Saturday, January 5, 2008

How Does Your Website Make Me Feel?

When people think about the Internet, they think about technology. When people hear that I am a Website strategy expert, they see me as a "techy type".

But for me, the most intriguing aspect of your online business isn't about the technology. It's about human connections, and how you can create these in a virtual environment.

It's commonly understood that "people buy emotionally, not intellectually." Even when people think they're making a rational decision, powerful subconscious factors come into play. To sell effectively, we're told to anticipate our customers' needs, to demonstrate that we "feel their pain", and to respond to clues in their body language and tone of voice.

In the "real world" we do this very well. And we know that i View the rest of this article


Used Trade Show Booths Can Look New

Used trade show booths are usually a wise investment, and if this is your first trade show as an exhibitor then it is greatly recommended that you invest in a used trade show booth over a new and far more expensive booth as setting up professionally for a trade show will usually run into the thousands and used trade show booths should cut your costs in half while you learn the ropes of trade show marketing.
Most used trade show displays are well cared for and are in excellent condition, this is because they are very expensive and thus better cared for, and also because they are so rarely actually used that a five year old used trade show booth may have only been setup half a dozen times, the visual differences in quality between a used trade show exhibit and a ne View the rest of this article


Natural Wonders In Ocho Rios, Jamaica

An island nation, Jamaica offers a wealth of natural beauty. Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is home to some of the most well-known of the island’s natural wonders, including a glistening waterfall that attracts visitors from all over and the opportunity to swim with dolphins.
Dunn’s River Falls offers a hiking experience that allows even the decidedly non-athletic to enjoy a beautiful view of the 600 foot high waterfalls. However, while the 900 foot climb to the top may seem like a cake walk to the experienced hiker, for those not accustomed to activities, caution should be taken and children should be monitored carefully to avoid injury.
With that being said, however, the experience is one not to be missed. The views alone are worth the walk. There are areas at the bot View the rest of this article


Lowering Your Auto Insurance Costs

Vehicle insurance - a cost we all must bear if we want to drive. But you might be surprised at how varied the rates for car insurance can be in your area. Definitely shop around for your car insurance. Don’t just go with the first agent you speak with.
Now, thanks to the internet, you can shop around right from the comfort of home. Go ahead and get at least three price quotes from different kinds of insurance companies.
If you’re in the market for a new car, call to see how much it will cost to insure in the first place. Having a car alarm and other anti-theft devices can help lower your costs.
Always ask about discounts. Don’t be shy. Companies expect this!
What’s my cost if I have a $500 deductible? (Increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 coul View the rest of this article


4 Things You Shouldn't Do When You're Buying A Home

1. Don't Make a Major Purchase
You've just found out your credit is A+. That's great news,
because a new car would look fantastic in the driveway of your
new home. But hang on--if you are depending on a mortgage to
move in, you'd best wait until after closing to buy the car.
An increase in your debt to income ratio reduces the amount of
monthly income available for your mortgage payment. If you tack
on a higher car payment, the bank might decide you cannot afford
the home.
Using cash to purchase the car could also create a problem,
since banks consider cash reserves when approving your
mortgage. If you make a major purchase before closing, talk to
your loan officer before you do it.
2. Don't Change Jobs Unless It's View the rest of this article


School Choice Will Destroy The Public Schools? - Maybe That's A Good Thing

Public-school defenders often argue that school choice would
destroy the public schools. Almost 90 percent of children in
this country attend public schools. If we had vouchers, no
compulsory attendance laws, and an unregulated education free
market, millions of parents might transfer their children to
private schools. This would drain hundreds of millions of tax
dollars from public schools. Those children left behind in the
shriveled public schools would then get an even worse education
than they do now. Therefore, the argument goes, we have to fight
school choice to protect the public schools.
School authorities use the same argument against charter
schools. Charter schools are public schools controlled by
parent-teac View the rest of this article


Business Is No Guarantee Of Riches

Q: I'm thinking about starting a business since that seems to


be how most rich people get rich. I don't have any business


experience or much money, but I'm a fast learner and have lots


of energy. Any free advice?


Peter J.





A: I 'm full of free advice, Pete, and here's your dose of


complimentary wisdom: don't quit your day job.





No offense my energetic friend, but to consider starting a


business with no experience and no money is a little like


playing football with no playbook or pads. Your various body


parts will be pounded into the ground by better-equipped


players and you will lose the game.





Now let's address View the rest of this article