Archive for January, 2008

8 Ways To Differentiate And Move Past Your Competition

Tuesday, January 15th, 2008

By Charles Brown Jack Trout succinctly says, Price is often the enemy of differentiation. Unfortunately, price is also the easiest thing for lazy marketers and copywriters to brag about. The trap, of course, is that unless you have the muscle of a WalMart, you will eventually lose every price war. Competitors dont usually play dead, so they will come back and advertise even lower prices, forcing you both into a death spiral of price cutting. But differentiation, despite the fact that it requires creativity and work, allows you to side-step the price war. Here is a list of triggers I use to come up with ways to differentiate a product or service: Start by focusing on your non-price benefits. Does your product or service save money? Does it makes someones life or work easier? Does it improve how others regard that person? Single out the most beneficial benefit. Of all your benefits, which one will make the biggest positive difference in someones life? Approach your product or service from the viewpoint of your prospective customer or client. Make a very long list that begins with the words, This widget is for the person who wants ____. Now make a companion list that is about, This widget is for the person who does not want ____. Dont worry if both your want and your dont want lists overlap. It is OK if some items on your lists are mirror images of each other. You never know whether the positive want or the negative dont want version will resonate with your buyers. In fact, some customers will connect with one and others will connect with the other, so dont close any doors. Make another list of every problem your product or service solves. View what you offer as the solution to someones problem. Everything that has ever been written on the subject of business success can be summed up with the words of J. Paul Getty, Find a need and fill it. What is your market crying out for? What needs are not being filled by your competitors already? Dont claim to be the best, the most experienced, or even that youve been in business since 1776. These things dont differentiate since everyone claims to be the best in some way. Your message will just get lost in all the noise. But you can specifically explain WHY you are the best, if you can give examples and evidence without using the word best or any similar words. For example, if you are working on a copywriting assignment for a hotel chain, explain in detail the step-by-step process your staff follows to make sure every room is immaculately clean. Contrast this to the steps your competitors take. Now you are saying your rooms are the cleanest without using those words. Follow the copywriters Golden Rule: Dont tell them, SHOW them. Ask questions. As anyone who has ever been watching TV and had a small child come up and ask a question can verify, questions have the ability to interrupt our thoughts and pull them in a different direction. Brainstorm as many questions you can pose directly to readers in your ads, website or sales letters that will single out your most exceptional benefits. Here are some examples: How long are you going to wait until you move into your dream home? Or, What can you do right now to help your child get better grades in school? Havent you settled for second-class service long enough? It takes hard work to differentiate your product or service, but the rewards can be great. When you are unique and different (in a good way) the market pays attention to you. You cant win the game of competing on price. At least not for long. But you can win if you stand for something no one else stands for. Differentiation is a winning game. COPYRIGHT(C)2006, Charles Brown. All rights reserved. Download your free copy of 99 Ideas For Writing Irresistible Web Content, written by Charles Brown, a Dallas, Texas based freelance copywriter who writes web copy, advertisements, white papers and direct mail. Subscribe to his “Freelance Copywriter Secrets” at http://dynamiccopywriting.blogspot.com or contact him at 817.715.3852 or **charbrow@gmail.com**. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Brown http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Ways-To-Differentiate-And-Move-Past-Your-Competition&id=355443 valium order online codeine
mail order valium
money order valium
zopidem diazepam purchase online

From “In the Land” To “In Christ”

Monday, January 14th, 2008

By William Bell, Jr. A Land I Will Show You God called Abram, out of Ur of the Chaldees, about 1921 B.C. from his country, from his relatives and from his father’s house. Idolatry ruled in his former home land. Abram removed from there to Canaan. God promised to make of Abram a great nation, to make his name great, to bless those who blessed him and to curse those who cursed him. Most importantly, in Abram all families of the earth would be blessed. (Genesis 12:1-3) The Land Promise Abram had no children, his wife Sarai was barren. He puzzled over how he would become a great nation. God assured him that he would give him descendants who would be estranged as slaves in a foreign land, but who would afterward be delivered to return to Canaan in which Abram then lived. He promised Abram’s
descendants all the land from the Nile River in Eqypt to the Euphrates River. (Genesis 15) The Two Sons Further development of the promise took an ethnic root. Ishmael, Abram’s first son, at Sarai’s prompting, was born of Hagar an Egyptian. His descendants were the Arabs. On the other hand, Isaac, Sarai’s child born after both parents were very old and incapable of natural procreation, was a miracle child through the power of God. Hence, these sons and their mothers are designated as originating “according to the flesh” (Hagar and Ishmael) and “according to the Spirit,” (Sarai and Isaac) The Trek to Eqypt In fulfillment of God’s prophecy to Abram, under the providence of a famine, they go to Eqypt where Joseph becomes second in command to Pharaoh. They live in peace until Joseph dies and Israel falls into servitude under a new Pharaoh. As prophesied, they serve, are delivered under Moses, and are led into the land God promised Abram under Joshua’s leadership. God gave Israel all the land promised them through Abram, and not one word failed. “So the Lord gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers and they took possession of it and dwelt in it…Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” (Joshua 21:43-45) The Land Promise Was Conditional Joshua’s farewell address to Israel made clear that God would remove Israel from the land he gave them if they disobeyed him, a refrain repeated from the curses delivered by Moses, (Deuteronomy 28:21) Israel’s destiny unfolds in disobedience. Under Jeroboam, ten of the twelve tribes are excommunicated from the nation. God, angered with the idolatrous ten tribes, removed them from his sight, rejected them and tore Israel from the house of David, (2 Kings 17:20-18). Judah, dabbled in idolatry which led to her captivity in Babylon for 70 years. At the time the New Testament opens, Israel is back in the land but under Roman rule. The Spiritual Promise Unveiled While they look for a king to remove the Roman yoke, Christ would have no part of it. Though a king, he did not rule a kingdom of “this world” (John 18:36) Rather, he came to fulfill the “spiritual” land promise of Abraham to his spiritual descendants. This is where the world in general makes the wrong turn in understanding God’s dealings with Israel and the Abrahamic promise. No Place For The Sole of His Foot Remember, the natural land promise was to Abraham’s descendants. It was conditional upon their faithfulness to God. To Abraham, God never promised a single square foot of Canaan, known today as Palestine. “And God gave him no inheritance in it, no not even enough to set his foot on…” (Acts 7:5) The Jews blew a gasket at this message which culminates in the stoning of Stephen. Abraham looked for a country, but as long as he and the patriarchs were in Canaan (Palestine) they viewed themselves as sojourners and strangers. They never claimed it as their home. (Hebrews 11:9,10). They died in faith, as strangers and pilgrims in the land, looking for the land which God promised them, 11:13-16. That land was the “heavenly city” called the new Jerusalem which equates with the church/kingdom of the living God. (Hebrews 11:16; 12:22-24) The Spiritual Meaning of the Two Mothers and Two Sons The Jews in the time of Christ had come to be known as the sons of the flesh, i.e. they were spiritually speaking, Ishmael. See Romans 9:6-8. As the Genesis record shows, (Genesis 21:10) Ishmael was cast out of Abraham’s house so that he would not be an heir with Isaac. Paul takes up this history in Galatians 4:21-31, to show the relationship of the two mothers who represent two covenants, the Old, representing fleshly Israel, and the New representing spiritual Israel, –the church. Like Ishmael, fleshly Israel, (those who did not submit to Christ) was cast out being rejected as heirs. Compare Matthew 8:11,12; 21:33-43. The nation was finally and forever rejected as a covenant nation before God when Rome destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70. (Luke 21:20-22) Those who accepted Christ became true sons of Abraham inheriting the everlasting kingdom of God. “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29) What This Means to Us Today God’s “Jew/Israelite” today is the Christian, regardless of ethnic background, (Romans 2:28-30; Galatians 3:26-28). God’s “land” of inheritance is the kingdom of God accessed “in Christ.” Claims to the natural land of Palestine based on biblical covenants with God are unfounded. Remember, God gave Abraham no inheritance in the natural land of Palestine, not even a place for the sole of his foot. Abraham never looked for it, never claimed it as his own, and never wanted it. He looked for the city which had foundations, whose builder and maker was God. That’s the heavenly Jerusalem, the church and bride of Christ. William Bell is a public speaker on Covenant Eschatology and author of “The Re-Examination.” For more information visit http://www.allthingsfulfilled.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Bell,_Jr. http://EzineArticles.com/?From-In-the-Land-To-In-Christ&id=180877 valium order online codeine
buy valium cod
usa online pharmacies deliver diazepam
buy anax valium anax

Network Systems Schools Provide a New Career Path

Wednesday, January 9th, 2008

By Michael Bustamante Good Network Systems Schools provide students with a thorough understanding of network systems organization and management, as well as voice and data communications standards, components, topologies, and media for traditional and high-speed local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Instruction begins with the foundations of network systems and network systems uses. Bachelor degree programs in network systems prepare students with knowledge for advancing careers in information technology (IT) that includes fundamental network devices, systems, and routers; uses of technologies and applications for business; communication skills, analysis, critical thinking, and technical competencies required in the modern workplace. Network systems bachelor degree programs will present studies of uses of technologies and business applications; configuration and installation of network design, infrastructure, applications, and services; network operating systems and security; and problem solving and troubleshooting. Master degrees in network systems and information technology programs may combine technology and Internet security with information management and administration courses. Master degree students can expect courses in digital technologies such as computers, high-speed control, smart devices; computer network management and network administration; wireless networking and network design; technological skills, theory, languages, and programming; security solutions for LANs in private and public network systems; and taking leadership roles in the development, applications, and management. Incomes can vary widely according to specialization, and type and size of business. Graduates with bachelor degrees in network systems with concentrations in systems analysis, management, and IT can expect incomes of $40,000 to $50,000; master degree with specialties in security, database, or LAN administration will net about $15,000 to $20,000 more. Doctorate degree salaries can readily approach $95,000 annually. If you are interested in learning more about Network Systems Schools, search our site for more in-depth information and resources. Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active. Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Network Systems Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bustamante http://EzineArticles.com/?Network-Systems-Schools-Provide-a-New-Career-Path&id=259975 xanax online pharmacy
xanax online without a prescription
low cost xanax online
low cost xanax online

So You Want To Be A Sound Engineer?

Tuesday, January 8th, 2008

By Jim Hurn Did you know that… if your work and passion are the same, you’ll never work - but have fun everyday doing what you love and get paid for it. If you have a love for all things audio, read on… A lot of people I know choose careers without much thought about what their passions, interest and natural abilities are. They plunge in, some targeting financial rewards as their sole aim, some based on what their buddies are doing, some from suggestions from well meaning friends and relatives. I am writing this to persons who have an interest in audio and want to investigate the possibilities of having a career as a sound engineer. The biggest piece of advice I can give to you is that you have to ask yourself if you have the PASSION deep down in you? Ask yourself - in your teens, did you show any natural interest in things related to sound? Did you take things apart, especially radios, amplifiers, cassette recorders? Did you always tweak the knobs of amplifiers to get that “perfect” sound? Have friends always told you that you have technical ability that is beyond them? If you have a few “yeses”, then you have a chance. In fact, I would encourage you to seriously consider digging deeper for more information about being a sound engineer. But that’s not all…. Being highly technical alone is not enough to get you far in your career. Sure, it’s fun to mess around with buttons and knobs all day long. But if you can’t interact properly with clients, they’ll probably not come back for more. Unless perhaps you have such great technical and musical skills that make up for your lack of personality. You must realize that being a sound engineer requires you to have great patience and tolerance from sometimes utter rubbish from your clients. You need to know how to say “no” graciously, or to voice your opinion about a mix tactfully so that nobody’s feelings are hurt. So, check yourself to see how good you are in this department. If you plan on starting on your own someday, you need to know about how to market your services. Almost all businesses don’t make it through the third year in business because they don’t have enough business. Many of us think that because we’re so good, customers will beat a path to our doors. In my city, I know of long established recording studios that have folded because of competition from smaller but more marketing savvy studios. You’re fighting for the same clients in your area - and the one that makes the most “noise” in the market, gets the lion share of the business. So, remember that you need to ALWAYS focus on how to get clients CONTINUOUSLY through your doors if you want to setup a studio of your own. Not everyone gets the opportunity to work in the big studios you see in the audio school brochures. The market is small, but growing because of online content. There will be many opportunities - if you keep up to date with the relevant technologies that people are looking for. Customers want speed, quality and competitive pricing. And you can only deliver on those if you work fast and accurately. You will also need to know online technologies as your productions will be broadcast to the world in so many forms, both offline and online. Continuous study is a must. And if you want to be able to work in a large recording studio or broadcast facility, you need to be really competent in all these areas. And that is where you passion comes in. With passion, learning all this will be second nature to you. It will not be a drag, not a chore, but something you WANT to know - and you can’t beat that in any job. So how do you start? If you believe deep down in your heart that being a sound engineer is what you want to be, then you have to be strategic in all that you do. Here’s what I mean. Get involved in audio anyway you can. At church, doing recordings for friends, converting audio from one format to another. Messing around for hours on audio software, tweaking software equalizers to see how various frequencies affect the sound. You have to immerse yourself with sound. Work for free in a recording studio while studying. That will teach you valuable lessons and you’ll be way ahead of your class. And when you’re ready, a job will probably be waiting for you! Read pro audio magazines, attend exhibitions and audio talks. Join the AES (Audio Engineering Society), get involved in audio newsgroups. Start a blog on your audio interest, you’ll be surprised how the “word” gets around, and you’ll be documenting your own growth in the industry. Get your hands dirty! Perhaps, now would be a great time for me to tel you a bit about myself. When I was a young teenager, I inherited an old but still working reel to reel tape deck from my uncle. I was fascinated that it could record Jimi Hendricks off the radio without much loss in quality. I play guitar, so the next logical thing I did was to record songs that I played. I was thrilled. Fast forward a few years, and I bought my first multi track recorder - a Tascam Portastudio that recorded 4 tracks on high speed cassette, allowed me to bounce tracks, punch in sounds, etc. It was my most precious possession! One thing led to another and I got involved with video, multimedia and of course, audio. In 1994, I stated a company that provided video and audio production services. My passion was still in audio and that kinda led to jobs where I provided a fair number of voice over recording services. I loved doing he recordings, sweetening them, taking away unwanted noises, etc. We later progressed to doing radio ads and that kinda opened a new challenge for me - with sound effects, background music, and even writing the script. You can say I was fortunate. And the message here is that if you have the PASSION for it - just go for it while time is still on your side. There are now many fine sound engineering schools, not just in the US, but across the globe as well. With the internet, getting the necessary info on the latest equipment, trends, techniques, is a no brainer. But that of course also opens up the competitiveness of the marketplace. But do not worry. If you have the drive, interest and perhaps the natural talent for audio, you will soar and build yourself one of the most satisfying careers possible. It allows you to be creative, adventurous - and when you here your mix on the radio, it’s euphoric! Get involved in sound everytime you can. If you go to church, join in the sound ministry. Churches are some of the biggest customers of sound reinforcement companies - just because there are so many churches. If you’re fortunate enough to be in a large church, you probably have an opportunity to build up you live mixing chops - which is quite different from studio work. So I’ll say it again - if you have the fire… go for it. ———————————————————— So there you have it - I hope you have the same fortune I have in having a business and career which is also my passion. I never work. Everyday, I am engaged in my hobby. Don’t you want to do that too? So take the first step if you know deep down that this is for you. You’ll never regret it. ———————————————————— Jim runs his own small recording studio and gives advice and recommendations to persons who are interested in an audio career. More information at http://www.recording-studio-info.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hurn http://EzineArticles.com/?So-You-Want-To-Be-A-Sound-Engineer?&id=135146 xanax order now
buy referrer html stats xanax
xanax order pharmacy
cheap xanax online

Beyond Traditional Marcom: Building Marketing That Sells

Monday, January 7th, 2008

By Andrew Rowe When the word “marketing” comes up, most people immediately think of fancy ad campaigns and big budgets. They may make you feel good, but in today’s economy, most companies can only afford to spend money on marketing programs that actually drive sales leads in the door. A tightly focused “guerrilla” marketing program, when done right, can help a company accelerate its sales at a fraction of the cost of traditional programs and campaigns. As the economy starts to rebound, now is a great time to re-energize your marketing programs and focus on Marketing that Sells. Start by asking and answering the following questions: Are my marketing programs maximizing awareness and lead generation at minimum cost?
Do my website, collateral and PR messages clearly communicate my company’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP), and why customers should pick us over the competition?
Is there effective hand-off of sales leads from Marketing to Sales, and am I sure that my Sales team is following up on every lead?
Do I really know what my Return On Investment is from my marketing spending? Once you’ve answered the above questions, do what top companies are doing today, to maximize marketing ROI through guerilla marketing programs: Continuously update/refresh your website and collateral to make sure you are clearly communicating your company’s USP.
Build low cost e-marketing campaigns using newsletters, search engine optimization and internet ad placement (such as Google AdWords).
Focus your PR efforts on feature article and case study placement in trade press that targets your customers.
Deploy an inside sales/lead development function to qualify leads generated by Marketing programs and ensure effective hand-off to Sales.
Customize your CRM system to track the source of all incoming leads, measure Marketing ROI, and ensure that every lead is actively managed by your Sales team. These are just a few ideas to help get you started on the path toward “Marketing That Sells.” Cube Management helps companies accelerate their sales, by providing the Sales & Marketing talent they need to grow their business. Cube is a leading recruiting and consulting partner to mid-market and emerging growth companies in the technology, manufacturing, healthcare and business service sectors. We work across the spectrum of Sales, Marketing and Business Development, providing holistic solutions that drive revenue and profit success. Cube Management combines Strategy, Process and People, to produce great results. Download the Cube Management Recruiting Guide and the Cube Management Inside Sales Guide. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Rowe http://EzineArticles.com/?Beyond-Traditional-Marcom:–Building-Marketing-That-Sells&id=109315 purchase xanax
xanax cheap no prescriptions cod
xanax no prescription needed
loretabs and xanax without a prescription

Fitness Tips For Looking Your Best On Your Wedding Day

Friday, January 4th, 2008

By Lynn Bode Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day. Selecting a dress that will make you look and feel great is an important first step. But what happens when you look in the mirror and don’t think you look quite as good as you could? When this happens its not uncommon for brides to try quick-fix diets to help them get in shape. Unfortunately, many dieting brides make fitness mistakes that not only prevent them from reaching their goals but also cause unnecessary stress and sometimes even illness. Those are two things no bride needs! Here are five of the most common diet mistakes as well as some tips to help you avoid them. 1. Too much, too late. One of the most important things to remember if you are trying to lose weight is to start early. For example, dont try to lose 20 pounds two months before the big day. The key is to plan ahead so that you can lose the weight (or just tone up) gradually. So if youre dream-wedding day includes you being in great shape, then include fitness as a to-do on your overall wedding checklist. That way it will be a priority in your wedding planning. 2. Setting unachievable goals. Many women get engaged and begin imagining themselves drastically thinner or more sculpted. Be realistic with yourself. If youve never been a size 6 in your life, then it is probably unrealistic to think you can magically transform just because you are getting married. And, do you really want to look so different on your wedding day that most people (including your fianc) hardly recognize you? 3. Radical diets or fitness programs. Brides typically are short on time and long on to-do lists. This leads many to try unhealthy fitness programs or starvation diets. Dont be tempted by diets that promise quick, drastic results with little effort from you. You should avoid any programs that suggest taking diet pills or eating unbalanced meals (like eating only cabbage soup for a week). And, dont be lured into trying dangerous things, like laxatives. 4. Not exercising. Its very easy for brides to say I dont have time to exercise or Im too tired to exercise. But diet and exercise should always go hand in hand. Consider them to be like yin and yang. Without activity your body cant burn as many calories. If you are very short on time, try to exercise in small 10-minute bursts throughout the day. And, keep in mind that little things help too, like taking the stairs or parking at the outer edge of the mall parking lot. Plus, if you are tired from all of your planning, exercise will help give you back some energy. 5. Skipping Meals Its not uncommon to get caught up in your planning and then realize at 9 p.m. (as your head begins to ache) that you havent eaten a thing all day. While it may not be an uncommon scenario, it is unavoidable. Not only is skipping meals unhealthy, it can lead to binge eating. That often means eating very fattening foods and/or overeating all at once. To avoid this, try packing light snacks to keep on hand throughout the day. Good examples include carrot sticks, cheese strings, peanut butter on crackers, etc. Getting in shape doesnt have to be complicated and it doesnt require a lot of time. If you are trying to lose weight or firm up before your wedding, below are some sample plans to help you get started. Keep in mind that the most important thing is for a bride to feel good about herself. And no matter what size or shape, all brides are beautiful on their wedding day! Sample Exercise FITscription:
20 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (3 5 time per week)
Example: 2-5 minutes of brisk walking, 2-5 minutes of jumping jacks (repeat for 20 30 minutes) Sample Meal Plan: Eat 5-7 small meals per day (meals should include protein, grains, vegetables, etc. to meet the food pyramid daily requirements)
Example: Small, grilled, skinless chicken breast
Slice of whole wheat bread
Slice of cheese
Mixed Vegetables
Glass of Water (2 or 3 would be even better) About The Author Lynn Bode is owner of http://www.workoutsforyou.com an Online Personal Fitness Training company. Workouts For You offers online exercise programs for weight loss, strength training, nutritional planning and race training. Personalized programs can be designed for all fitness levels. The programs are customized to meet your individual needs and lifestyle (based on the extensive profile you provide when enrolling) and include a motivational accountability system and a huge library of exercise technique demos. You receive all the trainer benefits without the expensive price, and you can workout wherever and whenever you want. To receive a FREE, no-obligation fitness evaluation, visit us at www.workoutsforyou.com. Need a quick gift –we provide gift certificate delivery within 24 hours of purchase. info@workoutsforyou.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Bode http://EzineArticles.com/?Fitness-Tips-For-Looking-Your-Best-On-Your-Wedding-Day&id=31385 pharmacies buy xanax without prescription
buy xanax without a prescription
buy xanax valium zolpidem ambien
purchase xanax without a prescription

Dealing With A Jealous Date

Thursday, January 3rd, 2008

By Peter Portero You go out to dinner, to the movies, or to the mall, and when you glance at another person your date starts seething. How should you handle a jealous date? Remember, jealousy is often about insecurity. Perhaps your glance did linger a bit too long on the attractive person at the next table, or maybe you did smile flirtatiously at your restaurant server. If your date’s display of jealousy is a one-time event, soothe the hurt feelings with a reminder that you find them the most attractive person in the room. Some folks, however, seem to live in a constant state of jealousy. Every move you make is scrutinized, and if it’s deemed inappropriate, the jealous partner may react with rage and fury. Whether their jealousy stems from your behavior or their own personal insecurities, you may need to evaluate the relationship again. Living with a jealous person can be emotionally draining and exhausting. You must offer constant reassurance, as well as be forever vigilante of possible jealousy-inducing situations. Some folks feel that they must constantly avert their eyes from members of the opposite sex, lest they feel their partner’s wrath. If your partner’s jealousy is significantly affecting your life, you may need to reconsider your relationship. Try talking with your partner about your concerns. If nothing changes, it may be time to move on. And, as always, if your partner’s jealousy leads to any type of emotional abuse or physical violence, leave the relationship immediately. Streamate, or “stream mate” refers to meeting someone online through webcams. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Portero http://EzineArticles.com/?Dealing-With-A-Jealous-Date&id=167266 buy real xanax overnight with online consultation prescriptions
prescription xanax
no prescription xanax
where can i order xanax online