:: BUSINESS TIPS ::

Do A Project.com is run by an amazing friend of mine, Karrie Rockwell. She has created a premiere resource for freelancers and IT firms. Do A Project.com specializes in connecting IT professionals with contract-based projects and positions. Karrie's company has been nominated by Fast Company as one of its "Fast 50 Companies". Karrie is obviously doing something *VERY* right. To learn more, find a referral or become a member -- click here!

Beat Your Competition Without Cutting Your Price
One way to beat your competition is to charge less for a similar product or service. But you can also go bankrupt trying to beat your competitor's price. There are better ways to beat your competition. One of the best ways to avoid price competition is to become a specialist in a narrowly defined targeted market. Click here for complete article. (courtesy of Soho.org)

Ever have to deal with an unruly customer? The Better Business Bureau has an article to help you cope... more.

Want to learn more about motivating your employees? Entrepreneur.com has a full range of articles for you to learn from ... more.

Where the Jobs Are... Monster.com has the following to say:

1: Not all sectors of the recruiting industry are in slump
2: Opportunities in finance & healthcare remain strong
3: Defense & security-related jobs are in demand.

Have you determined what your website goals are? Having a clear idea of what your goals are will ensure that your site is effective and pertinent to your customer. Some example website goals are: 1) online sales, 2) marketing, 3) online service, 4) information delivery, or 5) customer support. Identifying your goal and who your primary audience will be -- will provide you the tools you need to ensure that your online presence is as effective and works for you as it should.

Need any legal or business forms? IdeaCafe has a full complement of templates for you to choose from. Agreements, Billings, Collections, Legal, HR Forms, Marketing and many others...more

Are you going to be hiring soon? Inc.com has a free online document outlining 19 Strategies for Hiring the Best.

:: Charge.com is an excellent merchant processing service. I have done a lot of research and can't find anyone who can beat their well-priced services. After working with them to get my business setup - I feel very comfortable recommending them as a solid, professional choice for merchant processing services.

:: SPECIAL OFFERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS::

Photo by Cfotos.com

Meyralights: Candles of Illuminations is celebrating their 2nd year of online business. In celebration & in appreciation ~ they are holding a 10% Off Everything Anniversary Sale (through 12/15). A Sale with perfect timing if you ask me - with holiday gifts to be purchased. :-) To take advantage of this sale and buy yourself some of the most beautiful handmade dripless candles you will ever find... visit Meyralights. Be sure to use the promotional code: 2YRA

One of my former design clients, Counterbalance Poetry is about to enter into their 2001-2002 poetry season. There a audio and video files with readings from current day poets. You can watch Simon J. Ortiz, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, or the ever funny and fiesty Marie Ponsot. If you believe in the value of poetry and its deep contribution to our culture and society -- consider making a tax-deductible donation.

:: MARKETING TIPS :: Marketing Armed With Truth. Ever wonder how to market yourself with authenticy and integrity? Want to avoid the "sleaze factor" typically associated with sales & marketing? The key is conducting your client relationships with care and respect. In your communications be clear and prepared. If you have respect for your potential client and can speak to them knowledgeably about your product and service... your marketing will build your company the reputation of being a solid, reliable brand that doesn't need hype or vague salesy language to be compelling. 6 Components of a Good Brand (courtesy of workz.com) 1) Targeted 2) Clear 3) Meaningful 4) Consistent 5) Recognizable 6) Actionable :: Marketing Tools & Resources:: Sending out a newsletter like this one to your clients and contacts is one of the best ways to generate ongoing interest in your business and/or product. Roving.com offers an excellent service that I use called Constant Contact. If you have less than 50 subscribers - the service is free. After that, there is a competitive per month pricing structure.