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Selling A Business: What is Yours Worth?
What drives a company's value? How does it translate into the price you should put on your business? Should you put a price on it at all?Cash is KingDifferent businesses have different things to offer a buyer. A buyer may be interested in specific industries, certain lifestyle requirements (e.g., no weekend hours), or like or dislike franchises. But all buyers have one thing in common: they want to know how much money they will make if they buy your business. Different buyers may have different return criteria or lifestyle needs, but, at the end of the day, the cash your business generates, or might generate, is going to be at the top of their list of concerns.ValuationsThere are many approaches to business valuation. The traditional approaches involve a (financial) mathematical approach to assessing the value of the cash flow your business generates. Factors like historical trends, future expectations, risk and opportunity costs are taken into account to apply "discount" or "capitalization" factors to assess the value today of your company’s future cash flow. Other approaches are less sophisticated, though often quite reliable, and apply a "multiple" to your cash flow. These multiples are often simple rules of thumbs that have evolved over time as the result of deal making experience in various industries. A simple percentage of annual sales (or multiple of sales in very rare cases) is also a common rule of thumb.Some Common Rules of Thumb Liquor stores: 3 to 5 months sales plus inventoryFranchise Food: 45% to 50% of

ed the graphics as PNG-8 files. During the save process, I adjusted the bit depth of each graphic for the smallest file size while maintaining good image quality. Photoshop's Save-for-the-Web utility is great for visually optimizing graphics for the web. For the web page, I had the following files:

the headline -- nuts-breakout.png (6KB),
the sub headline -- tired.png (3KB),
the breakout -- mmnolink.png (2KB), and
the graphic -- stars.png (6KB).

I was confident the graphics would load quickly in a web browser because of their small file sizes. Why did I use graphics for text? I wanted to make sure that the layout would be viewed--with the same fonts and font styles--exactly as I designed it.

For the banner ad, and before leaving Photoshop, I first saved the file as banner.psd. At all times, it is important to preserve source files and to work on copies or renamed files. I added a new background layer and filled it with an eye-catching yellow. From the layers-palette menu, I selected "Flatten Image" to merge the layers. I then cropped the headline to a 468x68-pixel banner using the Crop Tool. I cropped the headline so as to leave a good bit of yellow background around the text. When the crop was finally executed, the banner resized automatically to the dimensions I had entered into the tool's width and height fields.

There are a couple of tricks that make precise crop selections easier. While holding down both the left mouse button and the space bar, the mouse can be used to move the crop selection into position. After the crop selection has been made, but before the selection is applied, the arrow keys can be used to nudge the crop selection precisely where desired.

The Biggest Discoveries
I began my venture into cyber space having some knowledge about computer but I didn't know a thing about the Internet.One of the very first things I learned soon was that the Internet can be a very lonely and impersonal world. When I started surfing the net, nobody told me what's about. The main rule was learning by doing. Me alone in front of a computer screen hour after hour, day after day, reading, all kind of things I had the chance to see.My first thought was to find minded people and to establish contacts with. Getting advantage of others experience and expertise, networking with advanced people have been the best Internet practices since the beginning of time.I was a firm believer in networking very soon. Some of my networkingpals accepted to trade links. Well, this was the first important discovery I made, the fact that link means traffic, visitors, sales, money, success. We can spend a day talking about links and about the ways they help a business. Like a magic wand they push traffic from the linking site to mine and they allow higher rankings on some search engines and directories.The second big discovery was the newsletter. I learned that best way to target the audience is to publish an ezine. An email newsletter can keep your name in front of clients and prospective clients and build their loyalty At the same time, an ezine will spread the word about your services.The third discovery was writing articles. They made a name for myself as an expert in marketing and added value to my business. On the other hand they drive a traffic to my sites due the links included in the resource

An online marketing campaign is analogous to a military campaign: resources have to be assembled and then applied to an objective. In the case of an online marketing campaign, the objective is to capture sales. The resources that can be used in a marketing campaign include banner ads and web pages. Other resources--such as traffic exchanges, blogs, ezines, and forums--can be used to help interested prospects find the banners and targeted web pages on the Internet. This article discusses how I designed a banner ad and a web page for an online marketing campaign. The design tools I used for the project were Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop CS2, and Dreamweaver 8. Hereafter, I will refer to the design project as the "project."

The first challenge of the project was to develop a theme for the banner ad and web page. I developed the theme after thinking about the analogies between marketing and military campaigns and about the people who conduct them.

An often-heard complaint of initiates struggling to achieve e-commerce success is, "I'm tired of making money for uplines and nothing for myself."

When I hear such frustration expressed, I am reminded of one person's famous refusal to give up in a fight. General Anthony C. McAuliffe, refusing to surrender during the WWII Battle of Bastogne, said, "Us surrender? Aw, nuts!" This statement was formalized in the final answer to the enemy as, "Nuts!" McAuliffe's answer could just as well serve as an apt exclamation for online marketers who work hard, do all of the right things, make very little e-commerce cash, but refuse to give up the fight for success. Nuts!

When soldiers are surrounded and defending an objective, one option they have is the "breakout." Likewise, novice online marketers--and sometimes veteran marketers, too--look for a better marketing opportunity as a way to "breakout."

In keeping with these ideas, what kind of an opportunity would lead a striving marketer to a breakout? A 5-star opportunity, of course. In the US military, there is no higher rank than 5-stars; and in online marketing, there is no better opportunity.

I defined the core design components of the project as follows:

"NUTS! BREAKOUT NOW!" -- the headline and banner,
"TIRED OF EARNING A PAYCHECK FOR SOMEBODY ELSE?" -- the sub headline,
"Make Money Now Online" -- the breakout opportunity, and
a 5-star graphic (suggesting a 5-star opportunity).

I added a 5th component later: I added statement recommending the 5-star opportunity. The statement also included links to additional information.

I used Illustrator to create the first four components. I then opened the Illustrator artwork with Photoshop CS2 and made separate graphics from each. I created the banner ad from the headline. Component 5 was created in Dreamweaver8 during the creation of the HTML web page, although I did do a mockup in Illustrator, first. There are many visual images on my web site showing how the five components were created.

Adobe Illustrator makes working with text especially easy; so, I decided to use Illustrator to create the major textual and graphical elements. Starting with the headline, I opened Illustrator and added a new layer for "NUTS!" Each new element on the artboard was created in its own layer.

Since "NUTS!" is such an important visual component of the project, the text had to be eye-catching--big, bold, and colorful. Placing the letters along a curved path would also help to catch the immediate attention of even a casual web surfer. I used Illustrator's Ellipse Tool to draw a curved path for the text. After drawing the path, I was ready to use the Type-on-a-Path Tool to place the text along the path: stroke and fill were disabled. From the Type/Font menu, I reviewed the available fonts and selected 36 pt Goudy Stout; and, using a red fill for the text, I typed the text along the curved path. I used the Selection Tool to position and rotate the text as I wanted. Using a ruler guide helps while positioning objects on the artboard.

I created the quotation marks for "NUTS!" on a separate layer so I could place them around the text with non-standard positioning. After typing the first quotation mark, I duplicated it with a copy and paste. I transformed the duplicate into the right quotation mark with a vertical reflection. I roughly positioned the quotation marks using the Selection Tool and used the arrow keys to position them precisely. Next, I created the text for "BREAKOUT NOW!"

"BREAKOUT NOW!" consisted of two components: the text and a graphical underline. For the text, I selected 36 pt Impact and filled it blue. I created the underline by simply drawing a thin, appropriately-sized rectangle with the Rectangle Tool and filling it with blue. In order to move the text and graphic as a block, I used the Selection Tool to select both and then used the Object/Group menu option to group them together.

Using the Selection Tool, I moved both the breakout text and the underline into position next to "NUTS!" The combination of text and graphic gave the breakout part of the headline the appearance of a URL link: later, I would associate the entire headline with the URL of the targeted web page. I selected all five headline elements--right and left quotation marks, NUTS!, BREAKOUT NOW!, and the underline) and grouped them together so I could move the headline as a block.

After grouping the elements, I placed a drop shadow under the headline in order to make it stand out even more (Effect/Stylize/Drop Shadow...). I protected my work on the headline by locking the layer. This is indicated by a small padlock on the headline layer in the Layers palette. Locking a layer prevents accidental alteration as the work continues.

I created the sub headline using 18 pt Goudy Stout, filling the text black. I used the standard Type Tool for this and moved the text into place with the Selection Tool.

The breakout opportunity, "Make Money Now Online," was created in a similar manner as the "BREAKOUT NOW!" of the headline. It consisted of text (36 pt verdana) and a graphical, rectangular underline. The text and underline graphic was placed into position using the Selection Tool.

The 5-star graphic was created by first creating a pentagon to use as a guide for star placement. I created a new layer and used the Polygon Tool to make the pentagon--what other polygon could be more appropriate for this project? Next, I created a new layer, above the pentagon, for the stars. From the symbol palette, I opened the symbol library and selected a star from the 3D Symbols palette and dragged it onto the artboard.

After applying a drop shadow to one star (Effect/Stylize/Drop Shadow...), I copied/pasted the star four more times onto the star layer. Using the pentagon on the layer below as a guide, I positioned the stars. Again, I used the arrow keys for precise positioning. I selected all of the stars with the Selection Tool and grouped them from the Object/Group menu. This grouping allowed me to move the stars as a block in order to place them below the breakout text.

At this point, the major elements of the design were complete. In order to visualize what the component-5 text would look line in a web page, I added mockup text. I saved the project as nuts.ai. The remaining work on the graphic design was done in Photoshop CS2.

I opened the nuts.ai file in Photoshop and immediately saved the file as nuts.psd. After duplicating the background layer, I turned the layer off and continued working from the copy. I renamed the duplicate layer as "nuts." The design elements appeared on the layer with a transparent background.

Starting with the headline, I cropped each element using Photoshop's Crop Tool. I saved each crop using the File/Save for Web... menu option. Because of the drop shadow in the headline and stars graphics, I saved these two elements with the same cream-colored background I would be using for the web page. This insured that the graphics would seamlessly blend with the web page background. It was not necessary to worry about the size of the crop: I cropped each element so as to leave a little bit of the background around the edges.

In order to achieve the smallest file sizes for the graphics, I saved the graphics as PNG-8 files. During the save process, I adjusted the bit depth of each graphic for the smallest file size while maintaining good image quality. Photoshop's Save-for-the-Web utility is great for visually optimizing graphics for the web. For the web page, I had the following files:

the headline -- nuts-breakout.png (6KB),
the sub headline -- tired.png (3KB),
the breakout -- mmnolink.png (2KB), and
the graphic -- stars.png (6KB).

Top Online Affiliates All Have Traffic Secret Weapons
Anybody who cares to investigate will quickly find that all top online affiliates tend to have a secret weapon for generating traffic. It is hardly surprising that they will hardly tend to discuss this secret strategy or want to reveal it.Still, many a top online affiliate is able to use their secret weapon to get loads of traffic to their web site or blog site and this is then quickly translated into their high income.Let us look at a few examples of traffic secret weapons used by some top online affiliates. Some top online affiliates are able to get reasonable high traffic through their content and by targeting high traffic keyword phrases. They then multiply this traffic further by joining a number of carefully selected banner exchange sites.Another traffic secret weapon used by top online affiliates is one that I have talked a lot about in my articles. This is link-baiting articles or posts that encourage or provoke other bloggers or sites to rapidly link to the site.Yet another top online affiliate traffic secret weapon is the posting of large volumes of articles at a specific articles directory that tends to attract the highest number of hits and also provides the best opportunity for any article to go crazily viral. That means an article getting re-posted all over the place complete with links pointing at your site that you have placed in the resource box.Pick your favored secret weapon, learn all you can about it and then start working it extensively as you copy the top online affiliates to huge online success.

eting, there is no better opportunity.

I defined the core design components of the project as follows:

"NUTS! BREAKOUT NOW!" -- the headline and banner,
"TIRED OF EARNING A PAYCHECK FOR SOMEBODY ELSE?" -- the sub headline,
"Make Money Now Online" -- the breakout opportunity, and
a 5-star graphic (suggesting a 5-star opportunity).

I added a 5th component later: I added statement recommending the 5-star opportunity. The statement also included links to additional information.

I created the sub headline using 18 pt Goudy Stout, filling the text black. I used the standard Type Tool for this and moved the text into place with the Selection Tool.

the headline -- nuts-breakout.png (6KB),
the sub headline -- tired.png (3KB),
the breakout -- mmnolink.png (2KB), and
the graphic -- stars.png (6KB).

Freelancers -- Ways to Keep on Track with Organization
Not being an inherently organized person, I have learned several ways to help overcome my tendencies of disorder. In this article, I share a few of these tips.Even though I am not convinced that we will ever become a paperless economy, I do love the advantage of being able to set up files and folders on my computer. Do take the time to create a system of filing. When I first started getting into technology, my system (not a system at all) was haphazard, so I had a terrible time finding what I was looking for. In the beginning, you might even want to make a chart or a map of where you are placing important information.I also love the great colored plastic holders with handles that you can purchase at an office supply store. I have a different one for each project and make sure that I file everything about the project there, including all correspondence, a copy of the contract, etc.What is really important? Remember, this is your organization -- no one else's, so you must decide what is important to you. If you stay organized by creating "to do" lists and checking off the tasks completed one at a time, do it. But if this just doesn't work for you, don't feel guilty about not doing it. I felt almost ashamed that I like working on several different projects at the same time, until I read Time Management for Unmanageable People by Ann McGee-Cooper. The traditional time management theories often don't apply to or work for creative people.What distractions should I avoid? It is so easy to fall into distraction to get out of doing something we know would be a benefi

m around the text with non-standard positioning. After typing the first quotation mark, I duplicated it with a copy and paste. I transformed the duplicate into the right quotation mark with a vertical reflection. I roughly positioned the quotation marks using the Selection Tool and used the arrow keys to position them precisely. Next, I created the text for "BREAKOUT NOW!"

I created the sub headline using 18 pt Goudy Stout, filling the text black. I used the standard Type Tool for this and moved the text into place with the Selection Tool.

the headline -- nuts-breakout.png (6KB),
the sub headline -- tired.png (3KB),
the breakout -- mmnolink.png (2KB), and
the graphic -- stars.png (6KB).

How Your Company Benefit From Private Labeling Beef Jerky
What does this mean to sellers of private label beef jerky? It is a prime indicator that what was once an outdoor treat reserved for hunters and truckers is now sought after by the average housewife and consumer, especially since the endorsement of beef jerky as a healthy component of a low-fat diet. The market for beef jerky has doubled every year since 1991. Complementing your products with a private label beef jerky should be a consideration.What are the advantages of private label beef jerky?1. A company utilizing private label beef jerky does not have to invest in purchasing expensive plant equipment and can divert those funds internally.2. With private label beef jerky, the hassle of USDA approval is avoided, keeping a company focused on their core competencies.3. Private labeling will extend your brand position and may compliment products your already provide in the marketplace. Remember though, that your name will be connected with your product whether it is good or bad. Selecting a good quality product that well represents you company is critical.4. By selecting a unique and exclusive quality of your own private label you can prevent price wars with competitors over identical products. No one else has the same brand as your private label beef jerky.5. Even though there may be a brief struggle for acceptance, a private label insures the building of “name value” and aids a company striving for repeat business by meeting customers’ specific needs rather than one-time impulse sales.Consider these advantages in any company decision utilizing private labeling.

Tool.

the headline -- nuts-breakout.png (6KB),
the sub headline -- tired.png (3KB),
the breakout -- mmnolink.png (2KB), and
the graphic -- stars.png (6KB).

How To Raise Funds For A Good Cause During The Christmas Season
The Christmas season is one of the best times of the year to generate funds for a good cause. If you are one of those people who are toying with some Christmas fundraising ideas, you might want to throw in some of these Christmas fundraising ideas into your list. When it comes to Christmas fundraising ideas, you should never limit yourself to those traditional fund raising activities. Choose Christmas fundraising ideas that are unique and enjoyable.Forget about those Christmas fundraising ideas that have been done around the neighborhood for the last ten years or so. People are tired of those things and may not really be interested enough in them to give substantial contributions. If you really want to earn something big during these fundraising activities, you should find something that people will enjoy. Always remember that fundraising doesn’t have to be a chore and everyone should be able to enjoy when contributing money to a good cause.Auction People To Sing During The Christmas PartyThrowing out a Christmas party and auctioning some people to sing during the party can be a good way to raise some finds. Recruit some friends and family members to sing during the party and then select some songs that people can bid on for the singers to sing. You can choose as many songs as you like and then distribute the list of the songs together with a list of singers to your guests.You may also send the list of the singers and songs well in advance to your guest via email so that they will have an idea as to which songs they will bid when they come to the party. Family members and friends are bound to bid fo

the headline -- nuts-breakout.png (6KB),
the sub headline -- tired.png (3KB),
the breakout -- mmnolink.png (2KB), and
the graphic -- stars.png (6KB).

After flattening and cropping the banner, only one layer, the background layer, remained in the Layers palette. The special styles I wanted to apply to the banner cannot be done on the background layer, so I duplicated the layer. I could then apply additional layer styles to the banner. I renamed the duplicate layer as banner. Double clicking on the banner-layer thumbnail gave me access to the Layer Style dialog. I selected "Bevel and Emboss" from the Styles options. Clicking on "Bevel and Emboss" from among the available style options brought up another dialog box with a multitude of adjustments that I could apply to the bevel I wanted to use. After setting the adjustments, I applied the bevel to the banner. As a final touch, and also from the Layer Style dialog, I selected the "Stroke" option and applied a 1-pixel stroke (border) around the banner. This can be important because parts of the bevel can get lost in the background. I selected the color for the stroke from a sample taken from the bevel itself.

After working through the design phase of the project, I found finishing the web page was easy. I used Dreamweaver 8 to create the HTML code necessary to insert and position the graphics. I also assigned the target URL to the headline and breakout-opportunity graphics.

At this time, I coded the text and HTML for component 5. Aside from typing in the text, the coding consisted of assigning links to the anchor text.

The last step was to upload the web page to the web site and the banner to the traffic exchange. Or was this the last step? Nope! I tested the web page in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Netscape to be sure that the web page would display properly in at least these three browsers.As I coded the web page in Dreamweaver 8, I often checked the code by using the "Preview/Debug in browser" feature. So, the uploaded page looked right and worked right.

In the end, "NUTS!" is a very simple and direct web page. It conveys the sales message in such a way that even a casual web surfer can absorb it at a glance and click through to the targeted web page to buy or to get additional information. Likewise, the banner stands out from the crowd to surfers on a busy traffic exchange.

For a little R&R after launching the marketing campaign, I re-opened nuts.ai in Illustrator. I created a new background layer and filled it with a colorful gradient, using the Gradient Tool. From the Stroke palette, I created a 9-pixel "frame" around the artwork with a black, Miter-Join stroke. I exported the file as nuts.tif and printed the file onto Velvet Fine Art Paper. Web pages like the "NUTS!" web page can make eye-catching posters.

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Because perfection creates it own demands, there are times the requirements of perfection become more important than getting a needed product to market. Then the double bind occurs and rather than progress on the project, things grind to a halt. What is the way out?

Many people ask how many graphs or charts they should have in their business plans. As with most other business planning questions, the answer is “it depends.” This article discusses the key factors influencing the number of graphs and charts to include in your business plan.

There will always be people hungry for more internet traffic, for less money spent on advertising and the circle never ends. Does the Day Job Killer answer the queries on google adwords?

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