Word of Mouth Advertising is By Far the Most Powerful

Although Internet Marketing is a great way to get the word out about your products, services and business word of mouth marketing still remains the best marketing tool for countless businessess and industries.

You can have the slickest website, most systemized marketing campaign, great design for your direct mail pieces, yet, if you don't deliver above and beyond your customer's expectations, you can be losing untold amounts of money in lost sales, lost leads and overall "damage control."

Think about your decisions to do business with someone. How often do you at least check out a vendor based on the recommendation of someone else? And how often have you gotten business because someone recommended you? And how often have you told others when you have either had a great experience? On the flip side, how often have you been more than willing to let others know when you have had a bad experience.

Before you invest in all the bells and whistles, make sure your systems are in place to be the best that you can be.


Access my eBook - 101 No Cost and Low Cost Ways to Market A Product, Service or Business - only 99 cents through eBaby. Go to

http://cgi.ebay.com/Internet-marketing-and-marketing-by-Kathleen-Gage_W0QQitemZ190129514035QQihZ009QQcategoryZ47103QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

May need to cut and paste the URL.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer

Look how one retailer is using the Internet

Just Bears and Stuff is using yet another tool of marketing on (and with) the Internet. eBay.

Owner, Patricia Twitchell, has found this to be a viable option for many of her buyers. eBay buyers are very dedicated to process of utilizing this resource for many of their purchases.

To see how Patricia has set up her store go to http://stores.ebay.com/bearwatch-aka-Just-Bears-and-Stuff

You may want to consider eBay to increase your market reach.

To your continued success,

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

July Street Smarts Ezine is ready

What an amazing month June has been. As we move into July lots of incredible things are happening for virtually everyone I talk with.

The hot topic these days in many circles is The Law of Attraction and The Secret. Find out how one champion who never heard of either is naturally applying both to his life to be the champ he is. What you read may surprise you.

http://www.turningpointpresents.com/newsletters/enewsjuly2007.htm

In this month's issue you will also learn how people like James Ray, Ali Brown aka The Ezine Queen and other top success experts have made themselves available to teach you their powerful strategies for manifesting incredible success.

Want to know how to build a database that makes you money while you sleep? Check out my Marketing Tip in this month's issue.

http://www.turningpointpresents.com/newsletters/enewsjuly2007.htm

Have a great month and live with passion!

Kathleen Gage The Street Smarts Marketer

Write, Publish and Market a Book recording is ready

A few days ago I hosted a teleseminar called, How to Write, Publish and Market a Book with No Out of Pocket Expense. The response was incredible. There were so many people registered, some people were unable to get on the call.

For that reason, we recorded the call. You can access the Podcast at http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/write%20a%20book.htm

The feedback from folks on the call has been incredible. Some say it is the best information they have found.

Enjoy

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer

What do the "experts" believe about article distribution

I just got through reading some information from one of the top Internet Marketers around. She is someone who is incredibly successful on the Internet and I pay a lot of money for her information. Thus, I pay very, very close attention to what she says and recommends.

She wrote about increasing your visibility and opt in subscribers. One of her top recommendations to increase visibility, credibility and opt in subscriber numbers is to write and distribute articles online.

Hmmm, this is something I have been preaching (and doing) for years.

Have you made it a regular practice to write and submit articles online. If yes, congratulations. You are likely realizing huge results from doing this. (As long as your website is optimized to collect names and email addresses)

If not, why not? Aren't you looking for cost effective ways to increase your presence on the Internet? One of the best ways is to get your writings in as many places as possible.

If you have the time, you can write and distribute the articles yourself. If you don't have the time and it proves more time and cost effective, hire a VA - virtual assistant to do the detail work for you.

Whatever method you choose, as Nike says, "Just do it!"

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

A 14-Year-Old Champs Winning Formula for Success is No “Secret”

“I see myself cross the finish line before I ever step foot on the racetrack. That’s why I keep winning.”

A line out of a current bestselling book? A quote from a famous athlete? A sound bite from a favorite movie? Not at all. It’s a quote from 14-year-old Shane “Go Go” McGoey. Although fairly new to the sport of motorcycle road racing, Shane is leaving his mark on literally every track he races on, surprising even the most seasoned racers. From his first race he has placed first the majority of times.

I was curious how this shy 14-year-old was able to consistently outrace the competition and become quickly recognized as a champ on the racetrack. His answer is simple:

“Well, I guess it’s the only choice I have. Why would I not win?”

The most amazing thing about “Go Go” McGoey is that he isn’t yet able to ride on the streets due to his age; he is already outracing extremely seasoned riders, he can’t go pro until he is 16; and he racing with stock equipment while racers who have high-end sponsors are using state of the art equipment.

When you delve into the mind of a champion, you will quickly realize that there is a formula for success. One that many people try to bypass and then wonder why they are not achieving all they could.

Currently many people subscribe to beliefs of visualization based on what they are reading in books like The Secret. Some readers may feel as if they have come across the Holy Grail of success, but this information has been around for centuries. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

Although I am an avid reader of books like The Secret, I know there is more to the process of success than simply visualizing what you want. Many people want to believe the philosophies presented in these books but still struggle with success. On the other hand, there are others who subscribe to the beliefs of The Secret in spite of never reading such books; people like Shane McGoey.

You might be wondering why I would write about a 14-year-old road racer in a business column. There are a few reasons.

“Go Go” McGoey’s thought processes are those of a true champion. In order to succeed in business you have to think like a champ. A champion doesn’t entertain thoughts of failure, only thoughts of winning. There is no option but to succeed. And they are willing to do what it takes to achieve this.

When not on the track, Shane’s actions are consistent with winning such as running, biking, eating right, reading the latest information on his sport and hanging out with other winners. To win in business you have to do more than visualize what you want. You have to prepare, read books, network and “hang out” with other successful professionals.

Shane has heard countless times how lucky he is to win. When he hears this he simply shrugs his shoulders. As with his racing, winning in business often has very little to do with luck. It is about preparation, commitment, vision and risk taking.

Shane began riding when he was six years old and began racing when he was ten. His first mini bike was built from scratch with a 125 cc lawnmower engine in it. Shane started where he was, with what was available, never wavering from his dream.

When Shane needed money for a new tire, fender or pair of gloves, he didn’t let the fact he didn’t have money stop him. He put together a plan that included what he needed, who might be willing to sponsor him and what a sponsor would get in return. Keep in mind Shane is a shy young man who would rather race than talk to people. Yet finding sponsors and risking rejection was a means to an end. How many people can say they have the same level of commitment to their dream?

How do I know all this about Shane? One, my company is one of his sponsors. Two, he is my nephew. Three, he is someone I can admire for his drive, determination and persistence. The next time you think all you have to do is visualize what you want, think of “Go Go” McGoey and take the necessary actions to make your dreams come true.

Kathleen Gage is a bestselling author, inspirational and business keynote speaker and mentor to speakers, trainers, authors and consultants. Visit www.kathleengage.com to learn more. To learn more about Shane “Go-Go” McGoey and sponsorship opportunities visit www.shanemcgoey.com

Write, Publish and Market Your Book Teleseminar

Are you one of the 85% of the population who dreams of having your book published, but don't know where or how to begin?

Join me for How to Write, Publish and Market a Book with No Out of Pocket Expense FREE Teleconference Thursday , June 28th 20076 - 7 p.m. PDT for a FREE Teleconference

http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/fastrackteleseminar_book.htm

Very limited seating and I am already filling up.

My best

Kathleen Gage

2 weeks and counting

I can hardly believe it has been over two weeks since I have blogged. Business is booming and I have been doing some traveling. I just returned from a wonderful trip to Wichita, Kansas where I was the closing speaker for a conference.

I will be adding more information to this blog in the near future designed to help you with your online marketing. There is so much going on that I have lots to share.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketing Speaker and Author

Develop Money Making Systems for Your Business

Do you want to know How to Develop Money Making Systems for Your Business?

Join bestselling author, award winning speaker and entrepreneur, Lori Giovannoni and me for two hours that can change your business forever.

In this information packed session you will learn:

-A proven system for making between $5,000 - $10,000 by hosting a FREE teleseminar

-How to build a highly responsive, revenue generating opt-in subscriber list without spending a dime

-How to communicate with your clients, the media and the general public to create revenue generating opportunities.

-How to gain expert status within your target market

-And much, much more!

Seating is very limited so sign up now! We are almost full and will stop registrations when we reach capacity.

http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/slc.htm

Grab you spot now.
My bestKathleen Gage

Deal or No Deal

My good friend, Lorraine Cohen, put Deal or No Deal into a very clear perspective. The following article brings up some great points.

Deal or No Deal
by Lorraine Cohen

Have you seen this show on TV? This is the premise: Contestants (players) come on the show with the hope of winning one million dollars. Twenty-six gorgeous women hold metal cases, labeled 1-26, that contain different written $ amounts of money starting with a penny up to one million dollars.

The show begins with the contestant picking one case to hold on the side that contains (what they hope is) is the one million dollars. The intent of the show is for the player to pick case numbers to be opened without picking cases that have high $ amounts, especially the one million! Once the case is opened, whatever amount is revealed can no longer be won. So, to win the million, you must pick cases that reveal lesser amounts.

After each series of cases are opened, the contestant is offered a certain amount of money to stop playing. The amount offered is determined by the player's ability to keep the highest $ amounts unrevealed. If the contestant accepts the offer (Deal), they take the money and go home. If they refuse (No Deal) they must keep picking case numbers in the hopes of winning as much money as possible. They are also hoping that the case they picked to hold on the side has the million!

I caught part of the show last night. The contestant was a man I'll call Bill. He was doing great. After calling out 20 numbers, he was offered $218,000.00 to stop playing. The higher amounts were still hidden in the unopened cases. Now, remember, this is a game of risk and luck. At any time, should he open any of the higher amounts, the $ offers start to go down.

Well, the audience was wild. Bill's support team was yelling for him to continue and his sister was screaming, "Take the Deal!" Did I mention this show has gotten high ratings? He turned it down and continued playing. Guess what happened? The next case was the one million dollars. After that, it just got worse. I missed what he left with - probably just a few dollars.

Some judgments you might make about Bill:

¨ He was swept away by $$$$ and got too greedy.

¨ He shouldn't have become overconfident and cocky.

¨ He was overly influenced by his friend's encouragement and the audience's cheering.

¨ He was nuts to pass on the offer of $218,000.00.

¨ He got what he deserved.

In his shoes, what would you have done? Each day you are faced with many decisions.

1. How often do you override your instincts and ignore what you feel is best for you?

2. How much power do you give to others to influence you about what you think, feel, and do?

3. Are the choices you make moving you towards what you desire or away?

4. Do you become overconfident and cocky so that you miss or blow opportunities?

5. Are you able to recognize when it's time to move on and let go? Or, do you overstay in a situation that becomes very costly to you and your dreams.

You're the creator of your life. What kind of deals are you making to have what you want?

Comments? Bring 'em on?

Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to over 2,000 business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives to have greater career success and personal happiness in their life. Visit www.powerfull-living.biz to learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products, and programs. Sign up for her monthly ezine, free fear ecourse and blog.

Time passes quickly

Wow! I can't believe it has been two weeks since I have left an update or tip. I have been extremely busy with several teleseminars, a new mentoring course with my business associate, rolling out my next mentoring course, and a live event taking place in Salt Lake City in early May.

If you are going to be in Salt Lake City on May 1st, plan to attend.

http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/slcevent.htm

My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketing Speaker and Author

Great resources from The Publicity Hound

Wondering how to write a good press release. Well, wonder no more. Joan Stewark aka The Publicity Hound has a free resource for you

“89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases.” http://www.PublicityHound.com/pressreleasetips/art.htm

It features a wide variety of good and bad press releases examples, including press releases for authors.

Anything Joan does is great so do yourself a favor and sign up.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketing Speaker and Author
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

Can you really promote a book with a blog?

32,000 Readers and a 2-Book Deal:One man did it and shares all!

How to Launch and Profit froma Viral Blogging Campaign

Join The BlogSquad as they interview the man that made it happen!

Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2007, 8:00 p.m. ET

http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/Blogsquad.htm

Forget all the hype! You have to work at this!

There are primarily two types of people who read my books, attend my seminars and listen to my Podcasts; those who are using (or will be using) the Internet in your overall marketing and those who are (or want to be) to making money exclusively from the Internet.

The information I provide is a great fit for both. However, the people who are going to really succeed at this are the ones who clearly understand that they must be visible to their market. Not only that, they are very clear on the fact they have to build credibility and position their expertise; constantly.

You do this through consistency. Develop a plan of action of how often you will implement something in your marketing and promotions. The more consistent you are the better your results. Don’t fall into the trap of believing you can do something once and then rake in oodles of money. Making money with or on the Internet must be treated as a part of your overall business plan.

Maybe it's the moon; maybe it's the fact that it is snowing in Eugene, Oregon for the 3 time this season in an area that normally doesn't get snow; maybe it's the fact that my old cat is very sick; or maybe it's the fact that I see people buying into the belief that they can do one or two things and make lots of money on or with the Internet.

It just doesn't work this way.

How it works is there are a number of ingredients that must be applied. Leave out one of the ingredients and you likely will miss the mark.

Here are some of the ingredients:

Building a responsive opt-in database
Writing and distribution of articles
A well position resource box
An optimized website
A blog
Blogging on a regular basis
Keeping in touch with your readers with high value information at a frequency that is consistent with their needs.

You can't expect that people will sign up for something from your website and without any further effort on your part, jump in to make a purchase. With many markets, it doesn't work like that.

People have to feel they can trust you. They have to feel you will deliver above and beyond. And they have to know they are making a good investment when they purchase something from you no matter what the price.

Can you make money with and on the Internet? By all means. And lots of it.

Can you do it with very little effort? Although I read these kind of claims all the time, I have yet to meet someone who is the real deal who will tell you they got where they got without real time, effort and money involved.

Simple as that.

Okay, the snow has cleared, my cat is feeling better, the moon has disappeared and I have written what I set out to write. My thoughts on Getting Rich Quick on the Internet. Give up that notion, put your plan in place, build name recognition in your market, create incredible value, and keep in touch.

Then you can smile all the way to the bank!

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketing Speaker and Author
http://www.streetsmartsmarketincg.com

Raising funds for two worthy charities

Through the end of March 2007, my co-author and I are raising funds for two very worthy causes.

Every book sale that goes through Amazon.com for The Law of Achievement will be donated to the causes.

Check it out.
http://lawofachievement.com/special1.htm

Will you help us out with this?

Kathleen Gage

5 Top Reasons I blog

A couple of days ago, Patsi and Denise aka The BlogSquad tagged me with the challenge post the top 5 reasons I blog. Always one to love a good challenge :-) here are the reasons.

1. I love to write.
2. There are no restrictions on what I can write
3. I can reach a global market through my blog
4. It increases my search engine position
5. I can blog any time of the day or night

Being an overachiever (or maybe I am just compulsive) here are a few more reasons.

6. Keeps me in the habit of writing.
7. It is a great way to distribute my articles
8. Over a period of time the articles become a chapter to a book.
9. Over a period of time the chapters become a book.
10. I can promote a seminar about how to blog to write a book.
11. I can go off on tangents if I want.
12. It’s fun

So there you have it. A few of my favorite reasons to blog.

By the way, if you want to check out what Patsi and Denise are up to, go to http://www.blogsquad.biz/

A book worth reading

A friend of mine will soon be releasing her newest book, What STOPS You From Having The BODY YOU WANT?

I had the opportunity to read the manuscript and I have to say, this book is perfect if you are ready, once and for all, to get in shape, have lots of energy, feel good and look better than you have in a long time.

This book is perfect for anyone who spends long hours working at the computer day in and day out.

Darlene has put together a very nice presale opportunity. For only $20 you can get her book upon release and some nice bonus gifts.

http://www.whatstopsyou.com/Body-Book-Entry.html

I so enjoyed what I read; I was one of the first to put in my order for the book. I want to have the book at my fingertips for easy access. If you have thought of getting in shape, but something keeps stopping you, now is the time to quit procrastinating.

What STOPS You From Having The BODY YOU WANT?
Overcome Self-Sabotage
Visualize the Body You Want: See It, Feel It, Believe It, Do It!
By Darlene Braden

Darlene is an expert in the field of fitness and is also a hypnotherapist. She has combined her fitness expertise AND her knowledge of the unconscious mind to bring you a NEW and UNIQUE angle on weight loss and health. You will lose the weight you want and get in shape more easily than you thought possible.

This is a presale opportunity combined with three really nice bonus gifts.

http://www.whatstopsyou.com/Body-Book-Entry.html

For years Darlene has observed, studied, practiced and researched what makes a fit body:

-What does it take?
-Are diet and exercise all that it takes?
-How do thinking patterns and beliefs contribute to holding or releasing weight?

How many times have you set a goal to LOSE WEIGHT or get in shape and did not achieve your goal?
How would the body you want assist you in reaching your other goals in the areas of relationships, financial and emotional goals?

You can find the answers to these questions and more in this newest edition from Darlene’s What STOPS You? series.

http://www.whatstopsyou.com/Body-Book-Entry.html

Discover possibilities about your body, set realistic goals and have the body YOU want NOW!

What STOPS You From Having The BODY YOU WANT? will show you how to:

-Break fr.ee from limiting beliefs about your body.
-Learn the correct way to eat and exercise.
-Learn health tips you have never thought of before.
-Find inner reasons why you to deserve to be beautiful.
-Know that you are worth it.
-Believe you CAN reach your goals regardless of your past eating patterns, age or current health.
-Realize your “Why” to have a strong and functioning body.
-Learn to take NATURAL actions and achieve your goals.

345 content rich pages that include information about eating and exercise and then SPECIFICS on HOW to understand where you have been STOPPED in your ability to lose and maintain your weight.

What is it that YOU WANT?

-Compete in a weightlifting competition?
-To fit into your jeans?
-Look good at your class reunion?
-To be able to hike with your kids?
-Be active with your grandkids?

This book is for men and women of every age who want to make changes from 5 to 200 lbs; for those who want a healthy attitude about their body and to know what is possible.

http://www.whatstopsyou.com/Body-Book-Entry.html

Free gift links will be active until the first book comes off the printing press. Enjoy!

Kathleen Gage

A great interview with The Blogsquad

It has been a few days since I have added anything to my blog. What a whirlwind of activity. A few days ago I had a wonderful time with Patsi and Denise - The Blog Squad. Check out the interview at

http://www.bloggingandbeyond.com/2007/02/attract_sell_pr_1.html

Attract, Sell, Profit: You need a foundation first
Blogging and Beyond: Episode 6 Attract, Sell, Profit!

My newest eProduct release is selling like hotcakes. It's amazing. Internet Radio is a very HOT thing right now. If you want to find out more about The Directory of Internet Radio Shows check out http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/radiointernet.htm

Last week I finished up my eight week mentoring course entitled, How to Make Money With the Internet. What an absolutely great group of folks I had in this session. I will be posting some of their success stories in my blog in the very near future so be looking for that.

There's so much going on over the next few months. One is, I will be doing a live event in Salt Lake City in a couple months. More to follow on that.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketing Speaker and Author

A radio interview not to be missed!

Help raise $1,000 to bring fresh drinking water to children!

Recently I saw a television show about a very unique program that provides fresh water to school age children in rural Mozambican.

The program is called PlayPumps. PlayPumps International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to help improve the lives of children and their families by providing easy access to clean drinking water, enhancing public health, and offering play equipment to millions across Africa.

Something about the project touched my heart. So much in fact that I have not been able to let go of an idea that came to me while watching the program.

I am donating the sale of 200 copies of my book, The Law of Achievement, when purchased from Amazon.com, to PlayPumps, International. The purchase must be made within the next 48 hours. My co-author, Lori Giovannoni is 100% behind this fundraiser.

What I am asking you to do is to buy a book during the next 48 hours, which will in turn be your opportunity to contribute to this worthy cause.

http://www.lawofachievement.com/special1.htm

The books sales will also generate a dollar from every book for a program called the Reading Rally a signature program for Executive Women International. The Reading Rally is designed to bring the gift of reading to children.

So in essence, when you are one of the first 200 people to buy The Law of Achievement from Sunday, February 11, 2007 through Tuesday, February 13, 2007, your purchase will help to bring fresh water to hundreds of children and help a worthwhile children’s literacy program.

Upon me receiving payment from Amazon.com for the books, a check will be sent directly to the PlayPumps project and The Reading Rally.

So you know how much is being donated, I will post the final numbers on my blog and the website when we have them. Please note, Amazon.com does take 55% of all sales. So each book purchase will generate about $6.50 that we will be able to donate.

Please note, we are keeping nothing from the sale of these 200 books. 100% of all proceeds (other than Amazon.com fees) will be donated including publishing costs.

Here is the link to the order page. http://www.lawofachievement.com/special1.htm

Consider that:

$36 - Helps a family get the water it needs for good health and hygiene.
$60 - Can provide ten people with access to clean water for up to ten years.
$300 - Can give a classroom of children playground equipment and clean water for drinking and handwashing.
$14,000 - Sponsors a complete PlayPump™ water system for a community in Africa. A single system can bring the benefits of clean drinking water to up to 2,500 people..

Thank you for your support.

Kathleen Gage

The media release for my newest product

I am very excited about the release of my most recent product, The Directory of Resources for Internet Radio Shows. Thought you might enjoy reading the media release. Feel free to pass this on to anyone in the media you know.





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathleen Gage
541.654.0426

Directory of Resources for Internet Radio Shows™ just released by Internet Marketing Expert Kathleen Gage

February 9, 2007 – Eugene, OR – Kathleen Gage announced the release of her newest eProduct in her popular - Streets Smarts Marketing and Promotions Series™. The Directory of Resources for Internet Radio Shows is a resource that appeals to anyone seeking more market reach while keeping marketing costs down. The directory is filled with over 100 hosts and shows anxiously seeking guests, experts and specialists.

With Internet Radio fast becoming one of the most effective, no-cost ways to build visibility, credibility and market reach, Gage’s newest release is extremely timely.
"Over the last year, the power of Internet Radio has skyrocketed, with well over 19 million listen to Internet radio each week, according to research firms Arbitron Inc. and Edison Media Research. Projected increases in the coming year are in excess of 25 %," comments Lillian Cauldwell, CEO/President, Passionate Internet Voices Talk Radio, http://www.internetvoicesradio.com.

Leading experts considered The Directory of Resources for Internet Radio Shows a must-have for effective marketing.

“If you want to get known as an expert in your industry then you need exposure. Internet radio is an excellent way to reach millions of prospects. Kathleen Gage has put together an amazing directory of over 100 Internet radio shows.” Denise Wakeman, The Blog Squad, www.BlogSquad.biz

Visit http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/radiointernet.htm to learn more about The Directory of Resources for Internet Radio Shows.

Kathleen Gage, CEO and founder of Turning Point, Inc. and Maxwell Publishing is a bestselling author; an internationally recognized Internet marketing and publicity expert; and an award-winning keynote speaker.

Kathleen Gage is a highly results oriented business advisor who works with speakers, trainers, consultants, entrepreneurs and authors. Her unique Street Smarts Marketing Series™ programs are designed to help her clients achieve the business results they desire in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible. Visit http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com for further information.
-end-

4 exciting sessions

I have an exciting invitation to extend to you. This month, I am going to be participating in a series of TeleSeminars hosted by the Shared Vision Network, an organization that offers a wealth of resources and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesspeople. The best part? As my special guest, you will be able to access this seminar at no cost. Just click on one of the links below to secure your spot, and on the registration page, enter your name in the box that says SVN Members-Subscribers. The calls will be held on February 7, 14, 21 and 28.

The info to access these calls is below, but if you click on this registration link and register, you’ll receive reminders about the calls and other information that may be offered:

http://www.sharedvisionnetwork.com/Public/Events/Tele-Classes/index.cfm?semID=3165&view=1&requesttimeout=600

When you register, only fill in the top box on the first registration page before going to the next page. The continue as directed.

Tuesday, February 7:

Dr. John DeMartini - "Secrets to Financial Mastery"
4:00 pm PT (5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET)
Call-in Number: (641) 793 7500
PIN: 250846#

Do you have more month at the end of your money than money at the end of the month? Are you doing what you love to do and being handsomely rewarded for it financially? Would you like to create a greater emotional stability when dealing with your finances?

Welcome to the World of Greater Profits and Heavenly Riches!
If you apply the principles and methodologies that Dr. DeMartini teaches, your relationship with and ability to master your spiritual wealth and material finances, as well as other vital areas of your life, will undergo an amazing transformation.

Building wealth that endures beyond a lifetime is an exact science. Dr. DeMartini will demonstrate how the laws of physics and the history of human civilization leave a blueprint for success and freedom.

You will:

· Learn how to accumulate money.
· Learn how to achieve a smooth and sure cash flow.
· Learn how to create wealth more effortlessly.
· Learn how to transform disadvantages into blooming opportunities.
· Lear how to breakthrough financial barriers and expand your vision.
· Learn how to apply strategies to save you money.

Dr. John F. Demartini is an international professional speaker, author and business consultant whose clients range from Wall Street financiers, financial planners and corporate executives to healthcare professionals, actors and sports personalities. His inspiring and informative presentations combine entertaining “real life” stories with transformational wisdom and insights. A former honors student, Dr. Demartini has dedicated 31 years of research to the principles of maximizing human potential and the well being of individuals and organizations.

http://www.sharedvisionnetwork.com/Public/Events/Tele-Classes/index.cfm?semID=3165&view=1&requesttimeout=600

When you register, only fill in the top box on the first registration page before going to the next page. The continue as directed.

Wednesday, February 14:

Kathleen Gage – “Secrets to Making Money with the Internet”
4:00 pm PT (5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET)
Call-in Number: (641) 793 7500
PIN: 250846#
Learn easy to apply, proven strategies on how to how to use the Internet to make money in your business from me, Kathleen Gage, best-selling author and marketing expert.
This teleconference is ideal for Entrepreneurs, Professional Speakers, Authors and Consultants.
What You'll Learn:
· Discover how to drive highly qualified traffic to your website
· Find out how to turn visitors into paying customers
· Learn strategies to instantly become known as an expert in your market
· Discover 3 surefire no-cost ways to market on the Net
· Understand the incredible power and profit from high visibility on the Internet
You won’t want to miss this!
http://www.sharedvisionnetwork.com/Public/Events/Tele-Classes/index.cfm?semID=3165&view=1&requesttimeout=600

When you register, only fill in the top box on the first registration page before going to the next page. The continue as directed.

Wednesday, February 21:

Janet Switzer – “How to Gain Riches in Other People’s Niches”
4:00 pm PT (5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET)
Call-in Number: (641) 793 7500
PIN: 250846#
Learn the secrets of marketing the fruits of other peoples' labor and expertise...in the process gaining 15-50% of the gross revenue. Enjoy and exciting lifestyle and lucrative career with insider tips and techniques from Janet Switzer, and learn how to build an informational empire of your own!
In every industry, there’s a powerbroker in the background – an advisor who is known to just a handful of people, but who helps build empires for the top “stars” who are household names.
Her name is Janet Switzer – and for the last 16 years she’s been quietly creating empire-building campaigns, products, promotions, deals and distribution for many of the biggest celebrity experts you’ve heard of.
Janet details:
· How to become the Leading Expert in your market niche – earning a fortune from information products – regardless of your skill level, marketing budget or area of expertise.
· How to develop the right product line for any area of expertise – then continually upsell prospects into more elaborate products at ever-increasing prices.
· How determine what prospective buyers already want to spend money on – and how to quickly develop the exact information they want to buy.
· How to develop, deliver and sell two dozen of the most popular information products selling today – from books and audio programs to coaching services, international speaking, subscription consulting, teleseminars, business-building and practice-building courses and more.
· Janet’s 28 proprietary marketing systems – including how to use each one of them to create a flood of new buyers and industry recognition.
A 22-year veteran of the marketing and advertising field, Janet Switzer is unique among experts as the woman who has developed and executed the day-to-day income-generation strategies of many of the world¹s top celebrity entrepreneurs: Chicken Soup for the Soul co-founder Jack Canfield, underground marketing guru Jay Abraham, celebrity speaker Les Brown, Internet income expert Yanik Silver, and master motivational speaker Mark Victor Hansen, among others.
http://www.sharedvisionnetwork.com/Public/Events/Tele-Classes/index.cfm?semID=3165&view=1&requesttimeout=600

When you register, only fill in the top box on the first registration page before going to the next page. The continue as directed.

Wednesday, February 28:

Dan Kuschell
4:00 pm PT (5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET)
Call-in Number: (641) 793 7500
PIN: 250846#

Dan Kuschell has been a business owner and involved in direct sales for over 10 years. His first love was as an athlete from the Detroit area where he honed his skills and qualities as a person. He ended up coaching college baseball / all-star teams while finishing his education at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.

In 1992, he found himself in the direct marketing field. He started his own company and learned from many mistakes. He has now worked in the direct marketing industry for over 10 years full time, helping set records and standards in his field.

He has developed a simple common sense approach to help the average person to enhance the quality of their life -- in business, at home, and in their family.

He has implemented the Champion Vision to help companies increase productivity, sales, motivation, and bottom line results.

Register for the series and you will receive the details on Dan’s presentation!

I hope you can make it for these life-changing calls!


My best,
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

Ready to reach a global market?

If you are looking for a great way to reach a global market, IRadio is it. From the comfort of your home you can reach thousands of eager buyers for your books, eProducts, speaking engagements and more.

But how do you find the shows and hosts who are looking for guests?

I have put together a great directory of over 100 radio shows you can target.

It's one thing to find the shows, do you know how to engage the host and the audience in order to be invited back again and again? Many people don't know how to do this. I have joined together with my business associate, Lori Giovannoni, and recorded an incredible session where we teach you how.

Both of us are seasoned professionals who have hundreds (maybe even thousands) of radio interviews between us. I have also hosted my own weekly talk radio program so I know what radio hosts look for.

Check it out http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/radiointernet.htm

In success
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

February Ezine is steaming with Hot offers

If you've been around the world of Internet Marketing for any
length of time, it's likely you've heard of Willie Crawford.
If you have, you know what an incredible man Willie is. If you
haven't, you are in for a great treat. Willie is truly a
welfare to millionaire success story. He is also one of the most
gifted Internet Marketers around.

What about Dan Kuschell, the champions' champion. Or What
about Janet Switzer, co-author with Jack Canfield of the New
York Times bestseller, The Success Principle? And what about
Lori Giovannoni, bestselling author and award winning speaker?

You might be wondering why I mention all of these extraordinary
people. Check out this month's issue of Street Smarts
Marketing and Promotions Ezine to find out why I have mentioned
them and what each has in store for you.
http://www.turningpointpresents.com/newsletters/enewsfebruary2007.htm


This month I have some incredible opportunities available to my
readers that you won't want to miss; especially if you are
interested in Internet Marketing, building your business or
increasing your market reach and visibility for practically no
money at all.

Be sure to check out the new look for my Street Smarts website.
You will find the link in my ezine.

Throughout the month you will be receiving periodic updates on
various events I want you to be the first to know about. Please
be assured, I will only send you those things that I endorse and
know are excellent resources to help you succeed. At any time, if
you no longer wish to receive information from me, you can simply
click the link at the end of the message.

My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
http://www.turningpointpresents.com/newsletters/enewsfebruary2007.htm

Proof that press releases work

Imagine my surprise when I opened on of my Yahoo Groups to find the following article. Read the entire piece to find out why.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

ARTICLE

In January, my husband Aaron and I made the front page of
the Times Record Newspaper. We sat for the interview, sans kids, at
the end of December, but had no idea when the article would run. My
newspaper comes in the late afternoon, so it surprised me when we
were flooded with calls from local friends. In that week alone, we
went from neighbors to a few people in town to a pride for the
entire community. Why? Two-fold really: our book is about the town
and our personal pilgrimage to my husband's roots.

With this new celebrity came the support of the townsfolk
in the way of book sales. One of the local bookstores refused to
even consider selling our book, not because we self-published,
rather she balked at the price tag and scoffed that nobody would pay
that much. After the front-page article, this shop owner regretted
that decision when customer upon customer asked if they could order
our book through her shop. She even got down right rude with these
potential customers and yelled. The library came as the next target,
but they were prepared. We had donated one copy to them, which
traveled through the circulation process slowly until mass readers
clamored to sign up on waiting lists. The library director called
personally to order four more copies at full price. It thrilled me
to search the library database and see my name listed as an author!
Aaron beamed when he saw himself listed as the illustrator.

How did we get into the newspaper? I took the advice of my
good friend, marketing guru Kathleen Gage. She sang the praises of a
well-written, and thus well-received, press release. I followed her
example and the press release slanted for the local market landed me
the most expensive spot of advertising in the newspaper at no cost
to me. I suggest that you download Kathleen's f ree ebook, Street
Smarts Marketing and Promotions, from my homepage as a start. If
that works for you, then purchase the expanded version of that
ebook. I believe it is a sound investment as the expanded version
built a castle on the solid foundation I received from the f ree
version.

I want to focus on is giving back to the community that
now supports us. We forged our name and product into the limelight
and thus had to shine. Before the article was printed, I did an
initial reading at Brunswick's Curtis Memorial Library. At that
point our book wasn't in circulation yet. The pre-Christmas turnout
seemed dismal as it included mostly friends. After the article came
out, the library asked me to schedule another reading and rushed all
five copies of our book into circulation.

The reading requests did not stop at the library. A
handful of teachers at the neighborhood elementary school contacted
me because they saw the newspaper. Seems the third grade is studying
about our town and its landmarks. We happily agreed to read to the
children and field questions afterward. Aaron and I bundled up our
homeschooled children and visited the school in two back-to-back
days.

The three third-grade classes listened intently, knew most
of the landmarks in the book, and then asked how they could
write/illustrate/self-publish their own books. I cannot say how
gratifying that moment was for me. We inspired at least forty-three
kids that day to write, draw, and believe in themselves! To show
their appreciation, they made us a big laminated poster with photos
of our visit and all their names.

The three first-grade classes were a bit more squirrelly,
but loved our story and asked when we would write more adventures
about the town. We had about an hour break before the last group.
The three second-grade classes really asked some poignant questions.
One little boy asked why I am a professional writer. My reply was
that as a little girl his age, I dreamt that I would grow up to
write books and, believing in myself, I accomplished it. Another
girl asked if I wrote in school. I told her that I started writing
in elementary school and am specializing in creative writing in grad
school. In both instances, I encouraged education, hard work at the
craft, and belief in themselves.

So, if you are too nervous to read in front of adults or
children, but you need to market your book, I'll close with this
suggestion. The Shy Writer by Hope Clark addresses those fears and
meets them head on. If you want to influence lives and sell books at
the same time, you must read to your audience.

Trish Hopkins is a professional writer, creative writing instructor,
and speaker at www.trishhopkins.com
Author, By the Sea ~ Brunswick, Maine
http://www.lulu.com/content/438243

-end-

To access lots of free resources as well as other resources visit
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

Become Known as an Expert with FREE Publicity

Become Known as an Expert with FREE Publicity
by Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author

Countless numbers of people have the dream of running a successful business and yet most will not succeed due to lack of market visibility. Successful entrepreneurs understand how essential it is to gain visibility within their market; visibility that equates to more customers and clients, which equates to more revenue.

The most common belief uninformed entrepreneurs have of how to gain market visibility is through paid advertising. The fact is, most small businesses and entrepreneurs don’t have huge budgets to put into paid advertising campaigns. Yet, many waste untold amounts of money on ad campaigns that don’t get them a result that justifies the expense.

Unfortunately, because they don’t realize there is a better way, they often continue to throw money into useless advertising that takes them further into the red with every dollar spent. Because of this many will close their doors, never realizing what they could have accomplished.

As a publicity expert who specializes in no-cost and low cost strategies to gain market visibility, it pains me to think of how many people could have succeeded had they been armed with insider information on how to get lots of publicity for their business. My goal for you is that you are not counted among the fatalities, but rather one of the successes.

What is Publicity?
Let’s start by defining what publicity is. When I work with my clients, the definition I use is that publicity is the deliberate and focused attempt to manage the public’s perception of a person, product, service or business. I also include promotional methods to achieve an outcome. The primary avenues I use are working with traditional media and through online resources.
There are two ways to get publicity; one is to pay for it and the other is to access free publicity. It’s actually easy than most people realize to gain free publicity – and lots of it.

In many cases all it takes to gain thousands, tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of FREE publicity is a commitment and a very focused plan.
Keep in mind though; to gain optimum results it does take a systematic approach.

Promote Just About Anything
You can promote just about anything with publicity; a retail store, a book, a live workshop or seminar, a teleseminar, the release of a new Internet marketing program are a small sampling of what you could gain free publicity on.

What Are Your Results?
Before I share some of the most effective and most underutilized methods for gaining publicity, I want you to ask yourself how much money you have wasted on paid advertising. Now ask yourself what the results have been. Chances are your results were minimal.

How great would it be if you could gain massive visibility and spend little, if nothing at all, to get it?

Traditional and Electronic
Publicity and promotional methods can be divided into two primary areas; traditional media and electronic avenues. There are others but the most obvious and those with the highest return on investment of time and money are traditional and electronic.

Traditional media
Radio
Television
Print newspapers
Magazines
Trade journals
Print newsletters such as company and association newsletters

Electronic Avenues
Press directories
Online magazines
Internet radio
Online newspapers
Trade journals
Bulletin boards
Blogs
Social networks
Email discussion groups
Ezines

With the popularity of the Internet many people are overlooking the power of traditional methods of publicity. It is important to realize that not everyone is wired so you want to avoid eliminating a huge part of your potential opportunity for free publicity as well as a huge potential for additional market reach.

A combination of both electronic and traditional methods is likely to produce the best results. However, it is feasible to utilize only online methods of information distribution and not only gain incredible amounts of publicity but also gain access to traditional media.

Many journalists, publishers, editors, radio and television show hosts have grown quite accustomed to finding great stories and show guests via the Internet. So even if your primary choice for targeting your initial message is through electronic means, you may get some offline opportunities.

Two Power-Packed Methods for Gaining Visibility
Two effective methods for gaining publicity, and lots of it, are through press releases and articles. Not only are they effective, often they are free – or extremely low cost.

Press/Media Releases
A simple way to gain free publicity with both traditional and electronic resources is to write and distribute a well-written, well-formatted press release. A good press release is one of the most effective, and yet, most underutilized, free publicity tools. A press release can also be called a media release.

Simply put, a press release is an announcement you send to magazines, trade journals, newspapers, newsletters, radio and television. There are numerous online resources that provide services for mass distribution of a press release. Some are free; others will charge a fee.

How Press Releases are Chosen
To give you the greatest advantage in getting good, and even great coverage, it is important to know how the traditional press chooses one release over another.

It’s not enough to just write a press release, it has to be a well-written release.

Most large pressrooms get hundreds of news releases a day. When yours comes in it is one among many. Typically there are one or two people responsible for reviewing incoming releases and either assigning them to editors and producers or throwing them out.

Normally, they will review the releases you send them over a wastebasket or with their finger on the delete key.

To increase your chances of having your releases read and published make sure you include elements of a well-developed release. These include the who, what, when, where and why of your message.

Additionally, you want to write for the viewers, readers or listeners. Far too often, a release is written more like a sales pitch than an information, newsworthy piece. If it is a blatant sales pitch it is likely not to get published.

Articles for Publicity with the Media
Another extremely effective method for gaining lots of publicity is through article writing and online distribution. It is not at all unusual for a trade publication, a newspaper journalist or a feature writer to find material for a story or someone to interview because of an online article they read.

Article writing and distribution should be an ongoing aspect of your overall marketing and strategy for gaining publicity and getting noticed by the media.

There are a number of places you can submit your information. Although you may get paid for your articles, if you are writing for the purpose of publicity, you may want to also consider writing without getting paid. There are going to be more opportunities this way.

Yet, if an editor wants to pay you, you accept. Remember though, for the purpose of FREE Publicity the greatest benefit in writing articles is increased visibility, credibility and reach. You can also use your published material for a press kit, marketing kit and as a service to your client base. It’s all about return on investment.

It is very customary to include a short bio at the end of a free article. This is referred to as a resource box. Usually you will include a bit about yourself and a link back to a website or a special offer.

Become known as an expert
Writing articles is a great way to make a name for yourself as an expert in your field or specific industry. By providing practical information, you can reach specific audiences. This can create exciting opportunities for you and your business.

Although there are many different types of articles you can write, one of the easiest to write is a how-to article.

An added publicity vehicle
I have had numerous experiences where I would write an article and my clients liked it so much they would duplicate it and send it to their client base. The beauty there is that my contact information was at the end of the article. What a fantastic way to get some free marketing and publicity through the efforts of someone else. The fact that it is sent out by my client to their clients lends itself to even more credibility.

It’s An Ongoing Process
To be effective and gain the greatest results; gaining publicity needs to be an ongoing goal for you and your business. It is not a one-time deal yet; many people treat it as such. It’s as if they think that one time in the press should launch massive visibility that goes on and on. Or that one press release or article will land them on Oprah.

Those of us who are masters at gaining lots of publicity within our chosen industries know that there is no such thing as an overnight success. However, with enough focus, effort and commitment, you can gain so much visibility that to an outsider it may appear as if you are truly an overnight success.

To achieve optimum results you need to constantly fuel the media fire. You have to find “hot” areas of interest that the media wants to cover. With the right plan, systems and vision you can begin to immediately gain publicity and continually tap into the power of publicity for years to come.

Kathleen Gage, CEO and founder of Turning Point, Inc. and Maxwell Publishing is a bestselling author; an internationally recognized Internet marketing and publicity expert; and an award-winning keynote speaker. Visit www.streetsmartsmarketing.com for lots of free resources to learn how to gain free publicity.

Recipe for success!

According to the BlogSquad experts, Patsi and Denise, http://www.blogsquad.biz, the word Recipe is the most common word people google. Hmmm. That's great information to know.

Why? you may asks.

If you know what words are commonly used in Google searches you can incorporate them into your keywords in articles, blog postings and other areas that will drive traffic to your website.

Think about what words can make a difference for you.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author

There's No Magic Formula ... But There is a Solution!

Why is it some people are incredibly successful at utilizing the power of the Internet in their marketing while others can’t seem to figure out the winning formula?

How often do entrepreneurs and salespeople look for that next magic formula to build their business and increasing revenues, never quite making any of it work? Many people make it much more difficult to succeed than it need be while others know exactly what to do — and they do it.

Ask anyone who has effectively integrated the use of the Internet into their overall marketing strategy and they will tell you success in building your business, both online and off, is about systems. Simple as that.

Developing and utilizing systems is nothing new. Yet, the great search for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and getting rich quick continues.

The place you’ll find more gold than virtually anywhere else is in doing something many people just don’t find appealing. It is in developing and maintaining a solid database. Unfortunately, many people don’t find database management sexy enough. So they continually buy into that next secret formula.

Fact is, with a well-groomed database you can increase your revenues and decrease your marketing costs. You can build customer relations and keep your name fresh in the minds of your market by keeping in touch. This establishes excellent position within your market.

Most people would be amazed at how simple it is to build an incredibly profitable database by applying a few simple strategies. Remember, simple is not always easy. It will take time, commitment and focus.

Bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to your database. Depending on your industry and what you sell you may be well served to focus on the few dozen or few hundred who want to buy from you rather than thousands who don’t care about what you offer.

On the other hand, there will be situations where building a massive list is exactly what you need to do. Especially if you have mass quantity products you are selling at a very low price. Then you may want to go for the numbers.

Driving traffic to your site is an ongoing process as is building and maintaining your database. If you are serious about using the Internet in your marketing you need to lay the groundwork to optimize your opportunities.

-Develop a fully operational web site
-Have a way to capture contact information such as a sign up form
-Give people a reason for leaving their contact information such as an Ezine, free report or ebook, an article of interest to your target market or anything that is of benefit to the reader
-Develop a series of content driven messages that address your customers’ needs
-Keep your name in front of your market consistently without being annoying
-Write and distribute articles to various online resources that are pertinent to your market
-Create a byline that contains your web address
-Do not make the articles a hard sell. Rather, provide information that positions you as a resource before you are a vendor
-Develop a list of forums and discussion groups you can participate in
-Commit to the long-term.

By focusing on developing a solid database and providing incredible value to your market you can and will achieve success in your business. Guaranteed!

Kathleen Gage, aka The Street Smarts Speaker and Author, is an award winning entreuprunuer, keynote speaker and bestselling author. Gain More Leads, Better Prospects, Close More Sales F*R*E*E eBook by Kathleen Gage shows you how. STREET SMARTS EMARKETING Online Success Strategies Guaranteed to Put You Miles Ahead of the Competition! http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm


NOTE: You may publish this article for your magazine, trade journal, newspapers, business journals, website and/or Ezine provided you keep it in its original form and include the resource box at the end.

Are you waiting for the "perfect" opportunity

Recently I began a project to organize some of my files. I do this in order to stay on top of the never-ending mountain of information I gather day in and day out.

More times than not, I end up throwing out more than I keep. I find this allow me to be extremely productive and accomplish more of my short-term and long-term goals.

As I was reading through some of my articles (many written several years ago) I came across one that gave me one of those "warm and fuzzy" feelings.

Permit me to explain.
Every day I talk with people who have the dream of writing a book whether as an eBook or a physical book. I also hear from people who want to launch a business, a teleseminar, or just about anything that is an expression of who they are.

Daily I hear the frustration of those who have talked about their dream for longer than they can remember. Often their frustration stems from their inability to take action and/or to try to get it “perfect”.

My recommendation is often the same regardless of whom I am talking with. I say, “Rather than simply dream about something and try to get it perfect be willing to take some type of action to fulfill your dream.”

Over the years I have heard virtually every type of excuse there is as to why this is not possible. On the one hand it saddens me to think about the countless numbers of people who have a dream and never fulfill it. On the other hand, I simply smile because I used to be one of those who had more excuses than there are hours in a day.

What I came to realize is that the excuses will always be there and it is up to me to fulfill my destiny; as it is up to each of us to fulfill our destiny.

The only way dreams come true is to take some kind of action on them. Something, anything, but an action.

Again, we can always find excuses as to why something is not possible. Or we can wait until something is perfect to the point you will never take any action.

Find reasons why you can do something
Rather than looking for excuses as to why something can’t happen seek reasons why it IS possible.

Below is the article that gave me pause for thought. Since the time this article was written I have published two books, at least six information eProducts, developed several new mentoring courses, launched dozens of Teleseminars and made a major relocation to a beautiful location.

The information products have been hugely successful, I love my location, I have a great team of people I am working with and my last book became an Amazon bestseller.

I don’t say this to boast or to impress you, rather to impress upon you that excuses will always be waiting for us around the next corner. So will our ability to fulfill a dream, a destiny, a purpose.

My book becoming a bestseller was no small feat in that my co-author was burdened with a very traumatic experience during the time we wrote the book, got it published and took it to market. Rather than finding a reason not to write our book, The Law of Achievement, she was compelled to put her thoughts to paper in what is now one of the books we are both most proud of.


Will your life be filled with excuses or the ability to take action? To discover a strategy for success take a few minutes to read about how you can “Take Your Idea From Thought to Reality.”

ARTICLE

Take Your Idea From Thought to Reality
My business associate and I were recently on a business trip to New Orleans, scheduled to speak at a leadership conference. Taking full advantage of our travel time, we worked on a plan for one of many products we are introducing to our markets. The plan included how to market our soon-to-be released book, “101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door.”

As fate would have it, the gentleman driving the cab both to and from the airport and hotel shared some incredible words of wisdom during our 30 minute drive. He said, “When you get a vision (an idea), it is your responsibility to explore that vision. If you don’t, it’s a sin.”

One definition of sin is ‘to miss the mark.’ How often does someone miss the mark and fail to achieve their greatest potential by simply not pursuing their ideas?

Our driver, Jerome “PopAgee” Johnson, believes that with the vision comes the responsibility of putting a plan together to determine the most feasible way to achieve the outcome. He went on to advise that you must take action and not let obstacles stop you.

You might wonder why the words of this humble yet talkative cab driver would have such an impact on me. Like a great number of people, I have often been guilty of shutting out “words of wisdom” given by others. Sadly, people will miss incredible messages from others because they don’t take the time to listen to what is being shared. Perhaps they judge the messenger and miss the message. On this particular day, I was fortunate to be very receptive and hear what was being said.

Turns out PopAgee had gotten an idea many years before that he just knew he had been “chosen” to pursue. An idea that would take commitment, belief, plans, overcoming numerous obstacles, dealing with ridicule from others and so much more. We had no inkling when we got into this man’s cab that we would be sharing our time with the founder of the New Orleans Hall of Fame, Inc.

Truth be told, I felt as if there were no mistake we had ended up in this man’s cab on this particular day. I believe that we are often fated to connect with people of every description and station in life in order to share and receive valuable information.

As if he could read my mind, PopAgee said the reason he loves driving a cab is because of the people he meets. People he knows he is meant to connect with and who have been instrumental in fulfilling his vision and mission. Knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt his idea was divinely inspired, he never strayed from the belief that his idea would one day come to fruition.

As fate would have it, just that day funding for the major historical jazz project he founded came through. Funding he and others have been working on obtaining for years.

As I boarded the plane I couldn’t help but think about the number of people I have met over the years who have ideas and yet do nothing with them. Here I just met a man who has worked on his idea for over 20 years and wouldn’t give up.

So what’s the difference between those who either won’t try or give up at the slightest obstacle and those who just won’t quit? Resolve. A commitment and determination so strong that regardless of what comes their way they figure out how to get to the other side of any challenge.

Knowing it is only a matter of days until the release of “101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door,” I am reflecting on what my co-authors and I have done to turn our idea into a final product. It may appear as if this book happened overnight, but the fact is that it took several months of planning, writing, budgeting, preparation, design, vision, and dedication to make this happen. A dedication that took an idea from a thought and turned it into a product.

As you reflect on your business, what idea have you been thinking about? Perhaps now is the time to develop, plan and turn your idea into something until now you have only dreamed of.

-end-

Getting Your Blog Noticed

The following information is from Penny of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. The information is not just for authors. Rather, anyone who wants to gain maximum benefit from a Blog.

Penny's newsletter is always filled with outstanding tips and strategies. I subscribe and highly recommend the newsletter to you. Subscription instructions below.


Getting Your Blog Noticed
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you'd like to get your blog noticed by reporters, there might be a few things you could do increase your chances. First and foremost, the media wants to know that your blog is verifiable, not just a smattering of opinions (while this is good, verification of your statements will always be important). Whenever possible, add links to your blog to other stories or statistics that relate to what you're saying. You can add as many links as you want, and depending on the story, it might behoove you to find a lot of on-line references. Another good use for your blog might be for the posting of press releases and announcements. Remember, the more activity the better, if you are having a lot of news make sure and add it to your blog. It shows activity in your blog and in your promotional efforts!

from Penny at
Author Marketing Experts, Inc.

Author Marketing Experts has an excellent newsletter for anyone who is interested in the world of publishing, writing and authorship. I subscribe and recommend you do too.

To subscribe to their newsletter, click here: subscribe@amarketingexpert.com.

Be sure to sign up for Penny's ezine as soon as you can. It is a great resource

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

Your postings can come back to haunt you

Here's an interesting fact:

35% of executive recruiters, who use the Internet to check out prospects, say they have eliminated candidates based on what they have found online (up from 26% in 2005). Although 82% of job candidates expect recruiters to look them up online, 33% of job candidates have never conducted a Web search on themselves.
Sources: BusinessWeek, June 26, 2006 and March 27, 2006, U.S. News & World Report, December 25, 2006

This is not only for job seekers. It applies to anyone who owns and operates a business. You never know what clients may find that could turn a deal sour.

Before posting information in various social network environments, on blogs or on your website, think about the long-term. Who might see your information?

Think things through before you leap into action with your postings.



Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

Featured author

I am the featured author this month

Boomer Women Speak.com

Check out my postings, ask a question and get to know me at

http://www.boomerwomenspeak.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=105085&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1&nt=7

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author

Article by Internet Guru Willie Crawford

Kathleen's Recommended Reading - Another excellent article by Internet Marketing Guru and Expert - Willie Crawford

Will 2007 Really Be Different For Your Online Business?
Copyright 2006 by Willie Crawford

"Will 2007 really be different for your online business?"
That's a question that I asked myself, and that I had many
of my clients honestly evaluate at the end of 2006.

The answer has to be that unless you do something differently
in 2007 than you did in 2006, then 2007 is very likely to be
a repeat of 2006.

That reality should horrify many people!

For many "Internet marketers," which is the category that
most of my clients put themselves in, having 2007 be
drastically different means focusing on making five major
changes. Here they are:

1) Better Time Management

We all have only 24 hours in a day, yet some of us get 100
times more done in those 24 hours than others. There are a
number of secrets to getting more done in less time. One of
those secrets is to actually calculate the value of your
time. Simply take your income goal and divide it by the number
of hours that you are willing to invest to reach that goal.
That will give you a crude dollar figure to use for the
"value of your time." It will also make it easier for you
to end "time-wasters" such as calls from tele-marketers.

Once you have a dollar value for your time, then you only
need to DO those things that you can't afford to get
someone else to do cheaper (provided it's something that
merits doing). For example, if you value your time at $100 per
hour, then you should not spend 2 hours designing a web graphic
that you can hire someone else to do for $25. Although that
makes perfect sense, many people worth $1000 per hour spend
a lot of time doing $5 per hour work.

Don't you fall into that trap.

To learn to properly value your time, I recommend getting,
reading, and implementing things taught in Dan Kennedy's
time management book. It's called "No BS Time Management
For Entrepreneurs - The Ultimate No Holds Barred Kick Butt
Take NO Prisoners Guide To Time Productivity & Sanity.
It's a great book that you can order through online bookstores.

2) Focusing On Things That Provide The Best Return On Investment

This is closely related to number one, but it means that
you need to decide which of the hundreds of possible business
models and methodologies you should be using as your business
model.

Everyday, you'll be exposed to dozens of proven ways to grow
your business, your website and your income. You can only
realistically learn and implement a few of them!

Choose one or two methods,or tactics, to grow your business,
and then IGNORE the rest. My friend Russell Brunson does
this brilliantly. For example, when he looks at website
traffic generation, he works on just the things that does
best. He actually has staff members who each specialize
in different methods of traffic generation. This is
something Russell recently shared with my subscribers on a
teleseminar.

Russell is a master at doing the things that provide him with
the best return-on-investment. He is also a master at
outsourcing the rest. You should check out this brilliant young
marketers system! You'll find it at:
http://DotComSecrets.com/willie/

3) Stop Jumping From Project To Project

Inability to focus on one project, and see it through
to completion, "kills" more Internet marketers than anything
that I've observed. We all have dozens of brilliant idea,
and we don't know which one to focus on. We're afraid that
if we focus on one, we'll miss out on another.

By failing to select ONE of our ideas/projects and focusing
on implementing it, we end up not seeing anything through
to profitability. That tells you that the very simple
solution is to "just choose one." It's a little more
complicated than that, in that you should choose the one
that means the most to you, and that fits in most with
your long-term objectives. However, you DO at some point
have to simply choose.

Don't worry about making the wrong choice. We live in a
universe with millions of choices, and any of them can
take you down a different path. Being too paralyzed by fear
to choose, is making the decision to make no changes.

If it helps, allow me to share with you several of my choices
that I made while transitioning to 2007.

One choice was to spend less time in the minutia, and to spend
more time on high value transactions. To do that I turned to a
friend who has earned 8-figures online in the past two years. I
figured that he could teach me a thing or two, so I'm learning
from him. I'm so committed to the projects, that he's leading
me to, that I registered a domain just for that purpose...
http://8FiguresIn2007.com

The domain name above shows you why I focused on that choice.
I saw the level of potential and committed to making it a
reality.

A second choice that I made was to revamp my coaching and
mentoring program. I coach and mentor aspiring online marketers
primarily because I enjoy seeing struggling individuals with
dreams make those dreams a reality.

Where I revamped my coaching program was to change my pricing
structure, and the application process, so that only those
willing to put in the necessary effort are inducted into my
coaching program. That way, my new clients and I don't waste a
lot of time dealing with people whom we shouldn't be dealing
with. This frees up more time for me to work with very focused
people who have "a burning desire," a willingness to put in the
effort, and simply the right personality that enables us to work
together.

With coaching and mentoring in particular, it is a one-on-one
venture, and you should only work with those that are appropriate
for you to work with. Doing otherwise merely cheats you, and
those that you should be working with instead.


4) Get A Manager/Mentor or Accountability Partner

Back in 2002, one of my "heroes" told me that I needed "a
manager." That shocked me at first, but then he explained that,
left to our own devices, most of us will spend most of our time
doing things that aren't the highest and best use of our time.

He went on to explain that this is why top athletes, politician,
celebrities, and savvy executives have "managers."

Reflecting upon my career in the military, I once served as an
"executive office" to a commander. My job was to plan and
control his schedule. He would come to work and I'd tell him who
he was meeting with that day or that week... and why. I even
told him when he had lunch appointments with family :-)

Not all of us are so in-demand that we need someone to help
decide what we should be spending our time on. Some of us just
need an "accountability partner"... someone that we can tell our
plans to and then ask them to hold us accountable for
accomplishing them. This would be a person that we give
permission to push us a little. We give them permission to tell
us when we're doing ourselves a disservice.

An accountability partner can be someone you meet at a seminar,
or even on an online discussion forum. It can also be a formal
coach or mentor. I serve as an accountability partner for
several dozen people. They ALL have to go through an application
process (set up on my website) first. You can see the process
at: http://WillieCrawford.com/mentoring.html

A coach, mentor, or accountability partner can help you to get
more done is many areas of your life. For example, many people
make resolutions this time of the year to exercise more. The
secret is to have a workout partner (an accountability partner)
that you jointly make that commitment with. Then, on those
mornings when you'd really rather sleep late, it's knowing that
you have someone at the track or gym waiting for you that will
get you motivated.

5) Form Strategic Partnerships and Joint Ventures

We all learned long ago that "no man is an Island unto himself."
If you're trying to do everything yourself, you're not going to
get very much done. In the online world "lone wolves" never
succeed massively ... that I've seen.

You need to partner and form joint ventures with others who
compliment your skills and interests. For example, if you are
great a starting projects, but never finish them, then you need
to partner with "a finisher" (generally someone who pays close
attention to the details.

Over the past 2 months I've interviewed DOZENS of the top
online marketers. I often asked them how they got to where they
are. Our conversations also often drifted to other online
marketers and those marketers' secrets to success.

Without exception, all of the top marketers that we discussed,
and that I've studied, did NOT get their all by themselves.
They had mentors, they formed alliances, and they sometimes
had people who gave them a big break.

Going back to my career as a military office, the single biggest
identifiable factor that I saw that enabled an office to rise
from "Second Lieutenant" to "General" was having a "sponsor."
This was someone at the top who took an interest in them
and guided them.

When I look at Internet marketing, I DO see a similar system.
When someone already near the top reaches out and guides you,
and introduces you to their influential friends, it does
increase your chances of moving up the ladder. This is only
common sense.

I'll close this article by sharing with you that the online
community set up to facilitate many of the things outlined
above is called "The Internet Marketing Inner Circle."

Yes, there is such a creature. You'll find it at:
http://TheInternetMarketingInnerCircle.com

Now back to the original question...

"Will 2007 Really Be Different For Your Online Business?"

It can't be different unless you do things differently.

Just food for though as we transition into a new year.

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

Willie Crawford has taught thousands how to build successful
online businesses since late-1996. His membership site
contains dozens of interviews featuring leading online
marketers sharing their views on "How To Break Into The
Internet Marketing Inner Circle." Access those powerful
interview at: http://TheInternetMarketingInnerCircle.com

Time waster or time well spent?

Social Networks can be great for gaining visibility. However, they can also be a huge waste of time.

Social networks connect people with all different types of interests, and one area that is expanding in the use of these networks is the corporate environment. This makes them searchable and be connected to other business professionals. One example of a business social network is LinkedIn, a network that connects businesses by industry, functions, geography and areas of interest.

Networks are usually free for businesses or at a low cost; this is very beneficial for small businesses looking to expand their contact base. These networks act as a customer relationship management tool for companies selling products and services. Companies can also use social networks for advertising in the form of banners and text ads. Since businesses are expanding globally, social networks make it easier to keep in touch with other contacts around the world.

Some of the well known social networks are:

-MySpace.com
-Friendster
-LinkedIn
-Ryze

A quick search under "social networks online" will bring up plenty more.

Success tips for Social Networks

-Know why you are spending time there. You can waste an incredible amount of
time if you just "cruise" around.

-Find areas where you can meet like minded folks or your target market

-Share valuable information in the forums and groups (there are thousands to
choose from)

-Make sure your profile has key information about you that leads people back to a website

-Look for people who seem that they would be valuable to know, send them a
personal email mentioning something on their profile you liked and that
should start a nice conversation. I have done this with some authors. If I
have read someone's book, I let him or her know and I let them know what I liked
about it.

Check out the possibilities of social networking. It may be a great business choice.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author

Hmmm. Who could this be?

What's better... Street Smarts or Book Smarts?

That's the question that has come up on The Apprentice.

Click here to make your own decision

http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/yourefired.htm

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author

What you don't know about linking can hurt you

Many people are under the mistaken belief that the more link exchanging they do the better. This is not at all true.

To learn more about linking I recommend you read this article.

http://www.theinternetpresence.com/business-article-30.html

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author

Gaining Visibility for Your Blog

Blogging can be a great aspect of any marketing plan. I consider it key to Street Smarts Marketing and Promotions.

If you have a website, a blog is a tool you can use to drive traffic to your site. If you don't have a website you can effectively use a blog to post articles, ideas, tips, products you are selling and various other uses.

Here is what a blog is.

Blogs
A blog is a user generated website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order.

The term "blog" is derived from "Web log." "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Driving Traffic to Your Blog
As with anything, you have to do more than just have a blog. There are steps you can take to gain more visibility for your blog. One is to register your blog at various locations and in blog directories. This is all a part of your marketing process.

Although you can purchase software that automatically submits your blog to directories I DO NOT recommend this. Manual submission is the way to go. At least that is how I feel about it today. If something new and improved comes along that is a good way to automatically submit I will let you know.

Here are a few places you can begin submitting. You can either do the submission yourself or you can hire someone to do it for you.

http://www.toprankresults.com/blog-submit-list.htm

http://www.pingoat.com/

http://pingomatic.com/

You can find more places to post your blog by doing a quick google search with the words "Blog Posting Sites" or "Blog Directories" and watch what comes up.

The process can be time consuming and not all sites you pull up from the google search will actually be directory sites, but with an hour or two of focused effort you should be able to submit to at least 10 - 30 and have your blog begin to get some nice traffic.

Remember also, in order for a blog to be effective you have to keep your material fresh and current. Otherwise, why would people be interested in it.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author