Blogging with Jules - Dot Com Strategies

Motivation - Fuel for the Mind

2007-12-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

As delightful as it would be, there is a very good chance
you will not be an over night success story. Indeed,
instant success has been the good fortune of a few select
Internet Marketers, but that was then–when Internet
marketing was the newest rage. Today we need to work a
little harder to reach our desired goals of becoming
successful Internet Marketers.

Keep in mind, success begins with your ability foresee the
outcome of your plan, and stay focused long enough to
achieve it. As you create the action plan for your goals,
you do so by visualizing them. It is this visual concept
that sparks motivation. Motivation is the fuel that will
keep you going, no matter what task you set out to do.
When we are motivated to do something, we feel a sense
of energy and drive, however, if we are not careful to follow
a plan–a road map, we can quickly run out of fuel.

The biggest factor that can hinder motivation is
procrastination. That is such a nasty trait, but,
unfortunately, too many people are plagued with it.
A person who constantly procrastinates is unlikely
to succeed in many aspects of life. When procrastination
gets in the way of every day life activities, and future
goals, your mind becomes dull and you begin to feel
unhappy. Common sense would tell you to work on
eliminating procrastination from your life!

When I recall high school, and college years, I remember
the people who were burdened with unnecessary negative
attitudes. It wasn’t until years later that I realized
those same people had fairly low self-esteem.

Procrastination and low self-esteem seem to coincide.
Overcoming such burdens can seem impossible, but it can
be done. Once again, goal setting would be the initial step
to self-help. Remember, setting the goal won’t get you
anywhere, until you take action.

For more information on setting and achieving goals, please
refer to the post "Creating the Proper Mind-Set"

-------------------------
Jullieanne Matheson - Online Since '99. Publisher of
News from Jules & Partner of Ezines-R-Us,
Autopilot Advertising, & MyFreeSafeList

What's Going On?

2007-11-29T22:53:00.001-07:00

For those of you wondering what is going on, I am currently moving posts from my 'old' blog over to this new one.

Please do check back, work is needed, but will be done!

Thank you,

Jullieanne Matheson
News from Jules
http://www.newsfromjules.com

Creating the Proper Mind-Set

2007-11-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

© Jullieanne Matheson
http://www.newsfromjules.com/
http://www.ezines-r-us.com/
http://www.autopilot-advertising/
http://www.myfreesafelist/

Patience, Patience

For some folks, getting beyond the basics of creating an
Internet presence is the easy part. There are those who expect
to be successful over night, and while that is true for a select
few, let’s be realistic.

You must take in to consideration the time involved in getting
started, and be loaded with patience! Patience is required not
only in the start-up process, but also when you become
established as a professional in your field of expertise. Your
prospects will contact you, whether you like it or not. How you
choose to interact with them is up to you–but do exercise
patience, understanding, and remember to treat your potential
clients the same way you would want to be treated. Much can be
surmised by the way you respond to your inquiries, which
ultimately has a direct impact on your sales or services.

While it is difficult to demonstrate patience as you encounter
stumbling blocks, it is important to remain focused, and keep
moving forward. Keep telling yourself, there is a way around
this! When you feel you’ve reached the point of giving up, then
take a break and re-assess the situation by looking at the
problem from several perspectives.

Impatience can hinder our thoughts, motivation, and outlook,
resulting in undesirable emotions, and eventually lead to added
stress–which you don’t need more of!

Setting Goals

We all devote countless hours thinking of our present situation
in life, and our future. During this thought process, you
probably have found yourself wishing you could change something.
The first step to making any change, whether personal or
professional, is to set goals.

Many of us are fantastic at setting our goals, however, most of
us are practically incapable of following through with them.
When you think about it, how many times have you decided on a
course of action and then simply couldn't follow through with
it? Too often, we fail because we didn't take the time to create
a realistic goal-setting plan.

By setting goals, and charting your achievement, you are able
to see your accomplishments, and what you can successfully
complete in the near future. When you analyze your goal plan,
and assess your achievements, you gain a certain confidence in
yourself, which enables you to conquer more challenging goals.
Goal setting can be a relatively painless process, providing you
have the self-discipline required to follow through.

Benefits of Achieving Set Goals:

· Accomplish more in life
· Improve overall performance
· Feel an increased sense of satisfaction and pride
· Improve self-confidence and reduce negative thoughts

Think of goal setting as a process of personal development and
planning. Setting goals enhances your ability to sort priorities
in both personal, and business developments. When you know
exactly what you plan to accomplish, you know what barriers you
need to overcome. Goal setting is a way of life for many
high-achievers: from professional athletes to multi-billion
dollar companies. The idea is to create short-term motivation,
with long-term triumph.

To effectively create a goal-setting plan, first think of what
you hope to accomplish. Next, break it down in to more
“bite-size” pieces. Consider your task as a completed puzzle–you
see the whole picture at a glance. But, once the puzzle is in
pieces, how do you go about re-assembling it? You start putting
it together in sections, typically opting for the easier
pieces–the ones that are obvious and make sense.

Set your goals in a format that includes time frames, such as
the start date, amounts, completed-to-date, and the date of
expected task completion.

When you have achieved a goal, take the time to enjoy the
satisfaction of your success. Absorb the implications of the
achievement, and observe the progress you have made towards
future goals. If the goal was a significant one, don’t forget to
reward yourself accordingly!

The Unsuccessful Goal:
Failing to reach your goals can go wrong for any number of
reasons. When you fail to achieve a goal, the effects can leave
a negative impact on both your attitude and self-esteem. The end
result is giving up.

Why Some Goals Fail:
· The goal was set too high–unrealistic
· The goal was set too low–no feeling of accomplishment or satisfaction
· The goal was set at the “outcome” level, rather than a “performance” level
· Too many goals were set at once. Focus on one goal at a time

The biggest reason for the inability to reach a goal is the
failure to take action. You cannot reach your goals when you do
not set a course of action.

The concept of setting goals is a cumbersome task in itself,
therefore, it is logical to set goals separately in accordance
to specific areas of your business and personal life. For
example: if you want to further yourself in your career, you set
goals pertaining to your career enhancement.

You see, while setting the goals can be the easy part, reaching
them is a whole new story. As mentioned previously, you need to
complete your goals in parts, one step at a time. Once you have
moved in to the first step of your goal, you have taken
action–the most important step.

Think of a toddler, learning to walk for the first time. He
sees a toy on the edge of the table, and his goal is to get it!
He slowly gets up and takes the first step; he has a plan and
now taking action. Then, the toddler takes another step, and
another, and another. While he may fall a few times in the
process, he knows the toy on the table is attainable if he just
pushes himself. Often that first step is the hardest, and the
next step can be equally difficult. Once you complete a few
more, the steps are easier to handle.

Determining what is holding you back is a key factor in
successfully moving on to the next step. Many people are
followers, and do well only when there is group encouragement.
In most cases, your goal is exactly that–your goal. It’s up to
you to find and embrace the will power required to succeed in
achieving your goals.

The process of goal setting should not be looked upon as
daunting. In fact, it can be quite exciting and brain stimulating.
Setting your goals early enough will make your journey to online
success that much smoother.

To your success,

Jules

The Blog Connection

2007-07-08T15:40:00.000-06:00

Relatively new, and becoming increasingly popular,
blogs are popping up everywhere!

Great–but what the heck is a blog? Simply put, a blog
is an online journal that allows you to post almost
anything. Blogging is a new and fashionable way to
spread the word to potential consumers about your
product or service. If you are looking for a way to
enhance your business, consider the benefits of
starting your own blog. Just as we discussed with
respect to starting your online business, the main
ingredient for success with your blog, is to stay
focused on your goals and intentions Because blogging
is exciting and adventurous, it is easy to become
distracted, especially while in learning mode Be sure
to schedule your updates, and create a marketing plan
to promote your new blog Web site.

Blogging for a Buck

Many bloggers hope to earn money with their blogs,
and this idea is certainly within reach for almost anyone
who is willing to work hard, and has a basic understanding
of blogging. There are, however, underlying factors as to
why some blogs fail to produce profits. Some people leap
in too quickly, without planning and setting goals, and others
expect too much, too soon. When the blog is not producing as
quickly as one thinks, they lose interest and ambition to keep
the blog alive. If your intentions are to profit from your blog,
the success of your blog will rely heavily on your planning
and development. In addition to posting and updating your
blog content, you must promote your blog. The more visitors
you receive, the more people will pay you. Updating your
blog often will ensure your blog remains prominent on
blogrolls and rank well in blog search engines such as
Technorati.com. To generate an income from your blog,
you will need to develop a good size readership. This
does not happen over night, in fact, expect it to take
several months to produce any results. While your blog
is going through the growth stages, keep setting goals
and tasks and just remember it will happen!

Free Blogging Web Sites

If you are considering blogging, either by itself, or as an
enhancement to your current Web site, a free blogging
Web site is a great way to get started. Blogging Web sites
such as Blogger.com and Eponym.com allow users to host
a blog at no cost. This encourages people to start blogging,
because these sites provide you with all of the tools
that you need to get your blog started. Along with the
convenience, getting your blog hosted with a free
blogging host tends to be beneficial by means of
search engine presence. Chances are you will be listed
faster than starting your blog from scratch. Later,
when your blog becomes popular, you will be ready to
purchase your own Web hosting and domain for your
blog. Your readers are sure to follow you to your new
location. Perhaps the best option for you, at this
time, is to search out other blogs and get a feel of
what they are all about. If you are wondering if you
should become a blogger–the answer is yes!

----------

Jullieanne Matheson http://www.newsfromjules.com/blog

Connecting with Customers

2007-07-06T15:23:00.000-06:00

Creating and maintaining good customer relations is vital to your online success.

As you meet people, or become reacquainted with old friends, chances are very
good that they will ask you what you are doing now. This is your opportunity to
tell them you have a business on the Internet. Believe it or not, that simple
sentence is enough to provoke question after question. As you explain your online
business to your friends and associates, the typical reaction from them is,
“Wow, that is so cool!” As people ask questions, try to remember what they
are asking you, so you can later add clarify the content on your site.

Much of your success will depend on visitors who frequently return to
your Web site. These are the people who are likely to become your paying
customers. Here are some ideas to keep your potential customers returning
to your site:

-Start a Forum on your Web site. A Forum is a public discussion board that
allows users to read and respond to posts. While there are several types of
forums, you should try to stick with topics that relate to your website.

-Create an online journal, also known as a Blog. Blogs are a type of Web site
where ideas are expressed–and you would be surprised at the amount of
interest this type of site generates. Visitors will return if you keep updating
the content. After all, it is only natural to be curious!

-Polls and surveys are other forms of interaction that you should definitely
consider adding to your site. They provide a quick way for visitors to voice
their opinions and to get involved in your Web site. Be sure to publish
the results of your survey or poll to ensure your visitors return.

-Update your Web site frequently. Give your visitors a reason to keep
coming back. A Web site that has remained the same for two or three
years is dull and boring, so keep your content fresh and appealing.

-Start a newsletter relating to the topic of your Web site. A newsletter
is also referred to as an “e-zine”. An e-zine is an electronic newsletter
publication distributed via your Web site, but more commonly by e-mail.

The idea is to stay connected with your prospective customers by
establishing a relationship with your readers.

-Offer free resources to your visitors. These can be e-books, free reports,
an e-course, or even free advertising. Make your offers enticing and post
them on your Web site.

-Always be polite to your customers. Use words such as; please, thank
you, you’re welcome, regards, etc., even if the customer irritates you–
it’s all part of business. If you have made some kind of mistake,
take extra measures to make it up to your customer. More importantly,
respond quickly and admit your mistake.

Regardless of the matter, when your customer contacts you, it is very
important that you respond as soon as possible. Even if you just received
e-mail from a customer, and you cannot respond in full right away, do
send a simple message letting them know you have received their
message and you will be in touch soon. Give them a time frame if possible.

Although many online businesses have their support systems automated,
you would be surprised at how many people appreciate the personal touch
of one-to-one communication. As expressed by many of my clients, they
are impressed with the level of personal support I offer. That alone is
enough to generate repeat customers.

------------------------
Jullieanne Matheson

http://www.newsfromjules.com/blog

Elements of an Effective Ad Copy

2007-07-05T10:15:00.000-06:00

To write an effective ad copy, you must focus on capturing
the attention of your potential customer. When you first
bought the product or service you are promoting, think back
to what prompted your desire to purchase it in the first place.
Make a list of everything that enticed you to make the decision
to purchase.

Ask yourself the following questions and write your answers
down in point form:

- What is this product or service? Describe it.
- What can this product or service do for me?
- Compare similar products or services, what makes mine better?
- Is my price within reason of comparable products or services?
- How does this product or service make me feel? Am I excited?
Blown away? Intrigued?
- How can I make my offer more enticing? Do I have anything
I can add as a bonuses?

Once you have your answers written out, you will have a starting
point for your ad copy. Be sure to direct some of the questions
to your readers, to give them the opportunity to think as they
read.

Don't be afraid to be personal in your ad copy. You can do this
by using phrases such as:

"I was totally amazed by..."
"When I started using it, I was stunned at the results!"
"I have to say, I am beyond impressed with..."

Other ways to add a personal touch, is to hand write a letter,
describing how your product or service makes you feel, or
how it has better improved your life or business. Scan the
letter and upload it to your computer, to place it in your ad
copy on your website.

If you do not have your product or service endorsed by
some well-known people, contact some, and offer your
product or service for free in return for a testimony. In
other words, create a Joint-Venture Proposal. When you
see testimonies from well-known people, you are
automatically compelled to read more, and certainly enticed
to buy.

If at all possible, show pictures or descriptions of before
and after situations. Indicate what a current problem is and
how your product or service will solve it.

Finally, increase your potential customer's trust in you.
Include your picture, name, and contact information on your
website to build trust. After all, no one is going to flip out
the credit card to by from a no name.

-----------------------------
Jullieanne Matheson - Online Since '99
Publisher of News from Jules & Partner of
Ezines-R-Us Directory & Ad Placement Services,
Autopilot Advertising, MyFreeSafeList

The Importance of Creating Your Online Profile

2007-06-12T09:07:00.000-06:00

We see it all the time. You find, what you believe, is the perfect product or opportunity to promote to the masses. The first thing on your mind is to get the word out as quickly as possible. The problem is, you may be jumping the gun and the response to your campaign might not be what you expected.

When you have the perfect product or opportunity, take the time to sit back and analyze how you can reach your full potential with it. I'm not just talking about the quick bucks you will be expecting, I'm thinking more like the long term, residual income, and your profile. You may be thinking, "What does my profile have to do with anything?" Ok, fair enough, let me ask you this... Where do you want to go online? You are marketing onthe internet, surely you are hoping that just some day you can quit your day job and do this full time right? Most people will say "Of course!"

Preparing your long term objective will take time and in many cases you will be learning so much along the way. Online marketing is a non-stop learning adventure and, over time, you learn an abundance of information while adding credibility to your profile.

The first step you should take before promoting anything, is to have your own website and the must-have opt-in list. I know,you've heard it a million times - the money is in the list. Well, while I don't dissagree with that statement, it's part of your profile. You are creating a database of people who opt to receive information from you and that builds trust, which equals increased income. Ok, I could go on and on about the importance of your own ezine or newsletter, but that would be a whole new article or two or three or four!

When you think about the product or opportunity you wish to promote, you will want to give your prospects more incentive to purchase from you. You can easily do this by making your product or opportunity the "second page" of your marketing plan. What I mean by the "second page" is something likea "one time offer". The "one time offer" is what your prospects will see after your initial landing page. Your landing page is the page you create which offers something for free.

On the page where you are offering "freebies", you could have an opt-in form which you can make a requirement in order to receive the free products. Once the reader opts into your list, then you could have the autoresponder re-direct them to your "one time offer" page. The prospect will then either purchase the product, or click a link to let the offer goand just get the freebies you offered in the beginning.

I know you are thinking that the point is to make the sale. However, you just got that prospect on your mailing list! So,this person will have more time to get to know you and your recommendations. Either way you win!

Once you are set up with your website, your email list andyour marketing plan, you are well on your way to creating your online profile and increasing your income - for the long term.

To your success,

Jules