We’ve discussed ways to ensure that you, blogger extraordinaire, can enjoy all those blogger perks and freebies without running afoul of the law at Keeping Your Product Reviews Legal.  But, let’s say I’ve  launched my web venture, and I have a product I’m bringing to market.  It’s a fabulous product, and I’ve got testimonials lined up that I want to use to boost my product’s credibility.

In order to obtain those testimonials, let’s say I wooed a few key bloggers in my product niche, and they gladly obliged in return for some free products.

So, I post a few of those testimonials on my site, and the bloggers kindly provide a few product review posts for their followers/readers.

I sit back and wait for the calls and orders to roll in.

Oh, but wait!  Not so fast.  There’s more for me to do.

According to the FTC’s “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising,” those bloggers have some duties, and I as the product advertiser have some things I must do as well to comply with the applicable laws.

Advise my endorsers about disclosure.

Every endorser of my product must tell their readers about their connection with my business or product.  If I provide them with freebies or pay them for their review, they must say so, and I must inform them in some way that they have that responsibility.   

Monitor what my endorsers say and post.

I’m responsible for what my endorsers say about my products and services.  Let’s say I have a fabulous skin cream, and it has astounding moisturizing properties.  My endorser goes so far as to say that this cream of mine cures some previously incurable skin ailment.  It doesn’t, but they post their review.  We’re both potentially subject to liability for these misleading and unsubstantiated representations.

Create some endorsement guidelines.

The easiest way for me to obey the law is to carefully monitor my endorsers.  I should create some guidelines to protect my brand.  Beyond being the legal thing to do, it’s just smart to always know what people are saying about my product or service.

The FTC doesn’t specifically require the following, but in an abundance of caution I could,

–Require all endorsers sign an agreement regarding endorsements

–Require all endorsers to send their review to me for approval first

–Require all endorsers to notify me if their views change or they make changes to the content of their reviews or testimonials

Of course, these extra steps may be a bit cumbersome, but at the end of the day it’s my responsibility as the brand owner to ensure that those who love my product and are willing to speak well of it do so in a manner that is legal.

Here’s to your business success!

IAMDAILY ADVERTISING! www.iamdaily.com

The Authors Campaign is a 2 month promotion created by From A Writer’s POV to help promote authors. The campaign is looking to spotlight 3-5 authors for two months on our magazine, newsletter, blogs, sister sites and The POV Lounge. Depending on the genre of your writing, we are opening other spaces on our magazine to spotlight you. The cost of this event is only $35 for a two month campaign of exposure.

The itinerary is as follows:

The Month of September:

· Blog spotlight on one Monday in September surrounding you, your website, social networks, events and your blogs.

· One month spotlight on our magazine with a short article about you, your website, your blogs and social networks involved in or operated by you.

·Free newsletter ad once a week in our newsletter

· Advertisement on twitter, facebook and other social networks.

· One Blogtalk Radio Interview with one of our sponsors

The Month of October:

· Blog spotlight on one Monday in October on The POV Lounge surrounding you, your website, events, social networks, blogs, your book and anything you are involved in.

· One month spotlight on our magazine with a short article about you and everything you’re involved in.

· Free newsletter ad once a week in our newsletter

· Advertisement on twitter, facebook and other social networks.

· One Blogtalk Radio Interview with one of our sponsors

An itinerary will be written up so that you will know exactly what days you will be spotlighted on the POV Lounge and other places on our magazine. Your spotlight on the magazine will be all month.

Guidelines:

·Must be a published author of at least one book (Book must be available for purchase)

· Obtain a website, blog and be a part of social networks

· Must make payment by July 29, 2011 and have sent all asked information in documents sent to you.

If you are interested in signing up, please email us at: inquiries@fromawriterspovmagazine.com and fill out the info below by copying and pasting it into an email.

(The information we need from you is between the two red lines)

Subject: FAC Submission

----------------------------

Your Information

First and Last Name (Author Name):

Contact Email:

Phone Number (Optional)

Your Bio-Professional, written in third person: (Copy and paste here)

How many books have you published?

List your latest book here with publishing date and synopsis:

Genre of your writing

Questionnaire (Yes or No):

Do you have a website?

Do you have a blog?

Do you have a social network or a part of a social network?

Are you a published author of at least one book?

Are you a Poet?

Are you an inspirational writer?

Will you be able to attend a Blogtalk Radio Show for an individual interview?

Instructions:

Please attach a picture of yourself to this email (Professional headshot only)

Please attach a picture of your latest book to this email

-------------------------

If at that time we feel you are a good fit for our campaign, another email will be sent to you asking for payment and an Authors Info document will be sent. This form will need to be filled out and sent to us along with payment by July 29^th, 2011.

We WILL NOT accept any submissions after this date. This is on a first come, first serve bases.

Thanks,

From A Writer’s POV

Point of Contact for this event:

Dominique L. Watson

This is so tragic!!! Failing! I can't stand that word actually. It is so negative! And it's sad that failing is a reality for some business owners. Briefly, I will share with you the 5 reasons why most people fail :( in their first 30 days! Forget about the first year! Some people don't even make it that long!

1. Lack of training: Some people you decide to do business with might tell you something like: they provide free training, you're in business for yourself but not by yourself, call in every day at this time for an automated training message, etc etc. They tell you how simple it is to build a business and get you all revved up to jump in and start making truckloads of money and then you never hear from them again! Unfortunately, this happens all too often and new business owners are left to figure things out on their own. It is very important that you find a mentor to partner up with and help you along as you build your business.

2. Lack of focus: Let's be real here, you were just going along with your life and then all of a sudden you decided to start a business! Great decision, but the problem is that your life continues and you never adjust it to fit in your business! It takes TIME and dedication to build a successful business.

3. Lack of strategy: Can we say, BUSINESS PLAN? How many of you have ever enrolled in school WITHOUT a plan or blueprint of your 4 years at the institution! NO ONE HAS! You HAVE to have to plan for the things you want to succeed in. 

4. Unwillingness to get down and dirty: If you are NOT uncomfortable within the first 18 months (at maximum) of your business, then you're doing something WRONG! It's ok for you to be uncomfortable calling or following up with people. Its ok to be uncomfortable telling someone about what you do and maybe asking them to join you. It's ok to be uncomfortable going to training sessions by yourself. It's ok to be UNCOMFORTABLE! Because believe it or not, eventually you WON'T be uncomfortable. And it will be apart of your routine. YOU HAVE TO BE CONSISTENT!

5. No desire or passion: This is a huge one! I always tell people they have enjoy the business they're in! Why would you have a traveling business but hate to travel? You have to be passionate about what you do! When you have passion for your business you will have a desire to succeed! And eventually all of these 5 reasons, although obstacles, will be triumphs!

The thing that seperates SUCCESSFUL business owners from the FAILED ones is that they keep trying. Whats the old saying? "IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN!" There are even 2 trys in there! So you've got to stay motivated, stay prayerful, and stay positive when going through the excitements and woes of starting a business.

Updated 7/10/11

If this is your fear, I can help you. Contact me today! Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com

Website:
 http://www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com/

Follow me on twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/tamarargarrison

 Click here for FREE info on how to build a business on a budget:
http://tamaragarrison.buildingonabudget.com

I'm on this never-ending quest to simplify my life as much as possible--so hooking up the Facebook/Twitter connection brought me one step closer to that goal.

To do this, just visit http://apps.facebook.com/twitter/ , log in if needed, and click on your profile and any other Pages you have when it asks you to allow Twitter to post updates to them.  Easy-breezy!  

Now, if there was only an app to allow Facebook to do my laundry... (app-masters, get on that stat!)

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About the Blogger:

Vonetta Booker-Brown is the creator of SuccessTales.com, a resource/membership site for savvy female small business owners--and the author of the e-book Success Tales: Female Entrepreneurs' Stories of Challenges, Inspiration & Success--featuring BBWO's own LaShanda Henry!

Early this morning I was watching TV One’s “Living With Soul,” which featured the home of author and OperationHope.org founder John Bryant and his wife Sheila.  Their Los Angeles home is a beautiful, contemporary showcase of art by Zimbabwe’s Shona tribe–but I was even more impressed by what he does outside the home.

Homeless for six months when he was 18, Bryant refused to mentally accept his predicament, noting the difference between broke (an economic condition), and poor (a state of mind that can keep one locked into that position).  He gradually climbed out of his situation, to become the founder, chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE, America’s first non-profit social investment banking organization–now operating in 68 U.S. communities and South Africa, having raised more than $500 million from the private sector to empower the poor.

One of their best resources is the free Emergency Financial Aid Kit, created to help families and individuals in maintaining financial stability in the event of an emergency.  It helps you identify and organize key financial records, providing a quick reference file for your important financial documents.  Why do I think this is just TheBomb.com?  Simply because money is a BIG issue, especially for small business owners who may or may not have a steady income and are figuring out how to budget everything.  And if you have a family, the pressure is compounded.  With many one-income families, the stay-at-home spouse may not know all the details about the household financials–which can be disastrous in a crisis situation.

Check it out, it’s a great resource.

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About the Blogger:

Vonetta Booker-Brown is the creator of SuccessTales.com, a resource/membership site for savvy female small business owners--and the author of the e-book Success Tales: Female Entrepreneurs' Stories of Challenges, Inspiration & Success--featuring BBWO's own LaShanda Henry!

I love this tidbit of wisdom that one of my good friends shared with me (which was passed on, in turn, from a friend of hers.)  I found it invaluable when it comes to the ups and downs of starting and running a business–and I’ve quickly gotten into the habit of doing the following:

Basically, instead of focusing on the negatives in your life and business (i.e., not enough leads or clients as you’d like, a mailing list that isn’t quite the size you want just yet, etc.)–think of all the POSITIVES that abound around you.  For example–your health, for starters.  The mental capacity that God gave you to even juggle all those things on your to-do list, lol.  You may not have reached your total goal yet–but look back at how far you’ve come!  I like to keep what I call my Gratitude Journal–just jotting down whatever comes to mind in terms of things I’m grateful for, no matter how small.  Trust me–they add up!  And it really helps to boost my spirits when I’m feeling funky and self-pitying.

So, overall, there are three steps to take at the beginning of each day, in order to get yourself moving:

1. Think of all the things you’re thankful for, including the victories that haven’t yet materialized (because you know they eventually will!)
2. Visualize your reached goals (more clients, better business visibility, more balance, etc.–fill in the blanks!)
3. Focus on accomplishing at least one thing today that will propel you towards that goal–a phone call, an email, attending a networking event, even revising a press release, web page or product.

I firmly believe that if you consistently stay with this mindset, you will eventually see results–often sooner than later.  Know why?  Because you simply get back what you give out into the Universe–including positive, productive energy.

So, keep your head up and get going.  It’s gonna be a great day!

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About the Blogger:

Vonetta Booker-Brown is the creator of SuccessTales.com, a resource/membership site for savvy female small business owners--and the author of the e-book Success Tales: Female Entrepreneurs' Stories of Challenges, Inspiration & Success--featuring BBWO's own LaShanda Henry!

Can I be real with you for a sec?  Sometimes, I feel like a machine, with all of the stuff on my to-do list.  Trust me--I'm not trying to complain, but I just have to put it out there for a minute.  Make new business cards.  Write a couple of new blog entries.  Transcribe podcast recordings.  Tweak my Wordpress pages.  Create a new banner.  Research new markets...and that's just to name a few, lol.  We're not even talking about the things that need to be done re. my existing clients!  (And I know what you're thinking--"why not delegate?"  Oh, that would be so wonderful--in due time!  Right now, when the budget is still small, I've gotta utilize my one-woman know-how as much as possible!)

Sometimes, when I look at my hefty to-do list, yes--I sometimes feel overwhelmed in a "How the heck am I ever going to get this done?" kind of way!  But then I realize that I have to look at things in a different light.  Promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship is still what I love to do; it's my passion.  So, why not make it fun?  I'm going to strive to see my tasks not as doldrum work--but as learning experiences along the small business journey.  I know a lot, but I'm still learning a lot--hell, aren't we all?  And this is a great way to learn as I go.

And one last thing that I need to remind myself of & am getting better at: Learn to turn it off already! That can be a challenge when you work from home & everything's in one place--but seriously.  Turn the laptop off, go play with your kids (who are probably clamoring for your attention anyway), read a book--whatever you do to relax.  There's something about being on a laptop all day that fries your brain, isn't it?  Don't forget to replenish those cells!

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About the Blogger:

Vonetta Booker-Brown is the creator of SuccessTales.com, a resource/membership site for savvy female small business owners--and the author of the e-book Success Tales: Female Entrepreneurs' Stories of Challenges, Inspiration & Success--featuring BBWO's own LaShanda Henry!

Keeping Your Product Reviews Legal

Originally posted at ibusinesslegal.com

We’ve all heard the stories.  They’re almost like folklore now, but we’ve heard of bloggers amassing copious amounts of swag from brands eager for them to share their positive endorsements and testimonials with their legions of loyal and impressionable followers.   Trips, household furnishing, toys, and more!  Those were the days.

Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)–a federal body that protects against scams, frauds and other malicious behavior–has a little something to say about all those blogger perks.   These guidelines aren’t super-new.  They were released in late 2009, but I just performed a little web review of some of my favorite blogs, sites and the Twitter feeds of some of my favorites, and you would be surprised at how many offer no explanation or statement regarding their product reviews and testimonials.

To help understand The FTC regulations, they’ve issued the “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  This Guide is designed to help better understand what the FTC expects from every advertiser and endorser.

There are steps every smart product reviewer can take to keep from running afoul of the law.

In a nutshell, endorsements and testimonials for compensation of any kind should be communicated to your readers.

Who’s an Endorser? Do you offer your opinions, beliefs and findings about a particular product and you’re not the advertiser?  You could be considered an endorser.  If you review products that you receive from free from a company, it’s safe to say you’re an endorser.

For purposes of these regulations, those who provide endorsements are treated the same as those who provide testimonials.  It should be assumed that when the guidance discusses endorsements that it is also covering testimonials.

Just so we’re clear…

No pay, no freebies = No endorsement

If I happen to try a new cereal, and I share on my blog how much I love, love, love this new cereal that is a perfect blend of everything I love about Lucky Charms and Chex Mix, and no one sent me free boxes of this lovely cereal nor offered me any other freebies (coupons included) for my views, it is not an endorsement.

No endorsement = No disclosures

If I am not endorsing a product or providing a testimonial, then I have nothing that I need to disclose to my readers.

Compensation (freebies, discounts, pay) = Disclosure

When there is a material connection between an endorser and an advertiser that might materially affect the weight of the endorsement, both sides must fully disclose that connection.

Let’s say Company X offers me a lifetime supply of my favorite cleaning product and asks me to conduct a product review and post it on my blog.  Even if I’ve used this product my entire life, I must disclose that I received a lifetime supply of said product in connection with this product review.

Why?  No one likes to be deceived.  The fact that I’ve saved thousands of dollars on cleaning products (even if I would have provided a glowing review for free anyway) should be shared in the interest of adhering to the law and being a reputable product reviewer and blogger.

Keep Disclosures Straightforward.

Disclosure language doesn’t have to be lengthy and complex.  Just be honest with your readers and share with them what benefits you gleaned as a result of your review.

For instance, if I received a lifetime supply of cleaning products, I would merely offer the following disclosure at the top of my review:

“My review of this product is based on my experience as a lifetime user of product X.  However, X Company graciously provided me with free product as compensation for my review of said product.”   Sweet, simple and legally sound.

Next, we’ll address what to do to ensure that those testimonials you receive about your product and service are legal.

Here’s to your business success!

Shannon Harmon is an IL licensed attorney specializing in business law and an award winning entrepreneur and editor and lead content creator for iBusinessLegal.com a growing go-to resource for legal information geared towards empowering web-based entrepreneurs. 

Ck out Very Sexy Now & other fragrances at www.silkbodycreme.com

Get featured as author of the month on From A Writer's POV. We'll interview you and write an article about you as an author. We have several spots available for the next few months. Details here: http://fromawriterspovmagazine.webs.com/authorspotlight.htm

Thanks,

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From A Writer's POV Magazine

CEO/Publisher

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Depending on the goals of your business, crafting your exit strategy can take on a varied of shapes and forms however there are some key things that every strategy should include. The first step is to identify your goal in your exit strategy.

1. Are you the ultra creative type that just loves creating innovative business ideas that you have no problem having someone else manage and run for you?
2. Are you seeking to create a business that you can pass on to your children or heirs to run and manage?
3. Are you seeking to amass a large amount of wealth as fast as you can for your idea sell it and run off to your private island?  
4. Do you want to build your business up just enough to make it wealthy and attractive enough so your top competitor would want to purchase it?

Regardless of your goal, there are many things one should consider when crafting your exit strategy. Below are just 5 to get your brain ticking to have you begin thinking and planning your glorious exit.

1. DOCUMENT PROCESSES. Make sure your processes and systems are well documented. When I say documented I mean written down on paper in some sort of manual. Not a series of accounts and programs that you log into that help you MANAGE your processes. But an actual procedures manual that is independent of the actual tools and technology you use. Think of it as your “for dummies” guide for your business. Could someone pick up your manual and know exactly how to run your business? I mean everything? If not…among the first steps in planning your exit strategy is planning on how you plan to create this.
2. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART. Who are the key players in your business? Sure you business may now just be a single solo-enterprise where you are everything. But as your business grows or as you plan to grow your business, be proactive and create a simple organizational chart of the key players in your management structure. What are their roles, what type of background should they have? Yes I know, this is SO not the fun part, but again, if your goal is to build a business that can have wealth that can grow without you and not just streams of income that will eventually run dry then you gotta put in the work.
3. BRANDING THE BUSINESS (NOT YOU).Ok this is a tricky one especially for many coaching and consultants. I recall when I started my consulting business in 2008 the name of it was Harrell Financial Solution. I did well with my name on the business but eventually I and my name (even with systems) couldn’t really seem to catch a break! Eventually I needed to have a huge mind shift change. I separated my consulting business from my bookkeeping business and created Your Simple Bookkeeper. It put me in a different mindset on how I viewed my business and therefore how I talked about it and thought about growing it. When planning your exit strategy, consider the psychology of how the name of your business effects how you run it! Selling “Kates yummy cupcakes” is more difficult to brand (though not impossible) than “Delectable Cupcakes” .

Read the entire post to receive the rest...

Thank you for liking this post and wanting to share it! If you do please be so kind to include the following:

Katrina M. Harrell is President of the KM Harrell Group, LLC a Strategic Business Development & Management firm supporting minority and women-owned businesses. Her firm’s consulting services have helped many minority and women owned businesses establish foundational structures within their businesses that have aided them in selling for profit or obtaining investor funding. Passionate about entrepreneurship education, Katrina’s insight and expertise is highly sought after both online and off. As founding CEO for Your Simple Bookkeeper, she successfully lead the company to obtaining investor funding in under one year of operation and has grown the company to multi-state clientale. Katrina's consulting services to women entrepreneurs who are seeking to create sellable businesses or restructure their existing business with solid exit strategies by building practical structures and entrepreneurship education. Learn more about KMHGroup Services and to schedule a consultation visiting www.katrinamharrell.com or www.tungle.me/katrinamharrell

   Heading out for lunch this week: Grab your FREE Skillet Questo & Chips today!

Well, it is! C'mon everybody, we can do better than this. I know it's summer time and you're probably hot wherever you are (although, not hotter than me. I'm in Phoenix, Arizona!), but business is still going as usual. Ms.LaShanda Henry created BBWO as a forum for us to SUPPORT each other, HELP each other, and USE each other...(for services, products, etc.) and we're not using it to it's fullest potential. People post blogs and thoughts all day but NO ONE comments! And how many BBWO friends do you have? 

So I'm just commenting on how quiet it has been lately. I know everyone is busy with LIFE but with the ability to comment on Twitter or Facebook it should make it a little easier to be more active. I've decided to make it a goal of mine to comment on at least one blog daily (baby steps), or to be-friend AND communicate with a few people a week. Make it a goal of yours! If you're a blog writer then you know how helpful it is to hear what people think.So, let's help each other, and start COMMENTING.

Let's start now: What is your opinion? What business are you in? How has BBWO helped you in your business? Have you made any goals for your business or BBWO membership?

Ok enough of the tangent...

Stay motivated and keep moving towards prosperity!

See you at the top,

Tamara Garrison-Thomas

http://www.garrrisonprosperitysolutions.com 

How much time are you spending on various activities to grow your business?

One area that I see far too many individuals spending little time on is that of marketing. I don’t know if it’s because of a lack of knowledge or the mere lack of desire to do so.

Within the activity of marketing is also that of recognizing the correct audience. If you neglect to complete this action all of your other efforts will go futile.

It a major factor in realizing the sales and attracting and getting the clients/customers you seek.

The right customers are known as targeted customers or niche market, those who will be happy to buy products that fulfil their wants and needs.

You no longer have to feel intimidated by the larger companies. The Internet has opened up opportunity for you to get a market share but only if you take the required steps. Targeting also gives an opportunity to you as a smaller firm to produce products, which can cater to the need of a section of people whose needs aren’t met specifically by the large companies.

So who is your ideal prospect? Who is it that you are called to serve? The success lies behind understanding this, which requires thorough research and analysis. And yet it can be accomplished with a simple exercise that I share in More prospects, clients an profits Biz Rockin’ Online Boot Camp. Various factors must be considered. The age group is the first factor, whether the product will be useful to babies or children or teenagers or youngsters or middle aged or old. Sometimes there is a possibility that the product will cater to the needs of all age groups. Next thing to consider is gender. Marital status, hobbies etc., are some of the factors that should also be pondered upon.

After this you must identify what keeps them up at night. What are some of their pains?

Your role comes in by discovering solutions that you will provide in response to the identified areas mentioned above.

You must make a list of the benefits of your solution and communicate it in such a way that your prospect will identify you as the solution to their problem or the expert to hire.

This will also be useful in creating your IFO (irresistible free offers), sales/opt in page and other marketing communications.

Recognizing the target market is crucial to any successful advertising and sales campaign. Once it is recognized, they can be reached through different channels like websites, newspapers, magazines, etc. This makes the customer think that they are being directly addressed to. This will further support the Know, like and trust factor which will make for greater conversions. And that makes the whole effort of identifying your target market down to your niche or whome you serve worth it.
Power up your business growth endeavors by taking the steps needed to complete this activity.

If this post has empowered you in any way you I invite you to request your FREE access to my Training audio "5 dead simple strategies to get your product/service in front of your exact target market!

Go to http://bit.ly/getfollowerslikesclients to request it now.

During the summer months, you can always count on the media to do some type of weather-related stories. This could also be your opportunity to promote yourself and/or your business.

Developing ideas that can help you promote your business in summer doesn't have to take a great deal of time or a large financial investment in order to see positive results. The key to getting the media's attention is to come up with a creative (and fun) campaign that will help them generate a news or weather-related story.

Here are some examples:

Offer cool down treats: Arrange a day with a local ice cream store to have a free ice cream giveaway for anyone who walks in with your business card. You would certainly need a budget for that--especially if you've circulated A LOT of business cards. But you could also limit it to the first 25 or 50 customers and let the media know you're doing this as a Summer Appreciation Event.

Another similar idea is to simply pack some ice cold drinks and take to employees who have to work outside for a living. It's a nice gesture and may not only give you some media exposure but also some additional business.

Host a Pool Party for kids: Contact the local weatherman and invite him to come over and offer some tips on how to stay cool this summer. Certainly, his or her own station will cover the event.

Product giveaways: When I was promoting my book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age, I offered a fan as a part of the promotion. If you purchased a copy of the book, you also got a free "hot flash" fan. Find something creative you can give away that would be directly tied into summer.

Sponsor an activity or event in your community: Check with your local Chamber of Commerce, City Hall or your local church for community events and find out how you can get your name or business connected. It would be worth sitting out in the hot sun for a couple of hours if a TV or newspaper crew stopped by to interview you, wouldn't it?

Check the websites of your local stations: Find out what they're up to and see how you can get involved--if only as a volunteer. You can network your way from there.

If all else fails, create your OWN media event and post it on YouTube, Vimeo, UStream, etc. You may find yourself getting even GREATER expsoure.

All of the events should be planned well in advance to give you time to promote and alert the media, which requires press releases and other announcements to be sent at least two weeks in advance.