Is an executive virtual office right for you

Is An Executive Virtual Office Right For You?

The economy has not been kind to many businesses of late. An increasing number of business owners are finding out that a drastic slowdown in sales or clients means that being able to cover operation costs is becoming more and more difficult. An executive virtual office, though, is a financially–savvy cost to make when it comes to keeping such costs at a reasonable level. However, such an arrangement may not be perfect for every business.

Most of the time, the people who run extremely streamlined businesses such as those that are internet-based or single-employee consultancies are the ones who benefit most from using a virtual office space. This is because businesses like these are highly-reliant on the ability to cater at any time of day to customers or clients who are often in remote locations. These businesses have little or no requirement for large, permanent office spaces, being based mainly on a minimal number of highly-skilled employees.

Another aspect to consider about an executive virtual office is the frequency with which you will need its services. Such offices are usually used on a semi-regular basis, such as conference rooms to be used for monthly meetings or occasional seminars. As such, a virtual office may not be the best choice for a business that is built on daily face-to-face interaction between clients and staff.

If you’re considering switching business operations to a virtual location in order to save on rental costs, then you’re on the right track. A virtual office space is almost always available at a cheaper rate than a permanent office address. Additionally, signing up for such a service allows a business owner to enjoy the same facilities as that of an «actual» office. This means not having to sacrifice conveniences like phone answering services and a business address. As a matter of fact, features such as a respectable address, professional receptionists and efficient mail and fax management systems are all part and parcel of the virtual office.

How to get more names in your client database

How to Get More Names in Your Client Database

When you are building a client database, you can’t just pull a bunch of names from the White Pages, and you can’t grab any Email address you see off the Web. Your client database should be made up of interested, relevant contacts who are seeking advice and information relevant to what you offer.

Your client database is essentially the center of many other marketing efforts. Your newsletter draws its mailing list from this source, without the list of addresses you’d have no one to mail to. Analysis of which marketing efforts are paying off can also be done through your database — if you track how the names were added, you can tell where the bulk of your contacts are coming from.

The Sources That Build Your Client Database

Your database contacts need to include people relevant to your practice who are seeking you. The list is made up of:

— Every person who requests your information (that «Contact Us» form on your webpage)
— Every potential client who comes from other sources, but made the effort to contact you on their own
— Local attorneys who do not compete in your practice areas — Any outside vendors you use/consult
— Your local friends and relatives
— Other professionals who are in a position to influence people who view them as the guru of their industry

Networking is a big part in building your client database for your marketing plan. You may be friends with a great dentist; include his office on your database and suddenly your newsletter may be showing up on the table in his waiting room.

Proper Database Management

Even before you get all these names for your client database you should have a plan for how you’ll manage them. Good client database management software should:

— Integrate with any current client management software you have.
— Be able to track how a client was added to your client database.
— Sort your contacts through multiple filters to determine effective marketing strategies, top referrers, etc.
— Allow for easy entry of contacts who reach you by phone or in person.
— Automatically add a new entry from the contact form on your website.

As with any kind of email marketing plan, you do have to be careful about making sure you’re only sending your information to those clients who informed you they want to receive it. A client asking for your personal injury handbook once may decide they’re not interested in getting your newsletter month after month once their case is settled. You should always have clear unsubscribe or opt-out instructions on all your database-driven marketing plans.

How to launch a product

How To Launch A Product

As much as the internet has made the launching of new products more affordable, it has also made it more complicated. By opening up a whole new world of consumer interaction, the internet requires sellers to establish their presence effectively across multiple media in order to get noticed.

The first step to any successful product launch actually precedes the launch itself and comprises the product creation and market research phases. Once complete, test the product design and functionality amongst focus groups, family and friends. Learn from precedents and try to capture unique observations made about the product, even if they are radically different from your own perception of it. Research findings should also be used to shape product pricing, packaging and distribution.

Next, choose a date for the launch. Leave sufficient time for the development of marketing materials and check for seasonality or other factors that might strategically influence sales. There is no room for error with regard to timing as a delay in product availability will cause loss of credibility and do you more damage than any amount of marketing can do you good.

With your dates ready, focus on designing promotional materials that will aid retailers in selling your products. Clearly define your core target group so that marketing messages can be directed specifically at them. Choose a product name that is relevant, memorable and catchy. Create a unique selling proposition that sets you apart from the competition and delivers value to your consumers. It would help if your product addressed a latent demand within your target group. Other aspects of branding that need to be developed include a website, snapshot flyers, detailed brochures, seminar and trade show participation, etc.

Simultaneously develop a robust distribution network. Make your product available through multiple channels. For instance, if you are launching an eBook, sell through your website, affiliate marketers, internet superstores like Amazon, etc.

With this the basic launch infrastructure is set up. However, your work has only just begun and the real challenge is to drive traffic to your points of sale. Garner mileage for the launch by making your presence felt all across the web. Issue a press release to online directories and blogs. Use articles and forum marketing to improve page and search engine rankings. Start a viral buzz around your product with the help of social media platforms like Facebook, Orkut, Twitter, Digg, etc. Buy targeted traffic through pay-per-click and email marketing.

What goes wrong in a product launch?

Product launches are arguably the most exciting part of setting up shop. However, they can also be disasters when some basic prerequisites aren’t taken care of. In fact more than half of all product launches fail. Here’s a quick look at some common pitfalls that you need to be wary of when launching your product.

Inadequate planning: Any launch requires an in depth knowledge of the target market. A clear definition of the core target audience is also required for focused marketing.

Shortsighted marketing plans: The launch takes place over a brief period of time and sets the tone for the subsequent sales of the product. However many companies and entrepreneurs make the mistake of going gung ho on the launch and paying less attention to what comes after — the actual sales!

In the end, post launch persistence is as important for product success as is launch timing and planning. So keep at it consistently and the results are sure to follow.

How to prevent indoor water damage

How to Prevent Indoor Water Damage

At first, small signs of water damage may seem trivial. Eventually, however, these trivial signs can ultimately lead to larger and more severe problems. Water stains on ceilings can lead to weakened roofing, leaks under the kitchen sink can lead to rotten floorboards and burst pipes can possibly even damage furniture and other personal possessions. By learning where in your home you may be most susceptible to water damage, the better your chances of preventing water damage inside your home.

Kitchen

— Sinks – Any caulking that appears deteriorated in any way should be replaced. Pipes beneath the sink should be checked for leaks.
— Dishwasher – On the occasion the hose that connects the water supply to the dishwasher should be checked. Search for evidence around the base of the dishwasher for leaks like, discolored, warped or soft flooring materials or water damage to nearby cabinets.
— Refrigerator – Most refrigerators have ice makers. Make sure the hose connection is securely attached to the water supply line.

Bathrooms

— Showers and Bathtubs – Deteriorated/cracked caulking or grout should be removed and replaced.
— Sinks – Same process as kitchen sinks
— Toilets – Avoid toilet clogging and harsh chlorine tablet cleansers that may corrode internal parts.

Basement, Laundry or Utility Room
— Water Heaters – Most last about 8 to 15 years. Wet spots on floor or rusted areas on the tank may signal a leak. Should be installed on the lowest level of the home.
— Washing Machine – Hoses should be checked regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying and leaks. Hose should be replaced every three to five years.

Entire Home

— Shut off water supply and check to see if the water meter continues to spin.