Out of the Blog, Into the Light

Article Published

Article by Catherine Franz, "One-Two-Three Punch Marketing," published in the Business Tool Chest.

To read:
Business Tool Chest

The latest personal development visitor demographics

The results of our most recent demographic statistics for people looking for personal development help on the Internet, this includes coaches (life, business and executive).

85% visitors are from the US and Canada
58% are female, 42% male.
Visitors age analysis:
· 81% fall between the ages of 30 to 59
* 30 to 29 - 28%
* 40 to 49 - 34%
* 50 to 59 - 19%
66% are college educated
61% have yearly incomes over $50K
82% have purchased online and do so frequently
11% have purchased directly from our sponsors
Products and services visitors want from the professional development websites they visit:
· Personal Development Products
· Self Improvement Seminars
· Personal Finance Products & Services
· Coaching Services
· Business & Employment Opportunities
· Travel & Tourism Information
· Arts & Crafts
· Website Design, Development & Marketing

Latest Internet Category List

According to five leading research companies, here are the TOP 20 categories people are search for between January – June 2004 on the Internet:

1. travel
2. health
3. cars
4. mortgage
5. computers
6. gifts
7. flowers
8. insurance
9. jobs
10. homes
11. diet
12. education
13. shopping
14. mustic
15. dating
16. electronics
17. cell phones
18. debt consolidation
19. investing
20. credit cards

Wake Up! Knowledge Is Not Power

For generations, society’s mantra to us was, “Knowledge is power.” And that knowledge equaled power. As long as this continued to be subjective, unproven, society kept singing the mantra.

Boom!

The Internet comes along, knowledge increases 10,000 percent over night, and society chases the knowledge in greater numbers. More people are getting PhD’s and double master degrees than ever before. Stress-related diseases increased 100% last year alone.

What's wrong with this picture?

The subjective is now objective. You don’t need any stats for this. Use your instincts. You “know” this already just with your own life. It's time for this cultural trance to awaken from a belief that has now proved itself incorrect.

So, then, what really needs to change?

Well, it didn't ever really change. The ladder was leaning against the wrong wall, that’s all. We can’t point fingers; we are just now seeing the mantra. The motivational trainers like Tony Robbins sing this daily. What’s different is that we no longer can deny the truth of it. My grandma told me long ago, “The proofs in the pudding.”

Do you relate to this? Even in a small way? Great! The good news – it only takes 30 seconds to shift your perspective. That’s several 30-second times throughout the day until its totally gone. It will not take long though. The real key that I’m getting into now will override the ole mantra much faster.

The real key to success is action. Think about it. We already have tons of information swirling in our heads that we haven't used. So, when were you going to use it? Someday maybe. When you are sitting in the rocking chair in retirement community? Now, don’t get me wrong, it isn’t too late to start it then either. But gosh darn it, who would want to wait until them. Not I. And I don’t think you either. There’s more energy available the younger you are.

Stop chasing more knowledge. Start taking action with what’s already available. When you use up what’s available, then reach out.

“Action leads to success.” Adopt this new mantra. Set the books aside. Pick up your brain instead. Start with a short and quick action plan with a clearly defined goal. Not a “long drawn out take a month” plan. Keep it simple. Keep it short. Don’t overwhelm your mind with anything else. Then you are returning to the ole mantra. Don’t wait until the kid’s soccer game this weekend.

Stop what you’re doing. It will only take three minutes. Go ahead; grab the post it notes. Aren’t they beneath the paper stack to your left? I play post-it note roulette on my office wall all the time. It’s quick, easy, fast, and I can spend more time taking action. In my case, writing more.

Tony Robbins says, "The only thing that makes a difference is ACTION! Action is the foundational key to all success."

Okay, you hesitated. Couldn’t find the post it notes, huh. Okay, use a full sheet of paper, I won’t tell. Write down two goals. Yes, you read right, TWO. They could be something you’ve been putting off, or two that have been rumbling around in your mind the past few days. Right now, this instant, write. Do it before another distraction occurs. If it’s clear for you in your mind, hold that vision, but write down the goal. I don’t care if you can’t spell it or if the grammar isn’t right. You know what it is. Leave the details out, how the vision, and staple the goal to that vision and bring them together with a finger snap.

Good job! I’m proud of you. Took some extra coaching. But I know you at least have their focus. Promise, you will not move your mind away until you've made two decisions.

Okay, done that. Now write two steps for each decision that you can do today. Now, go ahead, think what can you do right now to start. I know, I know, you’re saying, “Catherine, dah, I’ve already started I wrote two decisions down.” You’re right. You have already started. Two pats on the back. Now the next step is going to be just as easy. What is it? Remember; take it from the knowledge you already have.

Is it lose weight and pick up the phone and call a few of the gyms to find out more? What about a walk or parking in the furthest part of the parking lot when you return from lunch? What about not munching on those potato chips while you’re reading this?

Do you want to write a book and have been “waiting” for the table of contents to magically appear? Pick up the pen and start wherever the mind is at. Most books are never written from page 1. Take that action.

When you complete that action, figure out the next or start the next. Trust what’s already inside of you. It’s there. You just haven’t used this process frequently enough. Go ahead. Start. The water’s fine. You know that.

You will find that once you start taking that first step, the universe will begin to send all that you need. Mix that with what you already have, and then reach for the knowledge. Not before. This is the same story with writing a nonfiction book. Stop researching first and write first. Get all your knowledge out, and then reach.

Set a quick, simple goal, then take action, and see the momentum. Don’t reverse it. Okay, I can see you are well on your way today. Now print this article out and reread it tomorrow and the next. Let it move you with inspiration and desire for your dreams to come true.

You deserve that!

Copyright 2003-2004, Catherine Franz.

**** About The Author ****

Catherine Franz is a Marketing & Writing Coach, niches, product development, Internet marketing,
nonfiction writing and training. More articles can be found at -- The Abundance Center

Ten Fast Ways to Sell Your Products

Always give a reason for the sale for credibility.

1. If you have old Inventory, give a closeout sale.

2. Return sales. Sometimes called a scratch and dent
sale. Offer any less than perfect inventory at a special
discount. Always mention the character flaw with the
product -- the corner’s bent, label glue scratch somewhere.

3. Only one or two left. Sell them for half price. Post
on eBay. Combine them with another product, change the
price to cover half of the orginal price.

4. Discount sale. You could create one or two-time
seasonal discount sale. Use Ikea’s model of a sale only
once a year. How about holidays, the President’s birthday,
or the company’s X year sale. Auto dealers have over used
this and people don't pay much attention to them any longer.
Be careful not to do the same.

5. Use Amazon’s model and offer free shipping for orders
over $X. Alternatively, offer free shipping with limited
dates or if they upgrade.

6. Have higher priced items for sale? Offer a special
payment with automatic billing to their credit card.

7. Add ways to provide samples. Free trials, free
previews, with automatic delayed payment after X days if
they don't return the product by that date. To screen
customers, charge a small fee like a delivery fee, postage,
or an amount you pay for processing their credit card.

8. Offer a pre-sell price. Product not ready...book at
the printers or currently in the mail to Amazon, sell it
anyway. Offer a pre-production price. Just be careful on
your dates.

9. Has someone purchased a similar product or smaller
version? Offer them a "special" customer offer.

10. Use the "if you buy now, we'll give you two for the
price of one" offer. This offer has worked well in Sunday
morning TV ads, why not for yours. Tell them they can give
the other away for a Christmas or birthday gift. Whenever
you solve two problems with one offer, you have gotten their
attention. This works the same as a bonus offer.

Copyright 2004, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.

****** ABOUT THE AUTHOR ***********

Catherine Franz is a Marketing & Writing Coach, niches,
product development, Internet marketing,
nonfiction writing and training.
Articles: http://www.abundancecenter.com
blog: http://abundance.blogs.com

Creating Assets: Spark Your Thinking With These 16 Comprehensive Questions

By Catherine Franz

Here are some questions to get your thoughts and cash flow
moving that will also keep your product creating aligned and
focused.

Find your gold mine in your surroundings by looking at any
promotional literature you have created, audio or video
tapes you have produced, press releases or articles about or
by you, your product catalog or list and even your business
card.

1. What is the one single important subject from your
experience or knowledge that you want to tell the world
about? If you have a list or create a list, which one
speaks to you the loudest?

2. What are you most frequently surprised about that people
ask about in your subject area? Track all the questions
people are asking -- they are telling you what they are
willing to buy. It is usually something so common sense to
you that it escapes your radar. Be observant for a month
and you will be amazed on what pops up.

3. When you created your list or selected the single
important subject, look to narrow down this topic into
segments. Can these segments be a product or service on
their own? Most of the time it can be.

4. How will you spread the word -- what will be your
marketing tool for this subject/segment? Think how buyers
want to hear about it (not what's in your comfort level --
that is if you want it to be easy as possible -- however it
doesn't have to be). Can this become a profit center for
you? If yes, how? What are your ideas and thoughts?

5. What is the top thing you want people to know about this
subject/segment? Is it a new skill, perspective, attitude,
expanding general knowledge, wisdom -- what?

6. Does the information need to be presented in logical
order or randomly?

7. What do you want people to do or not to do, change or
move during or afterwards with this? How will this benefit
them?

8. Who besides this market can benefit from this? Are
there any other specific markets that this would apply to?
Manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, who?

9. Is there any specific words or language for this
topic/subject/segment? If not specific, what words appear
more frequently than others? Create a list of keywords that
you might search on the Internet if you were looking for
information on this.

10. Think back to a time when you first learned about this
topic/subject/segment. Did you keep any notes or journal
entries? Did you receive an aha moment when you learned a
principle or key about this? Yes, then write about the
story/aha moment.

11. Do some research on the Internet and Amazon. What
other information is available on this? How old is this
information? Create a file in your word processing software
and call it "[your topic/subject] research." Do the
research in small chunks or big ones. Don't read until you
have collected 10-20 pages. Set a time limit on the
research and/or number of pages of research notes. Don't
forget to track the URL source. Keep cutting and pasting
the information in as you progress.

12. What do people need to know about you? Why do you want
to tell this or teach it? Do you have any credentials, if
not, that's okay to, however, what is your experience on
this topic? More times than not, life training is worth a
lot more than credentials.

13. Do you have any other information that connects or
compliments this topic/segment? Another article, booklet,
audiotape -- anything -- go-ahead pull it out and gather it
all together.

14. Have you heard any short anecdotes on this topic? If
so, what were they, who was the source? Can you interview
them to hear it again? Give them the credit; it makes you
more attractive on the topic?

15. Does your information need visual assistance? Graphics,
pictures, charts, models. Anything come to mind as a
possibility? Draft out every idea so they can grow. Use the
research you are doing to spark your creativity. If someone
presents it in words, can you do it in a model or drawing?

16. Are there any ebooks on the topic? What about special
reports? Paid or free? If purchased, does it compliment
your topic or how can you create a different angle and use
it to compliment? Can you create an affiliate with their
product? Do you want to use it as a marketing lead-in or as
a bonus?

Boy, that was tough thinking about all this and answering
these questions. Yes, I agree. Yet, as I know you well see
while reading them, how important they are to your success.

Now, the tough time comes, you need to sit down and
answering them. Not just once, however, on a regular basis.
Like minimum once a year.

Take the time, it's the best time you will ever spend
working "on" your business. Best wishes on your journey. If
you need guidance, let me know.

(c) Copyright 2003, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.

~*~*~*~ RESOURCE BOX ~*~*~*~*~*

About Author: Catherine Franz is a marketing industry
veteran, a Certified Business Coach, Certified Teleclass
Leader and Trainer, speaker, author, and Master Attraction
Practitioner. For daily, weekly, and monthly
marketing, nonfiction writing and deliberately creating
ezines and other newsletters, visit:
http://www.AbundanceCenter.com
mailto:catherine@abundancecenter.com

~*~*~*~ PUBLISHING GUIDELINES ~*~*~*~*~*

Publishing Guidelines: Permission is granted to publish this
article electronically in free-only publications, like a web
site or ezine (print requires individual permission) as long
as the bylines (resource box) is included in full (no
modifications). You must make all links active within the
article and bylines. A courtesy copy is required and sent to
the author.

((((((((()))))))))))))

10 Easy-To-Learn Tips On Handling Interruptions

Article, 10 Easy-To-Learn Tips On Handling Interruptions, published today at:

Small Business and Home Business

One-Two-Three Punch Marketing

My article, One-Two-Three Punch Marketing, published and can be read for the next week at:

Home Based Business Opportunities

Catherine

The "Little Things"

******* Note from Catherine **************

It's easy to get angry when we can't catch a taxi or get a blister wearing new shoes, this story as simple as it expressed is a reminder that it is the little things that we do that can impact our lives forever. This is reminder of those simple things.

***************************************

Let me share what was emailed to me this morning through Michael, a friend, at the VA...Thank you Michael, this made my year!

After Sept. 11th, one company invited remaining members of other companies who had been decimated by the attack on the Twin Towers to share their available office space.

At a morning meeting, the head of security told stories of why these people were alive...... and they all were about the simple things of that morning...

As you might know, the head of the company got in late that day because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid.
That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone ... all the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment.

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose.

Pass this on to someone else, if you'd like. There is NO LUCK attached. If you delete this, it's okay: God's Love Is Not Dependent on E-Mail.

By Diane, Department of Veterans Affairs

On a roll, here's 12 more article links

1. Writing for XML.com or WebServices.XML.com
http://www.xml.com/pub/a/contributing.html

2. Hearing Exchange is a community dedicated to meeting your needs about issues related to hearing loss. We encourage you to participate by submitting your original articles, tips or ideas for articles.
http://www.hearingexchange.com/article_submissions.htm

3. Travel writing
http://www.travelnotes.org/City-Guides/index.htm

4. Have any preschoolers?
This site is not only looking for submission of ideas but articles as well.
http://www.preschooleducation.com/writers.shtml

5. Kids books
http://www.kidsbooklink.org/articles.html
We seek informational articles particular to a specific children's genre and strong general articles about our craft. We especially need articles for illustrators.
Query editor@KidsBookLink.org

6. Articles about: women who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy termination, stillbirth, neonatal death, and/or infant death
http://www.honoredbabies.org/writing-center/form-article.htm

7. http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/guide.htm
email submissions only to: journal@writerswrite.com
The IWJ is seeking articles on improving writing skills (any genre), the publishing industry, journalism, screenwriting, songwriting, business writing, playwriting, writing markets, Internet writing, and articles on writing-related topics. The articles should be between 1500-1750 words in length.

8. Write articles on map making:
http://heroes.mycomport.com/maphaven/mapmakersguild/articles.html

9. Building valuable communities:
http://www.ecoiq.com/magazine/submitfeatures/

10. Web site where children with learning disabilities can post their articles. Those with ADD, etc. I loved this site. It gets them writing. Whoever thought this site was has my deepest respect.
http://www.ldresources.com/site_info/submit_writing.html

11. Self Starters Weekly Tips, Submit Online Business Tips & Marketing Articles, for review and possible inclusion in future issues:
Lynn@SelfStartersWeeklyTips.com
Ooops, forget the URL on this one...I think it was www.selfstartersweeklytips.com. Not sure though. If it doesn't work, try looking for the name above in a search engine.

12. C/C++ Users Journal publishes C, C++, and Java related articles
http://www.cuj.com/corner/guidelines.htm