking for the most relevant information in relation to the original Google search.

In order to come across as ‘relevant’ to these Spiders, you must possess as much relevant information, key words and phrases as possible.

Writing articles, blogs and newsletters increases your word count (helping the Spiders) and allows you to publish your writing on various websites (again, making life easier for Spiders). Always remember to put back-links to your website on every article.

By constantly writing and updating articles, people will see that you are credible and believable. They will trust that you are putting time and effort into your business, and with so many articles out there – you clearly know what you are talking about.

There are various article marketing strategies you should use to improve your online presence. You can go down the email marketing route, the direct marketing route or, well, practically any marketing route you can think of.

The important thing is to have as many articles as possible all over the internet. You must write concisely and in a conversational tone (again, it adds to you being human, as oppose to being ANOTHER business website machine). Always include your name and bio. A bio is not a life story; it is your name, web address and your unique selling proposition – why should people visit your website, why should they buy from you?

Internet marketing articles are different pieces about your business. Do you own a restaurant? Write an article about your speciality meal – publish it all over the internet, put back links to your website.

Offer to send out a monthly newsletter and email it to people who sign up.

If it is good, people will visit your website.

If your website is good, people will buy your product.

If your product is good, people will tell their friends, family and peers.

You cannot avoid business marketing.

More and more people are cottoning on to this, making a single website increasingly difficult to find its way to the top of Google. Therefore, the importance of article marketing is essential. If your articles (therefore your back links to your website) can be found on scores of different websites, then this can only increase awareness and presence of your business.

Advertise on Facebook and Twitter that you have published a new article. Make the article fun and interesting to read. Make people look forward to reading the next one.

People might come across your article now and not be interested in your product – but make sure they remember you, your name and your business, the next time they DO want to buy your product.

People buy from people.

Always remember this.

Ulverston Company to Showcase in NEC

2010-02-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

A computer software company from Ulverston is to showcase its products and services to thousands of buyers from all over the world, at this Februarys Spring Fair International trade show.

Spring Fair International, one of the world’s major buying events, is being hosted at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Last years show was attended by over 50,000 people from 92 countries.

Etail Systems Ltd provides businesses with highly effective ecommerce solutions, which enable companies to trade online.

The Ulverston based Company have developed their own software for running ecommerce websites and are now expanding to offer the service to businesses across the UK.

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has provided Etail Systems with a Marketing Support Grant, enabling them to exhibit their services at the Spring Fair International trade show. SLDC look to provide Grants to businesses that are planning new marketing strategies.

The Spring Fair International trade show is attended by retailers large and small from all over the country.

Jayne Kendall, Development Manager for SLDC, said: “We are very pleased to be able to support Etail Systems attendance at the Spring Fair with a marketing grant and look forward to their feedback. We hope that we may be able to support other businesses to attend this important event next year, perhaps as part of a South Lakeland stand.”

Since founding in 2009, Etail Systems has worked with various businesses, assisting with web design, SEO, ecommerce and training. Spring Fair International is a great opportunity to expand their brand name to a national level.

Dave Harrington, CEO of Etail Systems said: “Our passion is ecommerce and we enjoy helping our clients make money from selling online. Getting this Grant and attending the Spring Fair will give us brand recognition amongst retailers and boost the company’s growth.”

Etail Systems will be exhibiting in Hall 9, Stand K46 at the Birmingham NEC from the 7th to 11th February.

For more information about Etail Systems, visit:

www.etailsystems.com

Surfing the Web

2010-01-26T02:46:00.000-08:00

The average UK employee spends 57 minutes a day surfing the web while at work.

Surfing was first enjoyed by Polynesians in Tahiti and Hawaii as far back as 1500AD. The first printed recordings of surfing were made by Lieutenant James King in 1779. King took over the captaincy of the ship Discovery after Captain James Cook was killed on an expedition to Hawaii.

Since there was no written language at this time in Hawaii, King's journal entry serves as man's earliest written account of the Hawaiian sport.

So why, more than 200 years later, do we ‘surf’ the web? What links could there possibly be between using the internet and riding on top of a wave?

It all began with the radio

Radio scanners were introduced in the 1970s as a way of finding a good radio signal. The radio receiver would automatically tune or scan two or more discrete frequencies, stopping when it found a good working signal.

A similar method would be used, manually, with the television. In order to locate a decent television signal, you would have to twist and turn the dials until you were satisfied with the picture. This common process became known as ‘channel hopping’. In order to locate the desired signal, you would have to ‘hop’ between one channel and another until you were satisfied with the picture received.

The Beach Boys

In 1963, the Beach Boys recorded ‘Surfin’ USA‘. This was a massive hit worldwide, and vastly increased the popularity of the Hawaiian sport of surfing. The popularity of surfing in remote areas of Australia, California and Hawaii became well known and began to attract the interest of tourists.

Endless Summer

Following on from the success of Surfin’ USA – in 1966, Bruce Brown directed the most influential film of the surf-genre: Endless Summer.

Endless Summer centres around two surfers, Mike Hynson and Robert August, on a surf trip around the world. They travel to the coasts of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti and Hawaii. In the film, they introduce locals to the sport in an attempt to popularize surfing as fun and accessible to everyone.

The success and influence of the documentary was incredible. The popularity of surfing rose greatly, encouraging existing surfers to travel abroad, and introducing the thrill of the sport to a wider audience.

Popular Culture

Vans ~ The first time that ‘surfing’ had been applied to another activity was in April 1985 when Time magazine made reference to the culture of ‘Van surfing’. ‘Van surfing’ described the art of people who would stand on the top of Vans as they moved. The actions they were forced into, to remain on their feet, was similar to that of surfing.

Trains ~ The phrase would later be used when referring to a similar action. ‘Train surfing’ was a phrase introduced by The Wall Street Journal. ‘Train surfing’ had been seen many times in the movies, and was apparently a regular occurrence in South America as people rode on top of trains for a free ride.

Music ~ In 1989, The Toronto Globe and Mail introduced the term to the music industry. ‘Stage diving’ had become a popular tradition at concerts and festivals. The notion of someone being carried in midair by a crowd of people became known as ‘crowd surfing’ by the Toronto press.

Television ~ With the expansion of Cable and Satellite television, in 1986, The Wall Street Journal coined the phrase ‘channel surfing’. This was in direct reference to the well known ‘channel hopping’ term that had become widely popular in describing the act of scanning for a desired television channel.

The expansion of Cable and Satellite meant there were more channels, they were easier to find and more widely available. ‘Channel surfing’ described the notion of flicking through the channels with a television remote, as oppose to fiddling with the dials.

The Internet

With the creation of the internet, the term ‘internet surfing’ had occasionally been used, but not commonly.

‘Information surfing’ was a phrase used to describe the action of someone searching for information through books or papers, for example. Early internet users would search the internet for similar purposes (long before entertainment, social networking and advertising took over).

Prior to the 1990s, the internet was not widely popular and not widely accessible. However, in 1989, Tim Berners-Lee, a British engineer and computer-scientist, laid foundation to the World Wide Web. This created the internet as we know it today. The internet (the World Wide Web) increased in popularity as it became easier to use, faster to use, and most importantly, Personal Computers became widely available to the public.

‘Surfing the Web’ is a phrase we have all used, and will continue to use as the internet continues to expand.

But how did the infrequently used, unpopular term ‘internet surfing’ become the biggest world wide cliché of all?

A Librarian and a mouse pad

Jean Armour Polly was a university librarian in 1992, when she coined the phrase ‘Surfing the Internet’.

Polly was an early internet user, and wrote a series of articles, available online, on safe Internet services. In June 1992, Polly was writing a revolutionary paper about Requests and Comments and other technical writings about the Internet. On searching for a title, she describes:

In casting about for a title for the article, I weighed many possible metaphors. I wanted something that expressed the fun I had using the Internet, as well as hit on the skill, and yes, endurance necessary to use it well. I also needed something that would evoke a sense of randomness, chaos, and even danger. I wanted something fishy, net-like, nautical.

At that time I was using a mouse pad from the Apple Library in Cupertino, CA, famous for inventing and appropriating pithy sayings and printing them on sportswear and mouse pads (e.g., "A month in the Lab can save you an hour in the Library") The one I had pictured a surfer on a big wave. "Information Surfer" it said. "Eureka," I said, and had my metaphor.

‘Surfing the Internet’ was born. The paper was phenomenally successful. In 14 hours, the paper received an unprecedented 500 downloads.

This leads on to another interesting question: why were so many early internet users searching for ‘surfing’ online? They obviously had to search for the article in order to find it – but why ‘surfing’?

The surf-net connection

There are several top internet marketers today who are also top surfers. Frank Kern is a great example of this. Jason Moffat was one of the earliest internet marketers to hold such a great connection with online marketing and surfing.

Many people have compared making money online to surfing. Making a profit on the internet is not about ‘getting rich quick’; it is about taking time to get to know the market, learning to understand the users and where to find customers. Surfing is often described as hitting the wave perfectly. A top surfer will spend time getting to know the best waves, where to find them and how to hit them perfectly.

Both internet marketers and surfers have often spoken of addiction. In order to spend enough quality time learning to surf, travelling the world to find the best locations and putting your body on the line for the sake of adrenaline rushes, you have got to feel addicted to the sport. Thrill seeking and addiction have revolutionised the sport of surfing.

Very few top-internet-marketers claim to have access to a get-rich-quick scheme. (If you had access, would you tell anyone?) In order to be a successful online marketer, you have to hold this same level of addiction, and get the same thrill out of using the internet, working on the internet and spending time on the internet.

With the persistent online presence of Jason Moffat in the 1990s, surfing became a regular theme found on the internet. Moffat was one of the first users to own a variety of websites, optimizing his name wherever possible. Therefore, where ‘Jason Moffat’ could be found, so could ‘surfing’. Did this increase the popularity of surfing? Did this introduce pro surfers to the internet? Surely it must have lured pro surfers of the time to try out the internet. Online they could find like-minded surfers, share their ideas for locations and share their stories of travel-surfing.

Was this the true origin of ‘surfing the internet’? Do we now ‘surf’ the internet because surfing was so popular with early internet users?

Or maybe, by pure coincidence (or by memetics), two separate groups of people established the same terminology for the same thing, without ever even knowing it.

Barcelona with Primo Vacations

2010-01-20T03:40:00.000-08:00

Glorious gothic buildings.

Brilliantly impressive beaches.

Stylish streets of Catalonia.

Perched magnificently on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is one of the most beautifully cultural cities in Europe.

Barcelona will suit your needs, whether you’re searching for the idyllic European family vacation, looking to go travelling in Europe, or simply wanting a cheap European vacation. This is a city as diverse in style, range and culture as any in the world.

Wherever you're interests lie, you can be assured that you will fall in love with the architecture, museums, entertainment and culture of this historic city, which lies in the heart of Catalonia.

Architecture
Barcelona is a luxurious city, rich in culture and rich in history. Home to some of the most glamorous buildings in all of Europe, many of which are still to be completed. The church of Sagrada Familia has been under construction sine 1882, but is still not due to be completed until 2026! Since building began, the church has been funded by private and public donations.

The people of Barcelona are as passionate and proud of their city as the architects who began building centuries ago.

The Gothic Quarter is the centrepiece of any Barcelona vacation for most tourists. The buildings in this area date from medieval times, but Catalan Modernisme architecture dominates the skyline of this astonishing city.

You can observe magnificent views from the top of La Seu, stretching sights over the whole of this gorgeous city paradise. This is one of the most picturesque views you could possibly imagine.

Museums
One of the highlights of any European vacation with Primo is taking the time to admire the beauty of the places you visit. There are fewer beautiful cities in the world than Barcelona.

The famous museums of Barcelona must not be avoided; there is so much to tell, so much to see and so much to boast about. Masses of galleries and museums line the streets of Barcelona, all covering many different areas and eras. All tell their side of the story to how Barcelona became the delightful city it is today.

Art, Science, War, History, Entertainment….it is all here. Some of the marvellous museums in Barcelona include:

• The National Museum of Art in Catalonia
• Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
• Picasso Museum
• Barcelona Maritime Museum

Camp Nou
Camp Nou (or The Nou Camp) is for any sports fan, the must-see structure in Spain. It is simply the greatest soccer stadium in Europe, possibly even the world.

Home of FC Barcelona, Camp Nou is the largest soccer stadium in Europe, holding more than 98,000 spectators.

Tours of this magnificent stadium are available at very good prices, and will leave you feeling amazed and in awe.

FC Barcelona are currently the holders of the European Cup, and widely known for playing the most beautiful soccer on the planet. With the world’s greatest player, Lionel Messi, starring in the team, tickets for matches sell like hot-cakes. There are often opportunities, however, to get tickets on match days, or you can book online.

Beaches
Barcelona is not all culture, museums and architecture, however. There are seven beaches surrounding the coastline. Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta beaches are the largest, oldest and the most frequented beaches in Barcelona.

So, while you shop till you drop in the stylish cobbled high streets in the morning, you can relax by the ocean in the afternoon, visit the historic Gothic Quarter in the evening, and take in the breathtaking views over Catalonia at sunset.

There are hundreds of hotels and hostels in the Barcelona metropolitan area to choose from. Or you can treat yourself to a vacation of genuine luxury, by staying in one of the most sought after hotels in the city, by travelling with Primo Vacations – at unbelievable low prices.

Just get in touch with Kay Hebbourn, your top Primo leader, for more information about one of these wonderful vacation opportunities.

Donating to Haiti, via Effective Copywriting

2010-01-19T06:01:00.000-08:00

We have all been deeply saddened by the horrifying events in Haiti. A series of massive earthquakes has taken the lives of thousands of Haitians. It has devastated and destroyed the lives of millions more.

Families being torn apart by disaster is something we see unfold on the News all too often. The Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, earthquakes in Pakistan and Italy, and now it’s Haiti’s turn to suffer and endure the wrath of mother nature.

All of these events have led to hugely generous donations from people all over the world. Appeals are made in newspapers, on television and by charities, all urging You to give generously to people in desperate need. While these have been successful campaigns to help raise funds for victims, there are still far too many people who are not actively lending their support.

This is not necessarily people who are unwilling to donate, but more likely people who are unaware of how they can donate. In today’s modern society of mobile phones and social media, the internet has become an increasingly popular way to appeal directly to everyone who has the ability to donate.

Many of the most popular websites on the internet have launched their own appeals for the cause. Facebook, Google and eBay, to name but a few, have all added ‘donation links’ to their Home Pages – making it easy to find, somewhat unavoidable in some cases.

A similar theme has been set up by the American Red Cross – donators simply text ‘HAITI’ to 20222 – and $10 is automatically added to their phone bill, going directly to the relief fund.

Adding donation links to popular websites is one thing, but how exactly does this make donating appealable to as many people as possible. Are the general rules of copywriting obeyed in the same format to a piece of sales copy? After all, it is the same basic concept – persuading a reader to part with their cash. Is the language different? How are key words and emotive words used to attract the attention of the wider audience?

Facebook
The most popular social networking site on the web, with around 321 million people registered worldwide. Their Haiti appeal is very open, thoughtful and most notable for me, personifying.

General emails and contact from Facebook are very generic, obviously sent out in bulk, with little emotion or personifying key words. This is of no detriment to Facebook – the whole point in the website is for its users to interact with each other, Facebook merely acts as the host.

The devastation in Haiti, however, has given Facebook reason to speak directly to each and every user. The appeal is not aimed to be a generic email which will blend in with all the others. It serves a different purpose, an important purpose, and it has to come across as speaking directly from the heart and to each user personally.

This is achieved by using power words such as: ‘destruction’, ‘death’, ‘outpouring’ and ‘thousands’. These words are unusual for Facebook, so stand out in peoples minds – it proves the sheer scale of the atrocity. It is basically saying: ‘something has to be done, and this is Your chance to help’.

Google
In the early days of Google, there were very few words on the home Page: ‘Google’, ‘Search’ and ‘I feel lucky’. With the immense popularity of Google, this has inevitably changed. There is now Google mail, Google Ads, blogging options and a range of other services displayed on the Home Page.

However, there are still very few words, and the page is dominantly filled with white space, making any new or additional text stand out. There is currently a link under the main search box which states:

‘Information, resources, and ways you can help survivors of the Haiti earthquake.’

By clicking on this link you are taken to a donation page which is titled: ‘Crisis Response’.

While the actual copy is not as personable or emotive as the Facebook page, it is still very effective. There is a brief description reminding of the magnitude of the earthquake, and also a line in bold which reads:

‘Google will also donate $1 million’.

This being highlighted shows the enormity of what has happened, and the importance to give whatever you can to the relief funds.

The main selling point of the page is the two links where you can donate. There are two options to choose from: Oxfam or Unicef. You simply enter the amount in £’s that you want to donate, and click ‘donate’. Very simple, very effective and very clever.

The point in providing two charities to choose from is a clever tool in itself. Obviously, both will use your money to help in Haiti, but they will both be doing different things. A brief description of what the charities will be using your money for is supplied under the logo. Oxfam will be concentrating on providing shelter and clean water – Unicef will be concentrating on food and medical supplies, with particular emphasis on children.

The work being carried out by both charities is essential to the people of Haiti. While one is providing water, the other is providing food – people will realise that they must contribute to both charities to give the best support possible.

The charities are not working against each other – they are working with each other to do the best for the people of Haiti.

Clever marketing technique? Effective copywriting? Yes and yes.

Who benefits? The people of Haiti.

EBay
EBay takes quite a different approach. Whereas Google is very plain, simple and generous, eBay, in my opinion, attempts to use the donation link as a way to boost its own profits.

Is this unethical? Or is it just clever business?

EBay is encouraging people to donate up to 100% of their Sale profits to the Haiti fund. This encourages people to place products on eBay to raise funds for donation. It also persuades people to buy products so that their money can be donated, whilst getting something in return for themselves (the product purchased).

While this is great for the relief effort in Haiti – what it’s all about – for every item placed onto eBay, eBay makes a profit. Insertion fee, and then a final value fee.

There is the encouragement for people to use eBay more (as it helps people in Haiti), and at the same time, eBay itself is making a profit from the additional auctions.

I must stress, though, that eBay does supply a ‘Donate via PayPal’ link. EBay is also the only site out of the three to include emotive images. Images of the devastation – people can see what they are donating for. They do not have to read, actions often do speak louder than words.

The text they use, although shorter in length, is very similar to that of Facebook: ‘destruction’, ‘critical’ and ‘mass devastation’ are strong attempts to tug on the heartstrings of potential donators.

Conclusion
So, has clever copywriting been involved in the making of the various donation links? Each has clearly been well thought through. How they layout the page, how they format their sentences and how they use emotive language has all been done carefully.

Each has applied a different technique to really draw in the donator. Facebook concentrated on appearing personal to the user through terms such as: ‘Dear friends’ and pronouns such as ‘we’ and ‘you’. The main invigorator, however, is the use of terms to describe what is going on in Haiti: ‘death’ and ‘destruction’.

Google appears very simple and easy to use and understand. This will have broader appeal to a wider, larger audience. In showing that Google themselves are donating $1 million, it shows just how important it is to give as much as you can, as the people of Haiti are in desperate need.

EBay uses a mixture of emotive language and images, and also has various options on how you can donate. This is an attempt to attract a wider audience – donate through buying, selling or directly through PayPal – but also sees a good marketing opportunity.

All have used proven copywriting techniques, however, the focus is much more on what they are donating for, as oppose to the benefits that the donator will get in return. While this goes against the number one rule of sales copy – people only want to know what is in it for them – it has undoubtedly proved a successful way of obtaining donations to the people of Haiti.

How To Make Money Writing Online

2010-01-17T08:30:00.001-08:00

Making money online is one of the biggest, most rewarding and exciting aspects to come out of the dotcom generation.

There are numerous, countless, unfathomable amounts of different ways to earn cash on the internet. It is simple, quick, rewarding and pleasurable. People can make money literally at the click of a button.

With advertising, affiliate marketing, online shops and perhaps most significant of all, eBay, anybody who has access to the World Wide Web can generate money whenever, from wherever, they like.

Many people, an increasing amount in fact, quit their day jobs, and live their lives on the internet, making substantial incomes. Dotcom billionaires set the minds of entrepreneurs alight in the early days of Yahoo!, AOL and Google. Such simple concepts generated ludicrous profits and bit by bit, year by year, people all over the world have tried to follow in such footsteps by creating their own online businesses.

With the emergence of eBay as an internet phenomenon, everyday men, women and children alike began to realise the power of the internet. With the colossal expansion of internet popularity, more advertising, more businesses and more products hit the internet shelves.

You can now make money online doing practically anything. With such a jungle to fight through, however, the importance of clever marketing is becoming ever more apparent.

So, with millions of writers, bloggers, journalists and copywriters out there, all wanting their share of the internet-pie, how can they make their money by writing on the internet?

There are plenty of popular websites out there which pay for their writers. Starting with the obvious, BBC and CNN, both cover masses of subjects and topics i.e. News, Business, Sport, Entertainment… and both are updated 24 hours a day. They both offer work experience and occasionally advertise job opportunities, but most notable of all, you can email particular subject areas or journalists with your own freelance articles. Whether or not these are paid, depends strictly on numerous factors. Most poignantly here – they probably won’t use it.

So, what is a good basis to start earning money online? Well, it is firstly important to spread your wings. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You have to write lots of articles, and publish them on many sites. This will naturally increase the amount of traffic to your articles, and also allows for more back-links to your article/blog websites.

The content of your writing should be from your own ideas and your own words. Not duplicating content already on the web will help people find what you are writing about.

There are numerous websites available such as www.associatedcontent.com, www.haymarket.com and www.helium.com, which serve as magazine websites, in a similar format to the BBC or CNN, but will pay ad revenue to writers who get their articles featured and published.

Advertising is not necessarily earning money directly through writing, but it is certainly a viable starting point. Signing up to a Google AdSense account allows you to place advertisements on your websites, allowing you to earn money as you publish articles. You can filter out unwanted adverts, therefore increasing the potential of your articles.

Maybe this one is a bit of a jungle in itself, but throwing your name about is so important: sign up to various Freelancer websites, advertise your services, promote yourself as a writer, and you may well get spotted by somebody looking to hire a writer. I call this a jungle because there tend to be thousands of writers signed up to these websites – all claiming to be the biggest and best, and they are all in the same boat as you. It is difficult to stand out from the crowd.

But this all ties in with general networking. When hiring a writer, the employer, if you will, would rather hire somebody whose work they have seen, and that they know they can trust. When everybody is claiming to be a great writer, some people will be cautious because they can’t differentiate between one writer and the other. If you have various blogs, websites, facebook and twitter accounts, there is more of a chance that said employer will have come across your name and work at various other stages of their search for a writer. This adds to your credibility as a good writer, thus increasing your chances of being hired. Then, in turn, doing a good job will earn appraisals and testimonials.

www.hubpages.com is a great way to earn money, and a great way to have your work found by varying readers. Use popular keywords and don’t forget to tag your articles. This all helps to increase traffic.

As previously mentioned, eBay has been a phenomenon. You can use your acquired writing skills to sell products on eBay. This is actually a very good tool for testing out the quality if your copywriting. In general, articles well written, with plenty of power words and benefits, will end up selling for more than with just a general item description.

Similarly to advertising, while this is not strictly your writing which is earning money – it is certainly an effective way to test out the harnessing of your skills.

Fetch out Your Shades - We're off to the Sunshine State!

2010-01-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

Sun, sea, sand…

…Key lime pie and orange juice…

…Welcome to Florida!

With year-round sunshine, fun and activities – it’s the holiday you will never, ever forget. Florida is the tourism capital of the world.

With the phenomenal offers available with Primo Vacations, this is a wonderful opportunity to visit Orlando, the home of Walt Disney World Resort. With over 25,000 acres to play with, Floridians certainly don’t waste much space!

Disney Land Resort is the largest vacation resort and the most visited theme park resort in the entire world! And there’s good reason for that, with four magical, world renowned theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom), along with two huge water parks, twenty-four hotels based on the beautiful Lake Buena Vista, miles and miles of golf courses, shops and entertainment areas, and unlimited outdoor recreation activities for all the family. Orlando is an exquisite place, one where you are never too old to join in the fun.

Primo are currently running an offering a Disney Gift Card worth up to $750 which can be used at various locations around the Resort – absolutely Free. Certainly worth checking out.

There are plenty of other reasons to visit Florida too.

It’s the reason we know it as the Sunshine State, and the reason why it attracts so many visitors each year; it is that magnificent combination of glorious climate and stretches of golden beaches. Impeccably perfect beaches which span on for hundreds and hundreds of miles, and attract the most glamorous of Hollywood royalty – I’m talking about Miami.

South Beach, Miami, is one of the most famous beach resorts in the world. There are literally hundreds of hotels along the beach front, although you still won’t struggle to find a peaceful, quiet area if you so wish – such is the enormous size.

One of the latest attractions in Miami Beach is the must-try Ocean Force Adventures. You will be whisked off on a Zodiac RIB Boat – made famous by the FBI and Coast Guards in films and television shows such as CSI: Miami – where you will explore more than 40 miles of blue ocean waters and soak up the sun-drenched Biscayne Bay. This is a breathtaking tour which is available to You on your dream trip to Florida.

However, that’s not all. Florida has one other world famous ‘must-do-activity’. How can you visit Florida without discovering the absorbing Everglades? No trip to Florida can be complete without a trip on board an Airboat on the Everglades. This is the perfect way to really adventure in this beautiful State. Venture through the Winding Mangrove creeks and Bays, deep into the Everglades. Listen to the Boat Captains as they take you through the history of the Everglades and show you the exotic wildlife, which can only be seen this way, in this amazing part of the world.

Florida is the number one tourist spot in America – take a visit with Primo, and you will see why.

How to squeeze the most out of Squeeze Pages

2010-01-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

Earn loads of easy cash now; simply enter your First Name and Email below!

Well, there’s no box here – but would you be tempted? I bet you were a little interested. And I bet you read the whole message.

This is the power of the squeeze page. It is a fact that squeeze pages are a phenomenal way of offering your products online.

But what is are squeeze pages?

A squeeze page is a small sales page. Every so often, you visit a website where a small box appears, urging you to enter your email address, with the guarantee of joy, happiness or prosperity. These boxes are designed to entice you to enter a website, or give your contact details.

With the proliferation of spam, internet users are often wary of where and to whom they give out their contact details. Therefore, as a simple point of contact, internet marketers use squeeze pages to gain your email address, so that they can send you emails over a period of time, offering their products.

Successful squeeze pages are created using a combination of catchy sales copy, colour psychology and keyword rich text. Advanced internet marketers will use video or audio in their squeeze pages to draw instant attention to the box.

There are many advantages of using squeeze pages. As a box that pops up on your screen, you cannot help but view it – reaching out to an unlimited number of potential customers.

The greatest advantage of all is the incredible increase in visitor-to-buyer conversion rates.

This is because, although you are making the first point of contact with the customer – it is the customer who is approaching you and your sales page. If people are interested enough in your initial squeeze page to enter their email address, they clearly have an interest in buying your product.

The point in the squeeze page isn’t to make a sale – it is to engage the interest of the customer. Like any copywriter, salesman, businessman or journalist will tell you – engaging the customer into wanting to know more is half the battle. A squeeze page – with very little space for content, is a simple way to engage the customer.

A squeeze page can also create a sense of trust with the customer, as they are not put-off by a pushy sales pitch, or feel as though they are being forced into anything.

When designing a squeeze page, you have very limited space; therefore you have to be clever, and utilise the small space you have. Being smart with limited space is the key to a successful squeeze page.

Hiring a professional copywriter to write your content is the best way to attract as large a crowd of customers as possible. Copywriters will include as many search engine friendly keywords as possible in the limited space available.

A problem with squeeze pages is that with so little text, search engine spiders often don’t find them relative enough to the original search. Therefore, great quality copy is absolutely vital to achieving a highly successful squeeze page.

Remember, people are only interested in one thing – what’s in it for them. Don’t waste time and space trying to explain things – just get straight to the point, i.e. “Earn loads of cash now!”

How to Increase Traffic to Your Website

2010-01-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

Boosting the number of visitors to your website is the most important way to expand your profile and business.

The internet is like a giant haystack, and your website is the needle that needs to be found. There are numerous simple methods you can use to achieve this.

Search Engines
The most effective way of gaining traffic to your website, is to be picked up by search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Ask.

Search engines use highly sophisticated Spiders that scan through the internet to find the most relevant websites available. The most important thing Spiders search for is Key Words.

Key Words are words or phrases relevant to the original search. So, for example, if somebody types: “Football in Brazil” into Google – Spiders will search for websites which includes as many relevant Key Words as possible, i.e. ‘football’, ‘brazil’, ‘soccer’, ‘Pele’.

The best thing you can do is jot down, before you write your article, a list of Key Words that need to be included in your copy, so that search engines have the best chance of finding Your website. Make sure you include as many Key Words as possible, but keep them all relevant and in context – Spiders are intelligent enough to spot someone trying to ‘cheat the system’.

Great content
Above all else, the most important aspect of all – make sure you have good, quality content on your website. You can attract every internet user in the world to your website, but if the content is poor, they will not continue to read, they won’t come back, and your website becomes useless.

Your content must leave people wanting to revisit, wanting to buy your product/enjoy your writing, and best of all, go out and tell other people about your website.

If you do not have the nous for writing quality copy, you can hire a Copywriter to do this for you. They will know all the tricks of the trade, and optimise your chances of being picked up by search engines.

Social Networking
Networking, gaining contacts, and placing links on other websites is another valuable way to gain traffic. Millions of people use social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter – make the most of this. It is such an Easy way to connect with potential visitors.

If, for instance, you have written an interesting article on tennis player Andy Murray – search for him on Twitter, and then follow everyone who is following him. Then, put a link to your website, explaining you have an interesting article about Andy Murray that is well worth reading. A similar method can easily be followed using Facebook, by searching for Groups about Andy Murray – and then becoming Friends with all the members – and placing a link to your website/article.

The internet is huge – make the most of it
You need to throw your name, article and website address around as many relevant places as possible. Again, using Andy Murray as an example, search on Google for forums, communities and websites about him – and place a link to your website on each. Offer to put links on your website for other people, in return that they do the same for you.

Make sure they come back
Once people have visited your website, the aim then is to make them visit again. To do this, you need to show people that your website is dynamic, as oppose to static. This basically means that people won’t keep visiting a website that never changes. Keep updating your pages, information and content – it will keep visitors aware of your online presence.

Offering Freebies, such as a newsletter, is a good way to keep people aware of your dynamic website.

“By signing up to my website, you will receive a free newsletter on Andy Murray every month.”

This means that once every month, people will be reminded that you are still active, and still producing new content that may be of interest to them. This also gives you an opportunity every month to reconnect with the people who you followed on Twitter, and the people you made Friends with on Facebook, as you tell them about your new article, or your latest newsletter.

Key Words are Key
Once your article is complete – check your list of Key Words. Have you included each one at least once? I cannot stress the importance of this enough.

And before you submit:

PROOF READ PROOF READ PROOF READ

How to Engage readers in Your Copy

2010-01-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

Three…Two…One…

…Times up.

This is how long you have to attract a reader to your article. The average person will take three seconds to look at your work, and then make a decision to read on, skim through, or ignore it.

As a copywriter, it is vital to draw in your reader’s attention as early as possible.

The secret is to keep your sentences short, sharp and snappy. Never open your article with a text-heavy paragraph. It puts-off your potential reader before they even think about reading.

One technique, used by many professional copywriters, is to keep opening-paragraphs to just one or two lines, often just one or two words. For example:

Paragraph one: “Relax.”
Paragraph two: “Unwind.”
Paragraph three: “Chill out at one of our stunning health spa’s for only…”

Without even knowing it, you have gained the reader’s attention by creating curiosity in their mind, and now they are into the main body of your article.

In doing this, it is important to remember your audience. Don’t forget who you are writing for, and who you are trying to attract. You want to attract the right readers as early as possible:

“Fix your roof for only £20”.

This is only going to appeal to people who want their roof fixing – there is no point in waffling, trying to draw in people who don’t want their roof fixing. Likewise, you don’t want to risk losing the right customers by being too ambiguous – get straight to the point.

An easy way to draw in your audience is to ask questions. Make your reader think. Make your copy personal to them. Make them think that the article is about them:

“Are you fed up with your job?”
“Do you need some extra cash?”
“Do you need your roof fixing?”

This engages the reader and can immediately sift through the people you do and don’t want to attract. Using the “roof” example, people who need their roof fixing will automatically think “yes” to this question, and naturally read on, as there could well be a ‘Problem – Solution – Benefit’ scenario about to approach them. For example:

“Do you need your roof fixing? (Problem) Smiths Roofers will fix it for only £20 (Solution), keeping your house warm and damp-free. (Benefit)”

The key point to always remember is:

People are only interested in one thing – what is in it for them.

Make your reader aware that the copy is directed at them. Remember to keep asking questions to make the reader think. Use Action Words like: “Save, Earn and Feel.” This is telling them what can happen as a result of [for instance] buying the product on offer.

Keep using Key Words such as “You and Your” so they can furthermore see the article is aimed at them, and can be beneficial to them.

Whilst selling a product, providing entertainment, or supplying information is the point of the body copy – the whole point of your headline and opening paragraphs are to engage the reader and make them read on.

By following these simple copywriting techniques, you will be achieving results with your own quality, effective copy in no time.

Stephen Fry's Great American Adventure

2010-01-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

I am fascinated by America. North America in particular. The American road-movie has always appealed to me: the diners, the long, deserted roads, the motels, and the many, many different cultures, climates, and landscapes. Crossing the United States is the ultimate travel adventure.

I have recently been reading Stephen Fry in America, a fascinating travel journal by the “quintessential Englishman” at his quintessential best. Charming, witty, and heart-warmingly pleasing – Stephen Fry zig-zags his way through the 50 states in his traditional London black cab, meeting real people to discover real America.

In the months it took him to travel the States, Fry had the desire to meet everyday people from each State, and get to know what it is really like to be an American citizen. He fishes for Lobster in Maine, hunts in the wilderness of New YorkState, and speaks to victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana.

Not your traditional travelogue – there is little speak of the en-route diners, the beautiful weather in Florida, or the “oh my, I’m driving on the wrong side of the road!” norm. Not that this isn’t an entertaining read on its own – after all, this is what we all think of when we think or dream of travelling America. But Fry’s intention was to see what it is like to live and work as a real-life American citizen – and not to see what it is like to live in America as a travelling Englishman.

He does this with style and aplomb, as he passes through the East Coast, the Deep South, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, through to the stunning lights of Vegas and the glamour of Los Angeles. Through this magnificent 6’4” comedian, poet, actor, writer and explorer, we get a real sense of what it is like to be an American.

In order to partake in such a rigorous adventure – one must have exceptional adoration of the country, and its residents. Time, effort, and planning had obviously gone into the production of the adventure. We all know Stephen Fry as somewhat of a general knowledge genius – and his inspiring knowledge of all that confronts him is intriguingly delightful.

Through the course of the book, we are entertained by history, geography, art, science, political, musical, and literature lessons. Without going into extravagant detail, Fry paints a wonderful picture of the awe inspiring landscapes, and leaves us feeling nothing but warmth and adoration for America and its people.

Want to take a visit? Want to make a similar adventure of your own?

There are various tours available through travel agencies and internet companies, but perhaps making your own journey on your own time, keeping to your own schedule is the way to do it.

An exciting adventure in the world’s most diverse land is something we should all aspire to do.

Or at the very least, I urge you read about it.

Paths to the left of me...paths to the right

2009-11-30T11:06:00.000-08:00

There comes a time in everyone’s life when one wonders where one is heading. If you could go back to school, college, or university – would you have worked that little bit harder? Would you have taken maths lessons more seriously? Would you have taken an economics degree instead of a history degree? Some people have been sat at a desk, every weekday between the hours of nine and five for years and years, when they come to wonder if this is all life has to offer.

I’m at a time in my life where its decision time once again. I’ve worked hard for three years at university, striving for good results in my Journalism and Media course. But on graduation, employment has been hard to come across. The media is the ultimate industry for “knowing people”. If you want to get involved, you’ve got to have the right contacts in the right places. It’s made doubly difficult when you don’t live anywhere near the likes of Manchester, Liverpool, or London. Opportunities are scarce.

Should I keep plugging away for that career in a big newspaper, or at a top news broadcasting corporation (BBC, Sky)? Should I look for training, with a direct route into another industry? It would probably be a faster, easier process. Am I passionate enough about journalism to spend the next few years continuing to grow? I still need to learn shorthand, study media law, and find my way into a tough industry. Will volunteer work be the way forward? Or should I look for work now, money now, and a direct career now?

The fact is that having these questions in mind worries me. I have always been certain of my career and life goals. So why after just a few months of unemployment do I find myself thinking of heading for a different route?

It could well be a panic attack because I’m witnessing old school friends cruising into jobs, and I want to follow suit. Maybe I’ve simply had a change of heart. In recent months I’ve applied to more jobs and more businesses than I care to imagine. What happens if I’m offered a job in a sector I never planned to work in? I think I’d be foolish to pass over the opportunity and stick with being unemployed. But how can I give everything to a job if I’m not passionate about it? If two weeks into the job I’m offered a role writing for a newspaper…what happens then?

I’m young enough and enthusiastic enough to learn something new. I’m driven enough to train in a new industry. If I’m given a shot at a job in a company, I’ll do everything possible to work hard and repay my employer for giving me a chance. My concern, however, is: will I turn into one of the previously mentioned; a person sat at a desk, every weekday between the hours of nine and five for years and years, when one day I come to wonder if this is all life has to offer. “Boy oh boy should I have bided my time and gone for that dream job in the media.”

I don’t know. Nobody will ever know if they have taken the right path. Not for sure anyway. For me, it’s looking like a first-come-first-serve basis. Whoever wants me can have me.

So to speak.

7 tips for the unemployed graduate

2009-11-25T05:51:00.000-08:00

I’d like to consider myself an expert on the subject. As my covering letter has stated on many occasions – I am a quick learner. And four months is ample time to learn how to live and cope in the world of the modern unemployed grad.

So is it really all Jeremy Kyle mornings, daytime telly afternoons, and lazy evenings? Is that what I’ve amounted superfluous amounts of student debt for? Let’s look on the bright side. After all, we’re young, talented, bright, eager individuals who clearly have something going for us.

Here are my tips on what to do when in the dreaded “between uni and work zone”. Some are career orientated, others are less so – but I believe they are all beneficial.

1. Get fit
• There are no excuses now. This doesn’t necessarily mean joining a classily expensive gym, or even to feel the need to go out on a morning run 5 times a week. Because the reality of the matter is: it isn’t going to happen. I, like most, have got up one morning, convinced that ‘this is it’ – I’m going to eat my five-a-day, go running daily, get fit, and stay that way! Two days later – back to square one. We can’t be bothered.

Walking. It’s the way forward. Quite literally. Don’t mope around in front of the TV. Don’t sit on your backside scoffing crisps and chocolate, claiming to be depressed. Head out for a walk. Clear your mind. Think about what you are doing, reflect on what you have done, and rehearse an interview in your head. By the time you get back – it’s surprising how many things are going on in your head. Get them out there, bring any such thoughts to the forefront of your mind.

2. Apply Apply Apply
• You’ve got to broaden your horizons. You’ve got to open as many doors as possible. I have lost count of the amount of application forms I’ve filled in since returning from university. Ok, I still don’t have a job, but this isn’t for lack of trying. An employer will be pleased to see the effort you put in. In broadening my horizons, I have come across companies I never knew existed. I have thrown my name and CV around more companies than I care to think about. But each form I fill in, each interview I attend, each piece of feedback I receive – I learn something new.

Even if you land a job you don’t want to make a career out of; at least you’re earning some cash, adding to your CV, gaining more contacts, getting out of the house, and I generally believe it is easier to find a job once you’re already in one.

3. Spend time with your family
• You’ve been through the Kevin and Perry age of teenage monstrosity, and you’ve completed the pub crawls in town too many times to care anymore. When I first went off to uni in summer 2006; I didn’t come home until Christmas. Then Easter, then summer. When I did come home, I generally spent most my time either working or socialising with my mates.

What my family have done for me – moulding me into the person I am today, financially supporting me throughout life, taking me on holidays etc – it has all too much gone over my head without a thought.

But now, I have no money to go out with mates, and I haven’t any work to do – my family are the only ones left. They don’t cost anything, you don’t need to spend money to be with them, and they understand you and want the best for you more so than anyone else. Talk to them, laugh with them, get to know them again. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending lots of time with my brother and sisters again. When we were younger we were never apart. As we grew up and went to uni, or left home respectively; we grew apart – but now there are no excuses. And we don’t need them. It’s like the old days again. And when I’m working and all grown up for real; these days may not come around again.

4. Network
• Building contacts is the biggest ally you can have when searching for that dream job. If you don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account – where have you been? Get back in touch with old school mates, university colleagues, ex workmates etc.

I recently got in touch with an old college friend of mine. To my shock, he is now a cameraman for the BBC. Quite a good contact to have in my opinion.

Having friends in the right places, and “it’s who you know, not what you know”, are very important ways to find your way into a job. They can’t necessarily offer you a job – but they can inform you of a possible opening, or give you hints and tips for how to get involved in an industry.

Knowing people and being friendly with people is essential. You never know, one day it may be somebody approaching you to see how you got involved in your career.

5. Volunteer
• This can involve community projects such as youth volunteer work, or it could be fixing your Nan’s fence. Keep active! Keep your mind ticking. Be helpful. What comes around goes around and all that. You may even learn a new skill. A CV looks a hell of a lot better with “volunteered when unemployed” on it, than “sat around doing nothing when unemployed”.

Offer your services free of charge in the industry in which you studied. As I studied journalism at uni, I wrote some articles for the Community Press in Barrow. It kept my journalist brain and skills alive, I was helping a community, and I gained many contacts which will undoubtedly come in handy in the future.

6. Learn something new
• Not necessarily an essential – but learn something new. Stop yourself being depressed, and on a one track mind. Learn a language, read a non-fiction book, attend a night-school class. You may like it, you may not. At least you’ve tried it.

This generally goes for the employed as well. It prevents tedium kicking in. Get a hobby, learn something different, embrace what life has to offer – it’s what it’s all about.

You may even learn something that you would like to make a career out of.

7. Plan
It may not work out as you plan – it improbably won’t. But make a plan on where you are heading. What do you intend to do next? Where is that heading? Where do I want to go? How will I get there? Research your industry. Get to know companies in your area. Weigh up the possible outcomes of your plans going awry.

Plan your personal life as well. What do you want out of life? Personally, I want to see as much of the world as possible. I don’t want to do it in a ‘gap year, cheap as chips style’, however. So I have made plans on when I want to do it, how I will do it, and where I want to go.

So the world doesn’t come to an end when unemployed. The possibilities this world has to offer are endless. There are so many opportunities to get involved with something. You just have to go out there and find it. Show employers that you are active, prove you are the hard-worker that your cover letter undoubtedly states.

The Life and Times

2009-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

I am one of the 40,000 unemployed graduates in UK. Long gone are the days when a graduate was the product sought after by booming businesses in the biggest cities. Projects and salaries used to be thrown mercilessly at the feet of those departing the world of studenthood.

Please excuse this rolling fleet of clichés, but, for the 40,000 – gone are the days of sleeping till noon, partying till dawn, all-night library outings, and the enslaving hours that facebook takes out of your life.

Perhaps many of us were sheerly ignorant of the outside world. At university, for three years, one thinks one is grown up, independent, living on ones own. £3000 loan is granted each year which covers course costs, and almost £4000 each year is granted each year as student loan (or ‘spending money’ as it became known). The words ‘interest’, or ‘tax’, don’t mean anything significantly important.

Wherever you go, students are everywhere. People your own age, with dreams, aspirations, hopes, and fears which match your own. You think: ‘I can hack this outside world malarkey.’

Throughout my final year of study (by which point, it was ‘study’, and not the cliché-ridden student life as previously mentioned), the country was sinking into an unfathomable financial crisis. Of course I was aware of this; but the sheer audacity of it improbably slipped my mind.

Since leaving school in 2004, I have always maintained a working position. During my college years, I worked part-time in the Early Learning Centre; when I returned home from university each summer, I worked in a kitchen and even as an assistant builder. During my final year of study, I took a job in a bakery for some extra funds. Throughout this time, in retrospect, I was both naïve and ignorant to the fact that the recession was as bad as it truly turned out to be.

Whenever I was in college, or returning from university, or indeed at university, I always found it easy to find employment – and thought with a degree under my arm, it would be just as easy once graduated.

I was told relentlessly throughout my childhood how important it was to get good grades, work hard, and go to university. After all this I will be in the grand predicament of having to choose between two or three thriving companies of which to work for.

Reality hasn’t been that fair to me though. While I did the late nights, random parties, and days on end watching DVD box sets; I always worked hard. There was never a lecture unattended, or a group meeting cancelled. Essays were always completed on time, and I was always on first-name-terms with the community careers advisors. I always wanted to succeed, and I always worked hard. My ignorance, however, probably slopped out as I presumed too much. I presumed I would walk into a glamorous job, I presumed I would be on a gobsmacking salary, I presumed I would be straight onto a clear and prosperous career path, and I generally presumed that all would be rosy and well.

It isn’t.

But it’s ok.

I have kept on working hard: researching, networking, emailing, applying, speaking, speculating, asking, praying, hoping, and writing. Amongst other things.

Although it does sliver into insignificance, people constantly tell me: ‘It will be alright. Something will come along eventually.’ And I do believe they are right. I am a firm believer that you can do pretty much anything if you put your mind to it.

But for now, the hunt continues. I just need something good to come along. And hopefully 39,999 other graduates won’t spot the job advertisement.