Category Archives: Reviews

business related products – what’s the best ‘bang for your buck’.

How to Get Noticed – Testimonials! Part Two

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In the last part, I explained why testimonials are powerful – now in this section I explain how to send them…

Can you provide a testimonial? Very much so. As you read the others you see on the Internet, take note of what grabs you. And if you find it interesting, others will too – and that’s what your testimonial should focus on.

Here’s some key points to remember:

  • Always comment on something you like, and can stand behind. Never email a testimonial for a product you are lukewarm about, because people will ask you about it!
  • Work at the testimonial. Look at what gets quoted for movies (even bad movies!). Don’t say that you liked it – say why, or how, or how it’s helped. Ask yourself – if I was talking to a friend, what would I say to sell them on the product? THAT’S what you want to say!
  • Size isn’t important. I fear the thought of a testimonial makes people worry they aren’t up to the task – but the fact is a single sentence can do the job if it helps sell. Aim for 50 words instead of a 500, and you might find it easier to write.
  • Never say ‘here’s a testimonial’. Instead say something like ‘Just wanted to drop a note’, or ‘I wanted to say…’
  • To offer your comment as a testimonial, I like the P.S. approach, something like: ‘P.S. Please feel free to use my comments as a testimonial – if you do, please include my name ‘Jane Doe’ and URL ‘http://egwebsite.com’)
  • Don’t expect anything. Offer a sincere comment, let them know they can use it, and leave it at that. Some comments don’t fit, the timing may not be right – there may be any number of reasons it’s not used. But it may be in time…

This is a tip that’s never talked about to my knowledge, but it’s hugely useful, and a great way to get a higher profile for yourself. For a small outlay of time, you could get your comments published, establish your credibility, and possibly get your site linked. Try it and see!

How to Get Noticed – Testimonials! Part One

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Testimonials are hugely important – and key if you have a product or service.

But there’s a little-realized technique you can try – OFFERING testimonials!

Here’s how it works: when you try a product you really like, and you feel you can ‘stand behind it’, then send the author a nice email, and tell him or her so.

AND

Make sure they know they can use it as a testimonial!

The result? If nothing else, they receive a complimentary comment, and they like you (and who doesn’t mind being liked?)

But they may also add your comment to their site – and you get recognition and exposure, possibly at a high traffic location.

For example, when I released my first ‘Top10Tricks’ in 2005, I received some very nice testimonials, which I posted on my site to encourage purchases (and if you didn’t already know, testimonials on a site are an EXCELLENT way to improve sales).

This sort of thing is win-win – they get recognition, and I get advertisements that my product is good, convincing others to buy.

So give it a try!

Power Linking 2005

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Links are the lifeblood of the Internet, yet linking is one of the more annoying aspects of running a website.

Lately, you’ve likely heard of a popular ebook ‘Power Linking’, by Jack Humphrey.

Well respected, his book is one of the few considered ‘solid reading’ by many looking to improve website traffic – and an excellent buy.

With the release of his third revised copy, ‘Power Linking 2005′ in early June, he’s not only going to sell it – he’s going to sell RESELLER rights, so you can sell it as well, and keep 100% of the profit.

At his pre-release rate, you can make your money back after you sell 5 copies – and since you’ll have your own copy, you’re actually profiting after 4.

If you have a list, or good traffic to a site, buying a reseller license should make you your money very quickly.

But hurry, because I predict that if you don’t offer your product the day it’s released, you’ll be playing ‘catch-up’ – so get it today.

Review: How to Stop Your Puppy or Older Dog from Biting

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With news stories daily about pets that bite, maim, and even kill, it is increasingly important to make sure your pup doesn’t ‘act out’, and hurt someone.

Easier said than done – pets have minds of their own, and you want to start sooner rather than later to get them to avoid bad behavior.

So I enjoyed going through the ebook ‘How to Stop Your Puppy or Older Dog from Biting’, a multi-author report on the subject of training pups (and older dogs as the title states) to not bite.

The first part gives general information on how to manage pup aggressiveness and training to avoid biting, while the second part (the guest articles), deal with specific topics such as how to prepare for a new (human) arrival in the family, handling compulsive behaviors, dealing with cars and dogs, and similar topics. There’s even a section on canine guilt!

One other aspect I liked – it dealt with the aftermaths, with sections on advising dog bites victims, and what should be done after your dog bites. As good as training may be, it may happen…

Not being a dog owner, I have to say the ebook attracted me for the opposites reason – I’m not worried about my pet – I’m worried about others’ pets! I think it’s a great gift idea for pet owners, providing them information they need help train their pet.

Review: Organize Events with Jumpstart-It by Jumpstart Information Technology

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It wasn’t until I received an email from my friend Taco Oosterkamp of Jumpstart I.T. that I was introduced into the world of event management software.

For a neophyte, visiting the web page for JumpStart-It was an eye-opener; until then, I thought a business party involved a case of liquor and a few bags of chips and Nuts’n Bolts (I admit they were always small, casual parties).

Take for instance organizing a seminar online – there are forms to fill out to reserve rooms, tables (or booths), arrange for classes or meetings, and so on. JumpStart-It allows you to set up custom databases with the appropriate fields, and place the forms online. So if you’re arranging for a special event not covered in the ‘other’ products, you can add it specifically here.

It also arranges for payment, so once people have enrolled for an event, fees can be collected. And it lets you do partial payments, for example collecting a down payment for a hotel room or a seminar.

One you’ve set up the fields you need, the program can upload the form to your website.

Another feature: the program manages registrees, so you can output a list as needed, or email attendees (for instance, to acknowledge reservations).

That’s just the tip of the iceberg – if you are in event management or simply planning a seminar or class, you could find this a great way to streamline your work.

With a 15-day test drive, you can decide if it’s right for you before buying. And if you do manage events, I recommend you give it at least a try – it could be the answer to a lot of your event management problems!