Cranky Yankee's Marketing Tips

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Extended Hours = Better Service

I just got a note from AWeber, the autoresponder company, that they are extending their live support hours.
"You asked, we listened.

Affiliates like yourself, whether you are around the corner or
around the world, need support in growing and managing your
website opt-in list during all hours of the day.

Starting Monday May 22nd, our expert support team will be here an
extra 4 hours per day to help you.

Current: 9AM - 5PM EST
New Hours: 7AM - 7PM EST Starting Monday May 22nd.

AWeber is the only autoresponder/newsletter email service
provider with extended customer service hours of 7AM - 7PM EST.
Along with nearly 8 years of experience reliably delivering
opt-in email to subscribers inboxes this is a very big advantage
over other competitors out there.

Some places try to say they have extended email support hours,
which we all know they simply answer the next day. When you need
help, talking to someone on the phone or via live chat can make a
huge difference in getting your problem solved fast.

For newbies trying to navigate the world of building an
email opt-in list having reliable, friendly, expert support
only a toll free phone call, email, or livechat away can
make all the difference in their success for failure."

http://www.aweber.com/?209502

This is the autoresponder I use. I already had an account there for my http://www.crankyyankee.biz site, and the Plug-in-Profit team was able to reset the automatic sign-up boxes on my PIP website to point to Aweber instead of the GetResponse system they use. I've had to manually move and edit their messages series, but I didn't have to upgrade to a pro account at GetResponse which saved me enough money to be worth putting in the time.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

How to Choose Your Online Business

Are you trying to start an online business? Are you overwhelmed with the many online business programs available or concerned that you'll lose money by investing in them? While many offers sound too good to be true, there are some very good ones available - but how can you be sure? Learning to read between the lines will better prepare you for what's really involved.

Here are some common phrases used to promote online businesses and what they really mean:

#1 - Simple & Easy
Simple and easy depends on who's speaking. A doctor may tell you it's only a "simple procedure" but that doesn't mean that you should attempt it yourself.

Many online businesses ARE simple to operate. If you understand how it works you will be amazed at the simplicity - but getting to that point will require time and experience. You may just need to try a few to get a feel for the business before deciding which one is easiest for you.

Those who have learned from experience can look back and see how simple it COULD have been if they'd known what to do all along. Finding a trustworthy guide can be a great assistance to your business efforts.


#2 - Anyone Can Do This
Sorry - starting a business of any kind is stressful and requires a learning curve. If you are attempting an online business out of desperation or the belief you will make easy money you will face enormous obstacles. On the other hand, if you are truly seeking a business you can learn, work at and make a living from, you will find something online that fits your needs.

Studies of successful business people concur that those who make it have common qualities of persistence, patience and desire. These qualities are essential when trying to start an online business - do you have them?

#3 - Turnkey

The term "turnkey" used to mean that a business was set up and ready to go. You will find the term in business classifieds where the new owner can just step in and start running the business. Unfortunately some marketers use the term to suggest a business is fully automated - that there is no work involved.

There is always work involved. If the business really is turnkey then you will begin work right away because it has already been set to go. If you want an automated business you will have to do the work to make it automated. Either way, nobody is going to give you an automated, turnkey business that makes money - they had to do the work, so why would they share it?

#4 - It Won't Cost Anything

You absolutely CAN set up an online business with no money, but be prepared that a combination of no money and lack of experience will stifle your efforts immensely.

Most individuals who start or run a business with no money have learned how to make use of the best free techniques through experience. They have paid their dues by trying businesses that cost money. They have spent time in and around their industry or market and they've been able to see where they can cut costs.

If you are prepared to spend a LOT of time researching before starting your business you may be one of the few who does it right the first time. For most people though, expect to pay something towards your online business education before seeing results - you just can't buy experience.

Online business obviously has its share of work involved, but finding the right one has enormous payoffs many people are willing to sacrifice time and money to achieve. Running your own business is satisfying and can give you more time to do what you really want to do in life.

Creating a successful online business is within the grasp of nearly everyone who is prepared to stick to it. Face the task of starting your business with realistic expectations while continuing to dream big and you may just surprise yourself!

Stone Evans' Plug-in-Profit sites give you a customizable website and the training you need to make multiple streams of income from it. Get the details at:Cranky Yankee Profits

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Nancy McPherson, Mrs. Cranky Yankee, operates The Cranky Yankee Diabetic Cooking site (http://www.crankyyankee.biz) and the Cranky Yankee Profits marketing site (http://www.crankyyankeeprofits.com.) She writes and blogs on health, nutrition, English usage, and internet marketing on Blogger.com and Blogestates.com.