Fortunate Contest

After putting in all of your hard work as a Newbie Webmaster, you would like everything to work properly once you have published your business to the web. This one piece of advice could make the difference between your business being a success or a failure…….

A friend on mine, John, spent months putting his online business together. He often stayed up all night working on research, web design, marketing ect… His poor wife and kids hardly ever saw him. As soon as he came in from his day job, he would shut himself away in the spare room and work on ‘the business’. Then finally, he declared that everything was in place. He had a great domain name and host, fantastic niche products, an impressive website, a marketing and advertising campaign already to go. Everything was uploaded to the servers and traffic was starting to hit his site. “Wonderful” he thought. But………. He had made a vital error………

What did John do that was so wrong?

He didn’t do enough testing. Traffic was visiting his homepage, but most of the links didn’t work. They where unable to navigate to other pages on his site. The important pages, such as sales copy and free downloads where ‘unavailable’. If someone tried to sign-up for his eZine, nothing happened. What a disaster!!! The volume of targeted traffic to his site was quite high, but no one stayed there for very long and no one bought anything. He wasn’t able to build his opt-in list Ezine subscribers that he could email with promotional material. All the months of effort resulted in a big-fat nothing. John was devastated to say the least.

So what did John do next? He could have given up. Thrown his arms in the air with disppear and cried uncontrollably. I know a lot of people that have done this, they have given up because the think that they have failed. But once again, he locked himself away in his spare room and went to work. Every link in every page was tested, retested and tested again. All the opt-in boxes and interactive options where given the same treatment.

What John did next…

He had 7 of his friends test it all over again. He asked them to go to his site and travel around it. Click the links to the pages, use his opt-in boxes. Do things that a customer would do. For their time and trouble he gave them each a free gift. A product that he was offering for sale on his site was theirs just for spending a few minutes surfing Johns site. They all did as they where asked. Guess what? No, it didn’t work perfectly. In fact, there where still several glitches. John fixed them and tested again. His friends visited his site once more. Hey Presto…..Everything worked.

Beware of ‘friends’.

When relying on friends to test your site and report back, there could be a ‘loyalty’ issue. They are after all your friends. Their opinion may not be completely unbiased. If a friend says “It was excellent John”, maybe they thought it was dodgy, but didn’t want to hurt your feelings. So only pick people that you know will be totally honest with you. Their brutality is for your own good. You need to know how a total stranger would feel about your site when they visit. What your Mom thinks isn’t really important.

Keep on testing………

As time goes by you have to make changes to your WebPages. Don’t forget to test the new additions. Get into the habit of checking that the older links are still in working order while your at it. By spending a little bit of time testing often can save you hours if not days of trying to put a problem right when things do go wrong. Also consider the customers that you could lose if your site/links aren’t working properly.

Concluding the story of John…..

John still continues to test the links on this sites. Actually, he pays someone else to do it now. Do you know why? It’s because he’s earning $150,000 a year and he can afford to pay someone else. He spends most of his time jet-setting with the wife and kids he felt he had neglected in the early days of setting up the business. He still does testing himself from time to time. He learned his lesson the hard way and he won’t forget it, ever…… When he spends time clicking through his sites links to make sure that they still operate, he’s usually found doing so on his laptop instead of on his old pc in the spare room. He sits on the balcony of his brand new house, the sun shining as he gazes out at the beach in front of him.

So the #1 tip for Newbie and old-hand Webmasters is test, test and test again. Everything. Then get other people to do the same. Compensate them for their trouble if you can. Never over look how serious this whole testing thing is. If not done properly it can result in disaster and many online businesses fail because of it. Is your business gona succeed or fail?

Here’s to YOUR internet success,

Jane Harper, Webmaster

In my thirty years as an advertising consultant, I ran into many businesses that
could have benefited from an in-house advertising agency. Instead, they spent
fortunes on various agencies that were more concerned with making money than
helping the client. So perhaps it’s time to set the record straight and offer some
advise to anyone that fits the following criteria. There are several types of
businesses that could be better off if they created a small division to handle their
marketing needs.

If you have a product you manufacture, you are tops on my list. It’s your product
and you should be controlling every aspect of the promotions. That includes:
product development, packaging, logo design, national media placement along with
trade publications, public relations and press releases, trade show booths, annual
report publication and any supplemental support materials like brochures, spec
sheets, and documentation.

It sounds like a daunting task, but any company that requires any or all of these
marketing tools should consider doing it in-house. Why? Because of two things:
control and self-interest. The business gets to control every aspect of the things the
public sees regarding the image of the company and it’s in the businesse’s best
interest to make the right decisions that will affect them most. In other words,
would any advertising agency give them all the time and effort it takes to produce
the work they desire? Perhaps they might, but at what cost?

Which brings up another issue: expense. Hiring a marketing director, copywriter
and artist will be cheaper in the long run if the company can support the
investment. It will prove more advantageous down the road to build this department
and have a say in the personnel that runs it. You will have to provide the technology
needed for the department to function, but having the ability to create internal
collateral material is a time and cost saving luxury even a medium-sized business
can appreciate.

Another point raised: business size. At what point in a business’s life can they
begin to contemplate hiring a staff for an in-house team? Review your current
advertising expenses. What would a staff cost in comparison, realizing the control
you are achieving? Look at the media costs. Most media allow fifteen percent agency
commissions that you gain through your own in-house marketing. What is that
worth?

But what about the little guy? If you’re a small business that places ads on a
regular basis, consider a single marketing person with the ability to design and
place ads. It’s the beginning of an agency with a much lower cost. It’s how I began
in the business. I was a designer for a small firm during college. I worked part-time
and they used me as they saw fit. The investment doesn’t have to be large or long-
term. But you’ll find more loyalty and cost benefits, for the most part.

That’s not to say that using a quality, advertising agency or consultant on
occasion, wouldn’t pay off. They may still be needed for a special project or second
opinion. But consider the value of an in-house person dedicated to your business.
You may find that it was the best investment you ever made.

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for
nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising
and has a Master’s Degree from Monmouth University. He had his own
advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design
firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, “Pursuit of the
Phoenix,” available at amazon.com. His latest book is, “Inside the Yellow
Pages.”

There are some places that just cannot be fully experienced or appreciated from the window of your car or tour bus. Key West, Florida is one of those places. Here culture, history and architecture combine to form one of the most memorizing and unique vacation destinations to be found anywhere in Florida. From the pastel cottages to the waving palms to the long, sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets, Key West is a place that is only truly experienced by really getting intimate with the island and breathing in all that is Key West.

One of the best ways to explore Key West is by foot. Only while walking through this amazing island can one fully appreciate the culture that is unique to the Key West locals and truly memorize the attractions to be found in all of their exquisite and vivid detail. That is why a leisurely vacation in Key West that includes exploring the island by foot makes a perfect vacation getaway for one, two or the whole family.

The local culture of Key West and its locals are unique. Here the people live a harmonious life where they are free to express themselves any way they wish. From clothing to hairstyles to lifestyles and body piercing, the Key West locals dance to the rhythm of their own drum. This way of looking at life creates a laid back and friendly atmosphere, which usually means that it does not take long for one to be attracted to the Key West lifestyle.

The Key West lifestyle is very subdued, simple and laid back. Although there are a few grand homes to be found, many locals live in small homes or cottages, which feature steep-pitched tin roofs, louvered wooden shutters, and inviting front porches. One of the favorite pastimes of the Key West natives is lounging on these picture-perfect porches while reading, playing games or just simple enjoying the temperate weather.

Rich and ornate architecture and landscaping is another way that the Key West locals fully express themselves. Key West is full of inspirational and exquisite architecture. In fact, one of the most enjoyed activities of tourists to Key West is touring the National Historic District in Old town, which includes almost 3,000 structures, public homes and museums. This is where the best architecture of Key West is to be found.

Here are just a few of the main architectural and tourist attractions to be found in the National Historic District, Key West:

The San Carlos Institute, located on Duval Street, is a monument to Cuban patriotic activity. This Spanish styled building was originally built in 1924 and was later restored and opened as a museum, library, school, theater and conference center in 1992. Featuring high ceilings and ornate mosaic tile, the San Carlos Institute is a must see for anyone visiting Key West. Both guided tours and films, which highlight the history of this imposing structure, are offered year round in Spanish and English.

Just a few steps away on Whitehead Street, is the John James Audubon House. This Bahamian-style white clapboard house is one of the oldest homes in Key West. The home was built in 1830s by ship carpenters using mahogany, cypress and heart pine. A museum is on site highlighting many of Audubon’s original engravings of bird species of Key West. There is also a tropical garden that features rare fruit trees and white orchids.

Also on Whitehead Street is the home where Ernest Hemingway lived during the years of 1931 to 1940. It was in this home that Hemingway penned some of his greatest works including To Have and Have Not, Death in the Afternoon, and The Snows of Kilimanjaro. The Spanish Colonial stone mansion features many of Hemingway’s earliest manuscripts, a second floor studio used by Hemingway, and some of Hemingway’s original furnishings.

So, if you are looking for a vacation experience like no other, perhaps you should consider touring Key West by foot. After a few days of taking one of the many walking tours mapped throughout the city and mingling with the natives, you may never want to come home.

By Rose Lenk
For more Key West and Florida articles and information visit Access Florida.

Combine the two of people’s predominating pursuits and you’ll find a phenomenon we term a sportsbook wagering web site. Seriously: what could feasibly be more resourceful? See a clique of sports fanatics rooting for a home lineup, and regularly antes are bound to be reckoned accompanying the rumpus. Seeking to catch some of the delights, onlookers will customarily strive to foreknow who is the likeliest to win in the upcoming challennge. At the end of the day, this eventually evolves into a nice and friendly challennge titled sportsbook wagering web site.

Sign up for the best online casino with sports bet games here.

If you want to wager, you will want to search for a sportsbook wagering web site, i.e. a setup which admits sportsbook wagering web site. In the United States, you’ll find no less than four states where to do sports betting officially, but if you don’t care for legality, you can do it essentially anywhere provided you can determine a bookie AND happen to be legally an adult. The sports events you have a choice of betting on are professional next to college football + college basketball, pro baseball, pro hockey, next to betting on. You’ll have a choice of risking some money on the entire tally of a contest, when an opponent will go under, and even whether a given tossed coin in a contest will come down heads or tails.

The bookies will confide in statistical methods to help you out conclude which lineup you trust is the likeliest to win. First of all, there is the chances, that is to say specific points lead given to a the trailing contestor that is expected to go under by a specified number points. Of Course, this constitutes the betting establishment’s calibrated methodology of making fifty-fifty wagers possible for a sports book. E.g. we may bet money on a contestant that is expected to go under and and nonetheless win the wager provided the contestor does actually take a licking by a specified number of points.

There are plenty of numerous different manners of lays– straight bets, teasers, and plenty more, the straight bets being the most common in sports betting.

Why not just conduct some test runs and enjoy the fun at the same time? Just determine that you won’t get seized and blow your entire pension plan on a caprice… Because you will be sure to catch yourself bewailing it all life long…

•With XanGo, you get the upside potential of a true ground floor opportunity with none of the risk. XanGo opened its doors for business in November 2002 and by the end of its 8th month in business, was completely debt free. By the end of its first year, XanGo had achieved an industry milestone by accumulating $50 Million in sales. Projected sales for 2004 are $150 million. Even this bold estimate however, based on the current rate of growth, could easily be shattered. •With $50 Million in Sales in Just One Year, XanGo has Already Entered Several Countries and is Poised to Become The Next Network Marketing Giant! •Currently operating in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Japan, Mexico, the Phillipines and many other countries in the near future, XanGo has quickly established itself as not only a force to be reckoned with, but as the fastest growing network marketing company in history. •XanGo has proven to be one of the fastest growing health and wellness products, ever! •As the first commercial product to feature the complete nutrition of the whole mangosteen fruit, XanGo is an indisputable category creator, unleashing a new superstar in the world of health supplements. •XanGo has partnered with Wild Flavors, a 70-year old $1.7 billion dollar company headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany. It is the leading manufacturer of functional health-related beverages, worldwide. •Virtually unknown in the West, mangosteen has been used been used for thousands of years in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and folk medicine throughout Asia. •Although almost unheard of in the temperate zones of North America and Europe, mangosteen is so prized by inhabitants of tropical rain forests that it is universally known as the Queen of Fruits and the Fruit of the Gods. In fact, when Queen Victoria tasted this imported delicacy in the mid-1800s, she promptly declared it her favorite fruit. •Traditionally utilized to control pain, fever and to ward off infections of every kind, to protect against disease, increase energy, and as a natural anti-inflammatory, the whole mangosteen fruit has been used and revered for thousands of years. •The pericarp, or rind, of the mangosteen is particularly rich in xanthones, which represent the next generation of powerful phytonutrients; phytonutrients that will change the future of dietary supplements. In fact there are more xanthones in a mangosteen than any other food on earth!

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Right now, we’re looking for key individuals throughout the world who are ready to take action. People who wish to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves. NaturesWellnessSecret.com offers the proven tools and the powerful support you’ll need to grow your XanGo business at warp speed without having to be an expert.

Now, through a breakthrough marketing plan, you can not only offset your monthly supply of XanGo , essentially making it FREE, but you can also turn a part-time effort into a Full-Time income. Like a movie or rock star who gets paid every time the movie is played or their song is played on the radio, you can get paid each and every time someone in your XanGo organization orders a case of XanGo. A full 50 cents out of every dollar in fact, is paid out to people just like you, just for doing something that you’re going to do anyway, once you try this insanely healthy and truly delicious beverage: share it with others! Rather than sell the product in stores, XanGo would rather pay you for making a simple referral. XanGo will send you a check, month after month, year after year, for the life of each customer in your network, no matter how big it grows!

Visit our site at http://www.waysto.natureswellnesssecret.com , become a member of our fast growing team and add your testimonial in out Testimonials’ list.

Bellow listed some testimonials by current XanGo independent distributors.

Dr.David Morton, Ph.D. “As one of the first American scientists to do extensive secondary research on mangosteen, its origins, and its uses, I can tell you that the verdict is in: mangosteen works. I wouldn’t be surprised if it became the next Aloe Vera, or even bigger.”

Nancy C. “My good friends told me about the mangosteen product…within the first two weeks I had my life back. It has changed my whole life…”

Antonio “XanGo is by far and away THE most exiting opportunity I have ever participated in. I have more people on my team excited after just 2 weeks than in a full 2 years in my previous company. There’s just something magical about this product and company. Whatever you do, do not miss this one!”

Christina H. “Everybody’s going crazy for XanGo. I’ve never seen anything quite like it! The product has literally taken on a life of its own. I’ve barely put any time into it as of yet and my business has taken off like a rocket. I can only imagine what the future holds. With XanGo, the sky is truly the limit!!”

Jesse J. “I have never found a product more consumable and fun to share than XanGo! Every one of my customers runs out of their product before their next shipment. Who couldn.t build a business with a product like this? Great Taste and Powerful Science! Wow! What a combination!”

Karina S. “Being from the Phillipines, I was already familiar with the power of mangosteen. So when I first heard about XanGo, I got excited. But nothing could have prepared me for the explosion that has taken place in my business in the first 60 days! Even the most skeptical people are jumping in with both feet after they experience the product!”

Naomi A. “Since I have been taking the mangosteen product for a little over six weeks I have noticed a drastic change with my knees. I have been suffering with terrible pain… “

Norma E. “I was pretty impressed the first time I heard the CD Interview. Two things stuck out at me most with relation to the research done on mangosteen: first of all the anti-tumor studies and second the anti-alzheimer effects…”

Kat B. “At the age of 45 I had a baby. Complications during childbirth resulted in a life threatening situation. I credit mangosteen juice with literally saving my life. I will never ever be without this juice.”

Barry G. “When I heard about all the excitement the XanGo brand - the company and the product were generating in the marketplace, it sounded too good to be true. But when I did my research, not only did everything check out,but it surpassed my wildest expectations!”

Sheldon C. “As a writer/director, Xango makes a great story. Everything about it is unique and fresh. As a sideline business, I’ve enjoyed seeing this grow as it allows me the time and freedom to pursue my passion in the arts. Having never done anything like this before, I’m amazed by how easy it is to become successful!”

Jared M. “My ‘Discovery’ of Xango has absolutely re-invigorated my passion for this great industry. I have not seen anything in years that comes even close to the magnitude of what we have here with Xango. This one a ‘no brainer’!”

Daniel B. “XanGo is the opportunity of a lifetime. It just has that magic to it. Everything is in place for XanGo to emerge as the next billion dollar giant in the network marketing industry. Shouldn’t you be onboard?”

Janet “A friend of mine called and said that they had this juice with the mangosteen fruit in it. Within a matter of just a few days I was up and around as if I had never been in pain and I got very excited…”

After working hard all year long, everyone deserves a vacation to relieve all the stress and to enjoy time with friends and family. This is why it’s important to choose a destination that will fulfill all expectations…Disneyland!

As many go on holiday with family, it is essential that there is something to enjoy for all members of the family, and this is certainly the case at Disneyland. Surprises are always welcomed, but if you have children and you decide to spend your vacation in a city that has nothing fun to offer them, then the surprise turns into a nightmare. Going away from friends, even if for a week, seems to children something that requires an effort, so try and make then want that vacation by offering them exciting with plenty of things to do, things that can combine education and pleasure.

The choice of Disneyland vacation destinations is entirely yours. Depending upon a number of factors you may choose to visit Disneyland in Paris, Florida, California, or Tokyo. This will depend on how far you are willing to travel, your vacation budget, and if there are any other attractions that you may wish to visit whilst there. All offer great features for kids and adults to enjoy, and there is always plenty going on at all times of the day to ensure that no-one gets bored.

Maybe Disneyland isn’t for you, but of course there are wonderful places to visit all around the world. If budget allows it, you can make a trip around the world to visit the seven world’s wonders, which will be something that you will never forget. The Pyramids for instance are mysterious buildings, dated since the ancient Egyptians, enclosing a technology and architecture that can hardly be matched even in today’s world. Go and walk through these world wonders to try and understand the mystery, to see for yourself the simplicity of the people and the splendor of the country.

Vacation can simply be spent at home also. We can just relax and catch up on lost sleep if we feel too exhausted to travel. Meeting friends, having barbecues, sitting by the pool and playing with children will make us forget the hard year that passed. However, make sure one of your vacations is spent at Disneyland; it really is a “must-do” vacation that shouldn’t be missed!

Disneyland Tickets provides some great information on a variety of Disneyland topics including the Disneyland hotel. Be sure to stop by the site and have a read through the information available.

The Buddhist Temples in Thailand are simply impressive. This is particularly true of Wat Doi Suthep, the mountain temple outside Chang Mai.

Wat Doi Suthep

More or less located on the top of Suthep Mountain, Wat Doi Suthep is a day trip from the city. You’ll notice I didn’t write an “easy” day trip. When the Thais build a mountain temple, they’re serious about the mountain aspect.

Suthep Mountain is large as is the road winding up it. I had planned to rent a mountain bike and ride up to it early in the morning. While sitting in a beverage establishment the previous evening, the bartender had to take a minute to himself to stop laughing after revealed my plans. I wasn’t sure if this was because I was actually in the establishment or because of the road up the mountain.

The next morning I was a little less enthusiastic about my riding plans, so much so I rented a moped. Off I went and, after a few wrong turns, I was headed up the mountain. I felt a bit guilty as I passed a few people riding bikes up the hill. As I putted up the hill, I thought the exercise would have done me well. Up I went enjoying the view. And up I went and went and went. If there had been any turns off the road, I would’ve sworn I had taken a wrong turn.

It turns out the ride from Chang Mai to the Wat was something like 22 miles. All of it up hill at a grade that would get a whimper out of Tour de France rider. The people riding up the hill were definitely not professional riders. It was like watching a progression of misery. The higher you went, the more unhappy the looked.

Pulling into the parking lot for the Wat was like pulling into a disaster zone. Twenty or so bikers were sprawled out on the ground in various states of agony. Some appeared to have ridden to a soft looking spot and just fallen over. Most were saying things like, “Never again.”

I spent an hour up at Wat Doi Suthep overlooking the valley below. It is definitely worth a day trip from Chang Mai. Just don’t try to mountain bike to it. I never saw any of the wounded in the parking lot actually come into the Wat!

1) When taking taxis from an airport to your hotel, travel in the more expensive airport taxis and ensure that the drivers have official identification. Never take a taxi waiting outside the airport grounds.

I know this sounds extreme, but it is by far better to be safe then sorry.

2) When traveling from your hotel to the airport, go with a taxi recommended by the hotel.

Again, taxi’s can be very dangerous. I can’t express that enough.

3) Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night.

This can just go wrong in a number of ways. It is much easier getting checked in during the day time and security at night in certain areas is just horrendous.

4) Travel in a group if possible.

Since when is traveling in numbers not a good idea?

5) Learn the basics in the local language before you arrive. Don’t expect that people will speak English.

English is becoming more widely spoken these days, but you want to be sure. You should always check on these things before your arrival.

6) Keep your valuables hidden.

A money belt is great if it is an option that you willing to look into. There are many different styles of money belt. One of the most popular is an “over the shoulder” style wallet on a strap that you were underneath your top. This makes it very difficult for a thief to make off with your valuables.

7) Avoid going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist would be expected to go. Seek local advice or take a guide.

Read the guide books and talk with other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided.

9) When leaving discos late at night take a taxi home no matter how close your hostel is. Outside most discos you’ll find a street vendor selling cigarettes. Usually these people know all the taxi drivers and can recommend a safe one.

10) When arriving in a new town, keep to your original plan and stay in the hostel that you have decided on. Don’t let the taxi driver persuade you that your hostel is fully booked and that he knows a cheaper and better one. He’ll be working on commission and the hostel probably won’t be in a safe part of town.

11) Even better, when arriving lane/train in a new city, try to reserve your hotel in advance, preferably with a hotel that has an airport/station collection service.

12) Don’t wear expensive looking jewelry.

13) On public transport have your day pack close to you at all times, preferably with the straps around your legs or padlocked to the luggage rack. On buses your backpack will normally go outside, either on top of the roof or in the external luggage compartments. On long distance buses ask for a receipt for your bags. On short rides just keep a careful eye out each time the bus stops to off-load bags. In the event of having your bags stolen, stay with the bus - you will probably require a declaration from the bus company accepting responsibility for the loss in order to claim any money from your insurance company.

14) Leave your valuables in your hotel safe when making day trips or longer tours. Obtain a receipt not just for your money belt/wallet etc. but for its contents, with each item listed.

15) If you have to leave your passport and credits cards together, place the credit card in a sealed envelope and sign your name across the flap. This way when you return you will know that nothing has been tampered with.

16) If planning on going to market areas, crowded streets, fiestas etc. don’t go with all your valuables. Leave them in the hotel. If you’re planning on buying something expensive keep your money safely in a money belt. Try to be discreet when opening it! To protect small change in your pockets you can stuff a handkerchief in after.

17) If the pavements are really crowded, especially in market areas, walk in the road.

18) If you suspect someone is following you, stop and stare them in the eye until they go. If you really get a bad feeling about a place, go with your first instincts and leave. Bag slashing is rare nowadays but for added safety you can wear your day pack on your chest.

19) If it’s on your back try to walk without stopping. If you need to stop, sway your pack gently from side to side so that you can feel if anyone is tampering with it.

20) When putting your bag down on the floor, to take a photo or just to sit in a caf©, remember to put your foot through the strap. Not only will it be impossible to snatch, you also won’t forget it! This is the most common type of theft - tourists forgetting bags in cafes and on returning to ask if anyone has seen it, you’ve guessed it, it’s gone.

Eric Odom is an avid backpacker who runs student travel websites for a living. His latest site can be found at www.backpackearth.com

If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ve undoubtedly learned that your success depends on your relationships, be it with your customers, suppliers, and other business people in your industry. You may have had someone give you valuable advice, teach you a skill, or provide constructive criticism. It’s true that even if you’re a solo entrepreneur, you can’t do it alone.

More and more businesses are finding value in joint ventures, strategic alignments, and co-branding. How do these businesses find each other? The businesses didn’t. The humans in the businesses did, demonstrating that human relationships are critical.

Often, people seeking out a mutually beneficial relationship with another business person fail to focus enough time on the relationship building aspect of the process. They focus great energy and attention on coming up with ideas to maximize the union and on reaching desired outcome, but little focus on nurturing relationships to maximum potential.

Think this is huggy feely stuff? Think again. This is hard-core, bottom-line money stuff.

Consider charities. Most charities receive a significant portion of their income from wealthy individuals. And the charities don’t even offer a product in return!

For example, Sam might contribute $40,000 to his favorite charity this year, and do so willingly. He also might purchase a new car for $40,000. In exchange for $40,000, the charity gave him a thank you and a tax receipt. In exchange for $40,000, the car dealer sold him a car.

In the first transaction, Sam walks away with something of little value. Sure, a tax deduction is nice, but the value certainly won’t net $40,000. In the second transaction, he walks away with a brand new car, something that has that “new car smell,” something that might even be a status symbol, and certainly something very useful in his life for years to come.

You’d think that Sam would feel much friendlier towards the car dealer. Look how much more he received in return for his $40,000 from the car dealer than from the charity!

What if the car dealer approaches Sam next year and says “How about another car?” The chances are that Sam would say “No thank you.” But you can bet that next year the charity will ask Sam for another $40,000, maybe even more, and the chances are also good that Sam will write another check, and another one the year after that!

Charities devote a majority of their time thinking about their relationships with their donors.

Here is the key point of this article: Charities create strategic plans around relationships they want to cultivate and grow. If Sam was a first-time customer at the dealership, it’s likely that the relationship between Sam and the dealership didn’t start until Sam walked through their door. However, often, charities start working on relationships with people before the people even know about it!

With Sam, it may have looked like this:

Someone in or close to the charity brought Sam’s name up as someone who is wealthy and philanthropic. The staff of the charity researched Sam and learned that many of Sam’s passions relate to what the charity does. Remember, Sam is totally unaware of any of this.

Then the charity considered the best strategy for getting on Sam’s radar. They considered a letter, a phone call, and other options. They learn that Sam’s wife and the wife of one of their current donors are friends. They approach the wife of the current donor for help. She invites Sam’s wife to tea, and brings up the topic of the charity, just to feel her out. Sam’s wife responds positively.

Sam and his wife are invited to the charity’s annual dinner and auction. They attend. At the auction, the wife of the donor introduces the director of the charity to Sam and his wife. They chat, and the director asks if she could visit them some time to get their ideas on a new initiative. Sam and his wife accept.

The director visits Sam and his wife, and obtains their feedback on the initiative. A few months later, the plan is rolled out, with their feedback incorporated into the plan. The plan is brought to Sam and his wife again, this time with a request for financial support to help roll the plan out. Now that Sam and his wife have some “ownership” of the initiative, they are happy to write a check.

Over the next year, the director reports to Sam and his wife on the progress of the initiative.

The next year, it is easy to call upon Sam again to ask for additional support, or to support a different initiative. The relationship has been built, and the charity will continue to devote a lot of energy in growing this relationship.

This is the lesson entrepreneurs can learn from non-profits. For example, when considering a joint venture, who might the best person be to approach? Maybe the best person is the person at the top of his or her field and has no idea you even exist. Maybe you feel you need to stay within your own “league,” even though the endorsement of this person could boost your business immeasurably.

Instead of picking up the phone, barging into that person’s office, or sending an email out of the blue, take time to develop an approach plan. Research the person, perhaps determine if you have any mutual acquaintances, come up with a legitimate reason to contact this person, and then grow the relationship with care and consideration. Be genuine about wanting to create win-win situations, and accept that growing relationships takes time.

If you build your business with some of these principles, you might be amazed at the cadre of wise, experienced, and influential people who might make themselves available to you. And as for car dealers, the truth is that they DO proactively court customers like Sam. Who is your ideal customer? Consider how a charity might begin and foster a relationship with that person, and develop your own plan accordingly. If you have several relationship plans at various stages of development, you will soon see your base of highly qualified, eager customers grow.

Holly Zenith is a motivational author and netpreneur, who has also worked extensively with non-profits in helping them grow their donor bases. Visit her website at http://www.hollyzenith.com

Eli and Edythe Broad established The Broad Foundation in 1999 to help improve K-12 urban public education. The foundation’s Prize for Urban Education has given scholarships to more than 730 students since 2002. For school year 2007, a $500,000 scholarship was awarded to the New York City Department of Education while four finalist districts were given $125,000 each. All finalists went through a rigid selection process undertaken by education researchers, policy leaders, practitioners, and executives from leading universities. The scholarship program is awarded to schools whose students show substantial improvement in their performance throughout high school and are in need of financial assistance.All student recipients are graduating high school seniors who exhibit a desire to pursue a college education. Aside from helping schools and students deal with the financial needs of a good education, Eli and Edythe Broad’s scholarship program has set an example of how a student can succeed if he strives hard. It has helped bring back faith in the public school system. Every year, schools work harder by encouraging their students to do their best. This unique scholarship concept recognizes excellence and the combined efforts of students, parents, teachers, the school administration, and the district or community to which the school belongs. More than anything else, Eli and Edythe Broad have given every child the right to quality public education which can later on contribute to the foundation of the country’s democracy and economic success.

Eli Broad is featured on Faces of Philanthropy.

Manta has published a profile on CEMEX California.

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