Advances in technology have increased our work and business-related capabilities. The everyday tools of the modern business owner were unheard of twenty years ago.
Remember seeing your first fax machine? You just knew you had to have one. Although it would and did bring your business operations into the new age of highly resourceful technology, it also presented a new set of challenges.
But then came e-mail, the answer to instant communication making the fax seem obsolete ... until the discovery that e-mail isn't exactly perfect for forwarding certain documents such as maps, off-line magazine articles, documents with editing marks, photos, etc.
What about a solution that features the best of both worlds ... the capacity of faxing, minus the headaches, with the simplicity of e-mail, and without the troubles of sending attachments?
Thank goodness technology is constantly evolving and at last online faxing has arrived!
Say it ain't so! Yes, online faxing is now a reality and is the perfect solution for sending documents of all kinds. Consider the advantages of online faxing compared to traditional faxing.
Disadvantages of traditional faxing:
* Equipment requirements - fax machines cost money and have to be maintained ... not to mention the monthly expense of a designated phone line and more extra wires running through your office.
And heaven forbid if the cables come unplugged or get tangled. No power or phone connection means no faxing. More than one professional has been spotted down on all fours tracing wires and cables ... not a very flattering sight for clients and customers.
* Cost of incidentals - incidentals aren't actually incidentals but definite requirements to fax. You have to have toner, which can cost almost as much as the fax machine and has to be replaced frequently.
Toner never runs out unless you're faxing. It always runs out in the middle of receiving an important document, just after your local officer supply store sells the last one in stock that fits your fax. Then add the cost of paper, wasted by junk faxes.
Advantages of online faxing:
* Minimal start-up cost - you can set up an online fax account for as little as $0 to $15, depending upon the service package you select.
* No Monthly Fee - One online faxing service, FaxItNice.com even has a "No Monthly Fee" option that totally dispenses with the monthly fee allowing you to pay as you go.
* Supply costs - on average, about .09 cents per page for ink and paper to print a hardcopy of faxes.
* Mobility/Portability - send a fax from any computer in the world with online faxing without being chained to a fax machine.
* Free storage - online faxing archives your faxes for viewing later as often as you need.
* Automatic file conversion - send files of multiple formats with online faxing ... advanced technology converts your files for you.
* Direct to your inbox - online faxes are sent directly to your e-mail address, so you can see it as soon as it arrives.
* Online support - get help from a pro, usually for free with online faxing.
Let's see, minimal start-up cost, low monthly fees, an average of less than .10 cents per fax for supplies, mobility, free storage, automatic file conversion, faxes direct to your e-mail and online support. What's not to love?
To make the switch to online faxing even easier take advantage of a special offer from a leader in the online fax world, FaxItNice.com. Recognizing that consumers are its true source of success they created FaxItForFree.com to immediately give credit where credit is due by offering a free fax with no strings attached. FaxItNice.com is a pioneer in practical and affordable business solutions and they offer a variety of online faxing packages to help you take your business to the next level.
(c) 2006, Angelina Jordan. Reprint rights granted so long as article and by-line are printed intact and all links made live.
Angelina Jordan is a freelance writer & editor on assignment for http://www.FaxItForFree.com. She offers over 15 years' solid experience in drafting quality content & providing comprehensive copyediting for small business and non-profits. Contact her via e-mail message to apjordan@adelphia.net to discuss your business writing and editing needs.
eBay Selling Secrets: eBay is much More Than a Marketplace
You don't need to be a marketing genius to sell on eBay, but you should enter the marketplace with some knowledge and understanding of what helps drive sales. Even if you have never sold anything online, eBay can create a powerful opportunity for you to launch an online business. Getting started is much easier than you may think, once you understand the power of what eBay offers to the average, everyday Jane or Joe.
Secret #1: eBay is a search engine. eBay brings the traffic. It is up to you to capitalize on it. You don't need to build links, create content, or purchase keywords. (Although if you want to purchase keywords, they now have a venue for that, too…) eBay also has built-in keyword research tools. If you use their search engine, eBay offers up suggestions on other spellings and synonyms. You can easily use these keywords to create headlines in categories that are underserved. Another great trick is to use commonly misspelled words, alongside the correct spelling, to reach people that are looking for your products. Just because they can't spell right doesn't mean that they don't deserve to buy your products! You can also delve deeper into eBay's research tools to find out what, and when, people are buying specific products.
Secret #2: eBay is a community. In a community setting, it is important to build your credibility. As a buyer you get feedback for paying promptly. If you haven't ever sold on eBay, your buying patterns will establish trust with others to begin with. Make sure you have good feedback as a buyer. When you become a seller, be community-focused and friendly. Remember that the feedback that is left for you is based on answering emails, telling the truth, and quick shipping. Start out with good feedback and remember customer service and you will earn your rightful place as a community member.
Secret #3: eBay is a launch pad to bigger things. While it is true that eBay is huge, the fact is that most people start out on eBay selling things they don't want. Then they sell things they don't need. Then, they go out and look for things to sell. eBay has helped thousands of people launch successful internet businesses, before they ever had a website or an email list. If you already have a business, you can use eBay to generate new leads and find new list members. People who aren't ready to place a bid will join your lists because they aren't ready to buy, but they're willing to think about it. Even if you are selling exclusively on eBay, you'll likely want to expand enough to open an online store. Keep in mind the big picture - if you decide you're going to open a store or add new inventory, you'll want to be able to be notify past customers, and prospects, too. If you're using eBay, think about using it differently - what kinds of promotions can you launch with your everyday listings? What do you want to happen in six months down the line?
Once you're comfortable with selling on eBay, you'll probably want to look into new products and services to sell. Keep these eBay secrets in mind while you're working on your business plan or strategy, and you'll be able to maximize your success and focus on the big picture - especially as eBay, and your business, continue to grow.
About The Author:
Matt Bacak became "#1 Best Selling Author" in just a few short hours.
Recent Entrepreneur Magazine's e-Biz radio show host is
turning Authors, Speakers, and Experts into Overnight Success Stories.
Discover The Secrets http://promotingtips.com
Computer Consulting: Don't Market the 90's Way
The 90's was a time of certification for computer consulting businesses. Everyone touted what formal partnerships they had with what major corporations. "Hire us because we're a Novell certified shop" or "Hire us because we're an IBM business partner."
Most consultants aren't leading with that anymore because they don't want to be perceived as an extension of that company sales force. They want to be perceived as their own brand of computer consulting.
The Benefits of Partner Programs Have Disappeared
In the old days, you used to get big MDS and co-op advertising when you were in a partner program. Those days are rapidly ending, so there's really no financial reason for sticking their logo all over the place anymore. Spend more time branding yourself as opposed to just focusing on the solutions that you represent.
Stick To The Products You Know
Naturally when you get new computer consulting prospects and you're taking them through the qualification stages and sales calls, you're going to tend to recommend the solutions that you're most comfortable with.
If you're authorized to belong to a program, you're going to recommend that particular solution. That's fine, but don't make your marketing message focus on just that particular product or that particular platform.
Don't Become a Commodity
If you do, you open yourself up to commodity priced competition. Your prospects will ask why they should buy their NetWare license from you if they can get it cheaper on the Web or through mail order. Don't open yourself to a bidding war.
That way of marketing is dated. It's passé. You are much better off if you market what your computer consulting business can do for your client!
Copyright MMI-MMVI, Computer Consulting Blog. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}
About The Author:
Joshua Feinberg can help you get more steady, high-paying computer consulting clients. You can learn how too. Sign-up now for Joshua's free audio training program on the Computer Consulting Blog.
