Archive for September, 2007

Business (Subliminal) Advertising

Friday, September 28th, 2007

Perhaps the best way to use your advertising dollars is creating a custom on hold marketing message. Since most people spend at least 30 seconds on hold, it is the perfect time to have a customer’s undivided attention to share product and service information about your company.

The best on hold marketing message is created by a professional on hold company who can provide original copywriting and professional voices for your ad. These custom made recordings let you casually inform customers about your products and services without coming across too strong.

Considering that most callers like to hear something while on hold, whether it’s music or a message, an on hold message is the perfect way to keep customers on hold longer and even initiate a purchase. In other words, an on hold message can provide a great ROI and better customer retention. What more could you ask for?

Becoming Debt-Free

Wednesday, September 26th, 2007

I would like to be debt-free sooner so that I have extra money to spend. The best solution I’ve found so far is the money merge account from United First Financial. It is calculating a way to pay off my mortgage in 10 years rather than 30. It’s also helping me stick to a plan to pay off my credit card bills. As soon as I’m debt-free, I’m going on a big vacation!

File Tracking

Monday, September 24th, 2007

In business, you often have to work on a project with several other people. However, it can get quite messy tracking changes on a document and emailing it to several people. It can be difficult to tell where the original copy is or which version is the most up to date. Finally, someone came up with a solution to this problem, called compliance software.

This software allows you to manage and control documents on your desktop. This software can track changes in a document, ensuring that you know who received it, opened it, and changed it, whether it is saved on email, removable media, or on hard drives. You can then save different versions, ensuring that everyone receives the most up-to-date version and the final copy on the server. It is the best way to manage and retain documents for your business.

Decisions, Decisions

Wednesday, September 19th, 2007

If you read the previous posts on drop shipping and are looking for a drop shipper, look no further. Here is a dropshipper comparison chart that includes eBay certified providers such as Dropship Design and Dropshippers. Hopefully this will help you make your decision!

County Recording

Wednesday, September 19th, 2007

I came across a website the other day that I found rather interesting.  Ever hear of county recording (also known as electronic document recording or e-recording)?  Mortgage and property documents can now be sent by attorneys and title companies to county record offices electronically via the internet.  Traditionally paper-bound, can you imagine how this will revolutionize the mortgage and financial industry?  Talk about an expedited process!

A Mosquito Hat

Tuesday, September 18th, 2007

So I received a mosquito hat I had ordered awhile back.  I will admit, it doesn’t look very sexy, but it sure works!  Those #@$%#@& mosquitoes now can’t bite and buzz around my neck and face.  If you are a gardener or an outdoor enthusiast, you should really consider getting one.

Bi-Weekly Paychecks and the Money Merge Account

Tuesday, September 11th, 2007

If you get pay bi-weekly, you can pay off your mortgage faster using the money merge account than by applying your extra income to the mortgage by yourself.

Why is this? The money merge account can help you pay off your mortgage faster because of cash flow and interest calculation. The software uses advanced algorithms that can analyze how much you get paid and how often you get paid, and apply a specific amount from the advanced equity line of credit to your mortgage so that you can take full advantage of the interest calculation in the system. So if you get paid more often, the HELOC will apply more to the mortgage balance, so that you pay less interest and are debt-free faster.

If you are interested in learning more about the money merge account, talk to a financial advisor at U First and plug in your numbers in the mortgage amoritization calculator to see how fast you can pay off your mortgage.

Tips for Small Businesses When Buying Communication Equipment

Friday, September 7th, 2007

Buying office telecommunications equipment can be confusing. Before you start the search, prioritize your needs and features. You can choose what you need and eliminate what you don’t, whether it’s music on hold or voice mail needs. Take advantage of some other shopping tips that are listed here.

-Paying less can mean poorer quality. Your communication equipment can show professionalism to clients and partners. If a call is disconnected or routed incorrectly because of a poor phone setup, you may lose business or cause irritation to those you work with. Investing resources in your equipment can provide the right options, ensuring that your company looks professional and doesn’t lose any opportunities.

-Save money by buying used. Or buy at the end of the quarter when you can get a lower price because businesses are trying to reach their quota. Also consider leasing and financing options that let you pay over time.

-Consider an Avaya IP 500 Office. These systems offer big system features like custom call routing, call recording, and paging at a fraction of the cost of other expensive systems. This means that your small business can receive the same features that a larger business uses, but at a reasonable price. These systems are also easy to program and work the first time you turn them on. They also have a 25 year design life and free software upgrades as well to save you money.

-Find a good dealer. Find out about the installation needed and ask for references to ask about the customer service record.

Electronic Document Recording

Thursday, September 6th, 2007

Purchasing a home?  Applying for a mortgage?  See if your lender or the title company uses electronic document recording: paperless document recording services.  Not only does this method minimize possible recording errors, but can expedite the submission process and streamline the creation of mortgage approvals and satisfactions.  What homeowner doesn’t like the sound of that?

The Easiest Way to Break into Radio

Wednesday, September 5th, 2007

The easiest way to break into the radio business is to get a radio internship. Whether it’s paid or unpaid, devote whatever time you can to the internship.

A good way to get an internship is to send in a letter to the station and follow up with a call. Keep trying until you can talk to a program director on the phone or in person. If you live in a competitive city, try interning at a station in the suburbs.

When you land a radio internship, volunteer for tasks and learn everything you can in whatever part of the station you are working in. You will learn procedures, equipment, slang, and other important things. Remember that you don’t have to be on the air to work in radio, there are many other radio positions in the business. Be persistent. Build a networking list to help you move from an unpaid intern to a paid employee. You may have to settle for part-time work for a while, but an internship will help you get a foot in the door to a job in radio that you love.