Welcome to Business Consultant Weekly

Issue #10 September 21, 1998

Business Consultant Weekly is a FREE newsletter brought to you by NetChecks of Quartz Hill, CA <http://netcheckspayroll.com> helping small and home businesses succeed.

The goal of this newsletter is to bring insight into the challenges you face whether you're going it alone or working in a group to carve out a niche in the business world. Increase your cash flow and productivity with informative articles on time management, marketing, daily operations and read messages from well-known motivational speakers that will keep focused on your goal.

This e-zine is emailed only to those who have requested it. If you do not wish to receive future issues, please see the unsubscribe instructions below. Also understand that we do not make available our subscriber list to other companies. We value each subscriber's privacy.

Advertisers: Target your ads with low-cost, effective e-zine advertising that reaches others interested in succeeding online. Place your ads here for results. See details at the end of the classifieds.

In this issue:

1) Tip of the Week

2) FEATURE ARTICLE: The Top 10 Ten Tips for Getting Your Expert Article Accepted by an Online Newsletter Editor by Azriela Jaffe

3) Classifieds

4) FREE Resources

5) PRODUCTIVITY MESSAGE: Do you really deserve free time? by Gary Lockwood

"Tip of the Week"

This week's feature article is written by an experienced editor of three newsletters and outlines tips for getting your articles published in e-zines. E-zine advertising is quickly becoming one of the best vehicles for building an online business...without spam. Getting your message out through e-zines is inexpensive or free when done as outlined below, and offers almost immediate access to the masses. Here are a few tips regarding content of your articles:

1. Write about what you know and research your subject in depth.

2. Prepare an outline and go over it with another professional in your field if possible (they may catch a missed detail).

3. With outline intact, spend some time writing and adding some of your own personal observations or experiences to keep your reader's ear.

4. Remember that the article should help people achieve the desired result, just like you did. Be complete and concise leading your audience through the process start to finish.

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Top 10 Ten Tips for Getting Your Expert Article Accepted by an Online Newsletter Editor

by Azriela Jaffe

One of the most effective and inexpensive marketing vehicles available to consultants, speakers, writers, and small business owners is to write a short article on your area of expertise that would be of interest to subscribers in a particular online newsletter, and then to give it away in exchange for promoting yourself through a byline. As the editor of three bimonthly online newsletters: The Entrepreneurial Couples Success Letter, Best Ideas in Business, and Keeping in Touch, I am inundated by pitches from such professionals hoping for a slot in one of my newsletters for their article. After reading hundreds of such pitches, I've put together the following tips for anyone who is promoting their business through online newsletters:

1. Subscribe to my newsletters before pitching me your article idea. It won't cost you anything. You can always unsubscribe if it turns out to be a newsletter that isn't of ongoing interest to you. If you don't have a clue about the style and focus of my newsletter, you won't know whether your topic is a match, and you are wasting your time and mine. There's an even better reason to subscribe, which leads me to:

2. Tell me why you love my newsletter, before you ask me to use your article. That tells me that you are a subscriber. As an editor, I want to help subscribers to my newsletter promote their business - I'm not as concerned with helping promote a stranger. I'm also a human being - I like getting a compliment every once in awhile. That makes me want to help you, too.

3. Take the time to tell me, in one or two sentences, why you believe that your article would be helpful to my readers. Not a general statement that you could broadcast to any newsletter (i.e; my expertise is of interest to all small business owners), but something more specific (i.e; I notice that your ECS newsletter is devoted to helping couples manage work and family. The following article pertains to a problem that comes up often between entrepreneurial couples... ). That short introduction will make me want to read or skim your article.

4. Start your pitch by using my name, preferably my first name. Even if we don't know each other, it makes me think I should know you, so I'll read further.

5. Keep your articles short - less than 1000 words - and low on self-promotion. Promote your business by writing a timely, unique, high-content, moving or funny article that will prompt readers to read your byline, or inspire readers to email me and tell me how much they enjoyed your piece. Keep the self-promotion in the article subtle.

6. Build a relationship with me. I rarely print articles from writers I don't know or respect from their reputation in the industry. I receive ten times the content I can possibly use, and that's with three online newsletters, sending out six issues a month. When I have to make hard choices about who gets into my newsletters, I try to accomplish two things at once: Inform my readers, and help a colleague I support receive some free promotion. I won't promote a friend's work if they don't provide a worthy article, but given a choice between ten articles on interesting topics, I'll choose to give the free PR to someone I like.

7. Offer to help me promote my work, or better yet, just do it. I don't respond to invitations I receive every day from strangers that say: If you'll put an advertisement about me in your newsletter, I'll put one about you in mine. But if a colleague has been helpful to me, I appreciate being able to return the favor by offering exposure in my newsletter. Think first of how you can be of service, and it will come back to you ten-fold.

8. Communicate with me when you "don't" want something from me. Instead of only sending me an email when you have an article you want me to use, email me at other times as well; to share a comment about the newsletter, to offer a short tip I can use, or to refer a colleague who would enjoy the newsletter. Don't worry about bothering me. I enjoy receiving emails that are personal in nature - this business is all about building relationships.

9. Promote my newsletters in your circle of influence, through your own newsletter, or by forwarding it to friends and colleagues. If you truly enjoy a newsletter and find it of value, give it your personal recommendation - that carries weight with the people who know and respect you. Online newsletters grow primarily by word of mouth referral. Help me with that.

10. Be gracious and kind. Thank me for running your article. Tell me how it helped you in your business. That makes me feel good. When you make me feel good, I will remember you positively, and I will want to help you again.

Azriela Jaffe is the founder of "Anchored Dreams" <http:// www.isquare.com/crlink.htm>, and author of "Honey, I Want to Start my Own Business, A Planning Guide for Couples" (Harper Business 1996), and "Let's Go Into Business Together, Eight Secrets for Successful Business Partnering" (Avon Books 1998).

For free online newsletters for entrepreneurial couples, or for information about her syndicated column, "Advice from A-Z", email az@azriela.com. Questions and reader response can be emailed, or write to PO Box 209, Bausman, PA 17504

Classifieds

Is your autoresponder following up with your prospects? If you do not have a systematic, timely follow up approach that HITS your prospects with your sales message AT LEAST 7 times then you are losing money! Discover how AWeber can help you drastically increase your earnings, raise your conversion ratios while saving you time and money.

An affiliate program (HIGH commissions, FREE to join) available too! Don't miss out - this is brand new! Visit <http://www.aweber.com/?699>

FREE residual income. Not mlm. No investments. Product increasingly in demand. Solid Company. Support includes YOUR OWN FREE WEBSITE, email-address and MORE! Ideal full or part-time occupation. Check out the details at: http://www.virtualisys.com/vr/lraushel/vrp.html

INSIDER INTERNET MARKETING is an inexpensive, timely resource for boosting your online profits. Making money on the internet is NOT that difficult with the right guidance. If you're not making the profits you'd expected take 30 seconds to read this FREE Message and see what works! Send a blank email to mailto:laura2@freecoolcash.com

Every online business NEEDS TRAFFIC. Here's an affordable, effective tool...Grandpa's Advertising Service--Now expanded to over 1400 sites submitted! Unbeatable prices--only $25 for 1400+ sites! Check it out at <http://www.ecki.com/replicator/dynamic.cgi?sitesub-10125>

Does it really matter who hosts your web site? Don't make the mistake we made. Get the facts in a FREE REPORT. Send blank email to mailto:choices@sendthis.com or visit <http://www.virtualisys.com/vr/lraushel/faq.html>

MLMer's ANONYMOUS for MLM Junkies! Read on! NEED A HELPER? All-Out Marketing has a lot of helpers. Just tell us which one you want. While pondering your decision be sure to register for a FREE vacation, post your ad to our Free 4 All Links and read our funny MLMer's Anonymous. MailTo:allout@aweber.com for info or visit us at <http://www.alloutmktg.com>

HOMEOWNERS...Before building, construction, remodeling, designing, disaster repairs or hiring a contractor..... Get proven results from reading "CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO REMODELING AND CONSTRUCTION It will keep you in control of the construction process and provide you with guidelines and forms to manage your project. <http://www.galaxymall.com/business/contractor>

Lose Weight In Your Sleep! No Diets, No Exercise, No Stimulants! I've lost weight, joint pain, dizziness, indigestion, sleep way better and feel ten years younger! The Fountain of Youth is Real! <http://www.mauigateway.com/~sundara/calorad.html>

WEB SITE OWNERS Are you looking for a way to keep visitors coming back to your site? Look no further. I have a new marketing tool that can help you. This tool will allow you an opportunity to increase & repeat traffic, plus receive information about your visitors. For Details visit: <http://www.free-vacation.com/imc/univision.html>

Nationwide 56K Internet Service 14.95/Month 56K UNLIMITED hours, Full Service, local access numbers. Extra e-mail addresses $1/month.  NO CONTRACT! $14.95/month. Visit us at <http://surfcheap.com/?22726> for easy  sign-up!

PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON AUTO-PILOT (and finally make money online!) If you're marketing your products or services online, you will find an autoresponder is invaluable. This is one of the insider marketing secrets that is being used by world-class marketers. Get yours at <http://www.sendthis.com/c1102>

Learn how to GET OUT OF DEBT and EARN EXTRA INCOME. Subscribe to the Debtzapper Financial E-zine for good advice and serious debt reduction strategies. That's not all, earn extra cash with your FREE Debtzapper Web Recruiting Site! Visit <http://www.debtzapper.com/rep.cfm?id=13877>

NEED AN ALTERNATIVE to the prices traditional payroll and bookkeeping companies charge? Get your payroll and bookkeeping done online and realize "major" savings. Get your FREE 30 day trial now at <http://netcheckspayroll.com>

Tired of searching for ad rates, or how to place a classified ad in an ezine, or which ones to advertise in? The Directory of Ezines, a hassle-free guide to ezine advertising is your solution. Samples, details, free gift, how to order and subscribe to our ezine at: http://www.lifestylespub.com

SEEKING SUCCESS? We all are--in our relationships, at work, in the gym, with our home-based businesses! "The Success-In-Life Newsletter" is dedicated to helping YOU become a Success in all aspects of your life. To get your FREE subscription mailto:sil-newsletter@oaknetpub.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the email BODY.

"I'M ONE SMART COOKIE, DR. JEFFREY LANT. SHOW ME HOW TO MAKE $100,000-$1,000,000+ ON THE INTERNET WITH MY OWN PERSONAL CASH MACHINE!" Mailto:drjlant@worldprofit.com w/ these words in subject and I'll email you the details you need to profit from the Internet for years to come serious only!

AD RATES

Place your ads here at rate of $5 per issue for YOUR best 6 line ad (65 characters max per line). That's only $20 per month. If you have more than 6 lines, just add $1 per extra 65 character line per week.

First, e-mail your ad copy to .. mailto:webmaster@netcheckspayroll.com then print out a copy and mail the print-out, with check or money order to: NetChecks, 42263 50th St West, Suite 614, Quartz Hill, CA 93536. If you have any questions, please call (805) 722-2286.

FREE Resources

PC World Online offers you a way to bring more traffic to your Web site -- for free! Just sign-up for the free banner exchange service powered by SmartAge's SmartClicks and watch your traffic grow. Join today! http://www.tipworld.com/arts.cgi?clicks0911

Need a banner for your web site or one to exchange? Check out http://www.fxmm.co.uk for hundreds of blank banners that you can take and use! Even celebrity banners.

Join the Online Advertising Discussion List at http://www.o-a.com/ for FREE. They focus on professional discussion of online advertising strategies, results, studies, tools and media coverage.

PRODUCTIVITY MESSAGE

Do you really deserve free time?

by Gary Lockwood

As a matter of fact, no, you don't. Free time isn't a reward for good behavior, it's a necessary precondition for optimum productivity. So stop thinking that you'll let yourself take a few days off when...(insert your excuse here).

Think of it this way; you're the brains behind the business, right? In order to keep being successful, you've got to keep that brain sharp and creative. Trouble is, if you use it continuously, it will get dull.

Mass communications, including television, radio, fax, advertising, electronic mail, cell phones and pagers require us to constantly process huge amounts of information. This means we must maintain an extremely high level of mental activity whether we want to or not. It sometimes seems that there is no escape. Most of us can relate all too well to the meaning of "information overload". The technologically advanced world in which we live can wear us out very quickly.

This weariness can wreak havoc on your business. Consider the symptoms of fatigue: lack of innovation, irritability, reduced productivity, and stress. The list goes on. And we are frequently unaware of how run down we are getting.

We are moving away from the industrial age into the information age, yet the work ethic that most of us grew up with taught us to maximize work time - time at the factory or the office. Even our language reflects the inherent value judgment of time away from work. We call non-work time "off-time" or "down-time".

The emergence of creativity, ideas, and information as our most valuable resources, and the pervasiveness of the global, 24-hour business world have changed our concept of "time equals money". Now, it's "results equals money". And we all know that more time at the office does not mean more results. In fact, it often means less results and more mistakes.

What's the answer? The solution is to take time away from your business. Free time makes you sharper. Free time provides the rejuvenation you need to restore your confidence and sense of well-being. You come back from time off with a new perspective, a higher energy level, increased creativity, and often, a breakthrough idea. Take one vacation a year, get one breakthrough. Take two vacations, get two breakthroughs. Take three, get three.

Plan at least three breakthroughs this year. This is a hard concept for many business people, even those of you who won't admit to being workaholics. But, you might as well face up to it - you need free time. The success of your business is riding on it.

Here's a little test:

You believe the business can't run without you YES NO

You believe that time from the business means lost income YES NO

You idea of relaxation is catching up on work on the weekend YES NO

You take your briefcase with you to the beach YES NO

You carry your cellular phone and/or beeper everywhere YES NO

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, drop everything and plan a vacation immediately. Three or four days will help. Seven or more is ideal for rejuvenation.

Many people have made financial objectives their sole concern and have paid a heavy price for their success - poor health, failed marriages, neglected friendships, no personal development in any area except business.

Financial success, no matter how great, can never compensate for poor quality of life. In the scheme of things, a properly functioning business is supposed to be the servant of a full and satisfying life that includes good health, close and loving relationships, recreation, culture, and a powerful contribution to the community.

The 21st Century Entrepreneur will develop a personal life that is multi-dimensional and characterized by ever increasing quality of experience - and increasing income continually to support that quality.

================================================ Gary Lockwood, Business Coach. Gary helps business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals get all they really want from their business, professional practice or job. You can contact Gary by: Tel: (800) 272-1575, Fax: (760) 770-0868 Mailto:Gary@BizSuccess.com

Add value to your website and essential content to your online newsletter with the Free 'Information Direct' Publishers Pack. Email: mailto:free@advance.to?subject=free for instant start-up!

If you have any questions or comments regarding this newsletter or the content, please email Laura Raushel at mailto:webmaster@netcheckspayroll.com

To unsubscribe to Business Consultant Weekly put REMOVE in the BODY of an email to mailto:business-consultant@oaknetpub.net

To subscribe to Business Consultant Weekly put SUBSCRIBE in the BODY of an email to mailto:business-consultant@oaknetpub.net

If you would like to see past issues of Business Consultant Weekly, simply email mailto:business-consultant@oaknetpub.com with SEND FILE LIST in the body. You'll receive a list from which to choose the issues you'd like by return email.

(c) Copyright 1998 NetChecks Payroll & Bookkeeping.