Selling a Similar Product

If you have a product that is similar to something already out there, Business Week has some tips on how to market your item successfully in "Marketing a Copycat Product."

Some marketing ideas include making your brand visible by using pay-per-click Internet advertising, developing a consistent message about your product and establishing a Facebook and Twitter account for your brand.

Until next time,

Sarah

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Finding the Right Mentor

Having someone who can mentor you along your career path, whether it be in the corporate world or a home-based business, can be a boon. But finding the right person to be that mentor can be difficult.

"3 Successful Strategies to Find a Business Mentor" from the Fox Small Business Center offers the solution.

First, look for mentors who have more in common with you than just business. For example, if you're involved with your local animal shelter, you might meet other animal lovers and businesspeople who could help direct your career.

Second, be public about your search for a mentor. Kind of like, if you don't let people know you're looking for a mentor, you might not find one approach. Blog about your search. Ask friends for recommendations. Don't be shy, but don't be a pest about it, either.

Third, call, don't email, your request. Emails are easy to get lost or deleted accidentally, so be old-fashioned--call your prospective mentor. Sometimes, talking on the phone for a few minutes can show whether you'll be a good fit more than exchanging emails.

Until next time,

Sarah

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Using Speaking Engagements to Promote Your Business

Came across this article about "10 Tips for Giving an Important Speech," which has some good stuff about speaking engagements. Whether in front your kids or a larger group, these key steps can help you give a great presentation.

Be enthusaistic. No matter what the topic, if you're not excited about it, your audience won't be either.

Tell engaging stories. Make sure your illustrations have a point that ties into your subject matter.

Interact with your audience first thing. Don't wait until the question-and-answer portion of your speech. Engage your audience with questions at the beginning.

Rename your nervousness. Instead of butterflies in your stomach, think fireballs. Reoriente your idea of being nervous to your advantage.

Fix your gaze on one person at a time. When delivering a point, look at one person instead of scanning the room.

I recommend reading the entire article for more tips on public speaking.

Until next time,

Sarah

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Speaking Engagements

I'll be speaking on time management at the Ashburn, Va., MOPS group, on Oct. 22 and 29. If you're in the area and would like to stop by, visit http://www.cfellowshipc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=10076 for more information.

Until next time,

Sarah

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When You Post Matters

If you blog or update your Facebook page, when you post that new information can help you generate more traffic, a new study reported in Entrepeneur.com found.

"Overall, Friday gets the most attention per fan; with 64 percent more 'shares, likes and comments,' and Saturday comes in second, with 13 percent more," the report revealed. But "Friday is only 7 percent more effective than Monday and 3 percent more than Tuesday and Thursday." Translation? Don't post on Sunday if you want to get any tranaction.

The report also showed that posting in the morning brought more response than in the afternoons.

So I'll be posting updates to my blogs in the a.m. from now on. And not on Sundays.

Until next time,

Sarah

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On the Air--Christian Authors Show

My interview on The Christian Authors Show is now airing at http://www.thechristianauthorsshow.com/. The 15-minute interview is available Oct. 18 and 19. Take a listen!

Until next time,

Sarah

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Color Consultation

If you've ever wondered what a color consultant does, check out the October issue of At Home News. I've interviewed a color consultant who works out of her home.

You can sign up for the free monthly e-newsletter by clicking on the newsletter tab.

Until next time,

Sarah

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