“Real Time” host Bill Maher took aim at former President Trump and Republicans for their dramatic shift on abortion as the 2024 election steadily approaches. Maher kicked off the panel discussion on the Arizona Supreme Court’s landmark ruling upholding a near-total abortion ban in the state, a direct result of the Supreme Court overturning Roe … Continue reading Bill Maher skewers Trump, GOP's shift on abortion: 'So killing babies is OK in some states?'
Tag: Some
Want to apply for YC W24? We opened some last-minute spots for the next 3 days
Want to apply for YC W24? We’re opening some last-minute spots
Brondello urges 0-2 Liberty to 'have some pride'
An impassioned Sandy Brondello said Friday “it’s about action now, not emotion” for the Liberty, who face a 2-0 deficit in the WNBA Finals entering Sunday’s Game 3 against the Aces.
The post Brondello urges 0-2 Liberty to 'have some pride' appeared first on Buy It At A Bargain – Deals And Reviews.
National parks prepare for millions to visit this summer; some now require reservations
Millions of people visit Yosemite every year and the demand to visit national parks has risen. It’s caused the overcrowding to get worse, and visitations are reaching record numbers.
CDC advises some people wait longer between COVID-19 vaccine doses over heart inflammation risk
The CDC Wednesday said younger males should consider waiting longer between doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in order to reduce the risk of a rare form of heart inflammation.
DeSantis campaign selling ‘Escape to Florida’ T-shirts as some top Democrats flock to Sunshine State
EXCLUSIVE – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reelection campaign is now selling new “Escape to Florida/The Lockdown Libs tour” T-shirts after some top Democratic politicians from states with stricter coronavirus restrictions were seen vacationing in the Sunshine State over the Christmas/New Year’s holiday.
Some Straight Talk on How to Get The Best Business Credit Card for YOUR Business
What is the Best Business Credit Card for Your Business?
Business credit cards are a part of business credit. Like other aspects of business credit, business credit cards can help you get products and services your business needs. You can use them to help smooth out cash flow peaks and valleys. And you can use them to build business credit. The best business credit card for your business can do many of these things.
Getting Approvals
Business credit cards run the gamut from starter vendors which don’t ask for much, to Tier 4 bank credit cards. And there can be cards where you must provide your Social Security number to satisfy a federal anti-money laundering law. As you might expect, the harder to get approvals, the more your business must do to meet credit provider requirements.
In general, approvals hinge upon:
- Business credit scores. Mostly your history of paying your company’s bills on time.
- Time in business. Since about 2/3 of all new businesses fail within the first 10 years, more time in business is a gauge of stability and ability to pay back any credit in use.
- Personal credit scores. Many credit providers review personal credit scores, particularly if a business is new.
Avoiding Denials
Credit providers want to know you’ll pay them back. They also want to make sure there’s nothing fraudulent going on. When basic data (name, address) is inconsistent from one record to another, credit providers see that as fraud. They will deny the application. As a result, records consistency is vital for avoiding denials.
Incomplete applications are another reason for denials. So, if an application calls for certain documents, you’ve got to provide them. Such documents can include business plans, bank statements, and incorporation documents (if applicable).
Beyond Getting Approvals
There are tons of business credit cards out there. Just applying for the ones where you’ll get approval is a decent strategy when you’re first starting out with building business credit. But once your business credit scores improve, such as a PAYDEX score of 80, you can be a lot choosier.
Types of Business Credit Cards
For card types, you’re generally looking at:
- Debit cards
- Prepaid
- Secured
- Unsecured
- Business charge cards
- No PG business credit cards
Credit Card Feature Types
But the best business credit card for your business can also be divvied up by features, such as:
- Credit cards for 0% interest (ongoing or introductory) rate
- Low percentage interest rate (over 0% but still lower than the norm)
- $0 annual fee (ongoing or introductory)
- Cards that appeal to a social conscience/allow for donations to social causes
- Bad credit/fair credit/average credit
- Balance transfers
- Travel
- Points (other than travel points)
- Cash back
- Rewards
- Statement credits/monetary bonuses
- High Limits
- Unique benefits (does not fit under any other categories)
Business Debit Cards
A business debit card is a card that works a lot like a business checkbook. The limit is the amount of funds you currently have in your business checking account. Every time you use it to make a purchase, the amount you charge comes from your account as a deduction.
Prepaid Business Credit Cards
A prepaid business card is a convenient alternative to carrying cash. It works just like a secured consumer credit card. Add funds to your account. Whatever amount you add is available for purchases.
Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.
The Best Business Credit Card for You Might be Secured
A secured business credit card is for businesses with no credit or less than perfect credit history. An initial security deposit is necessary. This establishes your card’s credit limit. In most cases a minimum deposit of $500 is necessary. Once you start making purchases you will receive invoices like a regular credit card.
Unsecured Business Credit Cards
An unsecured business credit card works like an unsecured consumer credit card. Credit limits come from many factors depending on the card issuer. Factors in deciding credit limit can include personal credit and/or business credit scores. They can also include time in business, annual revenues and so on. These credit cards give your business the opportunity to earn incentives and rewards.
Business Charge Cards
A business charge card has all the convenience of a credit card. But it’s without the high price of interest. When using this card you must pay your balance in full each billing cycle. Since you can’t carry a balance, a charge card doesn’t have a periodic or annual percentage rate. Hence there is no rate for a charge card issuer to disclose.
No PG Business Credit Cards
A no PG business credit card is just what it sounds like. It’s a card you can get without a personal guarantee. This card will link to your EIN, not your SSN. And it generally requires no personal credit check or guarantee for approval.
Credit Cards for 0% Interest or a Low Percentage Interest Rate
A low percentage interest rate is over 0% but still lower than the norm. Many annual percentage rates tie to the prime rate. Lower or 0% rates are often introductory, and end after a certain time frame or number of billing cycles.
The Best Business Credit Card for Your Business Might Have a $0 Annual Fee
Cards with no annual fee can be ongoing or introductory. Like 0% interest rates, introductory fees end after a certain amount of time, or a particular number of billing cycles.
Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.
The Best Business Credit Card for Your Business Can Even Appeal to Your Social Conscience
Some business credit cards allow for donations to social causes. These donations are often in the form of points. American Express has its own program, Just Giving. MasterCard allows for charitable giving via its personal credit cards. This is through a program called Charity Charge.
Bad Credit/Fair Credit/Average Credit Business Credit Cards
There are some business cards which will accept less than stellar personal credit. But you will often need to assure the card issuer of repayment in some other fashion. . This may involve giving the provider access to your books so they can assess your cash flow. Or the provider might set up a frequent (as in daily) electronic withdrawal from your account. This is so you don’t get behind in payments.
Balance Transfers
Many cards allow for balance transfers. You may have to pay an annual percentage rate for transfers. And, like with APRs for purchases, the APR for balance transfers may have an introductory rate. Or you may have to pay a flat rate, often a minimum.
Travel
Travel rewards are usually in the form of miles rather than points. Rewards may tie to a particular airline or hotel chain. Travel rewards may also come in the form of discounts on car rentals. They may even come in the form of added miles for filling up using certain gasoline brands.
Points
These are points which come from an activity other than travel. A card issuer might offer multiple points per dollar spent, for spending within a particular category, such as internet shopping. Some cards offer differing multiples depending upon category of choice.
Cash Back
Cash back usually comes in the form of a low percentage rebate, such as 1%. Some card issuers offer unlimited cash back. Others offer bonus amounts for chosen category spending or meeting a certain spending minimum within a particular amount of time after account opening. Such as $750 if you spend $7,500 in the first three months after account opening.
The Best Business Credit Card for Your Business Might Have a Great Rewards Program
Rewards can take the form of rebates or statement credits or other perks. Some cards offer a reward in the form of free TSA PreCheck®, which currently costs $85. Other such perks may include waiving a first late payment fee or a free cell phone protection plan.
Statement Credits/Monetary Bonuses
Statement credits are payments toward your credit bill. They tend to be one time only. They often tie to a minimum spent amount, within a time after account opening. Bonuses are slightly different. With bonuses, it’s a monetary reward not paid toward your credit balance.
Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.
High Limits
In general, higher limit credit cards tie to better credit scores. They may come with substantial annual fees. Higher fees can incur all along or after an introductory period. Cardholders should pay particular attention to annual percentage rates. Annual percentage rates will matter more when your limit is $250,000 rather than $25,000.
Unique Benefits
Unique benefits do not fit under any other categories. Cards may only be available to a certain type of person like members of the armed forces. Or a card may enroll you in some sort of benefits program. Still others may offer certain purchase discounts.
The Best Business Credit Card for Your Business: Takeaways
Business credit cards come in several forms like secured or debit. And they offer certain features, like low APRs or high limits. With good business credit scores, you’ll have your choice of benefits and features. There are several different types of business credit cards and various benefits. And there are special characteristics for unique cards.
The post Some Straight Talk on How to Get The Best Business Credit Card for YOUR Business appeared first on Credit Suite.
5 Small Business Loan Options (Some of Which You’ve Probably Never Heard of)
What Small Business Loan Options are Out There and Which Ones Are Best for You
Funding a small business is no easy task. There are an overwhelming number of funding options. From small business loans to crowdfunding, and a seemingly infinite number of possibilities in between, it can be hard to choose. For most, it will take some combination of these to get the job done. It can help to know your small business loan options. There may be more than you think.
Small Business Loan Options: Lenders
The first decision to make is what type of lender to use. A lot of business owners think that it’s a bank or bust. There are a few different types of lenders to consider when looking at your small business loan options however.
Learn business loan secrets with our free, sure-fire guide.
Big Banks
These are those nation-wide institutions like J.P. Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo. As a general rule, they are not a friend to small business. There is nothing specific that they hold against smaller businesses. It is simply that these businesses do not generally meet their lending requirements. It’s all numbers. If you don’t have the numbers, you don’t get the funding.
Community Banks
Community banks are the smaller, local financial institutions. They are the “hometown” banks, if you will. These guys are friendlier toward small businesses. They are able to look a little deeper and see a tad bit more than the numbers. Their small business loan options may have slightly less strict eligibility requirements. However, it is still a numbers game. Whatever those numbers are, whether credit score, annual income, years in business, or some combination, you will have to have them to be eligible.
Credit Union
Credit unions come in large and small sizes as well. The main thing to remember is that you must be a member to get a loan from a credit union. They do usually offer more favorable interest rates however. If you are a member of one, be sure not to count them out when shopping around for loans.
Alternative Lenders
Alternative lenders generally function online, though some do have brick and mortar locations. Their main draw is that they offer small business loan options to those that may not qualify with traditional lenders. Their credit score requirements are lower. They may or may not require a certain amount of time in business or minimum revenue amounts. The main drawback is that their small business loan options typically have higher interest rates.
Small Business Loan Options: Types of Loans
In addition to the types of lenders, there are various types of loans including:
● Traditional
These are the standard loans that disperse a set amount of funds, with the borrower repaying over a certain period of time. The payment is the same each month, and they can be either secured or unsecured. Unsecured small business loan options usually have higher interest rates.
● Line of Credit
This is revolving debt similar to credit cards. Borrowers are given a maximum limit of the amount of funds they can use, but only pay back the amount that they actually use. For example, a borrower may have a $5,000 line of credit and use $2,000 to buy a new printer. They will only pay back $2,000, until the time comes that they choose to use more. Lines of credit can also be secured or unsecured.
● Invoice Factoring
Factoring invoices is an option if you have receivables. The lender basically buys unpaid invoices from you at a premium, meaning you do not get full value. You then have immediate cash however, for those open invoices. The lender collects from the consumer directly at full value. The older the invoice, the higher the premium. This is due to the fact that the likelihood of collecting on the invoice goes down the older the invoice gets.
Learn business loan secrets with our free, sure-fire guide.
● Merchant Cash Advance
If you accept credit card payments, a merchant cash advance can help you out in a cash pinch. It is basically just what is says. It’s a cash advance on predicted credit card sales. They base the amount of the loan off of average daily credit card sales, and then take payment from future credit card sales. This usually happens electronically. Most often, the process is automatic. The draw is that you get the funds fast, and there are usually more flexible options for repayment terms depending on your eligibility.
Small Business Loan Options: The Small Business Administration
No discussion of small business loan options would be complete without mentioning the SBA. While they do not lend funds themselves, they do administer a number of loan programs that help small businesses get the funds they need through partner lenders.
7(a) Loans
This is the Small Business Administration’s most known program. It provides federally funded term loans up to $5 million. The funds can be used for a number of purposes. These include expansion, purchasing equipment, working capital and more. Banks, credit unions, and other specialized institutions, in partnership with the SBA, process these loans and disburse the funds.
504 Loans
504 loans are also available up to $5 million and can buy machinery, facilities, or land. Typically, they are used for expansion. They work especially well for commercial real estate purchases.
Microloans
These are $50,000 or less. They are good for starting a business, purchasing equipment, buying inventory, or general working capital.
SBA disaster loans
This is a program available to businesses that have fallen victim to natural disasters. These loans are different because, unlike the others, the SBA actually processes them directly rather than using partner lenders.
SBA Express Loans
The turnaround for express loans is much faster, with the SBA taking up to 36 hours to give a decision. There is less paper work as well, making express loans a great option if you qualify.
SBA CAPLines
There are 4 different CAPLine programs. They differ mostly in how the funds can be used. The maximum on each is $5 million. It can take 45 to 90 days for the funding on CAPLines to come through.
Learn business loan secrets with our free, sure-fire guide.
SBA Community Advantage Loans
This is a pilot program. It will either expire, or the SBA will extend it in 2020. Its purpose is to promote economic growth in underserved areas and markets. Decision makers look past such things as poor credit or low revenue if the business has the potential to create jobs or promote economic growth in underserved areas.
These are some of their most popular programs. The Small Business Administration does so much more for small businesses in addition to these. Get more details on the SBA, these loan programs, and additional resources offered by the Small Business Administration here.
5 Specific Small Business Loan Options
Now, you are probably here because you need to know specifically where to go to get a small business loan. As you have seen, the possibilities are endless. However, here are some of our favorite online lenders for those that may be having trouble qualifying for loans.
Upstart
Upstart is a fairly new online lender that is using cutting edge technology. They question whether financial information and FICO alone can really determine the risk associated with a specific borrower. Instead, they are using a combination of artificial intelligence and machine learning to gather alternative data. They then use this data in the credit decision making process.
Alternative data includes such things as mobile phone bills, rent, deposits, withdrawals, and even other information less directly tied to finances. Software from the company uses this data, then learns and improves on its own.
They offer various types of financing products to fit a broad range of needs. From credit card refinancing to student loans, and pretty much anything in-between, there is something for everyone. Debt consolidation and personal loans are included, in addition to business loans.
You can get a quote on a loan to start or expand a business. Quotes are available online in a matter of minutes. Learn more in this comprehensive review.
StreetShares
StreetShares started as a service to veterans. Now, they offer term loans, lines of credit, and contract financing. They also offer small business loan investment options. The maximum loan amount is $250,000. Pre-Approval only takes a few minutes. They use a soft pull on your credit so it doesn’t affect your score.
To be eligible, you must be in business for at least 12 months with annual revenue of $25,000. Exceptions are possible, with loans to companies in business for at least 6 months with higher earnings happening on a case by case basis. The borrower’s credit score must be at least 620. For more on StreetShares, see our in-depth review.
Kabbage
Kabbage is a well know online lender. They offer a small business line of credit that can help businesses accomplish business goals quickly. The minimum loan amount is $500 and the maximum is $250,000. They require you to be in business for at least one year and have $50,000 or more in annual revenue, or $4,200 or more per month in the previous 3 month period.
They are great if you need cash quickly. Also, their non-traditional approach puts less weight on your credit score, so they may work better for some borrowers than other lenders.
Fundation
Fundation provides both term business loans online and lines of credit. It is most known for its working capital funding options. These are funds meant to help cover the day-to-day costs of running a business rather than larger projects. Typically, these funds come in the form of a line-of-credit.
Their minimum loan amount is $20,000 while the maximum loan amount they offer is $500,000. They require you to be in business for at least 12 months and have annual revenue of at least $100,000. To be eligible, your personal credit score must be no less than 600. Additionally, you must have at least 3 full time employees. That number can include yourself. Business owners cannot live or operate their business in North Dakota, South Dakota, or Nevada.
SmartBiz
If you want the convenience of online lending but need to look toward products offered by the SBA, then SmartBiz is for you.
With the help of the Small Business Administration, SmartBiz offers loans that are government backed. While SBA loans typically take a lot of time and paperwork, SmartBiz found a way to speed things up. This makes getting loans through the Small Business Administration easier than ever. The minimum loan amount is $30,000 and the maximum is $5,000,000.
As stated, SBA loans are government-backed business term loans for business owners who’ve had difficulty qualifying for other types of financing. As such, the requirements are a little stricter. Your credit score has to be 650, and you have to be in business for 2 years or more. In addition, annual revenue has to be $50,000 at least, and there can be no outstanding liens, bankruptcies, or foreclosures in the past 3 years.
Knowing Your Small Business Loan Options Can Help You Make the Best Decisions
Of course, a lot of the choosing will be done for you based on your qualifications. Your credit score, length of time in business, and annual revenue will make a difference. Still, knowing where to start based on what you have to work with is a huge first step.
If you are eligible for a loan with a traditional lender, you may find the lowest interest rates there. They tend to have the most favorable terms and rates. Their online counterparts typically have higher interest rates, but the loans are easier to qualify for.
However, if you are struggling with credit or just starting out, one of these 5 options for alternative lenders could be great. In addition, there is the option of traditional loans with the SBA programs, if you fall somewhere in between. Whatever you do, don’t jump in without doing your research.
Shop around with a variety of lenders to compare what they offer, what their requirements are, and figure out which lenders and loans will work best for your specific business. A little time spent on the front end doing this can save you a lot of time and money after the fact.
The post 5 Small Business Loan Options (Some of Which You’ve Probably Never Heard of) appeared first on Credit Suite.
Try Some Warmer Cold Calling and More –10 Brilliant Business Tips of the Week
The Hottest and Most Brilliant Business Tips for YOU – Try Some Warmer Cold Calling and More
Our research ninjas at Credit Suite smuggled out ten amazing business tips for you! Be fierce and score in business with the best tips around the web. You can use them today and see fast results. You can take that to the bank – these are foolproof! Summer’s about over – it’s time for warmer cold calling!
Stop making stupid decisions and start powering up your business. Demolish your business nightmares and start celebrating as your business fulfills its promise.
And these brilliant business tips are all here for free! So settle in and scoop up these tantalizing goodies before your competition does!
#10. Upsell Like a Champ
Our first jaw-dropping tip is all about upselling. Small Biz Trends says there are some techniques out there which are more effective than not. It’s a bit like warmer cold calling.
25 Percenters
So, here’s an interesting one. Did you know that an offered upsell shouldn’t add more than 25% onto the initial price? But why?
Because otherwise it can feel overwhelming to the customer. This one is truly brilliant. And you see it in practice all the time.
“You want fries with that?”
“For an extra $2, we’ll throw in a pack of pens with your notebook purchase.”
“If you get the sport package, you get a spoiler and a sunroof.”
“Add a salad and we’ll call it a dinner. Then you can get free dessert!”
“Now that you got a new pair of running shoes, wouldn’t you love a new pair of running shorts?”
“Ever notice how when you paint a room, a lot of other things look dull? Buy six gallons of our matte finish latex paint and we’ll throw in a new picture frame.”
You get the idea. It doesn’t work if you offer a second Big Mac (usually). And if you’re already getting an entrée, you probably don’t want a second. But you might be tempted to have a salad. In fact, having a salad translate into a free dessert also takes advantage of people wanting to be virtuous by eating a salad – and then decadent by capping their meal with a hot fudge sundae.
Unbundling
By the way, unbundling can feel weird! Your intrepid blog writer owns a pretty basic car but it’s got a sun roof. And it was quite the chore to get the extra – it had to be specially added. Because sun roofs tend to go with sporty packages, not basic sedans.
Still, I got my sun roof. It was a lot like warmer cold calling in that I was already there and buying. The dealer just had to make sure I was 100% happy so I wouldn’t run off to a dealer down the street.
So try this rule of 25% the next time you’re putting together upselling ideas. And can I have some of your fries?
#9. Scratch ‘Create an Email List’ Off Your To-Do List in an Hour
The next awesome tip is about creating an email list from scratch – fast. Sumo notes it’s easy to get email lists wrong. No argument here.
Now, keep in mind, the article isn’t much more than a long ad for Sumo. But Sumo is free, so we’re okay with that. And it does make one point which we would like to showcase.
Not all of your contacts are alike.
As a result of this insight – which we will be the first to admit isn’t much of an insight – you should be segmenting your email list. We tend to do this intuitively, and we don’t even know we’re doing it.
As in, if your grandmother is in your address book, you probably won’t invite her to go out clubbing with you (or maybe you will…). But your pals from college? You’re a lot more likely to invite them. And you’ll even go more granular. Your quiet roommate might not make the invitation list, but your clubbing partner from back in the day is more likely to.
So the moral of the story is – don’t treat your customers and prospects as one big monolith.
Gee, where have we heard that before?
If you are as passionate about succeeding in business as we are, please help us spread the word about how to take the plunge and save time and money – and your sanity! Leave the sales freezer behind with warmer cold calling and more.
#8. A Lot Better Than Vacation Slides
Our following life-changing tip concerns using Facebook slideshow ads to their fullest potential. Wordstream lays it all out for us.
You’ve probably seen these. In fact, you may not have seen these on Facebook (or been aware that they were what you were seeing). Slideshows.
For example, have you ever been on a site for a clothing retailer and been served both the front and back versions of an outfit? Not separate images – more that the front images change to the back on occasion, and then back again. That’s a slideshow.
For Facebook, one great idea is to showcase variety. If you’re a residential real estate agent, why not show one-family and two-family houses? Or big apartments and studios? Or both the east and west sides of town?
We highly recommend reading the entire article. Yes, it’s that helpful. It’s as good as warmer cold calling – and may even be better.
#7. Great Business Leaders – Are They Born or Made?
For our next sensational tip, we looked at what a new business leader should really be like. Startup Professionals notes a charismatic, innovative leader has certain characteristics.
They looked at people like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, but also Elon Musk. And the one characteristic we preferred was doing good works. But our second chance characteristic was lifelong learning.
Hey, you don’t need to be a big time innovator to do either, or both.
#6. Being a Great Boss – An Argument for Nurture Versus Nature
This tip is so cool, and it works! Work It Daily tells us all about developing leadership skills. They note there are some great methods for learning leadership skills. Perhaps our two favorites were all about enthusiasm and knowing yourself.
True Story
Over 20 years ago, your intrepid blog writer worked in the insurance industry. Often, these jobs were dull and repetitious. And that attitude came straight from the top. When management acted uninterested in being there, so did everyone else. Talk about your downers!
Then in 2004, I worked for Dictaphone, in voice recognition (this late lamented company no longer exists). And there things were waaaaaay different. The boss was not just friendly and approachable. She loved her job. And everyone under her caught her fever. We loved working there, and we loved working for her. It all came from her enthusiastic, whole-hearted embrace of our projects.
Want to build voice recognition for lawyers? Awesome! For police officers? Let’s help them catch some criminals. For firefighters? Cool, let’s make their lives easier so they can go back to saving people. For doctors? Terrific – let’s make this chore simple so they can cure cancer and hangnails.
And it goes on.
Want to be a good leader? Then be excited about what you and your team do. And if you aren’t, then maybe you should be considering a new line of work.
#5. Get Out of the Sales Ice Box With Warmer Cold Calling
Grab this mind-blowing tip while it’s hot!
Warmer cold calling is where it’s at. LinkedIn says there are a number of things you can do which aren’t cold calling!
We loved these. Now, keep in mind, we are research fans here, so the first tip was a great one. And it’s LinkedIn! Egad, if you’re going to find out stuff about a prospect, then the prospect’s company website (and maybe blog) plus LinkedIn are THE places to go.
The Times, They Are A-Changin’
So here’s a question. When was the last time you saw someone selling door to door? Not people talking religion – real-live salespeople. For your intrepid blog writer, it was maybe eight to ten years ago, possibly more.
I was sitting on the front porch steps, eating ice cream. And this guy was walking past and he said something from the sidewalk. Now, keep in mind, this is a secondary access road, so there’s traffic on it, and it can be loud.
My “What?” was, to him, an invitation to walk up my front walk and try to hand me literature on buying a satellite dish. And here I was thinking he wanted to know how to get to the Thai place on the corner.
So he hands me papers. I had them back. He hands them to me again. And I give them back again. We do this little dance a couple of times. The big recycling bin is nearby, so the next time I get the papers, I toss them in there.
Oh, I got an earful then. Well, guess what, dude? You weren’t welcome. You slid in under false pretenses. And you didn’t listen to me, not one bit.
What the heck did you honestly expect was going to happen?
C’mon Already!
Don’t be that guy. Do your research and know your prospects. Because if this guy had, he would’ve known that my house is over 100 years old and there is no way I am ever putting a dish anywhere near it.
Please don’t write to us about the merits of satellite dishes. Thank you in advance.
If you are as passionate about succeeding in business as we are, please help us spread the word about how to take the plunge and save time and money – and your sanity! Leave the sales freezer behind with warmer cold calling and more.
#4. Time is Running Out to Write Scarcity Emails!
Check out this spectacular tip, all about scarcity marketing techniques to boost email conversions. Sleek Note informs us that you can tap into customer fear of missing out in any number of ingenious ways. Talk about creating what is essentially a form of warmer cold calling!
There’s More Than Way to be Scarce
So the first thing we noticed was there’s more than one way to convey scarcity. Sometimes it’s the scarcity of the product. You know the drill – they tell you they’re about to sell out of something or other. But did you know that adding a number makes the claim more believable?
But there’s another way to show scarcity – it’s a scarcity of time. “Time is running out!” “You’ve got just two hours left to get …”
Yet another way is via exclusivity. This also appeals to customer desires to be and feel special. And they feel they can be seen as special by others. Social currency is absolutely a thing – and for many people, it feels scarce. A lot of folks will do just about anything to have more of it.
NOW.
#3. You Oughta Be in Pictures
It’s not your imagination: this winning tip can help you grow your YouTube channel. Noobpreneur tells us going with a niche is a great strategy. We agree!
Consider this. Do you listen to the radio? It can be in the car or at home or via satellite. Doesn’t matter. But what does matter is the radio doesn’t play just anything. You’re highly unlikely to hear gangsta rap right after a classical piece. And that’s true even if you, personally, like both pieces of music.
This is because the radio is segmented, big time. And maybe a little too much these days. You can get more than one version of 80s music, for example.
So consider such a strategy for YouTube, and don’t try to be all things to all people. Not even Casey Kasem was.
#2. Tapping into Influence
Our second to last unbeatable tip can give you a new perspective on how influencers can promote their platforms. Young Upstarts reveals all about it.
The biggest insight we got was to adapt messaging depending on which platform you’re on. And that works for us. In particular, it matters in terms of platforms you’re trying to break into.
If you’re awesome on Facebook, guess what? You need a whole new approach for Snapchat.
Another great idea was to provide something in return for following. Truth is, we do that here.
That’s kinda what this blog is all about, folks.
#1. Dear Sir or Madam: Please Buy Ad Space On My Blog kthxbai
We saved the best for last. For our favorite remarkable tip, we focused on getting companies to buy advertising space on your blog. The Work At Home Woman says you, too, can grab this blogging Holy Grail.
One thing the article goes into is working directly with an advertiser versus an ad network. To our eyes, it looks like an ad network is a great way to get started. The network will do the legwork in terms of finding advertisers. But be aware – for most of the ones mentioned, you need 25,000 or more clicks per month on your blog.
Yeah. About that.
Affiliate Marketing
So there’s another way to monetize things, and it doesn’t hinge on clicks. It’s affiliate marketing. That’s where bloggers add (for example) a link to Amazon for selling a book. The link is particular to the blogger so, if you click through and buy the book, the blogger will get a cut of the proceeds. Because you’re there voluntarily, it’s better than warmer cold calling – you’re actually a hot prospect!
But…
Just like for ads, though, recognize one thing. If your blog isn’t uber-popular, you’re not going to make a lot of money. The number of people who do isn’t very large. Still, you can make some mad money with ads and affiliate marketing. After all, there are some ad networks which aren’t looking for such huge blogs with so much traffic (although shop around and do your homework, to make sure the ad network is reputable and will pay you).
Just don’t quit your day job.
So which one of our brilliant business tips was your favorite? And which one will you be implementing now?
If you are as passionate about succeeding in business as we are, please help us spread the word about how to take the plunge and save time and money – and your sanity! Leave the sales freezer behind with warmer cold calling and more.
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