http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog Internet Marketing Reviews and Help Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:19:39 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 ©Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor gcoulson@ebusinesstutor.com (Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor) gcoulson@ebusinesstutor.com(Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor) 1440 Internet Marketing Reviews and Help Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor gcoulson@ebusinesstutor.com No no http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog 144 144 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2011/12/05/how-iphones-smart-phones-can-ruin-your-business/ http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2011/12/05/how-iphones-smart-phones-can-ruin-your-business/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:57:32 +0000 Garland Coulson http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/?p=933 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2011/12/05/how-iphones-smart-phones-can-ruin-your-business/feed/ 10 00:01:01 I Am Your Worst Nightmare - A Dissatisfied Customer With A Smart Phone When I walked into your shop or restaurant to spend my money with ... I Am Your Worst Nightmare - A Dissatisfied Customer With A Smart Phone When I walked into your shop or restaurant to spend my money with you, you had loud blaring music playing (probably chosen by your teenage part time staff) nbsp;and your staff gave me crappy service. In the past, I would have walked away and you would have lost 1 customer. Unfortunate, but not a huge impact to your bottom line in the short term. nbsp;But today is different. Today, I Have A Smart Phone And I Am Really P*ssed Off So I open my iPhone while waiting forever for the dessert I ordered and I start to type. I complain about you to my 1400 Twitter followers I share my pain on Facebook I post a video of the lackluster food with voice commentary on YouTube I write a scathing review on nbsp;top restaurant #38; travel review sites like Urbanspoon, Zagat and Trip Advisor I post a note in the local forum about my experience. I rate you in local-based social medial like FourSquare and Gowallah The dessert finally comes and I eat a few bites. nbsp;It isn't worth staying for, so I pay my bill and leave. I don't leave a tip on my way out so your staff probably think I am a jackass. So you have lost a customer today. But, unlike customers of yesteryear, you have alienated alienated a socially and mobile connected customer who has just done thousands of dollars worth of damage to your businesses reputation. How Could You Have Avoided This? Here are some simple steps you can make to avoid this in future: Stop the Sonic Assault: Everyone likes different music, so the music chosen by your staff is unlikely to appeal to everyone. My wife and I regularly walk out of stores, coffee shops and restaurants without buying because of the crappy music. nbsp;Here is what you do Have a music policy rather than letting your staff choose and make sure everyone is aware of the policy. Drop by unannounced to make sure the policy is being followed. DON'T play the local radio station - You can't control the playlist and nbsp;it is full of advertising, including your competitors. Choose light instrumental music rather than music with voice. That way it is background and is not interfering with your customers enjoyment of your store. Try Native American Flute music, light classical, celticnbsp;meditation, or others like this. If you aren't sure, have no music at all. You can't go wrong that way. In-House Comment Cards Use cards to get customer feedback and share it with your staff. Tie bonuses, raises and promotions to those who get high praise from your customers. Fire quickly those staff who are hurting your image. Mystery Shoppers Use mystery shoppers to test your staff when you aren't around. How is their service? Are they helping customers the way you trained them? This is a great way of finding problems. Be Social Aware and Social Friendly Once your service problems are fixed, put signs in the window for location-based social media like FourSquare and Gowalla and encourage your customers to "sign in" and tell others about you. Monitor local social media and review sites for mention of your business so you can quickly take steps to deal with any customer complaints. Spend time in local social media, connecting with people, getting menu suggestions, running contests and becoming part of the online community. Host a Tweetup - a gathering of local Twitter users. Ignore Smart Phone Users At Your Peril Never before has it been so easy for a customer to complain and to reach so many people with their complaint. To counteract this, you need to take firmer control of your business to ensure your customer experience is a happy one and to have a fast, emergency response to any social media comments that indicate you missed a beat while creating that experience, Don't underestimate the power of a customer with a smart phone. Articles,,How-to's,,Videos Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor no No http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2011/08/24/why-niche-marketing-doesnt-work/ http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2011/08/24/why-niche-marketing-doesnt-work/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:38:50 +0000 Garland Coulson http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/?p=832 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2011/08/24/why-niche-marketing-doesnt-work/feed/ 9 00:01:01 Many so-called Internet marketing "guru's" are selling "autopilot" niche packages that claim people new to Internet marketing can find profitable niche markets and set up ... Many so-called Internet marketing "guru's" are selling "autopilot" niche packages that claim people new to Internet marketing can find profitable niche markets and set up multiple web sites for multiple niches and make quick money. Unfortunately for most people, these autopilot niche packages are recipes for failure. What Is A Niche Market? A niche market is a narrowly focused group of people that you focus your specific product on.nbsp; So instead of trying to sell your health product to everyone, you might focus on just arthritis pain sufferers.nbsp; Common advantages of niche markets include: the ability to tailor your communication and marketing specifically to the niche markets needs less competition than broader markets may be able to charge a premium price for quality products So Why Are Niche Markets Bad? They aren't.nbsp; Niche markets are fantastic.nbsp; It is the way these Internet marketing guru's are telling you to use them that are the problem.nbsp; The main two problems are: 1.nbsp; Autopilot 2.nbsp; No connection to the niche Autopilot Don't get me wrong, as a time management trainer, I am all for automating as much of my work as possible.nbsp; But the problem with the autopilot processes promoted in these packages is that the same content is being promoted to all their clients.nbsp; There is no unique content, you are selling the same things as everyone else.nbsp; So how can you stand out when you are just part of the crowd? Automation is great when applied to tasks, but not to content development. No Connection to Niche If you set up multiple web sites in multiple niches, what is your connection to any of the niches?nbsp; Most automated niche marketing systems are generic.nbsp; Your name isn't on the web site and it doesn't look like there is a real person behind it. So there is no unique, authentic voice for people to follow.nbsp; You can't use one of the most powerful marketing tools, social media, because there is no person involved.nbsp; You are not building lifelong profitable win-win relationships with your customers. And, if you have no connection or passion for a niche, what will keep you motivated to work on it?nbsp; It takes time to make money, so a whole bunch of niche web sites you have no passion for are very difficult to market. So How Do I Use Niche Marketing Properly? Find a niche you are passionate about that has strong needs you can help with.nbsp; Take the time to learn about the needs of your niche community.nbsp; Build a following over time and become a resource leader for your niche.nbsp; This will allow you to have a lifelong profitable relationship with your customers instead of a "make money fast" grab and run. Articles,,How-to's,,Videos Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor no No http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2010/03/30/free-video-how-to-promote-your-web-site-for-free/ http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2010/03/30/free-video-how-to-promote-your-web-site-for-free/#comments Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:30:15 +0000 Garland Coulson http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/?p=268 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2010/03/30/free-video-how-to-promote-your-web-site-for-free/feed/ 0 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/11/04/free-video-the-power-of-one/ http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/11/04/free-video-the-power-of-one/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:19:25 +0000 Garland Coulson http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/?p=204 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/11/04/free-video-the-power-of-one/feed/ 0 00:01:01 Here is a free video of my recent webinar, "The Power of One." In this video, you will learn how to apply the Power ... Here is a free video of my recent webinar, "The Power of One." In this video, you will learn how to apply the Power of One to your Internet marketing and your efforts to make money from home. Enjoy! Garland Coulson, "The E-Business Tutor" Videos Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor no No http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/10/28/video-make-money-with-resale-rights/ http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/10/28/video-make-money-with-resale-rights/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:31:56 +0000 Garland Coulson http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/?p=201 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/10/28/video-make-money-with-resale-rights/feed/ 0 00:01:01 Here is a video of my recent webinar, "Make Money with Resale Rights." Garland Coulson, "The EBusiness Tutor" Here is a video of my recent webinar, "Make Money with Resale Rights." Garland Coulson, "The EBusiness Tutor" How-to's,,Videos Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor no No http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/06/12/gm-bailout-funds-failures-fund-success-instead/ http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/06/12/gm-bailout-funds-failures-fund-success-instead/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:24:45 +0000 Garland Coulson http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/?p=142 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/06/12/gm-bailout-funds-failures-fund-success-instead/feed/ 0 00:01:01 I read that the GM and Chrysler bailout will now cost about $2.4 million for each job it saves.nbsp; This is obscene.nbsp; It is much ... I read that the GM and Chrysler bailout will now cost about $2.4 million for each job it saves.nbsp; This is obscene.nbsp; It is much cheaper to provide them with unemployment funds and retraining. By doing this, the governments of Canada and the US are propping up the failures, companies that proved they can't make it.nbsp;nbsp; GM #38; Chrysler claims that the economy is the problem, but Ford, Toyota, and many other auto companies are weathering the downturn without asking for a bailout.nbsp; Interesting that two companies who embraced hybrids , Toyota and Ford are doing better than GM.nbsp; This is because they made better business decisions and listened to what drivers wanted.nbsp; And now they have to compete with companies that are using government money instead of their own. Instead of funding these failures, governments shouldnbsp; fund entrepreneurs with new business ideas, including some of the ex-auto industry workers if they want to start a business. Instead of blowing 2.4 million dollars each to try to save old style jobs, why not provide low interest loans to entrepreneurs in the $100,000 to $500,000 range?nbsp; This isnbsp; a range where venture capitalists don't usually work because it is below their minimums.nbsp; Most of the money would be repaid with interest and overall, a well run program like this would cost very little and should be able to fund itself. People who start businesses hire other people to help them as the business grows employ consultants, marketers, web designers, graphic designers and a lot of other people buy products, equipment use services like office space, phone, Internet, and advertising In my case I pay - 4 freelancers each month for programming, support andnbsp; marketing services.nbsp; Inbsp; buy advertising,nbsp; products, computer equipment and, pay for hosting my web servers every month. I help keep the economy growing.nbsp; If I simply worked at a job, I would be spending a lot less and these people would not have the income from me. Companies like GM were originally started by entrepreneurs like me, people with vision who had an idea and planted it an nurtured it to grow. But now it has grown into a large company who forgot to innovate.nbsp; It is rotten to the core and can't survive. So I call upon the governments of Canada and the US to fund creativity, not failure.nbsp; Plant the new seeds that will become the new GMsnbsp; and Googles of the future instead of trying to prop up the failed business crops from the last millenium. Garland Coulson, "The E-Business Tutor" Articles,,Videos Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor no No http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/03/04/video-what-to-do-when-your-brain-explodes/ http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/03/04/video-what-to-do-when-your-brain-explodes/#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:49:01 +0000 Garland Coulson http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/?p=37 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/03/04/video-what-to-do-when-your-brain-explodes/feed/ 0 00:01:01 Brain too full?nbsp; Ready to explode.nbsp; This free video will help show you how to save all the info you need in your brain without ... Brain too full?nbsp; Ready to explode.nbsp; This free video will help show you how to save all the info you need in your brain without going insane. Enjoy! Garland Coulson, "The E-Business Tutor" Videos Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor no No http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/02/13/making-money-by-being-unique/ http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/02/13/making-money-by-being-unique/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:47:18 +0000 Garland Coulson http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/?p=34 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/02/13/making-money-by-being-unique/feed/ 0 00:01:01 You are truly unique. You already beat the odds. It was millions to 1 of being born with your particular genetic characteristics. NO ONE ... You are truly unique. You already beat the odds. It was millions to 1 of being born with your particular genetic characteristics. NO ONE has your identical point of view, abilities or potential So why conform? If you are unique, why be like everyone else? It is the people who do something different that succeed, not those who toe the line and follow others. Your advantage is in using YOUR special powers Here are some examples of successful non-conformists. Steve Jobs built the first Apple computer in his father's garage Google was founded by 2 university students In the 70's an entrepreneur came up with the idea of selling ldquo;pet rocks.rdquo; This made him a millionaire. Many of you try to earn money online by promoting affiliate programs. Promoting affiliate programs is conforming. With affiliate programs, you are selling the same thing everyone else is selling ndash; so how can you excel? To make money, you don't want to be an affiliate, you want to HAVE affiliates. The affiliate program OWNER makes more than their affiliates. The MLM OWNER makes far more than any individual MLMer in their program So what do you do? Stop selling the same things everyone else is selling! You can do this by Creating your own brand Becoming a celebrity Creating your own product Here is an example of how to create your own brand. In my case, ldquo;Garland Coulsonrdquo; has a reputation for: Teaching novices about Internet marketing Providing useful factual information without the hype Giving great customer service and standing behind my products So MY name is MY brand. So what are the benefits of having your own brand? People follow you and look forward to your offerings. People trust your brand. When you do promote new products or affiliate or MLM programs to people, your signup rate #38; income is much higher because of the trust you've built in your brand. You can even create your own brand without creating products. One of my top affiliates put together a system teaching people how to make money online. Her income comes from monthly membership sales plus affiliate income from the programs she recommends (like mine). SHE is her brand ndash; people trust and follow her. Another idea is to become a celebrity. Web videos in places like YouTube can reach more people than network television. You can use these web videos to teach, entertain or inform. This will build a group of people who follow what you offer that you can eventually monetize. How to create a product. All it takes is an idea and some time and effort. Spend time in forums and online communities to learn what your target audience needs. Develop ebooks, videos, tools or membership web sites to meet these needs, then learn to promote them What if you don't have skills? Even if you are not a writer, videographer or programmer, you can outsource people to do this for you through services like Guru.com. Architects don't build their own buildings. Song writers' music may be played by others, especially if they are writing classical pieces for an orchestra. Everything created in this world starts with an idea. To summarize. Be unique ndash; let your personality shine through in everything you do Build a following ndash; people who have joined your list or view your blog/video channel Create your own products Use affiliate programs for extra money, not the main focus Best of luck in all your online ventures! Garland Coulson, "The E-Business Tutor" How-to's,,Videos Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor no No http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/01/30/real-work-at-home-opportunities-do-they-exist/ http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/01/30/real-work-at-home-opportunities-do-they-exist/#comments Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:29:34 +0000 Garland Coulson http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/?p=32 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/01/30/real-work-at-home-opportunities-do-they-exist/feed/ 0 00:01:01 While teaching about Internet marketing. I am often asked if there are any REAL work from home opportunities. There are, but they get confused amidst ... While teaching about Internet marketing. I am often asked if there are any REAL work from home opportunities. There are, but they get confused amidst all the hype and scams. This article will help separate the real work at home opportunities from the garbage. Why work from home? Some common reasons include: Parents who want to say home with children People who are disabled who have difficulty with traditional work evironments People like me who want a more relaxed lifestyle People who want to reduce their impact on the environment Beware of ldquo;Work From Homerdquo; Web Sites. Many sites promise you amazing work from home opportunities Often these are just trying to entice you to PAY to join a multilevel marketing program or to buy their products that profess to help you ndash; in some cases they are outright scams. Here are the three main types of real work at home opportunites: Telecommuting Freelance Start your own business Here is how they work and what you need to get started. Telecommuting: Telecommuting is where you work for a company from your home. You are an employee and are paid hourly or by salary. The benefits of telecommuting include stable income, possible health #38; insurance benefits and you know what you are working on every day. The drawbacks is that your income potential is capped and you are likely to work on the same kind of work over and over. Where can you find telecommuting jobs? Try searching major job sites using words like telecommute, telecommuting, work from home, off site, etc. For example Monster.com had 1127 jobs that mentioned this while I was writing this article. Another to try would be Workopolis.com. What is freelancing? Freelancing is where you work for other people on on a project by project basis. You would likely work for a wide range of companies and projects rather then for one employer on on type of job. Freelance examples include writing, marketing, photography, graphic design, web design, programming, researching, virtual assistants and many others. The benefits of freelancing include earning more money than a standard job or telecommuing, being able to work on a range of interesting projects and a greater freedom. The drawbacks of freelancing include constantly having to find new projects, less security, and the risk of some project owners not paying promptly. Finding freelance projects: You can find freelance projects through web sites like Guru.com, eLance.com and iFreelance.com. You can keep a presence in many sites like these until you get to the income you desire. Some of these sites also have ldquo;escrowrdquo; services where the project owner has to put the money in trust and it is released to you upon completion. Starting your own business. You can start a business by: Selling your own products Selling services Selling products and services of others The benefits of your own business is that you are your own boss, you can fully unleash your creativity and great results = MORE money. The drawbacks are less security, may need some capital to start, and a steep learning curve. You can get help starting your business with books from your local library or from courses, either online or from local educational institutions. So these are the three types of REAL work at home opportunies. Take some time to research each to see which best suits you. Garland Coulson, "The E-Business Tutor" Articles,,How-to's,,Videos Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor no No http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2008/12/12/understanding-continuity-products/ http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2008/12/12/understanding-continuity-products/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:53:28 +0000 Garland Coulson http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/?p=28 http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2008/12/12/understanding-continuity-products/feed/ 0 00:01:01 Continuity products are products that you "sell once - earn forever" on like memberships, mlms, etc.nbsp; In this free video, I will show you why ... Continuity products are products that you "sell once - earn forever" on like memberships, mlms, etc.nbsp; In this free video, I will show you why continuity products are your quickest way to online income. Garland Coulson, "The EBusiness Tutor" Videos Garland Coulson, The E-Business Tutor no No