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They surf and chat. Blog and bid. Upload, download, scan, browse, post,flame, IM, zap, and share. And, if there’s any time left, they maysqueeze in a game or two of Chicken Invaders. Today’s consumers are upto their earphones in ever-evolving technology. Nearly everything theyneed to find, view, hear, and know is a click away. So traditional mail(that thing that’s delivered to their doors) must be passé, right?Actually, no.
In fact, recent studies by the U.S. Postal Service and a number ofindependent research groups found that consumers — even heavy Internetusers — continue to view mail as a highly relevant and significant partof their lives. It provides a physical and tangible quality consumersfind lacking in their electronic communications. But that’s not all. Thestudies also showed that mail, working side by side with digital media,can have a substantial impact on the use of commercial Web sites.
The following insights demonstrate the power of linking mail with your Internet communications.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE...
Yesterday I had a feeling a few women still wanted to be apart of the SistaSense Circle (4 Week TeleCourse on Selling Information Online), but couldn't start with us on Wednesday SO I decided to extend the registration deadline to this Friday, August 20th. Its always good to follow your intuition because as luck would have it one of my readers sent me an email this morning and said...
I was a little bummed when I first saw the sign up page for the new group coaching program because it starts on my birthday. I have dinner plans with the hubby and kids, so there's no way I can make the first call. But, I noticed this morning that you edited the page to include Friday as the cut off date (woo hoo!), and you're offering a recording of the first call for those of us that can't make it tomorrow. Now, I'm beyond excited!
I definitely want to join the inner circle. I plan to securing my spot. -VB
I thought a few of you might be feeling the same way, so I wanted to do this quick post giving you alittle more detail about what we will be doing in the next 4 weeks via the SistaSense Circle.
When you signup (details below) you get:
- A One-On-One Consultation With LaShanda Henry, Web Marketing Expert
- 4 Week TeleCourse on How to Sell Your Information Online (4 One Hour Sessions, One per week)
- To Work With A Group of Women Entrepreneurs Who Share Similar Goals and Want to Exchange Ideas
- MP3 Audio Replays of Your Consultation + All Group Sessions
- A MasterMind Group to Develop New Marketing Ideas for Your Business
Registration Details
- SistaSense Circle Begins: Wednesday, August 18, 7pm est.
- Last Day to Register is Friday, August 20, 7pm est (You can listen to the first session replay if you missed it).
- We can schedule your consultation anytime during the 4 week session.
- You will be able to download MP3 Audio Replays of Your Consultation + All Group Sessions
- Only 10 Spaces Available
A Few Words from the 1st Official Sista in Our Circle:
Join SistaSense Circle! After listening to the first conversation about LaShanda's SistaSense Circle, I signed up. I had my one-on-one consultation today with LaShanda, and to me, that made the entire program worthwhile. LaShanda is full of fabulous ideas both for marketing your business, and for getting your mindset straight with regard to your business.If you are thinking about joining this group I'm encouraging you to jump right in. I've already learned so much and I've got a list of things to implement right away in my business. Thank you, LaShanda, for such a value-packed program. I'm looking forward to Wednesday's call with great anticipation. - Evelyn B | Original Comment
Special Thanks:
To Michelle Hawkins for the quote below! This is exactly why I keep pushing and doing what i do.
"LaShanda is the only mktg, info person I have actually seen make money AND give you beneficial info. I'm in Scottsdale AZ and EVERYONE here is a coach, in real estate or selling jewelry. They're producing hot air and not much of anything else. "- Michelle |View Comment
Sign up Page: http://www.sistasense.com/the-1st-conversation
Related Post:
A Great Marketing Lessons I learned From LaShanda
Today's DailyClick is brought to you by the Black Girl Click Ad Network and the Search Urban Directory. Would you like to be featured in the Daily Click? Click Here to submit your website for review.
(New scholarships posted everyday)
Students Seeking Education by Experiencing Academic America (S.E.A.)
an Houston, Texas based mentoring program for high school students, students at risk, and college bound students who want to attend an Historically Black College / University. (HBCU).
S.E.A will post a scholarship for minority students each day. If you are a high school senior, junior, or an transferring college student, these scholarships are for you. FREE MONEY! We all know through life there is nothing Free, you have to apply to receive this money. Your cost is time. The time it takes to fill out the scholarship application.. Look for the S.E.A. blog each day, highlighting a new scholarship listing 2010/2011.
TIPS FOR PICKING YOUR MAJOR
1. Obtain the list of what is offered at your school
2. List what interests you 2-5 options
3. Obtain the list of courses that are offered per major
4. Highlight the courses within each major that interest you *read the course descriptions* go through them one by one to see what sounds interesting & make notes
5. Contact and/or introduce yourself to 2 professors, career development staff, program adviser/guidance counselor & students within the major you are interested in. Ask them for a phone conference or face to face meeting. Ask them for feedback about their discipline. A. What they like about it? B.What they don’t? C.Why do they teach this discipline?/ Or why did you pick this major? D. Where have their students’ gone or professional fields they have chosen with this major? E. What are some of the challenges with this major?
6. Go to the library and/or research online career options for people majoring in what you have selected as your choices?
http://www.k-state.edu/acic/majorin/
http://careerservices.rutgers.edu/CareerHandouts.shtml
http://www.sru.edu/pages/534.asp http://www.rileyguide.com/careers.html
7. Take an assessment (Jung Typology) *think about the results & talk to someone you think may be able to share further insight like a career counselor, parent, teacher)
8. Once you’ve narrowed down your search based on these things, contact the Career Office or your Guide Counselor or Admissions Counselor for more information
9. Go back to Academic Services or Career Development to share your information and be determined to make a decision.
10. Finally, know that no-matter what you choose that if you choose another career path in the end that is okay. For example: my boss in Finance was an English Major, an Accountant I met started in Marketing. It’s not the end all be all – so just step out on faith, but absolutely include your research, interviewing, and gut and go for it!
G-O-A-L
G (Decide to GET more out of life. What do you want to do? What do you want to be?)
O (Outline your steps) 1, 2, 3 4
A (Allow for advice but be selective on who you ask
L (Learn your craft) you do this by – using resources available including people
S-E-T-T-I-N-G
S (Be specific, a new house 4 bedrooms, a man who has personality & wealth :-)
E (Encouragement) Apply this to yourself and have a cheering team. Find someone you trust that always offers you encouragement.
TT (Time to Think) – just think about where you are & how what you’ve done know is an accomplishment. Think about the improvements you’ve made. Every time you make a decision during the day, ask yourself this question, “Does it take me closer to, or further from my goal?” If the answer is “closer to,’ then you’ve made the right decision. If the answer is “further from,” well, you know what to do.
I (Internal Check) Assess the impact of this change.. Think of the ‘What IFs? What will happen if you achieve your goal? How will you feel if you do not? Are you willing to keep going if it takes you longer than you expected?
N (N - End date, Putting an end point on your goal gives you a clear target to work towards. (next week – 3 months, senior year) time management.
G (Go for it!) like Nike - just do it!
SCHOLARSHIP OF THE DAY
8-18-2010
Jackie Joyner-Kersee Minority Internship
Sponsor: Women's Sports Foundation
Address: Eisenhower Park East Meadow, NY 11554
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Website: http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org
Program Summary:
Eligibility And Application: Applicant must be a woman of color who wishes to gain experience in a sports-related career and interact in the sports community. Internships are located at the Women's Sports Foundation in East Meadow, N.Y.
Amount: $12,000
Deadline: None
p.s. If you need help in your scholarship search, please contact
S.E.A. c/o NORRIS COLEMAN @ mr.nncoleman@yahoo.com
*As part of S.E.A. Mentoring Program, we want to build our Mentees vocabulary. S.E.A. has chosen to italicize words and statements in blue for our Mentee to understand and use in their vocabulary
(New scholarships posted everyday)
Students Seeking Education by Experiencing Academic America (S.E.A.)
an Houston, Texas based mentoring program for high school students, students at risk, and college bound students who want to attend an Historically Black College / University. (HBCU).
S.E.A will post a scholarship list for minority students each day. If you are a high school senior, junior, or an transferring college student, these scholarships are for you. FREE MONEY! We all know through life there is nothing Free, you have to apply to receive this money. Your cost is time. The time it takes to fill out the scholarship application.. Look for the S.E.A. blog each day, highlighting a new scholarship listing 2010/2011.
Five Reasons to File Your FAFSA
Submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be a complicated process. From digging through information on your family’s assets to decoding income tax forms, filling out the *FAFSA is a hassle, so why bother? Here are five reasons why it’s worth it.
1. Federal Aid
Do you want some of the more than $80 billion the federal government provides in grants, loans and work-study programs every year? Federal Student Aid programs are the largest source of student aid in the United States. The only way to be considered for *Pell Grants, *Perkins Loans, *Stafford Loans and more is by submitting your *FAFSA.
2. State Aid
Your *FAFSA also puts you in consideration for state financial aid programs. Eligibility and deadline dates for these programs differ by state, but they all have one thing in common—they require the *FAFSA. Learn more about the financial aid your state offers its residents at your state’s higher education agency.
3. School Aid
Colleges and private scholarship sponsors offer billions of dollars in financial aid. Even if you don’t have a high level of financial need, you may be eligible for these awards. Most colleges and many private scholarship sponsors require students to submit their *FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. Some school and private scholarship programs are specifically designed for students who were rejected for federal financial aid, so even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for federal aid, it’s a smart move to submit your FAFSA.
4. It’s Free
A completed *FAFSA will put you in consideration for federal, state, college and private scholarships and it’s completely free. The only thing you’ll spend completing your *FAFSA is a few minutes of your time, and you could get thousands of dollars of financial aid in return.
5. Getting Help is Easy and Free
Not only is submitting your *FAFSA free, but it may be easier to complete than you realize. Don’t know how to figure out your parents’ net worth? Don’t worry. When you complete your *FAFSA online help is built into the system, so you won’t get bogged down by the form’s confusing financial jargon. You can still submit your questions online at the *FAFSA Web site if you choose to fill out the paper form, or you can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
Many high schools and colleges offer help with *FAFSA Day, an event usually in February. If your school doesn’t host a *FAFSA Day, check with other schools in your area to see if you can attend their *FAFSA Day.
Federal, state and private financial aid can be within your reach when you submit your *FAFSA, so what are you waiting for? *FAFSA forms become available on or before January 1st each year. Submit your *FAFSA as soon after January 1st to have the best shot at financial aid.
Don’t just send in your *FAFSA and expect the money to start rolling in. Many financial aid programs require additional forms besides the *FAFSA, so check the requirements for state, school and private awards to make sure your application is complete. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
SCHOLARSHIP OF THE DAY
8-17-2010
Taylor Michaels Scholarship Fund
Scholarship to provide support for deserving minority high school students who exemplify a strong potential for academic achievement but face social-economic conditions that hinder them from reaching their full potential. Must have strong community service involvement.
Must be a resident of : Atlanta, GA; Cleveland, OH; Detroit, MI; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; or New York, NY.
Award Scholarship for use in freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior years; renewable.
Amount: $1000-$5000.
Eligibility Requirements : Applicant must be American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black (non-Hispanic), or Hispanic; high school student; planning to enroll or expecting to enroll full-time at a four-year institution or university and resident of California, Georgia, Michigan, New York, Ohio, or Texas. Applicant must have 2.5 GPA or higher. Available to U.S. citizens.
Application Requirements : application, essay, references, transcript. Deadline: February 5.
Contact:
Taylor Michaels Scholarship Fund
Magic Johnson Foundation Inc.
9100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700, East Tower
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Phone: 310-246-4400
Web: http://www.magicjohnson.org
p.s. If you need more information on your scholarship search, contact S.E.A. c/o Norris Coleman @ mr.nncoleman@yahoo.com
Evelyn Bourne's Blog, Was Featured on BlackBloggerNetwork.com as Black Blog of the Day
Blog Summary:
Written by a freelance writing mom, ‘A Productive Pen’ is a blog that takes a candid look at developing an online business from scratch. You’ll find writing and marketing tips along with a sprinkling of some of the life lessons learned from growing a business while growing as a person.
http://www.productivepen.com
Bio:
Evelyn Beatrice Bourne is a freelance writer, blogger, poet and published essayist. She is from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and she holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. She now resides in Washington, D.C. where she is raising three daughters, loves Yoga, knitting and vegetarian cooking.
The have your blog featured on the BlackBloggerNetwork.com, email us at blackbloggernet@gmail.com
Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jr., National Hero of Jamaica (17 August 1887 – 10 June 1940[1]) was a publisher, journalist, entrepreneur, Black Nationalist, Pan-Africanist, and orator. Marcus Garvey was founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL).[2] Prior to the twentieth century, leaders such as Prince Hall, Martin Delany, Edward Wilmot Blyden, and Henry Highland Garnet advocated the involvement of the African diaspora in African affairs. Garvey was unique in advancing a Pan-African philosophy to inspire a global mass movement focusing on Africa known as Garveyism.[2] Promoted by the UNIA as a movement of African Redemption, Garveyism would eventually inspire others, ranging from the Nation of Islam, to the Rastafari movement (which proclaims Garvey as a prophet). The intention of the movement was for those of African ancestry to "redeem" Africa and for the European colonial powers to leave it. His essential ideas about Africa were stated in an editorial in the Negro World titled “African Fundamentalism” where he wrote:
| “ | Our union must know no clime, boundary, or nationality… let us hold together under all climes and in every country… |
Running a company when you have children at home is more of an art than a science and it calls for a different approach from the norm. So if you feel that you are swimming against the flow in your day, here are a few tips for work-at-home moms to stay productive and profitable during summer breaks (or anytime).
- Summer Homework. Depending on the age of your child, the school they attend may have them to complete assignments in preparation for the upcoming school year. This is also a great way to refresh and reinforce concepts that they have already learned. Some children are eager to get assignments as soon as summer vacation begins but a better option is to give them one assignment to do each day.
- Supplement Assignments. You can add to homework by giving them fun lessons to do on their own. Have them create art, science, reading, or math projects to augment learning. Provide a reward for going the extra mile.
- Chores. Children complain less when they have something to keep them occupied. If your child is old enough to help out around the house then a few light assignments each day will keep their boredom blahs to a minimum. This also buys you some time during the day to get your business projects done.
- Office Help. In lieu of chores, older children can also assist you with running your home office. You could also use this time to help them develop their natural talents by assigning them to work that enhance their skill set.
- Swap childcare. Talk with a neighbor to see if they would like to exchange a few days with you. This especially comes in handy when you have projects that need to be done on time.
- Summer Reading. Many children love to read and most would not pass up an opportunity to hang out with their peers while doing it. Check your calendar and try to coordinate meetings or time sensitive projects when during the hours when children are away at camp.
- Alternative Summer Office Locations. When all is said and done you may simply find it is impossible to get anything done when the children are at home. In those cases a backup plan is the answer. Some places where you can pack up your lap top and plug away include the library, coffee shop, a business incubator, friend or relative’s home that works during the day, in a park, or by the lake.
A home office can be the best of both worlds for mompreneurs. By putting these easy to execute short-cuts in place you will create the lifestyle you love and have more time to create the profits you desire!
I was on twitter today and happened to see this tweet: @ClutchMagazine founder @dedej has a panel pitch for @SXSW called "The Elevation of Blk Women in New Media-Vote Now! http://bit.ly/abeE5L
I was introduced to SXSW this year. It is this MAJOR Music, film, and interactive conference and festival that all the techies go to for networking, scoping out the new new, etc. Well this year they had the 1st Black Blogging Rockstars Panel (watch video) with some of the top black bloggers and tech heads. Deanna, founder of ClutchMagazine and also listed on the BBWO50 Top Women Entrepreneurs on the Network, was a speaker on the Black Bloggers panel and for SXSW 2011 she is pitching a new panel discussion: The Elevation of Black Women in New Media, to focus on issues related to black women entrepreneurs and black women bloggers online.
I immediately clicked to read all about her idea and of course vote for this panel. I then sent Deanna a quick tweet showing my support and to my surprise she told me that she'd like to have me on the panel! Seeing it happen would be awesome, possible being a speaker, would be even better! But we'll see how things go if I officially get on the panel, for now I would just like you to find out more about her idea and vote for this discussion. Do that here: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/ideas/view/5379.
The black blogging community has been talking about our issues not just as bloggers, but as entrepreneurs pushing to work amongst ourselves and gain credibility among mainstream advertisers and I think its high time we take this conversation to another level. On Black Web2.0 there as the post about African American mom bloggers finally getting their just due, myself and some wonderful mommy bloggers took part in the Magical Mocha Moms Mixer sponsored by Disney for Mommy Bloggers of Color, there was an article on BlogHer about African American Women Online seeking online networks and recently the Grio sparked discussion on the state of black women in the blogosphere.
Clearly folks are talking, its time for more of us to join the conversation. I hope you'll take a few minutes to vote for Deana's idea and if it all works out, perhaps more of us will be attending SXSW2011 and showcasing our contributions as the Black Social Media Community of today.
Go Vote and Read those other articles too! -LaShanda H.
If you could talk to me on the phone right now about your online business, what would you ask me? I’m really curious about this because I just had one of the BEST conversations ever… one of those conversations that make you think, “YES! This is exactly why I do what I do.”
She told me her story and asked questions.
She said:
I mainly market online, what am I missing?
I know I’m not the cheapest pick, so how do I get them to still pick me?
I’m good at blogging, but the blogs not great at bringing in business.
When business is good it’s great, but when there is not a lot of work what do I do?
I listened. I understood her concerns and I gave her solutions.
We talked about:
Pricing strategies that get clients to pick you
The easiest way to promote your business via your blog
The 3 Lines that Turn Promotional Articles into Profit Generators
And..
After writing over two pages of new ideas she says to me:
You’ve given me a lot to work with, this is a great way to start the week!
Our conversation is just getting started because she is one of the first to join my SistaSense Circle and for the next four weeks I’m going tell this wonderful group of women (hopefully you included) everything I know about selling information, services, and consulting online. So what about you? Are you ready to ask me questions? If you were on the phone with me right now, do you know what I would say? Click here to find out.
p.s. You still have time to join the SistaSense Circle, One-One-One Consultation + 4 Week Group Telecourse on how to Sell Your Information Online (ebooks, services, coaching, etc.). Our first group session is this Wednesday and there is only room for 10 women!
So what are you waiting for? Join the Circle: http://www.sistasense.com/the-1st-conversation
structured networking and refreshments.
If you've been looking for something to change the course of your life and business forever, this is it!
Select women will experience an onstage Business Spotlight! You'll receive information on
how you can be one of these women after registration. You'll walk away with at least one idea
and a spotlight for your Business.
Be sure to bring your Business Cards.
Secure your seat today! http://www.EmpowermentSuperStar.com
Limited seating.
Online registration ends Thursday at 12:00 midnight. Registration at the door is more.
http://www.dollslikeme.com
Today's DailyClick is brought to you by the Black Girl Click Ad Network and the Search Urban Directory. Would you like to be featured in the Daily Click? Click Here to submit your website for review.
My Video Talk... The New Way to Brand and Market your business...and make money at the same time. Video Email is the way future emails will be delivered! The Prelauch Was Amazing...take a peek so you can see what all the chatter is about,www.myvideotalk.com/212411 or inbox me www.facebook.com/totgarrett
Thanks Tot Garrett
By Dean Rieck, direct mail copywriter
Harry Aldrich and David Maddock knew that many people loved the taste ofcedar plank salmon. But only fine restaurants served this delicacy. Sothey decided to sell a cedar plank salmon kit consisting of little morethan a 6” x 12” piece of cedar wood. A brilliant idea.
Aldrich set up a meeting with the seafood buyer for the Fred Meyerstores in Portland, Oregon, and walked in with a fillet of salmon cookedon one of his cedar planks. He didn't give a sales pitch. He justhanded over the fish and a fork.
The buyer took a bite. "WOW! Where did you get this fish? It's wonderful!"
When Aldrich told him he bought the fish that very morning in a FredMeyer store, the buyer was astonished. Within a week, Harry Aldrich andDavid Maddocks had orders from more than 100 Fred Meyer stores.
The lesson? Sometimes, if you have a good product, the best way to sellit is to let people try it. Because desirable products can sellthemselves. But can you do this in direct mail? Yes. And it's easierthan you think.
CLICK HERE to read the 7 ways to let your products sell themselves...
(New scholarships posted everyday)
Students Seeking Education by Experiencing Academic America (S.E.A.)
an Houston, Texas based mentoring program for high school students, students at risk, and college bound students who want to attend an Historically Black College / University. (HBCU).
S.E.A will post a scholarship list for minority students each day. If you are a high school senior, junior, or an transferring college student, these scholarships are for you. FREE MONEY! We all know through life there is nothing Free, you have to apply to receive this money. Your cost is time. The time it takes to fill out the scholarship application.. Look for the S.E.A. blog each day, highlighting a new scholarship listing 2010 / 2011
Deciding Which Colleges to Apply to.
Once you've done your research and gathered all the information you need, you may think you are ready to decide which colleges to apply to. Not so fast! Do you really have all the information you need to make an informed, reasonable, and heartfelt decision?
An Informed Decision
An informed decision means you have all the facts. If you are missing some detail or information, you should fill in the gaps. If the information you need isn't in the college publications you already have or available from other sources you have access to, call the appropriate department at the college. Most importantly, visit the college if you can. Make sure you have all the facts you need before you make your decision.
A Reasonable Decision
A reasonable decision means that you have considered your chances of acceptance at the colleges you're most interested in. What's more, if you do get accepted, you know you'll be able to afford it. Finally, you should be fairly confident of succeeding at the colleges personally and academically. Review each school's admissions requirements and make sure you are a solid candidate and that your qualifications match what the school is looking for.
A Heartfelt Decision
A heartfelt decision means you aren't basing your decision solely on measurable criteria, that you're also going with your intuition and instincts — that you're following your gut. You should feel good about each campus and the people there. Each school should fit your personality in important ways — and challenge you in just the right ways.
The Right Decision
Make sure you're happy with every college on your list before you apply — you know you will be attending one of them.
Go ahead and pick two or three "dream" colleges, as long as you think you might have any chance at all of getting in.
Then choose two or three more realistic colleges, still close to what you want, but not as selective as the dream schools.
Finally, pick two or three "safe" choices, colleges you think you'll like and that you know will admit you.
Although cost is certainly an important factor, don't automatically exclude colleges based on high costs alone. If you qualify academically you may very well qualify for *sufficient financial aid as well. Once you've made your final decision, go ahead and request application materials if you don't already have them. Complete your applications, concentrate on your senior year classes, and wait for the envelopes from the college admission offices with a minimum of stress. A final review of all the factors influencing your decision will boost your confidence that you are well on your way to a college that's right for you.
https://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_choosearticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10021
SCHOLARSHIP OF THE DAY
8-16-2010
Landmark Scholars Program
One scholarship of $10,000 for minority group sophomores enrolled full-time in a four-year degree program majoring in Journalism. Must have minimum GPA of 2.5.
Deadline: January 1.
Academic/Career Areas Journalism.
Award Scholarship for use in sophomore year; renewable
Number: up to 1. Amount: up to $10,000.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must be American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black (non-Hispanic), or Hispanic and enrolled or expecting to enroll full-time at a four-year institution or university. Applicant must have 2.5 GPA or higher. Available to U.S. citizens.
Application Requirements: application, essay, financial need analysis, references, transcript, work samples.
Deadline: January 1.
CONTACT:
Howard Templeton, Program Manager
Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94394-1185
Phone: 650-857-1501
Fax: 541-715-0528
E-mail: howard.templeton@hp.com
Web: http://www.hp.com
p.s. If you need help in your scholarship search, please contact
S.E.A. c/o NORRIS COLEMAN @ mr.nncoleman@yahoo.com
.
Today I wrote on my website about the current TAX AMNESTY program taking place in Washington, DC and how residents there can take advantage of it. Not sure what a Tax Amnesty is? Basically it's when your states department of revenue either reduces or completely eliminates penalties and fines incurred when you failed to file and pay your taxes. States do this as a way to bring citizens in compliance as well as to raise revenue (DC expects to raise $20 million from their program)
How do they raise money? Simple, oftentimes what may stop you from paying taxes once you realize you owe is the penalties and fines imposed and the high cost of hiring a tax firm to help negotiate a lower rate is a hefty expense as well. The government has to spend money hiring auditors, initiating garnishments, and the sort. When many states are faced with tight budgets and low revenues, offering a Tax Amnesty to abate outstanding tax penalties is the answer they need.
Check out the full article here and while you're there, join our Small business community, or check out our latest Live Broadcast Video archive.
As always, Be Empowered,
-Katrina
Remember when viewers just wanted to be entertained or informed? With the creation of reality television and social media websites, those days are long gone. Viewers of today don’t just dream about being around stars; they actually want to become them. Its part of a new trend I discovered while watching the online buzz surrounding Oprah’s recent contest, win Your OWN SHOW, Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star. As I watched ambitious contestants develop their video entries and share them with everyone they could, it was like watching Oprah’s new show go viral overnight. Whether they realized it or not, beyond promoting themselves all these people were creating a great deal of free publicity for Oprah’s OWN Network.
Getting millions of people to talk about what you are doing without paying them to do it is absolutely ingenious. While there are many ways to accomplish this goal, in this case the solution of choice is sharing the spotlight with your audience. Today, limiting yourself to traditional marketing won’t get you very far. Similar to Oprah, you’ll find many companies are creating online platforms for their viewers to develop content, share ideas, vote on topics of interest, and let their voice be heard. Take a look at Pepsi’s We Inspire Project for Black Women or their Refresh Project to improve the world; all examples of how companies are using social media tools to build their buzz online.
Can you build your online buzz Oprah style? Even without having Oprah status, it is absolutely possible to get online viewers excited about who you are and what you are doing.
• If you are selling a particular product, you can give away a shopping spree. Ask your customers / online viewers to submit product videos, post them on you tube for buzz and select the best one. You can go a step further by asking contestants to get people to vote on their videos. Similar to the Oprah example, when asking others to vote for them, they are simultaneously promoting themselves and your business.
• Ever heard of the 50 Million Pound Challenge created to motivate more African Americans to lose weight? How about you create a own challenge unique to your business. Make is something that can really help to improve the lives of the customers in your market and that will motivate many to participate with their friends and family. Remember that people have to see real value in your challenge if they are going to commit to participating.
• On her website CreatingFame.com, Social Media Expert Laura Roader talks about how to make you and your business famous using social media. For those who sell a particular service, (like coaching for example), Laura recommends that you give your readers an opportunity to share their issues with you in exchange for an opportunity to win free services or deals. In addition to learning more about your customers, building an active discussion shows others how popular you are and how valuable your information is to others. At the end of the day, before they buy what you are selling, most new customers want to see that other people find value in what you do.
Quick Project:
Take an hour of your time, sit down and think about how you can engage the viewers in your circle and use that activity to build your buzz online.
Quick Click:
I am all about DIY Buzz Building... as a matter of fact, that is exactly how I built my online presence and turned my online side hustle into a full time work at home business. If you are ready, I can show you how to Find Customers, Make Sales, and Drive More Traffic to your website.
Quick Reading:
Build Your Business By Building Your List
Really Simple Sales Solutions
How to Drive Traffic and Customers to Your Website
