Personalized URLs: What You Need to Know!

If you are in a place where you are looking to grab the attention of your clients and the people that you are hoping to service and to make them pay attention to your content, you will find that taking a look at personal URLs is one way to do it. A personal URL, also known as a PURL, is is essentially a URL that you will send to your client, with their name at the end of the URL in question. There are many different opportunities that you can take advantage of when you are looking at PURLS.

In the first place, you will find that when you combine PURLs with direct marketing software that you can have a huge impact on the way that people will respond to you. With more and more opportunities open to you when it comes to personalized direct mail, you will find that you need to create a campaign where your clients and the people that you would like to be your clients feel as though you are meeting their needs personally.

With PURLs, you will find that you can easily customize content for each client, if you should so choose. With this in mind, you will be able to both target your clients, and learn more about their needs. This make for a significantly more powerful experience for your customer, and one where they will remember you and what you provide.

Personalized URLs will give you a significantly increases response rates. People are far more likely to click a link which has their name embedded in it. They will also be more likely to be receptive to your message. This gives you the opportunity to learn a little more about prospective customers and their needs.

PURLs when used with a personalized direct mail campaign provide a great tool for tracking prospect response to your message. You can see what your contacts are doing with these URLs and use this information to develop ways to retain their interest. Remember, personalized content is a powerful tool.

Use your PURLs to make sure that your experience are getting the treatment that they need. When customers need to deal with an impersonal landing page, they feel like one face in a hundred, but when they have their own, complete with VIP treatment and personalized content, you will find that you will get a great response. Use audio to make sure that your clients connect with you, and to speak with them directly.

Remember that when you sign won with a company that can give you the right kind of PURL service that you need that you should look for one that has a flat monthly rates over per PURL pricing. With the latter, you will need to pay for every single PURL you create, whereas with a flat monthly rate, you can create as many as you need to.

Look into your options and consider all of the revenue which using a PURL based campaign could bring your business. This is a marketing tool you don’t want to ignore!

Odour Control and Air Fresheners

In a review of all the products used for cleaning by the cleaning industry, “clean-smelling” air fresheners seem to pose little risk. Unfortunately, the “fresh” scent of air fresheners may disguise not only undesirable odours, but may mask a health hazard as well. Chemicals known as phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) can be present in air fresheners are known to cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems. Individuals whose line of work puts them into frequent contact with these chemicals are at a greater risk of developing long term health problems simply by the nature of their occupation, for example, janitorial and cleaning staff.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)an international non-profit environmental organization, conducted an independent testing on fourteen commonly used air fresheners. They found phthalates in 86 percent (12 of 14) of air freshener products tested, including those sold as “all-natural” or “unscented”. It was noted that none of the products tested listed phthalates on their labels. The NRDC recommends that government regulators should follow up by doing more thorough tests on these products and enact basic measures to limit exposure to these chemicals, in the interest of public health. Meanwhile, it may be sensible to avoid exposure to air fresheners. Especially, avoid using air fresheners in places where pregnant women or children are known to frequent.

Malodours are generally undesirable in indoor environments. Odours themselves do not cause toxicological effects but may increase the reporting of symptoms, for example, headache, nausea, and eye and throat irritation.

Sadly, the increased popularity of air fresheners has quickly surpassed awareness of the potential health concerns from exposure to the toxic chemicals they may contain. Nearly all phthalates are known to interfere with production of the male hormone, testosterone. They have also been associated with reproductive abnormalities. Various animal studies have linked prenatal exposure to certain phthalates with decreases in testosterone, malformations of the genitalia, and reduced sperm production. Human studies have also shown that phthalates have been connected with changes in hormone levels, poor semen quality, and changes in genital development. Five phthalates-which includes one found in air freshener products-are posted by the State of California as chemicals “known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.” Phthalate exposure in a building environment has also been associated with allergic symptoms and asthma. Because there are no labelling requirements, even so called “natural” products can contain toxic chemicals. It seems virtually impossible for the common person to know which products may pose a risk.

While the spotlight here is on the presence of phthalates in air fresheners, it is worthwhile mentioning that researchers have detected other chemicals of concern to human health in these products also. The European Consumers’ Organisation, BEUC (Bureau Europen des Consommateurs), commissioned a study in January 2005 to analyse the chemical substances present in indoor air following the use of air fresheners (including incense, natural products, scented candles, aerosols, gels, liquid and electric diffusers. The BEUC research found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in these air freshener products at high levels. It was concluded that VOCs significantly contributed to indoor air pollution. Specifically, the European study discovered cancer-causing chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene in some air fresheners. Benzene has been shown to cause leukemia in humans. Formaldehyde has been linked to a variety of cancers of the upper airways. Most of these products also contained allergens (like as limonene). Susceptible people with allergies to these ingredients could have adverse reactions, which includes rashes or even asthma attacks, from exposure to air freshener products.

Air fresheners are rarely necessary simply because they cannot substitute for good ventilation. The best solution is to open windows to bring in fresh air or to use fans to maintain proper air circulation. Air fresheners also are not the solution to poor air quality; they mask bad odours, however they very almost never eliminate their cause.

Any one should avoid using air fresheners if possible, but when necessary, use products with the lowest levels of phthalates to limit exposure to these toxic chemicals, or use natural products that are certified by organizations such as EcoLogo (Canada) and Green Seal (USA) as being an environmentally responsible product.

Please remember this. Until manufacturers are compelled to fully disclose all ingredients on product labels, each and every breath you inhale fumes released by air fresheners. The risk of developing a health problem far outweighs any perceived benefit of using these common household products.

Cold Calling: Balancing lead quantity and quality

Sales people know there are two critical decisions that must be made before starting a cold calling campaign. How many leads do you need, and how qualified do you need them to be?

While these are two questions, they’re really two parts to the same question.

Let’s say you start up a telephone prospecting program and ask the caller to refer you to all interested prospects.

It’s almost a guarantee that you’ll get many more leads if you don’t put constraints on how “qualified” these leads are. But, you’re also more likely to get tire kickers and individuals who are not serious about purchasing.

On the other hand, when you stipulate that each lead must be fully qualified, your telephone prospecting program is likely to generate fewer opportunities. But, virtually all your leads will be “the right” kind of prospect. Ready to buy!

You see, there is often a trade-off between quantity and quality.

What is a “qualified lead?”

Simply put, a qualified lead is an individual with a near- term need for your product or service, who also has decision making authority and the required budget.

To a lesser degree a qualified lead is someone who may need your product or service in the future and is shopping now.

What kind of lead do you get when you don’t apply stringent qualification “constraints?”

Of course, you still will get the qualified leads, but you’ll get others, too. Some will turn into sales. Others will turn into future sales. Others may refer you business in the future. Others will amount to nothing. You may have to work harder at selling, because many may not even realize you can help them.

Should every company choose quality over quantity or vice versa?

Every company has its own sales strategy, and should establish a telephone prospecting campaign to fit this strategy.

You probably want to accept only highly qualified leads if: you want immediate revenue, your product or service is simple to describe on the phone, the decision making timeframe for your product or service is short, and/or your sales team cannot dedicate time to relationship building.

You probably want to accept less qualified prospects if: you are entering a new market or geographic area, you want to establish relationships that could result in future sales or referrals, your sales team has available time, the decision making timeframe for your product or service is lengthy and/or you have a product or service that is not quite so easy to describe in a 15 minute phone conversation, or requires technical knowledge a cold caller may not have.

Here are two Case Studies from VSA’s prospecting experience:

Company A: Willing to meet anyone

One of our clients, in the commercial property improvement business, wanted us to forward anyone who expressed interest in a face to face meeting. This company felt prospects who wanted to talk about their product were worth the time investment.

This company was entering a new geographic area and needed to develop name recognition, and business relationships.

In the end based on our leads, our client sold several accounts, and developed relationships with many companies who may purchase in the future or refer business.

Company B: Wanted appointments with qualified prospects only

Another client, also in the commercial property improvement business, wanted a completely different strategy. This company wanted us to forward only very qualified leads.

This company was already established in its target geographic area, and employed a small sales team. The reputation was extremely positive. This sales team wanted to focus on leads that could convert to immediate sales.

In the end based on our leads, we helped this client generate sales and revenue, without wasting the sales team’s time on leads with little likelihood of closing soon.

Can Anyone Make Good Money With Online Survey?

I have heard often that one can expect good online survey money and therefore was looking for free surveys to join and make some side income.

And sure enough, I found many online survey website out there that provide paid survey job.

It depends very much on which survey company that you work with, how reputable they are in the market and how on time they are with payments.

While there are many online survey scams, but the fact is also that paid online surveys are indeed a viable and exciting business opportunity for one to embark on.

I discovered such a business opportunity almost by chance one day. While surfing on the Internet one night, I happened to see an attractively designed banner survey website.

The site brought me to a paid online survey site. I have heard many time that some of my friends have had bad experiences with online businesses.

Most have lost money when venturing into online business.

So I was a little careful and apprehensive when I saw the site that promises to pay for survey done. But the content on this paid online survey site was indeed compelling.

And the very first survey was free of charge to join! After all, if I had got to pay for the privilege of taking the online survey, there would be really no fun at all would there?

Anyway, I read through the terms and conditions of the paid online surveys site carefully and realised that it was a free program that will pay me for completing the survey.

So I created an account and started on my very first paid online survey of my life. This paid online survey wanted to know my personal opinion on the American fast food industry.

I approach it warily as I have heard stories about online sites collecting personal information an reselling them to third party company only to be spammed.

But this particular paid online survey require little bit more than my name and my food preferences. So I happily filled it in for them.

I was done in ten minutes. And to my absolute shock and surprise, I had earned $75 for my 10 minutes efforts! Imagine that!

Imagine getting paid for $100 with just ten minutes of work.

Naturally, I was hooked on this since then. I kept returning to the survey website for more paid online surveys.

Well, I do not always get such success. The surveys do target people living at certain states or city.

And not all paid online surveys were ten minutes long or paid hundred dollars.

But overall, I got to enjoy the process of filling up enjoyable paid online surveys, with very little time online and eventually managed to make over a thousand dollars in my first month of paid survey job alone!

Paid online surveys had become another alternate income stream for me and my family (yes, I have pulled in my family to join me in this new part time job).

Naturally I got them hooked onto it as well and soon enough, the entire family was filling out paid online surveys and getting paid regulary.

There can’t be a better and easier way to make money online.

Choosing the Right Office Furniture Can Be A Chore

Many people find choosing the office furniture that defines them to be a hassle. This should not be the case. The different aspects of buying office furniture can seem quite overwhelming but knowing what is available helps ease this often overlooked essential for the perfect workplace.

The basic categories of office furniture are modern/contemporary, modular and classic. These types of desks characterize the person inhabiting the office. Personal style also plays a part in which type of desk is wanted as a fancy modular desk might be overpowering for a home office whereas a classic desk might work just fine.

A substantial part of the decision making process is the spatial aspect of figuring out what type of office furniture is needed. Any desk can work in a large office. A smaller classic desk or one with cabinets already attached might work best in a smaller office or home office.

Besides the basic wood shades, many brands of office furniture offer different colors. Desks with laminate tops are available in a wide range of colors. Whether purchasing a wooden colored desk or a more bright color, this choice helps in deciding which accessories to purchase.

Your body’s specific ergonomic needs must be thought about when purchasing a chair. Essential to being able to work long hours, the right chair must seat you comfortably. Your productivity will suffer if you cannot sit in your chair for more than two hours at a time.

When searching for the right office furniture, being able to compare styles, prices and usefulness is essential. Using an online merchant is the best idea as most retail stores only offer a limited variety of furniture. The price offered at online stores is also better than brick and mortar stores as the online store can cut out the middle man like the distributors and storage fees.

The type of office furniture sold at online stores is not limited to those with which they have a contract like in retail stores. This advantage makes comparing desks and chairs easier. Due to the limited amount of furniture a retail store can show on their sales floor, your evaluation of their products is limited as is your chance to purchase exactly what you need.

When deciding upon the right office furniture the vast differences between modern/contemporary, modular and classic desks can often lead to stress. When the office has multiple needs, the modern/contemporary or modular desks are more efficient. A classic desk has little space which is perfect for the office that has very little paperwork or workspace.

The vast differences between the modern/contemporary desks, modular desks and the classic desks can often lead to stress when deciding upon the right office furniture. The modern/contemporary desks and the modular desks are more efficient when the office has multiple needs. A classic desk is for the office that needs very little paperwork or workspace.

Depending upon the type of materials used and the size of the desk, the prices vary. Laminate and aluminum desks cost much less than the hundreds needed for the larger wooden desks. This is a very important decision making feature which depends upon your budget and needs.

The purchaser should not let the conditions of buying office furniture cause stress. Your decision is made vastly easier by knowing your needs, budget and spatial qualifications. The final decision is choosing where to buy your new office furniture once you have an idea of your needs.

Where to Begin Business Funding

When you decide to open a business on your own, often times the excitement will have you ready to launch your idea right away, however one thing that may be holding you back. Funding is done by a large number of funding concerns and the points that one looks up to rely on a funding company are many. You have several options in gaining much needed capital to begin to implement your business ideas.

First place you should look is at the support of your friends and family for your business to gain capital. Commercial funding often leads a business to flourish. There is cheaper, tax efficient and secure commercial mortgage lending for business success. Some people will get lucky and be able to find a lender within their family or friends to begin a business. You will want to be extremely careful however, borrowing from close friends or family can hurt your relationship with them, if extreme care for repayment is not made.

Another excellent avenue is to investigate any type of small business loans your government may offer. Commercial mortgage lending are most affordable and efficient ways to finance the purchase of buildings and land for business purpose. Many governments will offer new business owners loans for business start up, or disaster assistance and training. Also with the fast growing internet population there has been websites that have been created that allow lenders and borrowers to come together in efforts of starting up a business.

Another idea is to seek out venture capital firms these are types of financial businesses that pull together all partners resources and use these funds in efforts to help a new business entrepreneur being their business. A funding agency can work more effectively with a helpline number on which a specialist broker is always there to help the clients queries answered. In addition, look into your home equity, these types of loans typically called a second mortgage, allows you to borrow money from an institution by using the equity contained within your home as a form of collateral.

Credit cards and angel investors are two other types of funding sources you can investigate. Specialty of a funding firm should be helping businesses in their account receivables area. Invoice business to business related transaction helps a funding firm to give individual attention to every customer. Using your personal credit card can be a very tempting funding source; this typically works if you have enough of a credit limit as well as the means to pay it. With credit cards, you will want to be extremely careful in using them for your business venture and make sure that you keep up with the minimal payments at least; otherwise, you could end up hurting your credit and its rating.

Real Estate Tools: Florida Zip Code Map 101

As a Floridian real estate agent, a Florida zip code map can wind of being your best friend. Even with the internet and all the advances in navigation technology, there’s something to be said for having a physical representation of your area in front of you. It helps you get a visual of the area you service and how large an area you can reasonably service.

A real estate agent has to spend a lot of time in the car - going to and from open houses and client meetings, carting buyers around to look at homes, etc. High gas prices have had an affect on everyone, but especially those in a mobile field like real estate. You can decide how big an area you want to work, what makes sense with your gas budget, etc by using a Florida zip code map to get an idea of how large your area is.

You can get a zip code map online, through both paid and free sites. It’s important to check out the quality of the free maps, as they often only show very basic information. A Florida zip code map you pay for will have all the major roads and landmarks and even zip code boundaries shaded in. The best part is, it’s instantly available upon purchase by download.

Once you buy your Florida zip code map you can download it and print out as many copies as you’ll ever need. To save yourself time and gas when you’re out with your buyer clients, use the map and online resources. You can find and map out the quickest routes to the various homes you want to show so that you don’t have to drive in circle or double back on yourself.

For many people, knowing what school district a home falls in is an important factor when deciding to buy a home. This is just another way in which you can find use for a Florida zip code map. Since it’s separated by zip codes, you can actually research the zips that are under a certain school district, and map each home by school district. This is a great visual tool to show your clients.

A Florida zip code map can come in handy for organizational purposes as well. You can use it to map out new areas you’ll be prospecting each week. Prospecting is as essential as follow up to an agent, so it’s important to spend several hours each week looking for new clients or leads. You can even have some fun - hang the map up, throw a dart and make a promise to yourself that you’ll prospect wherever it lands.

Also keep in mind that an up to date Florida zip code map will often mark little landmarks and locations of interest that free maps don’t recognize. Impress your clients by showing them al the little hot spots in and around the neighborhood they’re interested in. Whether you choose to use it electronically, or as a print out, use you zip code map to your advantage to make things as easy as possible on your clients.

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