Autoresponders -- Do You Need Them?

There is so much to learn -- when you first come onboard to the world of the Internet. How to promote your business, where to get the information, where to get the software, etc. Well, I thought I would enlighten those new to the Internet, to the realm of the autoresponder. The autoresponder is one step in automating your business, when it (your business) starts to move forward. Here is an article for you review.

Are Autoresponders An Important Asset To Your Business?
By Vickie J Scanlon

Autoresponders are an important asset to an Internet Marketer. When I heard that statement, I said, “Okay – great! What is it!” For all those new to the Internet arena, I’ll try to explain what autoresponders are, how they can be used, and how it can benefit your online business.

What Are Autoresponders?

Autoresponders automate the process of following up e-mail marketing leads. Email autoresponders are special email addresses that returns a message or set of messages in response to any email that is sent to the autoresponder’s address. When your business is slow or just beginning you may be hesitate to use this tool. But be assured as your business grows, you’ll find a use.

Who Supplies Autoresponders?

Where do you get autoresponders? Well, they are as close as your web host. Yes, most web hosts have autoresponders – it is only limited by the number of email addresses your host provides you. For example, my webhost allows me 100 email addresses. Thus, I have the opportunity, if I so wish, to create 100 autoresponders.

However, there is one small drawback to webhost autoresponders – you are limited only to one message per autoresponder, without the possibility of a follow-up email to your prospects.

But there are other avenues in which you can consider. Such as:

1. You can incorporate a free autoresponder. Freeautobots.com offers a free service -- that is free of advertisements, and supplies you with the server to store your leads on.
2. You can purchase the software. This software can be placed on your computer, or again, you can purchase an online service, and all your information will be stored on the server where you purchased the service.

As you can see there are advantages and disadvantages of each. And only you will know which will best fit your needs, circumstances, expertise and budget.

How Do I An Autoresponder?

When I heard the word autoresponder, I didn’t have a clue of how to use them, or if it was relevant to my business. Pretty green, wasn’t I. Well, an autoresponder can be a great automation tool to any business.

Let me give you some examples of the versatility of this tool.

1. Used by people who are away. They use it to notify the sender that they are away on vacation, their desk, etc.
2. Used as a business tool --
a. Gives responders business information – pricing lists, resumes
b. Collect names and email addresses
c. Use for training
d. Give away free reports
e. FAQ (if appropriate)
f. Auto-send your article submissions

As you can see there are many uses, all of which, keeps you in contact with your visitors and/or prospective leads, and the promotion of your products, services and business. And, as to free or paid – that assessment will be directly determined by the growth of your business – and of course, your budget.

To conclude, the use of autoresponders is only limited by your imagination and your ethics. Yes, ethics. Do not go crazy with this tool – it is to be used to help your business – so be aware of spam – and it’s dos’ and don’ts – and this tool will work for you.

To your success.

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Business Insurance – And What You Need To Know

When I was researching what I needed for my on-line business, I had to decide whether I would need business insurance or not. You don't really know what is out there (in regards to business insurance) unless you do a little research. If you are working out of your home and having people coming to your home or going to other people homes to show your products you may want to check and see if your homeowner's policy will cover all your liabilities -- there is a strong possibility that it may not.

Say for example, you are selling candles, and some of the wax accidentally landed on a white carpet -- you try to clean it up, however, the carpet is stained. Don't think something like this won't happen -- it did -- and the owner of the house made her replace the carpet! I was appalled by this incident, but remember, you must be aware and protect yourself and business.

With that being said, I've included an article that should enlighten you to what you personally may need for your business -- maybe not now, but maybe in the future.

Business Insurance – And What You Need To Know
By Vickie J. Scanlon

Getting your business up and running is exciting, challenging and hard work. You’re finally making money – and you are the driving force that is making your business grow. But have you taken care of the “What ifs”. Like – “What if I get sick, how do I pay my bills” or “What if I have a fire, how do I keep my business running”. Simply put, the one thing you do not want is to have the business that you have labored so tirelessly on, hit a financial snag.

If you are a sole proprietor or a partnership – both your business and personal liabilities are at risk. Do you think you’re safe if you incorporate or have an LLC? Many are misled into believing this is so, however, you too can become personally liable if you sign a personal guarantee on a loan, personally injure someone or act irresponsibility. As you will see, owning business liability insurance can and does protects your business and personal life from financial ruin. My discussion here will be limited to Business Interruption,Overhead, Umbrella Liability and Liability Insurance – explaining what these four types of insurance are, and what they can offer you and your business.

Business Interruption Insurance
Business Interruption Insurance helps to insure against any economic losses that you may encounter if something should happen to close down your business. For example, you have a fire in your corner of the house – your business office. Your home is covered for property damage – thus, the rebuilding is covered, however, what about the lose income you’re losing while you rebuild? That’s where Business Interruption Insurance can come in to play.

Overhead Insurance
There is one type of business insurance that you may want to consider when your business is making a good profit, and that would be Overhead Insurance. Overhead Insurance covers rent, salaries, utilities, insurance premiums and/or interest payments that are related to the business – this type of insurance would cover you in case of a major illness or accident.

Umbrella Liability Insurance
Umbrella Liability Insurance is used for catastrophic losses. This will protect you in the event someone wants to sue you. An umbrella policy will upgrade your basic auto, homeowners or business insurance to cover these unforeseen events.

Liability Insurance
If you have people coming to your home-based business, than liability insurance may be something you should look into it. Liability insurance will cover you against claims made by others against you for injuries or damages that occurred on your property.
Yes, your homeowner’s policy includes some liability insurance, but it may not cover you for liability claims caused by your business.

To conclude, life offers many unexpected turns in the road – and basically, that’s what all insurance does – it protects you against those unexpected bumps in the road – and keeps you moving toward your goals with only limited stales. Personally, I believe I can deal with a small bump in the road better than a complete halt in business. How about you?
To your success.
_________
Vickie J Scanlon - Visit her site at: http://www.myaffiliateplace.biz for free tools, articles, ebooks, info about affiliate marketing, software, computers for business and more.
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Phishing – It’s Signs and Your Options

Phishing can be a serious problem and can be a major threat to your computer-- some you can catch right away, others a little deceptive. If you are working on the Internet, it is important that you protect yourself and your computer. Here is an article that I wrote, that identifies, explains and gives you options on ways to protect yourself.

Phishing – It’s Signs and Your Options
By Vickie J. Scanlon

Phishing is the act of some individual sending an email to a user in an attempt to scam the user to release personal information. Is it easy to determine if it’s a scam? Sometimes – but not always. I hope to give you enough examples and information to help you to safeguard yourself from these unsavory individuals.

In addition, sometimes the email is sent to malicious software so as to render your computer helpless. Thus, it is important that you do not click on the link they provide, because that is the trigger that will load the software to your system.

EXAMPLES OF PHISHING

You receive hundreds of emails in your mailbox, but one email catches your eye – it directs you to a website, requesting that you need to update your personal information. It requests such personal information as:

passwords
credit card numbers
social security number
bank account numbers

“It appears to be legitimate”, you say to yourself. And you also notice that the emails are from companies that you have been doing business with for a while. Warning: The website could be bogus.

Here are several examples of phishing in action.

E-mails stating they are from E-bay and they feel that your account may have been compromised and would like you to verify your information with they so conveniently supply. DO NOT click on it.

• E-mails from Paypal or your bank asking that you verify your information because they feel that your account has been compromised, or heaven forbid, suspended. Same scenario, different company. DO NOT click on the link.
• E-mail that states that an unauthorized transaction has occurred on your account. Please click the link below and confirm your identity. DO NOT.
• Here’s a work at home scam – We have seen your resume on Monster and feel you would fit our position. If you are interested, please go to our website, look over the experience required and submit your resume if you have this background. Website is professional looking, offer looks good – but it could be a scam.
  
  
  WHAT ARE THEY AFTER
  
  In the above examples they are after information about you, be it passwords, credit cards, social security numbers, anything that can identify you – and that which they can use to profit from you.
  
  The job email is used to verify that the email address is a true blue, active email address. What do they do with this info – they sell these accounts to spammers for good money. They need to verify your email address—because if the spammers come up empty – this person’s business is dead.
  
  
  HOW TO VERIFY SAFELY
  
  1) If they want you to verify your account, do not cut and paste, or use the link they provide in the email. Close your Internet session, open a new session and enter the site that you have on record to verify.
  2) Emails requesting resumes – Verify their account before you send your resume. When verifying – these red flags should be considered:
  
  1) If they are hesitant to provide a phone number – might be a scam. 2) If their business address is not verifiable –might be a scam. 3) If the website is new – might be a scam. 4) If they use a large company’s name—and that company never heard of them – might be a scam. 5) Again, verify this information before you send your resume.
  
  
  WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
  
  Here are some quick tips to protect you and your computer system.
  
  * Use anti-virus software and a firewall – keep them up to date.
  * If you have a broadband connection make sure you have a firewall in place.
  * Don’t email personal or financial information.
  * Before providing personal information – search to see if the site is secure – look for a lock icon. However, remember not all phishers are stupid – in fact, they could be computer savvy enough to forge security icons. Thus, look for a site whose link looks like this: https://www.somename.com -- this shows that it is a secure site.
  * Coupons from respected companies – Verify that it is a true-blue coupon from the company – I had one coupon sent to my email address from what I thought was Staples. Verified it with Staples – not a coupon honored by Staples. When on the Internet – if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it still may not be a duck!
  * When making transactions on the Internet – be it online banking, Paypal, Internet Gold, etc. – complete your transaction, log out of the website, and close out of your Internet Explorer—and then continue with a new session of Internet Explorer.
  
  WHERE TO FORWARD SPAM THAT IS PHISHNG
  
  If you encounter spam that is phishing, or are a victim of a phishing scam, you can forward the information to spam@uce.gov and to the company, bank or organization that the email may have stated they are from. In many cases, the other organizations have information on their website where you can report the attempted scam.
  
  In addition, if you have been scammed, and you wish to file a complaint – go to ftc.gov.
  
  To conclude, no one is immune to spam or a scam. But try to be ever vigilant and do your due diligence with anything you do on the Internet. But being human is a scammer’s hope – they know that most will ignore the bait, but some will be tempted. So, if you so humanly slip, and succumb to a phishing scam, you can report them to ftc.gov.
  
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  Vickie J Scanlon -Visit her site at: http://www.myaffiliateplace.biz for free tools, articles, ebooks, affiliate "how to" information, where to report your scam, Affiliate programs to join, computers for business, software and more
  

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DENTAL CARE – Who’s Afraid To Go?

We all know that dental care is important, however, there are many that will avoid the dentist at all costs. This is why it is so important to introduce your children to a dentist when they have no problems. In fact, one individual had a tooth ache, but instead of going to a dentist, he went to a psychologist instead -- to try and understand the why. However, he lost all interest in the psychologist and the why and went to the dentist when the pain got so bad, that he didn't care what they did! Thus, my story, my experience.

When is a good time to introduce your child to a dentist? I would strongly suggest that you introduce your children to a dentist before they had any problems with their teeth. You want them to start out with a positive experience – thus, lessening the possibility of any dentist phobias. Go ahead and laugh – I’m one of those people who developed an early fear of dentists.


My First Experience

I was very young, and one of my baby teeth became abscessed – not a pleasant feeling. Anyway, it was my father’s duty to take me to the dentist. In the dentist office, I was told to swish some strong, green liquid in my mouth and spit it out. I was to do that until all the liquid in the glass was gone – then go back to the dentist chair and sit down.

I, being the obedient child, did as I was told. I swished and spit, and once done, climbed into the dentist chair. I did not have a clue of what was going to happen next, until of course, the dentist told me to open my mouth and began to pull my tooth out. Low and behold, the green liquid I had swished in my mouth was the antiseptic! Well, surprise, surprise – it didn’t work!

With my father holding me down in the chair, I felt every pain, heard every grinding sound – and the experience remained alive and strong in my memory—a memory that followed me throughout my childhood and into adulthood.

After that experience, my love for the dentist and the very sound of a drill would put me into a panic. No matter how I rationalized it, no matter how much I told myself how stupid I was for feeling the fear – it would not go away.


My Experience As An Adult

It took me a long time to overcome my fear of dentists. I finally found a dentist who I could talk too, and say, “Hey, this is the experience I had – this is the fear I have – can I trust you not to hurt me.” Well, my dentist understood my fears – and I’m happy to say that I felt that if he could calm my fears I could trust him with my young boys.


When To Take Your Children To The Dentist?

When do you take your children to the dentist? Before they have any cavities or any other ugly problems. Take your children to the dentist to have their teeth cleaned and looked at – let the comfort level build between your child and your dentist. So when there are any problems with their teeth – they know the dentist won’t hurt them.

That is what I did for my children. I set them up with my dentist before they had any problems. I did not want them to have the same fears that I had. And it seemed to have worked.


If you have dental insurance, and you have children, give them a positive experience to remember – it will make the next visit to the dentist an everyday occurrence, instead of a stressful visit to hell.

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Vickie J Scanlon has a BBA degree in Administrative Management and Marketing. Visit her site at: http://www.myaffiliateplace.biz for free tools, articles, affiliate opportunities, products and services.
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INTERNET ETIQUETTE – Net Etiquette?

Internet Etiquette, as is personal etiquette, must be learned. Some people feel that since they are on the Internet, they are safe and they can conduct themselves in any manner as they see fit. However, I want to emphasize to you that the Internet is the information highway, and it is made up of people who share information. The community is vast, the information travels fast -- thus, be aware of your conduct.

INTERNET ETIQUETTE – Net Etiquette?

Many people know how -- and do conduct themselves in the real world properly. However, many people are unaware that this same conduct needs to be applied online as well. Net etiquette is basically the rules you should follow while in Cyberspace. These seven rules are what I learned on my Cyber journey and what I try to follow while on the Internet – let’s see if you agree.

First and foremost, you must remember that even though you are sitting alone at your computer – and no one is replying, say to your blog, does not mean they are not lurking (reading and learning but not commenting). Translated, there are real people reading what you are writing – and if you make derogatory comments or accusations – they will be felt by that person. If you do make derogatory comments or accusations – please verify, verify, verify, verify – this is libel.

Second, be ethical – being ethical should not go out the door when you get into Cyberspace – what applies to offline business and personal conduct, applies to online business and personal conduct.

Third, if you go into a forum it is advisable to take the time to do some lurking before posting. Learn the ways of the forum before posting. Some forums will not tolerate any advertising – they are there to discuss their topic and to learn, and to share information.

Fourth, the Internet allows you anonymity, which means, you are not judged by the way you look or the clothing you wear. But you are judged on what you write – that is the only way in which people can make judgments on you and your character.

Fifth, when writing on the Internet, be sure to check your facts. Research and verify before getting on your soapbox – it can save you a lot of grief – loss creditability. Remember, your writing is their first impressions of you.

Sixth, be kind and do not use offense language.

Seventh, share your knowledge and be open to learning from others.

I would like to conclude by saying that the Internet is a vast international community of people, sharing ideas, experiences and knowledge. It is a great community, yes, there are some bad eggs, but the community is ever vigilant and will alert all to the bad eggs. While on the Internet, be aware of your conduct, for that is how the Internet knows who you are.

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Vickie J Scanlon - Visit her site at: My Affiliate Place for free tools, articles, ebooks, affiliate how to info, affiliate programs to join, and dell products, tutorials on adsense and adwords.
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Maintain Your Computer – Keep Your Business Running

Maintaining your computer is extremely important – especially if you are an Internet Marketer. As you know, without your computer, your business can come to a screeching halt. There are 4 important steps in which you can perform on a regular basis, to help protect your computer and your livelihood.

First line of defense, invest in quality virus software. Be it Norton AntiVirus, McAfee Virus Software or another software program, protect yourself and your computer.

I personally have set Norton to run every evening. It may seem like a hassle when you’re trying to get a project done, however, a 10 minute break in the action is far better than a one or two days of down time – and possible loss data, if your computer crashes. And trust me, I’ve learned this from experience.

Second line of defense, invest in ad ware software. I use Ad-Aware SE Personal – you can get the freeware version or the shareware version – the decision is yours. I’m currently using the freeware version, but will eventually be going to the paid version for added protection. Anyway, Ad-Aware SE will protect your computer from such critters as, data-mining, scamware, parasites, malware, browser hijackers, to name just a few.

A third line of defense is to always backup your data. Even though you don’t want to hear this, realize that your hard-drive can either go belly up or crash. It is always better to have a backup – it shortens the down time.

Just a side note, when I was working in the corporate world, I had the misfortune of having a supervisor that was computer illiterate. My computer started to make sounds similar to that of a seagull. I told my supervisor that I thought my hard-drive was going out. She did not want to believe me, and stated “We do not have the money in our budget for a hard-drive”. I found that to be a rather crass remark and waited nervously for my hard-drive to make its exit. To make a long story short, two days later, I get a cryptic statement flashing on my hard-drive that said “Back up your Hard-Drive - Error” -- than my hard-drive crashed and died. Amazing, they did have $60 in their little old budget to get a new hard-drive. Now, how much do you suppose my supervisor’s statement cost the company?

Fourth line of defense and maintenance, always clean out your temporary Internet files. It uses up memory!

To clear out your temporary Internet files do the following:
1. Open up your Internet connection.
2. Click On Tools, then Internet Options
3. Under the General Section you should see a section labeled “Temporary Internet Files”
4. Click on the button that says Delete Cookies, and then the button that says Delete Files. When you click on delete files, a box will open up and will ask you if you want to also delete off-line files – check that box, as well.

Within the General Section you should also see a section called History. I decrease the number of days that I hold on to the pages that I visited. Again, this helps to save memory.

These simple maintenance tips can keep your computer clean and protected, which is extremely important when you’re making your living on the Internet.
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Podcasting

Podcasting? When Jim Edwards sent me an email and presented an article on Podcasting-- it caught my attention. Podcasting is currently in its infancy stage, however on the Internet, infancy can change if many find it to be valuable in their business and in reaching customers. This is a must read, if you want to just keep informed at what is becoming available to members of the Internet, or, you think it might be a viable vehicle for your business. In either case, the article is enlightening -- Enjoy and stay informed!

Podcasting: Internet Radio On Demand... and MORE!
- by Jim Edwards

© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
http://www.thenetreporter.com
If you haven't heard the term "podcast" yet, you will.

It's about to blow the world of online audio through the
roof as every Tom, Dick and Shirley can now operate a high
powered Internet Radio station providing on-demand audio
(and shortly, video) with nothing more than a microphone,
simple software, and a little imagination.

Just like cable TV in the 1980's gave smaller networks and
individuals a voice on television, podcasting gives
individuals a voice (literally) through online audio.

Podcasting is actually the audio form of "blogging," where
individuals share their thoughts in writing over time on a
dynamic webpage known as a "blog."

With blogging, subscribers and other blog publishers
subscribe to and cross promote each other's content by
linking to and writing about each other.

With podcasting, the author shares his or her thoughts in
audio form (MP3) and subscribers download and listen to the
audio either on their computers, burn the files to CD, or
transfer the files to one of the increasingly popular
portable MP3 players.

In fact, the term "podcasting" draws its name from the
iPod, created by Apple Computers.

Initially you might think the only people podcasting are
geeks and computer nerds, but that's not the case.

If you imagine "talk radio" meets "free cable access" then
you have and idea of what podcasting is now and how it could
evolve in the future.

Right now, any idiot (like me) with a microphone and
something to say can create an online radio show.

This type of access to media that reaches a world-wide
market enables smaller, niche publishers to develop a
world-wide following that just isn't monetarily feasible in
traditional mass-media.

That means talk shows like "Chihuahua Breeding" or
"Motorcycle Fashion Weekly" that could never hope to afford
air time in a local market, can now develop an audience on
the Internet.

Log on to PodCastAlley.com to peruse a wide range of
available shows on everything from dog training to wine
selection and tasting tips (one of the most popular).

Despite all this potential power, podcasting remains in an
infancy stage right now.

But, the Internet has always proven in the past that a
powerful but simple technology will always find a way to
make itself felt quickly.

All it needs to explode is a few people to lead the way and
show exactly how to use the technology to entertain and
educate subscribers.

I also think two worlds will evolve for podcasting program
publishers, just like cable vs. network television.

Some content will remain free (network TV), while some
subscribers will gladly pay for more specific "niche" or
pay-per-view content (cable TV).

As the quality of the programming increases along with more
widespread acceptance of the tools necessary to consume the
content (MP3 players and portable video players),
podcasting will grow to stand beside other mainstream
media.

It won't happen overnight, and it won't penetrate every
market, but as members of the "global village" seek to find
and feel a connection with like-minded individuals,
regardless of their physical location, podcasting provides
a cheap, powerful, and innovative solution for that basic
human need.

--
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the
co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how
to use fr^e articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted
visitors to your website, affiliate links, or blogs...

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On my site: My Affiliate Place you'll find an Intro to Podcasting and how to get started with Podcasting Article
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