Have You Caught A Communicable S.T.E.?

The month of June is now dead and gone. May she rest in peace. And it is definitely time to see if you have caught an S.T.E.
By Steve Foss


And of course I am talking about a “Success Timetable Evaluation”. This is where we break out the goals we set for ourselves to accomplish in the year 2006. Remember doing that in January? Let me ask you how you are doing? It is now exactly halfway through the year. How are you trending?

If you set a monetary goal for what you want to earn this year, take that number and divide it by two. Now go pull up your accounting software. Which number is higher? Are you ahead of schedule? Excellent! Smash your goals and don’t let up. Is your income goal figure higher than your actual earnings? Bad News! That means that you are trending at a level that is less than your earnings goal. If you don’t change something now, you will fall short of your financial aspirations. Absolutely, positively do not let that happen! Here’s what you should do:

1. Know that it is halftime and you are behind in the game. That is actually OK. Many teams go into half time behind and still win big. You are going to have to make some changes in your game plan in order to come out victorious. Nothing changes until something changes; and that “something” is you!

2. Take the amount left to earn for the year and divide that by six. That figure is now your new monthly goal. If you have to break that figure down to a weekly or daily goal, do it. Do whatever is necessary. Desperate times call for desperate measures. And when a runner is behind, he needs to pour it on. It is called a “kick” in a foot race. It is time to start your kick.

3. Do this same formula for ALL the areas of your life. How are you doing on your physical goals? Have you lost the weight you wanted to lose? Where do you stand on your social, spiritual, or intellectual goals? Have you read the books you planned on reading? Have you accomplished half of the “big rocks” you put down on paper? Have you done some of the fun stuff you planned to do like travel, or do something crazy? What are you waiting for?

Has the spirit of procrastination crept in? Are you lying to yourself that you will eventually get around to it? You and I both know that the end of the year is very hectic with all the holidays. If you aren’t hammering away at your goals now, you never will. Be honest with yourself. Putting off the paper until the day before it was due might have worked for you in college. But that is a habit that needs to be broken. I don't think you will find any highly successful person who does that. They're just not that talented.


Step back and take a good look around you. Evaluate your life. Monitor your progress. And then attack the rest of the year with ferociousness. Be more productive than you ever have. You can do it! We believe in you! Be enthusiastic and determined. And finish the year strong.

Let’s make 2006 our best year ever! It’s not too late!

It's not religious, it's about BUSINESS SUCCESS!

What do you think of when you see the saying "Repent Sinner"?
By Steve Foss

Whenever someone sees a sign that contains the phrase "Repent Sinner, they usually muster up visions of a religious person trying to get the general population to get their act together and start living a holy and pure life. But that is not the case here. Believe it or not, it is actually one of the best business success sayings around. If we take a good look at the origins of that saying, we will see that it is one of the greatest personal development precepts you can hear.

A friend called me at 6:30 AM this morning and asked me a question about a scripture in the Bible where the word "repent" was used. He had certain questions about the word, so I looked it up. Since the New Testament was written in the Greek language, the word translated into English as "repent" actually means "to change the way we feel about something". The word for sin simply means "to miss the mark". Picture in your mind shooting an arrow at a target. In the middle is a red dot, and there are rings which grow outward from the center. The goal is to hit the center of the target, not be off the mark. So I guess that the expression "repent sinner" could actually mean "Hey person who is missing the mark, change the way you feel about it". Change your attitude about somehow coming up short of the goal or prize. Quit allowing yourself to be substandard. Stop thinking it is OK to be a loser.

How strong is that saying in business?

When we finally get tired of missing the goals we have set, and decide to change our attitudes toward failure, we are now ready to do whatever it takes to succeed. I heard that an addict will not get his life together until he hits what is called "rock bottom". It means that when a person gets so sick and tired of not fulfilling their potential, they might finally start doing the things that lead to change. And when we get so dissatisfied with mediocrity, and so discontented with the direction we are heading with our lives, we will make the necessary changes to start building momentum towards achievement. We will change our direction, or repent.

So let me ask you some questions about your business. Are you making progress as rapidly as you had planned? Are you continually ending the month behind schedule? Are you feeling like a loser in some area of your life? Are you broke, or depressed, or feeling trapped? Do other people rob you of your strength and happiness? THAT IS MISSING THE MARK! Stop it. Decide today to change the way you feel about it. Make the quality decision to start accomplishing, and end the reign of mediocrity that may have infected your life.

You will start winning when you finally get sick and tired of losing. Repent Sinner! The joy of accomplishment is yours for the taking. Go get it! You Deserve it!

Do Your Handshakes Last Forever?

THEY SHOULD!!!

Getting good customers is one of the hardest things for a business to do. Keeping them is essential. Here is an amazing way for your handshakes to last forever.

Tips for Staying in Constant Contact with your Clients - Effective Opt-In Forms

Email marketing is an extremely powerful and effective marketing technique. It is also the most cost effective way in existence today, to contact prospects and customers. If done incorrectly, by sending unsolicited emails, it is called spam and gets you blacklisted and hated by the ones you were trying to reach. If done right, it is called permission-based email marketing and it will build the value of your brand, increase your sales and keep you in constant contact with your targeted audience, whether prospects or existing clients. When most people think of permission-based email marketing, they automatically associate the concept with the old practice of mass mailing, that is building a list, and emailing a message, or a newsletter to that list. Today, the process is much more elaborate, as you have to push your message across in a way that will not piss people off, that will not get you blacklisted and that will not get you labeled as a spammer. In this article we will discuss one of the most underrated steps in building a successful email marketing campaign: the sign-up form. With the introduction of the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/canspam.htm) it became increasingly important to make sure that your recipients opted in, that is requested themselves to be emailed your information. The easiest way to achieve this is through subscription, or sign-up forms. Here are some tips on how to effectively build sign-up forms, gathered from experienced email marketers:

1. The more often your prospects are exposed to your sign-up form, the greater the chance they will notice it and actually sign up to receive your emails. As with everything else in life, you have to be very careful as not to reach the saturation point, which is the point at which your viewer gets annoyed. Our studies have found that strategically, it is best to place your forms in one of the following locations:- On the top right of a page;- On the left hand navigation bar;- At the bottom of the page, directly after the relevant content.

2. Entice your subscribers. An effective sign-up or opt-in form is as effective as your enticements campaign. You have to convince people to trust you enough to give you their real names and email addresses. Explain the benefits of subscribing (ex. to receive tips, tricks and techniques on how to.), include a few samples and testimonials. Finish it up with a strong call to action.

3. Offer opt-in incentives. Properly used incentives can significantly increase opt-in rates. Some of the most proven and effective incentives in use are:- Free whitepapers or e-books (you can find one on almost any topic, and if you don't, then consider writing one yourself);- Opt-in discount or a free service (for example, if you are a web hosting company, you can offer one month free hosting);- Special report. Whatever incentive you chose to offer, do not forget to follow up on your promise. In your welcome message, you should automatically provide a link to the free product if applicable, for example if you are giving away a free report or an e-book, then provide a download link or a coupon (discount) code that you are ready to take automatically online or via phone.

4. Design your form with the user in mind. Walk through your form yourself after you put it online and see if you would be annoyed by it or if you would find it easy and comfortable.

Some tips to remember:- People use various devices and browsers today. Make sure your form and the entire page the form is on is readable by all browsers. Do not place the form on a page that is heavy in graphics and multimedia, as people generally don't have too much patience if the page is slow to load.- Do not forget people who browse the web on PDAs. You might think I'm nuts, but it's a reality, a lot of people now browse on their Blackberrys and Treos. This is especially important if your opt-in form is a link inside an email message. People do click on those links on their PDAs and you don't want to lose them, as after they read your message, they will not go back to it again, on a regular computer. You want them to sign up right there, on the spot. So make those forms simple, use only plain and traditional HTML. Also, things shift on a PDA screen so try to borrow one and see how your form looks like and make the appropriate size adjustments.- Don't forget to make sure that the TAB key advances through the fields in the proper order and that the ENTER key submits the form. You'll be surprised to know that a lot of people are turned off at the slightest misbehavior of your form. You'll also be surprised to know that the vast majority of form fillers rely solely on the keyboard. If hitting the ENTER key activates a link instead of submitting the form, you lost them.- Do not ask for too much information, at least in the initial opt-in stage. People are reluctant to fill up long questionnaires, especially that their intention was not specifically to fill up your form but you enticed them to do so. Name and email should be sufficient. Collect your demographic data later on.- Have a privacy statement on the page where the form is, or as a link, accessible directly from the page with the form. People trust companies that openly display privacy policies and promise not to sell their data. Remember that with opt-ins, they can't just put fake data on or use those shopping email addresses, but they trust you with their real contact information.


About the Author: Andrei co-owns bsleek - http://www.bsleek.com – a site that specializes in web hosting, design, promotional items, printing, CD presentations, tradeshow displays, corporate identity marketing and more. Andrei has amassed an extensive technical knowledge and experience through his career as the CIO for a major travel management company and through his past careers in military research, data acquisition and aerospace engineering. He also consults for http://www.trinityinvestigations.com, a New York based PI firm.

Give Me An "R"! Give Me An "S"! Give Me Another "S"!

What's That Spell?
R-S-S!!! Yeah!

Here's something to cheer about. There is a way you can make your web site a peachy keen money making machine. And it all boils down to these three little letters. Rah-Rah-Sis-Boom-Bah!

RSS... And The 10 Most Powerful Reasons Why You Should Be Using It By: Cory Threlfall

RSS (Real Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary) is widely becoming a VERY powerful marketing tool on the NET and for Internet marketers around the world, the question is...... "Are you using RSS to syndicate your content? "When I first stumbled across RSS syndication while surfing the net, it piqued my curiosity to the point where I couldn't help myself, but, to look into this new form of site promotion further. What I found out about this new technology will absolutely change the way you keep in touch with your subscribers and/or readers, in many ways, for years to come. Just to keep up with the times I recently built a webpage for my website specifically to promote my RSS feed in order to take on new subscribers, and... Most important of all, to put this new technology to the test. Here's what my webpage looks like if you decide to build your own dedicated webpage for your RSS feed. I highly recommend you do, but, that's just me. If you do decide to build one, make sure you give your subscribers and/or readers options. http://www.internetwondersezine.com/rss_feed.html

Now, for those of you who aren't quite up to speed on what RSS is, here's a quick definition for you: RSS is an acronym for "Really Simple Syndication" or "Rich Site Summary", and the XML extension is the format used for distributing your news headlines via the Web, which is known as Syndication. Syndication is where the TRUE power of RSS is unleashed, getting your message across the web in an Instant to your subscribers and/or readers. That's the basics of RSS (Real Simple Syndication). Now, for the rest of this article I want to focus on the "10 MOST Powerful Reasons WHY You Should Be Using It". So, with that said, let's go to reason #1.

Reason #1. RSS Streamlines communication.RSS streamlines communication between the publishers and readers making it easier for the subscriber to receive your content.

Reason #2. Readers can Opt-In to feeds. RSS gives the subscriber the ability to Opt-In to the feeds they are interested in and the ability to Opt-Out if they wish through there RSS reader just like an auto-responder.

Reason #3. You don't have to maintain an RSS feed. This is a great time saver for the busy marketer because RSS is a great communication supplement that doesn't burden the publisher with having to maintain a "List" or having to follow strict privacy rules.

Reason #4. You have the ability to Syndicate your content. This is where the TRUE power of RSS comes into play because RSS gives you the ability to Syndicate your content to your subscribers and website owners in an INSTANT giving your content the exposure it deserves.

Reason #5. Broadcasts your Sales and Specials. RSS gives you the ability to broadcast your Sales message and Specials to a wider audience in less time it would take to set-up an email broadcast.

Reason #6. No filters to worry about. This is the next best feature to RSS feeds because you don't have to worry about your message being passed through some email filter. By using RSS, your message gets delivered to 100% of your subscribers. This is a very powerful feature.

Reason #7. No more "Spam" complaints. This is yet another great benefit to RSS because you never have to worry about "Spam" complaints or "Privacy Policies" again because they have to add your feed to there reader, not the other way around with email.

Reason #8. You get INSTANT credibility. By publishing your own RSS feed your establishing yourself as an expert in the eyes of your readers as someone who knows his/her industry which will build "Trust".

Reason #9. Multiple ways to read your feed. RSS is very versatile because it allows you to view the feed in many different media platforms. Some examples are, Browser Based readers, Software Based readers, and the ability to view feeds on different operating systems like Windows and Mac.

Reason #10. Free and Easy site promotion. I like to save the best for last because RSS is a great way to get free traffic to your website without the need of spending money on advertising. This benefit alone will save you hundreds, if not, thousands in advertising expenses a year in costs to advertise your online business. Well... are those enough reasons for you to get started with RSS?I certainly hope so because they sure get me excited every time I read through them. Internet technology at its Best.

As I mentioned early in my article, the best way to take advantage of RSS... Starting TODAY! ... is to set-up your own dedicated RSS webpage on your website. If you don't have time to set-up your own webpage I recommend you set-up an account with Blogger.com -- http://www.blogger.com/ -- and then head over to FeedBurner.com -- http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/home -- and set-up an account there. FeedBurner.com will auto-generate you a RSS subscription page with whatever RSS feed URL you choose. Well... there you have it, "RSS... And The 10 MOST Powerful Reasons WHY You Should Be Using It" and more.About the Author: Want to get MORE 'Insider' marketing Secrets on How-To drive HUGE amounts of Laser Targeted Traffic to your website? Then you need to subscribe to Cory Threlfall's ezine called... The Internet Wonders eZine at -- http://www.internetwondersezine.com/Source: http://www.isnare.com/

EXTRA! EXTRA! GEORGIA MAN SURVIVES AFTER GETTING MP3'D!

Startup Essentials loves to get customer feedback. In fact, we want it enough to give away cool prizes to the folks that will give us that feedback.

We just selected a winner of their latest contest, the iPod Giveaway. The winner is Chase Bell of Georgia.

Chase went to the Startup Essentials website and gave us his feedback on the program. Here's what he said:

"While the keyword selection tool is very helpful, I somewhat expected it to be more robust with a larger feature set. It seems to be our sole tool for researching demand on the net..."

We totally agreed. As a result of Chase's feedback we have added three new tools for finding niche keywords and determining demand and competition. They are all available in the Startup Essentials portal.

Thanks for your feedback Chase! And enjoy your kickin' new Apple iPod Nano!

Watch for more feedback giveaways, coming soon from Startup Essentials!

We couldn't have said it better:

"We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better." Jeff Bezos (do you know the name? he is the man behind an amazing e-commerce company)

"Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning." Bill Gates

Happy Campers Come Back For S'mores!

Finally you can light the fires of success without worrying about the mosquitoes. Gather around because it's time to set up camp.



Startup Essentials is now offering a fantastic new tool called "Camp Journey". It is a companion to their step-by-step system for building a business and is a free conference call that helps get you started in the process.

Part orientation, part instruction and part motivation, Startup Essentials is offering the free call at four different times to try to accomodate any schedule (including one on Saturday!).

For more information, login to the Startup Essentials web portal and click on Start My Journey!

Denis Waitley said that "Winners take time to relish their work, knowing that scaling the mountain is what makes the view from the top so exhilarating."

Your own personal Mount Everest is waiting for you, and we have the guides to help you reach the top. Start the journey.....

Thousands Leave On A Journey Never To Return To Mediocrity

Does this sign look like the direction of your business? Finally, there is a straight and narrow path towards success. All Aboard!




With shouts of elation, "The Journey" launched this month. This is the Holy Grail of small business success. At last, the brightest and best entrepreneurial minds have put down their proven road map for success for all to see. Here is the press release we unleashed upon the world:

Dallas, TX – June 5, 2006


Startup Essentials, a recognized leader in the arena of starting and growing a business, announced today the release of their highly anticipated “Journey”, a step-by-step system for starting a new business.

Startup Essentials currently offers the Achievement Portal which features tools, resources and training for new business owners. The Journey provides a unique comprehensive system for moving from the initial stages of a new business all the way to running a successful business.

Journey is broken into five different self-paced paths and includes detailed step-by-step actions for each path along with an orientation camp and ongoing support. The Journey includes paths like “Change Your Life”, focusing on personal development and goal setting, and “Market Your Business” which guides new business owners through the myriad of various online and offline marketing techniques.

“For our customers who are looking for that next level of training, a more intense and focused learning process, their day is here,” says Jason Langford, Director of Products and Services for Startup Essentials. “Our mission is to take the guess-work out of starting and running a business. The Journey will quickly become an invaluable resource for new business owners facing that often intimidating question, ‘Where do I begin?’.”

The Journey is a one-of-a-kind system that lays out the process of building a successful business in easy-to-follow steps. “The benefit is the same whether customers have been with us for years or are just starting out”, said Langford. “They will now be able to stop looking at their feet and begin focusing their attention on the path ahead.”

The Journey will be available to all new and existing Startup Essentials customers starting Monday, June 5th, 2006. It will be accessible through their online Achievement Portal.

About Startup Essentials

Startup Essentials is a clear market leader in the area of entrepreneurial training, education and resources. Utilizing cutting edge technologies and techniques, such as streaming audio and video, Internet classrooms and conference calls, and step-by-step business building systems, Startup Essentials is dedicated to removing the obstacles traditionally associated with starting a new business. At their core, Startup Essentials believes in and promotes the freedom of being self employed.

Startup Essentials is on the web at: http://www.startupessentials.com/

For more information, contact Jason Langford at Startup Essentials, +1-866-552-8845, jlangford@startupessentials.com.


"Hell begins on the day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might have achieved, of all the gifts which we might have wasted, of all that we might have done which we did not do." Gian-Carlo Menotti