Beating The Competition

Flabby Marketing Thinking
Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-22 | Word Count: 572 | Page Views: 1033 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.83
In marketing, there's an equivalent to exercising and pumping iron and that's the topic of this article on marketing for professional service businesses.

Making The Cut
Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-20 | Word Count: 552 | Page Views: 1203 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.75
One of the hardest working groups of Independent Professionals out there are professional golfers. It may look like they have an easy job just hitting a ball around while enjoying the outdoors, but as Paul Harvey says, 'Here's the rest of the story...'

The Master Marketing Skill
Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-14 | Word Count: 741 | Page Views: 924 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.88
Make learning how to give presentations and talks a priority in your development as a professional. It's a skill that will pay for itself thousands of times over in the course of your career.

Web Site Leverage
Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-12 | Word Count: 747 | Page Views: 976 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.38
Ever go to a web site and find that after poking around a few pages you just click off and go to another site? Of course. It happens millions of times a day on the web. Why? Good question! This is an important one because if you can't get people to stick around your site and eventually contact you, your web site is just taking up cyberspace.

Fire, Ready, Aim Marketing
Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-07 | Word Count: 937 | Page Views: 1502 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.29
One of the dumbest marketing mistakes is failing implementing what you already know. You may read a lot, buy online programs, attend seminars and yet still implement a fraction of what you've learned.

Risking By Not Risking
Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-05 | Word Count: 684 | Page Views: 1323 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.67
I've often been asked, 'What is the biggest mistake you've made in your business?' And the first one that comes to mind was not creating and selling products much sooner. I was in business for years and years before I created my first product. Up to that point I only offered consulting and workshops. And why didn't I create and sell products sooner? Simple. I was afraid of doing it wrong. I didn't want to risk making a mistake.

The Questions Behind The Questions
Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-05-31 | Word Count: 716 | Page Views: 1577 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.33
One of the greatest confusions in talking about, and marketing, professional services is that we tend to answer the questions about our services at face value.

Dumping Powerpoint
Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-05-30 | Word Count: 575 | Page Views: 1360 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.71
The purpose of presentations is to persuade. To make your case you need to be both prepared and passionate. Dump your PowerPoint slides and get your ideas across as if your future depended on it.

The Intensely Detailed Plan
Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-05-24 | Word Count: 716 | Page Views: 1177 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 3.33
Will you create intensely detailed marketing plans or will you make vague plans resulting in vague results?

Getting Excited About Marketing
Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-05-22 | Word Count: 798 | Page Views: 1174 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 2.80
Are you excited about marketing your business? I've learned over the years, working with thousands of Independent Professionals, that the word EXCITING is about the last one most would use to describe marketing their business.

All of Author's Articles on this site: Robert Middleton Articles

How To Build a Strong and Powerful Business During a Recession
Written by: Trey McMartin | Distributed: 2011-11-10 | Word Count: 987 | Page Views: 465
During a recession, most business owners pull the reins on advertising budgets, fearful of what tomorrow might bring... Those who remain fearful have forgotten what made them the success they are today... They have forgotten that they have a God-given talent to overcome the incredible obstacles in their paths.

SEO Lessons from Local Businesses
Written by: Trey McMartin | Distributed: 2011-11-09 | Word Count: 945 | Page Views: 870
More than once in the six years that I have been providing SEO services for websites, I have had the opportunity to discuss with individual business owners their search engine optimization needs. Now and again, I run across an individual business owner who is quick to say that SEO is absolutely worthless. When confronted with such an absolute statement, I like to press for details. It has been my experience that people who speak in negative absolutes will have a horror story to share.

Where Will FDA Target Next? What IVD Manufacturers Should Know Before Their Next FDA Audit
Written by: Norm Howe | Distributed: 2011-09-12 | Word Count: 706 | Page Views: 353
Medical device manufacturers are always interested in knowing what FDA's next area of focus will be. Well, if you're an In Vitro Diagnostic manufacturer you might review your measurement systems.

Online Fax - 10 Reasons To Get An Online Fax Service
Written by: Titus Hoskins | Distributed: 2011-09-12 | Word Count: 560 | Page Views: 366
Online faxing is the new more modern way to fax. If you or your company is not using an online fax service, here are 10 good reasons why you should get it.

Best Effort Essential for the Job Interview
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-30 | Word Count: 676 | Page Views: 445
Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.

Go Green With Your Career Search
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-28 | Word Count: 636 | Page Views: 361
Many of the qualities of green living, like recycling and sustainability, can apply to a career search, even if the career is not directly associated with green industries.

ReCareer in the Second-half of Life
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-26 | Word Count: 525 | Page Views: 423 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 3.00
Many of us worked the first half of our life to "fit" the job description. ReCareering is about finding the right fit, being selective, being creative, being fulfilled and being intentional about how you spend your time.

Up in the Air
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-24 | Word Count: 678 | Page Views: 426
When looking for work or changing careers, go beyond researching on the internet and reading articles. Find out how you can learn from the art of listening and having a conversation.

Salon and Spa Owners: Which Monk Are You?
Written by: Dan Lok | Distributed: 2011-07-05 | Word Count: 477 | Page Views: 463
Too many salon and spa owners are carrying around a lot hurts, regrets, guilt, past failures and fears about the future. But no one is forcing you to carry these emotional rocks, so put that sack down!

The Single Most Profitable Day You Spend on Your Spa or Salon!
Written by: Dan Lok | Distributed: 2011-06-30 | Word Count: 470 | Page Views: 569
Salon and spa owners need to combine their marketing plan with marketing systems. A marketing calendar plans out strategies for a year, and is instrumental to the success of your spa or salon.

How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver | Distributed: 2008-07-15 | Word Count: 821 | Page Views: 36741 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 1.83
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be' written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm... might there be a better way to get a book written?

The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
Written by: Judy Murdoch | Distributed: 2007-05-09 | Word Count: 1522 | Page Views: 33878 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 3.60
From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books. Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises people. Curious? Read on.

The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
Written by: Morris Timlen | Distributed: 2008-11-05 | Word Count: 1211 | Page Views: 28586 | Votes: 22 | Rating: 3.32
The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City, the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the American movie industry.

What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
Written by: Casey Moher | Distributed: 2008-08-05 | Word Count: 930 | Page Views: 16090 | Votes: 68 | Rating: 3.16
In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?

Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2007-10-11 | Word Count: 333 | Page Views: 6840 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.65
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans. While the regulations generally don't take effect until January 1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.

Pitch A No-Hitter With Baseball-Themed Flower Gifts
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2007-12-25 | Word Count: 413 | Page Views: 6112 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 1.94
Want to send a gift to the baseball fan in your life that's sure to knock one out of the park? Send flowers with a baseball theme! Everyone loves flowers and when you personalize them to include the recipient's favorite hobbies, like baseball, they're sure to make an even greater impression.

Never Write A 'Thank You' Letter Again
Written by: Perry Maisin | Distributed: 2008-08-12 | Word Count: 971 | Page Views: 5867 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.29
When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who interviewed at fortune 500 companies and succeeded at landing a great job. One day, I saw him sitting in the student union with a stack of cards. The cards said 'thank you'. He opened each card and signed his name. The inside of the card was blank. I asked him what he was doing and he told me that it was important to send a 'thank you' to every person you interviewed with. He believed that that was the difference between getting the job and being passed over.

Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
Written by: Andria L. Corso | Distributed: 2010-03-10 | Word Count: 690 | Page Views: 5332 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.88
Enhance your talent management and development programs through conducting career aspiration discussions with your employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to determine if it matches your business needs. This will enable you to differentiate your employee development to grow the future leaders of your company.

The Pros And Cons Of Postcard Marketing-direct marketing offline
Written by: Cheryl Miller | Distributed: 2006-11-29 | Word Count: 675 | Page Views: 3999 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 2.60
Postcard marketing is one of the oldest methods of marketing. Its concept is simple but can be quite effective. It is just sending out your message to your mailing list on a postcard. Postcard marketing is a powerful and cost effective way to advertise and will keep building in momentum when done correctly.

The Tea Room Business Plan – First Steps And Start Up Basics
Written by: Marcus Stout | Distributed: 2007-03-22 | Word Count: 1218 | Page Views: 3703 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 2.63
Every venture starts with the first steps and a business plan for a quality tea room is no exception. Well thought out first steps, properly implemented, will pay dividends in the business operations of the tea room in later years.

Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
Written by: Toby Seibert | Distributed: 2007-08-08 | Word Count: 866 | Page Views: 1887 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.60
In today's business environment, many businesses need to fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the business.

Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
Written by: Rudy Vener | Distributed: 2007-07-09 | Word Count: 640 | Page Views: 1550 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.40
What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?

Business School for Non-Business Minds: Got a NAICS Number?
Written by: Melissa Mashtonio | Distributed: 2008-04-15 | Word Count: 423 | Page Views: 1637 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.40
I’m a journalist. I spent a lot of my career in the news business. As my career has progressed, I’ve spent time at small and large companies, and I have sat through dozens of business meetings wondering what the heck the “money” people are talking about. They used acronyms as if they were a foreign language.

The Problem With Swiping Sales Copy
Written by: Scott Bywater | Distributed: 2009-12-03 | Word Count: 480 | Page Views: 1062 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.40
This is what people miss when they try to simply "swipe" sales copy from another advertisement.

Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
Written by: Rudy Vener | Distributed: 2007-10-19 | Word Count: 629 | Page Views: 1546 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 4.38
With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your community.

The Secret To Making Successful Business Connections
Written by: Kate Smalley | Distributed: 2006-10-11 | Word Count: 672 | Page Views: 1660 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 4.00
If you have a hard time making successful business connections, don't despair. Anyone can be good at meeting people-if they use the right technique. The whole secret to making a positive connection is knowing how to attract people and inspire them to want to give you a chance.

How to Build a Really Great Business? (Super Success Secrets from a Legendary Business Master)
Written by: Chet Holmes | Distributed: 2007-01-15 | Word Count: 1523 | Page Views: 1647 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 4.00
Times are tough. The economy is in a constant state of upheaval. Is your company doing better than most? Are you placing greater emphasis on pure performance?

Get the Balance Right
Written by: Rich Thawley | Distributed: 2009-01-28 | Word Count: 638 | Page Views: 1499 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.91
Do you build your business around your family or your family around your business? The choice is yours.

Online Copywriting Makes Content as the King
Written by: Steven Gerber | Distributed: 2006-12-11 | Word Count: 560 | Page Views: 1671 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.86
The inverted pyramid is basically the placing of 4 W's in the primary sentences of the articles, supported by the other W and H on the following discussions. Four W's consist of what, when, where, and who. The other W which stands for why on the other hand, follows on the succeeding paragraphs, including the elaboration for the H which also stands for how, if necessary.

Interview Coaching: A Home-Based Business on the Cutting Edge
Written by: Carole Martin | Distributed: 2007-08-24 | Word Count: 1400 | Page Views: 1412 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.86
You name it - Blackberry, Skype Connection, Cell Phone, iPhone - these are the tools of this trade. Who would believe that someone with a home-based business could reach out to someone in a far away country and work with a client via a Blackberry and a cell phone?