Join The Next 8-Week Campaign, January 2010!

Contact us for more info ASAP At Email: rharris@abizresource.com to register your Ad for immediate placement, on the NEXT Advertising schedule in January 2010 or you may use the link on the right side bar to purchase.

Limited to only 24 "niche" Businesses, 1 company per category. Great Lead Opportunity for Small Businesses, and Network Marketers!!

A+ Interview Today on BlogTalk Radio!

We were honored to be a "Guest" on this exciting Broadcast today.. Stay connected to a great Host with great show topics!

Click Here To Listen To Our Interview!


Feel Free To Leave Comments!

Quote Of The Day! Success Is.....

"Success is not a destination. It is a constant continuous journey".
George H. Denny, Educator


Today's quote sponsored by:
www.thewificlub.info

Are You Stressed About Finances?

As an Advocate for healthy living and wellness, it is very enjoyable to provide tips to embetter the emotional and physical well-being of Business Owners and Entreprenuers.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle in a manner where stress is minimal so that one can enjoy their fruit of labor, is one of most important keys to Success as we fulfill our goals our dreams! From here, our contributing Clinician, Shaketa Robinson explains more.

Are you consistently worried or anxious about the economy? Are you feeling overwhelmed about the future of your business? Believe it or not, this feeling has become more common over the past few years.

SAMHSA (SAMHSA, the substance abuse and mental health division of the US Department of Health and Human Services) defines stress as “the body’s response to any demand or pressure”. Emotional distress can also have a negative impact on an individual’s physical health. Some common symptoms of stress include:

• Lack of sleep or over-sleeping
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Excessive worrying
• Poor appetite or over-eating
• Easily irritated or “moody”

As a business owner it is not unusual for a person to wear many hats or find themselves trying to tackle multiple projects alone. If an individual continues to experience such high demands or pressure without relieving the symptoms noted above, it could result in depression, anxiety, or some other form of mental illness. This is why it is imperative to maintain a healthy sense of well being in order to manage stress. Often times, we are consistent with maintaining and improving our physical health (annual exams, prevention screenings, etc.), but choose to neglect our mental health, which is equally important. If left untreated, stress may lead to several chronic illnesses including (helpguide.org):

• Pain of any kind
• Heart disease
• Digestive problems
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Obesity
• Autoimmune diseases
• Skin conditions, such as eczema

There are some easy, low cost/no cost things you can do to manage your stress level.

• Listen to soft/relaxing music
• Exercise or attend a yoga class
• Take up a hobby (reading, knitting, poetry, painting, etc.)
• Utilize emotional support from friends of family members
• Write down your thoughts/feelings (journal)
• Try focusing on the positive things in your life

These are all healthy outlets which can alleviate emotional distress. However, if an individual has been feeling this way for a long period of time or does not feel relief, it may be a good idea to seek professional help (psychiatrist, professional counselor, etc.). A clinical practice such as, Cornerstone Psychotherapy, is the best place to find help that reinforces a stress-free, psychologically healthy lifestyle, which will surely add more quality and productivity to any business performance.


Shaketa Robinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Development. She is in private practice with Cornerstone Psychotherapy in Atlanta, GA.
www.cornerstonepsychotherapy.org

Keep Your Business Profitable!

Since the advent of the information technology, the Internet had been a valuable commodity to most people since the beginning of the information technology. But here one can find ways on how to earn more money even without having to spend more capital on building a business.

Many business people are realizing the importance of email marketing. Through emails, an online business can market their product directly to and through their customers.

Generally, the main purpose of email marketing is to reach your target audience as quickly and as direct as possible to promote a product or service that is beneficial to your customers.

However, some businesses use email marketing to maintain contact and to establish a true relationship with their customers.

Email marketing has grown in such an unprecedented rate because most people in the virtual community are always hungry for information which they find interesting. They will then subscribe your emails and newsletters.

On the other hand, not all people are willing to subscribe and they may only be interested in your product or service once, and may no longer be interested again.

Moreover, when you continue to send those emails that do not have their permissions, you can be accused of spamming. Spamming is a serious offense especially in the world of information technology and most authorities regard the privacy of each person as valuable, which they continue to uphold even for Internet use.

With this, the creation of opt-in lists have gained tremendous acceptance. Because of its viability and feasibility to most online businesses, a lot of people have realized how important opt-in lists are for email marketing efforts.

Opt-in lists refer to the list of email addresses for people who have agreed to subscribe to your mailing list. This way, you can freely send emails that entail promotions, brochures, new product announcements, and every aspect of your marketing campaign.

When you build an opt-in list, you do not only increase the probability of being successful in email marketing but also boost your sales and profits as well. This is because building an opt-in list will give you the chance to stay in contact with your customers by getting their email address.

In this manner, you can continue to promote your products and services in which they are interested in because they have opted to subscribe and receive your email. Hence, you will most likely receive postive responses.

In this way, spams will be avoided, if not eliminated, and will not ruin the positive image of email marketing. With an opt-in list, online businesses can continue to boost their businesses through email marketing without having to worry about being accused of spamming.

A popular, very affordable, and recommended frontrunner in the Email Marketing business, who basically blazed the trail with this opt-in system is Constant Contact. They have great spam controls and offer a very reliable process with many, many interchangeable templates to choose from when designing your Brand. Don't want to design your own? Contact A+ Professional Resources to design for you!

Opt-in to Success!

Quote of the Day: Stay Focused!

"Desire is key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." -- Mario Andretti


Today's quote sponsored by:
www.abizresource.com

Short Story About Perserverance!

I'm aware that in today's world, a lot of us would find life and business extremely challenging, to say the least; if we had to be without a computer, laptop, cell phone, or the internet. These things have made us very dependant on technology. But, I'm certainly not knocking the wonderful world of technology as it provides a convenience that is truly difficult to live without.

But, remember the days of old, before there were chips, modems, VoIP, etc? What would we do if for some reason, these things were not available anymore, for long periods of time? Not just an occasional crash?

I'm sharing a great story just to keep us reminded that not only is technology important but equally as important is good ol' fashioned, foot work with meeting people face to face, eyeball to eyeball. Some of you may have seen this story before and some may not have, but this could help to keep perserverance strong when thinking about how to use everything possible that is at our hand, and to do whatever it takes ~ legally, and ethically, to reach any goals.

The Man Who Didn't Have Email

A jobless man applied for the position of "office boy" at Microsoft.

The HR Manager interviewed him, then gave him a test to: clean the floor. The man passed the test with flying colors. "You are hired," the HR Manager informed the applicant. "Give me your e-mail address, and I'll send you the application for employment, as well as the date you should report for work".

The man replied " I don't have a computer, or an email!". "I'm sorry," said the HR Manager. "If you don't have an email, that means you do not exist and we cannot hire persons who do not exist." The man was very disappointed.

He didn't know what to do. He only had $10 with him. Once that is spent, he won't have any money to buy any food. He went to the supermarket and bought a crate of tomatoes with his $10. He went from door to door and sold the tomatoes in less than two hours. He doubled his money.

He repeated the operation three times, and returned home with $60. He realized that he could survive this way so he started to go everyday earlier, and returned late. He doubled or tripled his money every day. Soon, he bought a cart, then a truck. In a very short time, he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles.

Five years later, the man became one of the biggest food retailers in the U. S. He started to plan his family's future, and decided to have life insurance. He called an insurance broker, and chose a protection plan, and at the end of the conversation; the broker asked him for his email address.

The man replied, "I don't have an email". The broker was dumbfounded. "You don't have an email, and yet you have succeeded in building an empire. Can you imagine what you could have been, if you had an email?," he exclaimed.

The man thought for a while, and replied, "an 'office boy' at Microsoft!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thankfully, we have use of computers and email to help our success, again; technology that is innovative, fast, and convenient. Click the banner, and you will see how to keep your skill set up to date through various Business and Technology subject matter.

Give Your Customers Rewards!

The concept of having an Rewards Program is a growing trend for Big Corporations. Now, Small Business Owners can now offer this unique program an incentive to their customers, in the same manner as Large Corporations.

Until now, many small stores try to use a punch card reward system, where for each purchase at the store they make a punch in the card and when the customer gets up to 10 to 15 punches, they get something free, usually amounting to about 5 or 10% of the total previous purchases.

However, the customer has to remember to bring in the card, and many do not. Also this does not give the customer incentive to refer friends to the store.

This is how "Retail Bucks" works for Small Business Owners: Businesses need more customers and word of mouth is the best way for them to get them.

When a store is part of this rewards program, their customers can participate and get a percentage of all their purchases in Retail Bucks that they can spend on future visits.

When customers refer their friends to the store they also earn a percentage of the purchases their friends make in Retail Bucks.

With retail bucks the store owner or clerk simply puts in the email address of their customer when they make a purchase into the Retail Bucks website; and the sale is automatically tracked for both the customer and the store owner. No need for the customer to remember to bring a punch card with them to the store.

The customer at their leisure at home can log into the Retail Bucks website to see how many Retail Bucks they have earned for each of the stores they shop at. Convenient, right?

A trial of this rewards system, "Retail Bucks" is available. Sign up here to try it!

We offer Retail Bucks to our customers so it's great for any type of business or service.


www.abizresource.com

Defining Your Own Success!

Last week was a time of great sadness across the country and even the world at the loss of such Hollywood stars as Ed McMahon, and Farah Fawcett. We had an overwhelming blow to learn that a favorite Legend and Icon for the whole world, who is Micheal Jackson; has also been laid to rest and is with us no more.

As sad as it feels, I know we'll all continue to keep with us wonderful memories that will never fade and as long as we, ourselves have breath - should also continue the march forward to reach what destiny life has for us to make our mark and impact in the world.

It helps to surround yourself with associates who are excited about life and the many opportunities it holds. It's a given that every time I listen to Dr. Fran Harris, I am even more elated and motivated to press toward my goals and vision. Dr. Fran, is a straight forward speaker, positive and helps others stay focused on their dreams. Ask yourself, "What is My True Meaning Of Success"? Define it and achieve what is your own definition, and enjoy the ride that will take you there!


If you cannot see video below, Click Here!!

8 Attributes Of A Leader!

There are many, many styles of persona a great Leader may have. I've met many Leaders of several types and in one way or the other their personality, character, and/or tenacity has always made an impression on me, more positively than not. And, I have certainly met or worked closely with the not so positive types at times, but as we are our own individuals, I still believe there are core attributes that EVERY Leader should hold to maintain the title of Leader. You may certainly agree and want to add a few more.


1. UNWAVERING COURAGE: Based upon knowledge of self, and of one's occupation. No follower wishes to be dominated by a leader who lacks self-confidence and courage. No intelligent follower will be dominated by such a leader very long.

2. SELF-CONTROL:. The man who cannot control himself, can never control others. Self-control sets a mighty example for one's followers, which the more intelligent will emulate.

3. A KEEN SENSE OF JUSTICE: Without a sense of fairness and justice, no leader can command and retain the respect of his followers.

4. DEFINITENESS OF DECISION: The man who wavers in his decisions, shows that he is not sure of himself. He cannot lead others successfully.

5. DEFINITENESS OF PLANS: The successful leader must plan his work, and work his plan. A leader who moves by guesswork, without practical, definite plans, is comparable to a ship without a rudder. Sooner or later he will land on the rocks.

6. A PLEASING PERSONALITY: No slovenly, careless person can become a successful leader. Leadership calls for respect. Followers will not respect a leader who does not grade high on all of the factors of a Pleasing Personality.

7. WILLINGNESS TO ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY: The successful leader must be willing to assume responsibility for the mistakes and the shortcomings of his followers. If he tries to shift this responsibility, he will not remain the leader. If one of his followers makes a mistake, and shows himself incompetent, the leader must consider that it is he who failed.

8. COOPERATION: The successful leader must understand, and apply the principle of cooperative effort and be able to induce his followers to do the same. Leadership calls for POWER, and power calls for COOPERATION.


I believe these are just a few attributes Business Owners, Independant Agents, and Entreprenuers should maintain on a consistent basis to influence our success as we provide service to our Customers and Clients in a positive manner to be a GREAT Leader!

10 Tips For Choosing A Logo (Branding, Part 2)

On the further subject of branding, here are some tips that I hope prove helpful in designing your logos.

1. Love it or lose it.You will be looking at this logo every day for the foreseeable future, so pick something you will like tomorrow, next year, and on the tenth anniversary of your business.

2. Make sure the dress fits the occasion.Your logo -- it gives people the first impression they will have of you and your business, so make sure it reflects your identity, tone, and service.

3. Colors are key.Choose colors (black and white counts) that reflect your corporate identity and appeal to your potential customers and clients.

4. Perfect big or small.Your logo may be reduced, enlarged, colorized, or printed in black and white over the course of your business, so make sure the logo you pick will look perfect in any size, shape or form.

5. Don't choose the wrong icon.This is a business decision. Don't fall in love with a logo that you know is not right for the services or products.

6. Get feedback.Show your logo to respected friends, family members, and acquaintances. If they don't respond positively, ask them why, then consider revision (s). If it's what you want people to say about your company, you could be on the right track.

7. Versatility is key.Your logo must look good on a variety of promotional materials, including letterhead, business cards, signs, stickers, magnets, or even a web site, so make sure it is versatile, and will show up when faxed or photocopied.

8. You might not need a logo.If you are opening a law practice or offering bookkeeping services on the weekend, then save money and just get a generic business card and letterhead with your contact information on it.

9. Use professionals.While the guy at the local copy store may seem really enthusiastic about creating a logo for you, invest in hiring a professional graphic designer, such as A+ Professional Resources, LLC. who has a track record.

10. Don't over spend your budget.Designing a great logo and identity package is worth the investment, but shop for your best option. If you have a limited printing budget, do things in stages and just get business cards and letterhead done right away.

Ms. Reverle Harris

www.abizresource.com

Does Your Brand Personality Sparkle?

As this is my first Blog post, I couldn't think of a better way to start than with a discussion on Branding so I'm sharing the suggestions of an Associate you will find in this blog. The six steps will help establish a unique style to any business. I began my consulting and service company, A+ Professional Resources, LLC with the suggestions in mind.

It helped me to design my business model and practices as I've learned how the business brand is at the forefront of everything a business can do when providing service to customers, whether in retail, marketing, technology, healthcare or for an online or offline based company. Developing a business brand is for any professional industry. I could go on but let's take a look at what Donna has to say for today.

Here's Six Ways to Make Sure Your Brand Shines Bright!

Who are you, really? Your brand, I mean.

What do you want other people to think when they think about your business, your service, or your product?

Do you want them to think your brand is the life of the party, or the designated driver? Is it a trusted friend, or a charismatic rock star? Are you a Volvo or a 'Vette?

So I repeat...who are you?

You may already know this, and if that's the case, I congratulate you! Many small businesses struggle with this. If, however, you need a little help in defining yourself, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. How am I currently perceived by my customers? If you don't know, do a quick focus group with a target segment of your market (10 - 20 people), customers and non-customers. Have a list of questions ready to ask.

2. How do I want to be perceived by my customers? Realize that your brand needs to reflect and resonate with your target market. If you want to be a sports car, but your customer wants you to be a sedan, you should probably reflect what your customer's value unless you're trying to attract a different set of customers.

3. How far apart is: how I'm currently being perceived; to how I want to be perceived? What will it take to bridge the gap? Do I really need to bridge the gap, or should I enhance my current image?

Once you have a general idea of perception, time to make your personality more definitive. So, ask yourself these questions:

4. What are my brand's human characteristics? As crazy as it may sound to you, many branding experts suggest you do this in order to put your brand on a level everyone in your organization can understand. Is your brand male, or female? Old, or young? Rich, poor, middle class? Where does it work? What does it do for entertainment? These are just starter questions...you can think of a lot more yourself!

5. If my brand was an actual person, what would be its name? Think about it, when you hear someone is named "Biff," an immediate picture comes to your mind. I bet you can think of a dozen such examples! Pick a name that personifies your brand. Paris, Tom, Jane, Inga, Ian, Jeff, Elsa...

6. What is my brand's "life story?" Biff needs to know where he came from, so create a brief, fictional biography of your humanized brand.

When you complete this process, consider building a Personality Board. This is very helpful in giving your brand a visual personification. Cut out pictures, stories, headlines, or any other visual reference you think would work to define your personality. You may even want to find a photograph of someone who is the image of your brand personality (your Biff) and place it in the middle. Display it proudly, and make sure your employees know what it is.

Now, when you create your advertising and marketing materials - from print ads to TV and radio spots, from websites to packaging, and beyond - you know what personality they need to reflect. And, you will be on your way to delivering a brand with which your customers can identify.

© Copyright 2008, Donna Williams


I hope this was helpful! Here's to your Success!

Ms. Reverle Harris

www.abizresource.com