Easy Video Producer

All experience marketers know the old adage that “the money is in the list“. Network marketers have developed contact lists in many different ways over the years. Generally a sign up form is offered with a free giveaway. Someone simply fills out the form with a name and e-mail address to “opt in” to the autoresponder and the free giveaway is provided to them. In return for that, they generally understand that they have granted permission for whoever made the offer to follow up with other e-mails with other offers.

Several years ago the singular e-mail opt-in was taken a step further when software was developed that asked the first recipient to forward the offer to 4-5 of there friends in order to qualify for the free giveaway, or perhaps even a very low priced offering. Hence, list building became viral, meaning that a single e-mail to a single individual could be multiplied in a near exponential manner as each level of opt-ins continued to forward the offer to even more people.

The Web 2.0 World

Of course the latest to trend in the network and internet marketing community is the Web 2.0 world of blogs, YouTube, Twitter and the like. The use of videos in various social networks in order to communicate and establish a following with the subscribers has become ubiquitous. The net result of all this is that seemingly the most effective way to communicate with potential subscribers, or even to acquire subscribers and customers these days is probably through the use of videos.

Videos have a number of advantages, including the ability to present yourself as a sincere and a knowledgeable person in a face-to-face way. A potential subscriber or customer is more likely to buy from someone they they feel like they know. So
consequently, it’s almost imperative these days that you use the video medium in order to communicate with potential prospects to turn them into eventual customers.

The New Viral Video World

Interestingly, a new video software system to build a contact list and potentialcustomer list virally has been introduced. Internet guru Joel Therien, CEO ofKiosk.ws, is in the process of launching very easy to use video building software called Easy Video Producer that has the potential to be a very effective way of generating contacts in a viral manner. This system is unique because the software itself is being offered as the free giveaway for this video “tell-a-friend” system. Essentially, the system will offer you free and extraordinarily easy to use video generating software that builds and posts your personally produced video and information capture form on a website or blog. A contact management system is included with the free offer as well.

The viral concept is that you would then attract traffic to introduce yourself to the prospect in a more personal way, offering them the opportunity to opt in and use the same free software that you used to prepare the video. The prospect and new contact would in turn use his free new system to attract even more potential contacts for his list and yours as well.

As in the earlier e-mail systems, the originator of the viral distribution of the free software would have access to every subscriber in the levels below him. So, what is offered is a system that provides a free and very simple (even a cave man could
do it) method of posting videos to the internet that have a specific purpose of giving away additional software in a viral manner to capture a fast growing network of contacts with whom you can continue to build a relationship.

The Issues I See

The problems with this system are not dissimilar from those in other earlier systems of using free giveaways to build a list. . You first must be able to get your video in front of an audience and in order for them to subscribe, and they in turn must have an audience to subscribe in order for the system to work effectively. It can probably be most effectively used by someone who already has a subscriber list and wants to expand it rapidly.
Another potential negative is that the the new contacts you generate with this list, both directly and indirectly, are not yet buyers and it’s likely that many of them will have no interest in your particular marketing niche. Proper strategy of course is to build credibility over time through a series of value adding free offers that are designed to help categorize their interests. Only then should you move on to the stage of offering them the opportunity to buy your stuff.

This new easy video producer software system appears to offer a simple and easy, no cost way for the experienced, and particularly the relatively inexperienced non-technical networker to make effective use of videos for viral list building, and business promotion.

Written by Rich Keesling
You can visit the site at http://www.easyvideoproducer.com/clickthru.php?id=18789

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER BEFORE YOU BUY A FRANCHISE

Franchise businesses such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Kall Kwik Printing, are booming.

The people setting up franchise ideas and businesses know a good thing, and are really promoting this idea.

Franchises for just about every conceivable kind of business are being sold in ever increasing numbers.

Some franchises are very good. They treat both the franchiser and the franchisee very well.

Others are very one-sided.

Others are almost total rip-offs, that trap one into paying ten to fifty times the actual value of the business idea, equipment, or whatever it is they are trying to get you to buy.

Before putting any money into a franchise, you should investigate everything completely.

We've prepared a list of questions you should be asking, and should get satisfactory answers to before investing.

Has your lawyer studied the franchise contract, discussed it completely with you, and do you both approve it without reservations?
Does the franchise require you to take any steps which are either illegal or even border on illegal, or are otherwise questionable or unwise in your county or city?
Does the franchise give you an exclusive territory for the length of the franchise period, or can the franchiser sell a second or third franchise in your territory?
Is this franchiser connected in any way with any other franchise company handling similar products or services?
If you answered yes to the above question, what is your protection against the second franchising company?
Under what circumstances can you end the franchise contract, and at what cost to you?
If you sell your franchise, will you be compensated for your goodwill or will it be lost to you?
How many years has the firm offering you the franchise been in operation?
Does the company offering you this franchise have a reputation for honesty and fair dealing among its franchisees?
Has the franchiser shown you any certified figures indicating exact net profits of one or more of its members, and have you personally checked the figures with these people?
Will the franchiser assist you with: a) A management training program; b) An employee training program; c) A public relations and advertising program; d) Capital; e) Credit; f) Merchandising ideas.
If needed, will the franchiser assist you in finding a suitable location?
Is the franchising firm adequately financed so that it can carry out its stated plans?
Does the franchiser have experienced management training?
Exactly what can the franchiser do for you that you cannot do for yourself?
Has the franchiser investigated you carefully enough to assure itself that you can successfully operate at a profit to both of you.
Does your area have a law regulating the sale of franchises, and has the franchiser complied with that law to your satisfaction?
How much equity capital will you need to purchase the franchise and operate it until your income equals your expenses?
If you can get the answers to each of these questions, and those answers satisfy you, then you're probably thinking of buying a pretty good franchise idea.

However, if you're in doubt about any of these points, be sure to check it out and know the answers for certain before you invest or sign anything.

Buying a franchise can give you a measure of security, and in some cases, sure fire profits.

Business surveys show that fewer than 20 percent of all new franchised businesses fail.

This is in comparison to a 60 to 80 percent failure rate for all new businesses started in this country each year.

Information regarding specific franchising ideas can be found in the franchising directories, which are generally available at the local library. Often there will be a notice posted in franchise outlets themselves.

If you can afford the entry into this business, statistics are on your side. You are now armed with some caution and stop and go signs!

"Goodwill"

1 a: a kindly feeling of approval and support : benevolent interest or concern b (1): the favor or advantage that a business has acquired especially through its brands and its good reputation

(2): the value of projected earnings increases of a business especially as part of its purchase price (3): the excess of the purchase price of a company over its book value which represents the value of goodwill as an intangible asset for accounting purposes2 a: cheerful consent b: willing effort

goodwill. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
Retrieved March 2, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goodwill

Today, more than ever, families and businesses will have to rely on some form of goodwill. The act of showing support, interest and concern in a tangible manner, is a great way to make a difference in your community.

Families can reach out to their neighbors and businesses can reach out to families, other businesses and as a whole to the community.

Does your business have a service that could be of help to another business? Can you offer your neighbor a ride to the store or church? Are you able to grow your own vegetables and can give some away to a needy family? What can you do? It is no little thing to offer a willing hand. I am challenging all businesses to actively make a difference by doing something small like offering goodwill. This goodwill will prove a reward in ways you may not think--your good reputation!

I believe that this is a great way to show that God lives in our hearts.

When numbers lie because liars can figure

Man, what a heavy statement. However, it is the truth. It is said that numbers don't lie; only accountants lie. But numbers can lie because liars can figure. Of all the business disciplines we study or take to heart, none reaches out more than the field of accounting. I will admit I chose accounting as my career because numbers were controllable. I was young and naive and did not realize that numbers are only as good as the people managing them. But, I have always been honest and trustworthy and have been given many opportunities to prove my level of integrity. Being honest and trustworthy are two great characteristics bookkeepers and accountants should possess, and confidentially is a close second. As you get to know me better you will see that I am very creative. I am creative with color and snappy sayings and have a great sense of humor. However, I hold my accounting position with high degrees of what it takes to help my small business owner friends succeed. It is my joy to be a good friend and a great associate to my business friends.

Debbie Kessler
MsBeanCounter
Southern Star Accounting

Reasons People Don't Pay

Not all turn out to your number #1 customers or clients. In the SBO world we extend credit with the hopes that all are reliable and trust worthy. But sometimes even the best client has a reason for not paying:

Mismanagement of funds
Poor communication
Circumstances
Personal reasons
Never intended to pay

No matter what reason a client has for not paying, the SBO has to take the positive road and put policies to work.
Gather a team of like minded professionals and create your credit policy. Here is a simple outline for a credit policy:


1. Purpose of a credit policy

• Objective
• Legal requirements
• Teamwork

2. Definition

• Managment guidance
• Stable
• Conservative and liberal aspects

3. Creating a policy

• Research---questions and answers
• Define policy
• Define procedures
• Involve people
• Develop policy manual
• Keep it current

Success Builders, "How to Legally Collect Accounts Receivable." (1995):

Why Extend Credit

Every small business owner (SBO) starts a business with a certain goal to be realized. The small business owner wants to be successful. Every small business owner wants to compete in the open market and gain their share of that market. Isn't making a profit why we go into business in the first place? If the small business owner wants to increase profits then it is very important that the small businesses behave like big businesses. It is vital to take note of the ways that successful businesses turn a profit and are able to establish customer loyalty.

Extending credit will allow the SBO to:
1. Increase Profits
2. Compete in the open market
3. Establish customer loyalty through goodwill

In a recession, it is harder for businesses to obtain credit through the banks and local conditions can cause more problems. When businesses can not obtain credit they will turn to your accounts receivable department as the "lender". Offering credit to your customers will help you to compete in the open market and in return increase profits. Your customers will be more loyal to the vendor who will offer credit. However, it is very important that you take your Accounts Receivables seriously.

In the next issues of Smart Bookkeeping I will delve into the managing of receivables & collections.

Post your comments and questions regarding A/R and the collections.

Southern Star Accounting Services-Your small business friend