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Black Business Internet Marketing Tips

Posted by LaShanda Henry on June 22, 2009 at 10:38pm

Before you get frustrated trying to find new ways to promote your business online, let me show you how to promote your business on Black Business Women Online (click here).

Inspirational Expressions

Posted by LaShanda Henry on June 22, 2009 at 10:37pm

Hello BBWO! I want to start off every week by supporting a fellow sista on BBWO. Today's spotlight goes to Melvina Garcia, creator of Inspirational Expressions Christian gift store. Checkout and share this website. I'm sure you will find something wonderful here: http://store.inspirational-expressions.com/. Featured discussion by Kimberly Canty: 'Where do I truly Begin' http://sistapreneurs.ning.com/forum/topics/where-do-i-truly-begin Did you know that you could upgrade your BBWO membership and get marketing training + featured advertising on BBWO? Click here for details: http://sistapreneurs.ning.com/page/upgrade-1 Discover the Top 3 Reasons to Blog on Black Business Women Online Did you know all member blogs are featured on the official BBWO Facebook page? http://sistapreneurs.ning.com/forum/topics/top-3-reasons-to-blog-on-black More to come! Have an amazing week. LaShanda Henry Black Business Online Marketing (video watch now) http://www.blackbusinessmarketing.com/webinar.htm

Avoid Negative Thinkers!

Posted by Annetta Powell on June 22, 2009 at 9:31pm

Avoid Negative Thinkers!If you are determined to become a successful Real Estate investor, avoid negative thinkers! Avoid people that will try and deter your dreams. If you have decided that this is what you are going to do, go ahead and do it!Join my free networking group at www.cashinonforeclosuresnetwork.com. To register for a free seminar, visit www.cashinonforeclosures.com.Annetta PowellQueen of Real Estate

The Power Is In The Purse

Posted by Walethia Aquil on June 22, 2009 at 7:29pm

Posted by: Walethia AquilTHE POWER’S IN THE PURSENew book explores the consumer influence of minority womenDid you know that 88% of the absolute growth in the U.S. female population from 2000 to 2007 was attributable to women of color, or that minority women comprise a buying power of almost $1 trillion? The significance of those facts to marketers and advertisers is explored in The 85% Niche: The Power of Women of All Colors--Latina, Black, Asian (Paramount Books $29.99 by Miriam Muley, a book that suggests that women of color can no longer be considered a minority.Muley say the buying power of women of color will increase to $1.2 trillion by 2010.“Our spending power is comparable in size to the GDP of South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland combined.” she adds, “ranking women of color the 10th largest global economy.“With more than $524 billion in economic buying power in 2007, black women are clearly in control of the pocketbook and the decision s in the family.”For more information, visit www.8.5 percentniche.comBlack Enterprise January 2009: Kingsley Kanu Jr.

230,000 Members Pay You Money. Join Free Today!

Posted by Alyce Garfman on June 22, 2009 at 6:47pm

Disappointed in many of the programs that you have joined on line ?Have no luck at all trying to refer ?Well, don't give up yet !!Nobody is born a skilled marketer. All you need is the right tool, and the right guidance.Here at Reality-Networkers, a group of dedicated, active promoters are getting paid by us to HELP YOU promote !!That's right !!These people are willing to tell you, step by step, what kind of ads they are using, what kind of promotion tools they are using, and where they post their ads to.And all you have to do, is follow the instruction and try to learn from those steps and become a top marketer yourself !!!Don't just tell yourself that you cannot refer and give up. For sure that’s not how you've learned to ride a bicycle right ? All you need is the proper support and guidance.Please follow the link below to find out how you can benefit from Reality-Networkers for FREE right away !!http://tinyurl.com/nlkj9uTo your success,Alyce Garfman

It's that time again!!!!! Advertise your event for FREE!

Posted by Dominique on June 22, 2009 at 5:34pm

Do you have an event this weekend? Submit your event into our Writers VIP Weekend! http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/writersweekendform.htmRead today's blog at The POV Lounge: http://povlounge.blogspot.comSubmit your poems in our Open Poetry Cafe: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/apps/blog/I look forward to hearing from you!Dominique

4 Factors for Building a Loyal Customer Base

Posted by Paradise on June 22, 2009 at 5:28pm

Do you have a specific plan for building customer loyalty? When you consider the high cost of landing new customers versus the high profitability of a loyal customer base, you might want to reflect upon your current business strategy. Streetwise Business Tips offers the following advice along with the four factors that will greatly affect your ability to build a loyal customer base:1. Products that are highly differentiated from those of the competition.2. Higher-end products where price is not the primary buying factor.3. Products with a high service component.4. Multiple products for the same customer.Market To Your Own Customers! Are there additional products or services you can sell your customers? Keep all the information you can on your customers and don't hesitate to ask for the next sale. When you buy a new car, many dealers will within minutes try to sell you an extended warranty or an alarm system. It's often a very easy sale and costs the dealer almost nothing to make.Use Complaints To Build Business!When customers aren't happy with your business they usually won't complain to you - instead, they'll probably complain to just about everyone else they know - and take their business to your competition next time. That's why an increasing number of businesses are making follow-up calls or mailing satisfaction questionnaires after the sale is made. They find that if they promptly follow up and resolve a customer's complaint, the customer might be even more likely to do business than the average customer who didn't have a complaint.In many business situations, the customer will have many more interactions after the sale with technical, service, or customer support people than they did with the sales people. So if you're serious about retaining customers or getting referrals, these interactions are the ones that are really going to matter. They should be handled with the same attention and focus that sales calls get because in a way they are sales calls for repeat business.Reach Out To Your Customers!Contact with current customers is a good way to build their loyalty. The more the customer sees someone from your firm, the more likely you'll get the next order. Send holiday greeting cards, see them at trade shows, call or stop by to make sure everything's okay.Send a simple newsletter to your customers-tell them about the great things that are happening at your firm and include some useful information for them. Send them copies of any media clippings about your firm. Invite them to free seminars. The more they know about you, the more they see you as someone out to help them, the more they know about your accomplishments-the more loyal a customer they will be.--Source: Melissa Data News

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How To Make Money With Twitter

Posted by Affiliate-Marketing Diva Vicky on June 22, 2009 at 3:13pm

If you thought using Twitter was only for social networking, think again. People are starting to tap in to the concept of making money with their Twitter website. You can make money with Twitter, but there are certain things you have to do in order to make a profit.Of course, you must have a Twitter account in order to make money with Twitter. Signing up for a Twitter account does not cost you anything. When you get your Twitter site set up, you will want to start posting tweets to your site. Posting tweets will help you get followers. When followers tweet posts to you, you should respond in kind.It is not necessary to have a gigantic following in order to make money with Twitter. It’s better to have followers that have the same interests than hundreds of followers that are not interested in cultivating a relationship with you on your Twitter site.You don’t want to be too quick about promoting things in the very beginning. It’s better to get to know the followers on your site. You should want to establish a trust with them. They should also want to establish a trust with you. When it’s time for you to make money with Twitter, it will be easier for you because the relationship has been established.When you are ready to make money with Twitter, don’t blatantly promote your products or services. Some people could think that you are trying to spam them. It’s not a good idea to mention your product to your followers every time you send a tweet.However, when the time is right, here are some ways that you can make money with Twitter:• Product recommendation – You could write a recommendation of a product to your followers. Encourage them to check it out and take action. It’s a good idea if you actually tried out the product yourself before you recommend it to them. It will make you the expert on it, and they will be more inclined to purchase.• Affiliate marketing – If you are recommending a product on behalf of someone else, you can place your affiliate link in your tweet post.• Your product – You can promote your own product and sell it from your sales page.Any of these ideas are ways that you can make money from Twitter. The key to doing it is not to constantly throw it in their face every time you tweet. Your followers will be turned off because they will start thinking that your main motive for being on Twitter is to sell your product. The easier way to lead up to this is to provide quality and meaningful content to your followers.

Why you should take a long look at your website.

Posted by Bridget on June 22, 2009 at 12:49pm

Your website is the face of your business. If the appearance of your website looks like no effort was put into building it you can kiss your potential customers good bye. My biggest pet peeve is a link that goes nowhere. When customers click on a link and the page doesn’t exist or there are no products to purchase you could possibly lose that customer.Does your website look like a bad used sales car dealer?• By this I mean flashy and one big sells pitch. No one wants to feel like they are being forced to buy your product. You must build trust with your customers first before they will buy from you. It normally takes a customer 5-7 times to see your website before purchasing from you.Does your web page take forever to load?• If it does you better find away to make your web page load quickly. The maximum should be 30-40 seconds and while your web page is loading your top page should load within 5 seconds and it better be interesting. You can lose any potential customers who are ready to buy your product.Are you tracking your visitors?• If you are not tracking how your visitors found your website then close your doors. You are wasting time and money. How do you know what advertisements are working, where you should spend your money & what keywords are used to find your website.Before you promote your website to the world ask others for their opinion.Bridget Harriswww.9-5freedom.comDon’t be a slave to the clock and spend more time with the ones your love.

HAPPY FATHER DAYS FROM JUNIQUES OF AZ

Posted by Rickey on June 21, 2009 at 6:29pm

http://www.byoaudio.com/play/WgCxvX9x

New Book for Women(Letters to My Sisters from the Heart) coming Fall 2009

Posted by Kim Weaver on June 21, 2009 at 6:00pm

If you’ve ever dealt with …• Insecurity, rejection, non-acceptance, low- self esteem, lack of self worth.• Things that your parents said or did.• If you never felt pretty enough, you’ve never felt good enough.• If you’ve felt the pain, shame, and misery of that brought about from a man whom you've given your all too.• If just felt stuck as though you were functioning in life but not going anywhere.• If you’ve ever ask yourself is their more to life than the everyday routine.• Feeling like your options were limited.• Feeling like your spouse’s success over shadows you.• Secretly dealing with issues, that are keeping you bound.Then Letters To My Sisters from the Heart is sure to soothe your soul as well as put you on the path to truly taking a look at yourself and reevaluating where you are and reaffirming you of the powers you possess.For More Information Go To:http://www.letterstomysistersfromtheheart.com

Hey there!

Posted by Myrna Hicks on June 21, 2009 at 3:59am

Hi AllI'm just checking in for a quick hello. I just returned from vacation in Grand Cayman & Ocho Rios & it was a great get away. Now I'm back to work on my website. I'm trying to give myself an early July release of the site & add other items that I plan on selling down the road.Hopefully, when I'm up and running my business will keep me as busy as building this website lol. It's lots of hard work with long, long nights but I'm a trooper & you won’t hear a complaint out of me! I'll work like a dog on the race track just so I can work for self and not have to report into a 9-5.Anyway, I do twitter from time to time & you can also follow me there under the user name UNDERMYCOVERS. I'm gong to call it a night I've been on this computer since 3pm. Best of luck to everyone just starting out & you'll be hearing from me soon.Layta!Oh, one more thing...does anyone know of a website that does online Gift certificates where a person can purchase them from a site & print it out right at there computer?

The Unexpected Gift

Posted by Jeane' Elliott Bennett on June 20, 2009 at 5:39pm

Good Morning and Great Day...How many times have you given up on something, written it off as unattainable, closed the door on a dream because you just knew there was no way that you could accomplish it only to find at the last minute that magically and mysteriously exactly what you were seeking just dropped into your lap and you were amazed at how this happened? When you stop for a moment and think about this very thing having occurred in your life I'm sure that all of a sudden you will begin to remember that it happened more than once. Right? Well let me tell you that it is by no accident that this happens. It is because you unconsciously left open a sliver of hope that kept the flame of desire burning within you so that the universe could provide for you The Unexpected Gift of receiving that which was always present for you to claim it.We live in an abundant and prosperous Universe whose only wish is to co-create with us the life we want. There are unlimited resources available to us all the time. It is our job to find those resources through the choices we make which will lead us to the actions we take. There are unlimited possibilities which are available to us. It is us to align with these possibilities in every area of our life. The first place for us to start is in our thinking. We must come from a consciousness of abundance and prosperity and not from lack and limitation. We also must be open to the belief that what are seeking is seeking us and it is in this vibration that is always present that the The Unexpected Gift will always flow to us."In every thought there is a belief...YOU get to create what that belief is...The choice is yours...Believe big and bold."I AM ready to receive The Unexpected Gift of LIFEI know that my awareness is always present to my greatnessI see infinite possibilities every where I lookI walk in a field of abundance and prosperityEvery day is a great and beautiful expression of my creative expressionIt's your day...MAKE IT A GREAT ONE!

Networking Site Addiction

Posted by Michelle B -The Afro Party House on June 20, 2009 at 5:35pm

About one year ago a good friend invited me to a popular networking site and told me it would be a great way to promote The Afro Party House. I was very excited and signed up right away. I set up my page and added photos of myself and of my products. The mistake I made was adding personal photos that were in fact sending out the wrong message. Immediately I started getting lots of friend invites from various men (none of which were interested in my products but wanted to tell me how beautiful I am and how sexy I am). I got sucked in to this new found popularity and spent hours upon hours “networking” with my new friends. Soon my page was full of comments and gifts from various men and I was hooked!!! I was popular and it felt good!!! Every once in a while men would approach me about my business and offered to help me. I got involved with a couple men only to find out that what they really wanted was to take advantage of what I have to offer. Thank God I was smart enough to guard my heart and my dreams and soon cut those men off.Still, I was hooked on this site and couldn’t go one day without feeding my addiction. I had so many invites that I did not have to send out any friend requests. Soon I had over 800 friends (most of which were men) and when I closed my account I had over 20,000 hits. I spent so much time on this site that I lost focus of my initial purpose for being on the site. I was no longer focusing on my business plan. I was getting behind on important aspects of building The Afro Party House and delaying responses to customers and other companies of interest. I will say that one good thing about the site I was on is that I did use it to “test my product ideas”. Everyone knew me on this site as the “Party Supply Queen” but still, my orders were not coming from this site. In fact, most of my orders were coming from my press releases which continue to drive people to The Afro Party House’s website. In addition, my press releases helped me build a nice sized email list.Fast forward one year. I finally saw the light and cancelled my account with this popular site. I weighed the benefits of being on that particular site and realized it was allowing people to have access to me that are not likeminded or genuine in their interest and support of what I do.Presently, cancelling my membership on that networking site led me to search for other networking sites that are specific to my interest. I searched “Black Networking Sites” on Google and found Black Moms Club, Black Business Women Online and knew my blessings were beginning to change direction. I found LaShanda Henry and remember my eyes filling with tears as I read through her site. Just thinking about it now makes tears fill my eyes. Everything LaShanda mentioned in her videos and online courses was exactly what I needed to hear.Namely:• Are you on the right networking site?• Find your target market (just because you sell a black product does not mean all black people will buy from you)• Bundle your packages (I was doing this but didn’t know it was a strategy)• Up sell (I was already up selling since I sell my products in bundles and always offer the deluxe packages because it includes the favor boxes which are very popular)• If it doesn’t make dollars it doesn’t make sense (a Richelle Shaw quote replays in my head daily)• Invest in yourself (skip McDonalds and invest in solid online courses that offer what you need)In closing, The Afro Party House is thriving. We have been able to grow and add new products in spite of changes in the economy. I no longer waste my time on networking sites that drain my time and emotions. I learned to set up my sites specifically for what my interests are, to network with likeminded people, to support my sistas to the best of my ability, and to focus on my business plan.God placed a vision of The Afro Party House in my heart back in 1998. I knew the road would not be easy but cannot give up because my heart won’t allow me to let go. I keep the faith and when there is doubt someone comes along that inspires me to keep going. Customers tell me they love our products so that keeps me going. It’s about building relationships and loving what you do.Michelle B of The Afro Party Housewww.theafropartyhouse.com/party_themes.html www.theafropartyhouse.com

HER SENSUOUS TOUCH--THE DUCHESS POET

Posted by VERNON DAVIS JR. on June 19, 2009 at 7:30pm

YOUR FINGERSbyVernon J. Davis Jr.There'sThat Subtle Yearning,That Tingling, Your Fingers CreateWith WordsFrom Your MuseI Know You AreWriting About MeThinking About MeMaking Me Want Me...Guide Your Fingers Into My MouthAnd SpellL-O-V-E...WithMyTongueYour Fingers Always Caressing ThatStiff,Erect,"Stand-At-Attention!"Pen,Easily ArousedBy Your TouchBy Your InsightI Wish I Was That PenBecause,Your Fingers Would AlwaysMake Me Feel GoodAs You Begin To WriteRolling Those Fingers Of Yours...Around Me©6/16/2009 Vernon J. Davis Jr. All Rights Reserved.Read more poetry at www.vernonjdavisjr.com

Generating Twitter Traffic

Posted by Affiliate-Marketing Diva Vicky on June 19, 2009 at 6:22pm

One of the newest ways in social marketing is Twitter. It is the newest craze that a lot of people are using now. Not only is it a way to get to know more people, it can also be used to get traffic. Getting Twitter traffic can maximize your exposure in ways you may have never imagined.If you don’t have a Twitter account, then you will need to sign up for one. It’s easy and it only takes a few minutes. The best part about having one is that it is free. In order to get Twitter traffic, you must follow proper etiquette. There are things that you should and should not do in order to make your Twitter site effective.First you want to build a list of followers to your Twitter site. Twitter traffic depends on getting followers. Followers can help you get exposure and vice versa. Take time to build your list of followers and cultivate a relationship with them. Get to know them and allow them to get to know you. You want their trust just as much as they want your trust.When you are posting tweets to your Twitter site, provide the posts with substance and meaning. Your followers will be interested in what you have to say and will continue to come back for more. You can get more Twitter traffic as long as you are sincere and honest with your posts.Continue to participate and observe your followers. If you don’t post tweets, then your followers will think that you are not interested anymore and will stop tweeting at your Twitter website. Getting the most out of Twitter traffic hinges on whether or not you participate in engaging with your followers.To keep the relationship going, you can tweet on comments that were sent to you from previous tweets. This way, you can post your tweet again and include your link. This is a subtle way that you can use to promote your business. It would not be considered spam because your purpose was to comment on the tweets. If you have a lot of followers, then your chances are greater for people to visit your website.One thing that you should not do is to overtweet. If you send too many tweets, followers will be turned off and go elsewhere. Also, if your tweets are not interesting, followers will not stick around. It’s important to keep the momentum going if you want to continue getting Twitter traffic.

Ten Steps To A Heart Healthy, Happy Father’s Day

Posted by Black doctor. org on June 19, 2009 at 5:02pm

(BlackDoctor.org) -- Celebrated on the third Sunday in June in 52 countries and other days elsewhere, Father’s Day grew from one woman’s tribute to her father to the grand observance that it is today. But no matter the day or the location, the premise is the same – to honor and commemorate the men who have had our backs and given of themselves tirelessly. What better way to repay dads unwavering love and protection than to offer them the gift of good health. These 10 important tips will ensure that Dad remains healthy and fit for life. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.To read the full article, follow this link: http://www.blackdoctor.org/articles.aspx?counter=35261Read more on healthy ways to stay fit at: www.blackdoctor.org

This weeks healthy meals

Posted by Crystal Blanchette on June 19, 2009 at 5:00pm

Beef Tenderloin with Chimichurri sauceINGREDIENTSSpice Rub2 tablespoons dark brown sugar1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika*1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder or ancho chile powder1 teaspoon ground black pepperChimichurri sauce3/4 cup olive oil3 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar or red wine vinegar3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice3 garlic cloves, peeled2 medium shallots, peeled, quartered1 teaspoon fine sea salt1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper3 cups (packed) stemmed fresh parsley2 cups (packed) stemmed fresh cilantro1 cup (packed) stemmed fresh mintBeef tenderloin1 3 1/2-pound beef tenderloin2 tablespoons olive oilFor spice rub:Combine all ingredients in small bowl.Do ahead: Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.For chimichurri sauce:Combine first 8 ingredients in blender; blend until almost smooth. Add 1/4 of parsley, 1/4 of cilantro, and 1/4 of mint; blend until incorporated. Add remaining herbs in 3 more additions, pureeing until almost smooth after each addition.Do ahead: Can be made 3 hours ahead. Cover; chill.For beef tenderloin:Let beef stand at room temperature 1 hour.Prepare barbecue (high heat). Pat beef dry with paper towels; brush with oil. Sprinkle all over with spice rub, using all of mixture (coating will be thick). Place beef on grill; sear 2 minutes on each side. Reduce heat to medium-high. Grill uncovered until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of beef registers 130°F for medium-rare, moving beef to cooler part of grill as needed to prevent burning, and turning occasionally, about 40 minutes. Transfer to platter; cover loosely with foil and let rest 15 minutes. Thinly slice beef crosswise. Serve with chimichurri sauce.

We are on Twitter!!

Posted by D.R.U.M. on June 19, 2009 at 1:53pm

If you Twitter...then plz follow us onwww.twitter.com/afrodescendant

4 Ways to Generate Buzz for Your Brand

Posted by Paradise on June 19, 2009 at 9:00am

4 Ways to Generate Buzz for Your BrandBy Joanna L. KrotzLaunching a brand new business takes imagination, cleverness and determination. You need to create a connection with your customers that will make them loyal to you. In order to do that, you need to differentiate yourself from others out there like you. Make sure your marketing material is distinctive from other brands to seize mind and marketplace share. Check out these four cost-effective branding strategies.1. Get inside the customer's mind.Most new business owners research their target buyers. So you likely know something about your customer demographics, such as income and age. That's good, but it's hardly enough. You need a serious fix on what will propel people to buy, so you can gear your messages accordingly. Figure out what meets your customers’ needs, and you’re on the right track.2. Get endorsements that ring the right bells.Expert or third-party endorsements can mean a movie star, banker or a tech wizard. If you have invested in characterizing target customers, coming up with personalities who will fuel buzz should be a snap. The hard part may be getting access. You might need special marketing to reach them. Having a celebrity wear or try your products can boost your company’s image and sales revenue.3. Get the attention of hot prospects.Find industry seminars or annual shows that attract your top-of-the-line customers. Then spend what it takes to design a snazzy booth. If you want to take things one step further, sign up for media coaching and pay a speechwriter and design team to develop newsworthy presentations. Another idea is to hire a marketing firm to create a memorable way to demonstrate your product. No matter which option you choose, the goal is to make a standout impression at the high-profile show.4. Get public relations pros to open markets.There's a great range of small, local or industry press and media coverage that can boost business. But you could benefit from the expertise of a public relations agency to do the legwork and the pitching for media placement. Buzz and word-of-mouth marketing is a cheap and effective way to get out your message. Figure out what it will take to start customers talking about your brand. That way, every customer turns into a brand ambassador.To get customers to notice your infant brand quickly and affordably, you must stay focused. Don't chase after huge or unlikely prospects right away. Don't squander time and resources by broadcasting mixed messages. Keep it simple. Make sure your marketing material has a recognizable identity, with a consistent logo, palette and tag lines.---Source: Joanna L. Krotz (www.microsoft.com)

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Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.