Newsletter - Customer Loyalty - Save Time and Make Money

Happy Monday, everyone!
I hope you had a great Easter weekend! My favorite part was seeing my 3 year old find the half-eaten carrots that the Easter Bunny left behind. :)

Here's what's new at ShowMomTheMoney -
Your Banner on over 140 pages
You can now have your banner in rotation on over 100 pages of ShowMomTheMoney.com and every page of ShowKidsTheFun.com! Check out this new deal at http://www.showmomthemoney.com/advertise.asp - PLUS, here's a special advertising bonus for newsletter subscribers:
BUY one month banner ad today & get an extra 2 weeks F R E E!

Need a chat room?
We now have chat rooms available free. Schedule your online chat today by emailing me. I'll set you up. No passwords required. Use the rooms for online parties, team meetings, training session, or family get-togethers!
The only rules are - Be kind, Be smart, Be safe and Have Fun!

Question #1 - How to get Customer Loyalty?
Question: I started my food business in September of last year. What has been hard for me is that everyone loves the products, BUT I just need to get them in the mood to buy regularly. I mailed out flyers and have sent e-mails but I did not get a huge response. I want to advertise and keep in touch with my clients but I do not want to be spending all my money on that with little to no return. I have some clients that use the products everyday and have made it part of their grocery lists, and some that only use them on special occasions. I need to get more of the first clients....
Read our expert's response.

Question #2 - How can I save time and make more money with my email efforts? How do I organize my team training materials? And, what IS an auto responder?
Question: How can I organize my training and emails to my team and customers? I'm spending too much time emailing and am not getting the results I need. Plus, I can't keep up with who's gotten what information. HELP!
Response from Nicole ... You may not know it, but you can get automated follow up AND a mailing list combined in an Auto-Responder. I can't believe how easy it is to set up training courses for my teams with this program. Just add a bunch of emails starting with your "Welcome to (comany's name)" and tell the program how often to send the series of messages. Then, when you get a new recruit or customer, enter their information into the autoresponder and your recruit will receive the first message and automatically get the entire series in order without your having to do anything! And, a good auto-responder will check the messages to see if they'll be blocked by spam filters. Plus, it will allow you to send mass newsletters to your customer lists. No more juggling email lists. Never be accused of S P A M. I'll be moving this newsletter list over to auto-responder since it's made everything else in my life so much easier. I already have 5 mailing lists set up in my one autoresponder account and intend to move much more over there. You'll see what I have in store... ;)

Try the free demo.
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F r e e Advertising Tips from WAHMs
From Suzanne Burgess, Owner/Webmaster, http://www.fairyannas.com/:
I started a business card exchange with some people I have met. We are sending each other business cards to enclose in our packages.That way when our customers receive their goodies they are also getting business cards from other work at home Moms and hopefully driving business to them.

From Donna K. Brown, http://bfree.momexecs.com/ :
I am a Christian, homeschooling mom. We check out numerous books at the library. While my children are reading the books they use my business cards as a book mark. When we return the books to the library we leave my business cards in the library books.
Submit your WAHM Tip and have it included here - and archived on ShowMomTheMoney.com

Referrals
We appreciate all referrals. If you found the information in this newsletter helpful, please tell your friends and your networking partners in the US and Canada! They can sign up for the newsletter at http://www.showmomthemoney.com/

What do you think about this? Is your Phone Number on your Website?

Let's talk about this. I know we all want to be safe on the internet, but how do we still give that personal look to our pages that says that we are reliable and available? Maybe, as women, we like to be more cautious? But is it costing us sales?

Ideas? Thoughts?
Nik

Where is Your Phone Number?
by Jeff Mulligan (C) 2003, owner CBmall - 15 different ways to make you money

There is probably a major problem lurking on your sales page right now. And it could be hurting your profits.

Experts agree that one of the most important factors in a successful website is credibility. This frequently translates into the credibility of the site owner. People are more likely to buy from somebody they believe in.

Is your website as credible as it could be?

People judge credibility by many subtle factors. Does the design of the site look professional? Is the site well written? Are there typos and grammar errors strewn throughout the site? Is the author believable? Does the author have experience in this market or with this product? These are all important factors.

We also know that a strong guarantee is a key part of a successful sales page. Taken one step further, the reader needs to believe he will actually get a refund if requested. And herein often lies a major inconsistency.

Look at your sales page and ask yourself: Who is standing behind the product? What do you provide for contact information?

If there is only an e-mail address, or worse yet, no contact information at all, then you do not have abelievable guarantee.

If you want someone to believe that you stand behind your product you need to be reachable. Put your complete contact information on your web site. I'm not just talking about an e-mail address. Consider adding your snail mail address and even, dare I say, your phone number.
At first, I worried about using this approach. I feared getting calls at all hours of the night. I worried about getting overwhelmed. But, I reasoned, I could always remove the phone number if it became a problem.

Turns out, having my phone number on the site is a blessing. I have made dozens of sales because I have been available to answer one or two simple questions from a prospect. I now look at each telephone call as an opportunity to help someone solve their problem and, frequently, earn their business.

I have received numerous comments from customers saying that one of the reasons they purchased is because they can tell there is a real person standing behind this business. The fact it is, I only get about one or two phone calls a day. And my sites have thousands of visitors every day.

In summary, take a look at your own sales page or contact page with a critical eye. Do you look like just another anonymous web site? Or is there a person there; ready, willing and able to help. The answer to these questions may have a lot to do with your conversion rates.
At the very least, test putting your phone number on your web site. Even if your web business is part time, with a good voice mail system you will sound professional and you can return phone calls when you are able. Try this credibility improvement. And see if it doesn't improve your sales.

Resource Box:
Jeff Mulligan has an MBA and 20+ years of marketing experience as an ad agency Senior VP and VP Marketing for two software companies, one of which was publicly traded. Jeff owns CBmall, a site that provides 15 different ways for ClickBank affiliates to earn income on thousands of popular InfoProducts.

CBmall - 15 different ways to make you money

Getting Traffic & Being a 'Positive Patty'.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!
For those who aren't subscribed to my newsletter, here are the main topics I covered this week!

Question of the Week - Getting Traffic
Question: My website (http://www.SloCountyMoms.com) was created last year by a web designer. She maintains the site for me and I have absolutely NO knowledge of anything having to do with web construction or maintenance. I have very good results with people who have visited my site and asked to be contacted, but my problem is driving more traffic to my site. I do quite a bit of online advertising, but I'm thinking maybe I need to branch out from WAHM site and start advertising on other types of sites. Any ideas? I'm drawing a blank as to what other types of sites I can advertise on. Or, is there a better way to drive traffic to my site?

Read the response ... Getting Traffic

Send in or call in your questions .. (214) 231-2905 x4487 - If I can't help, I'll find someone who can. :)

Are You a Positive Person?
Attitude determines Success more than anything else. If you truly believe you can Succeed and work through all the Challenges in your way, you'll achieve your goals.
Enjoy this article provided by Marie of MommyCommunity.com -- ** It's Your Choice - Will you be a Positive Patty or a Negative Nellie? **

Have a successful week!
Nicole

ShowKidstheFun.com is Born.

I announced a few weeks ago that I was planning to write an ebook. So, the brilliant Lynette at MomsMasterminds suggested that I do some Mind Mapping. I started brainstorming for an idea for an ebook and I noticed that the Children section of my brainstorming was growing faster than anything else, especially the part about my older son, Mason, who is almost 8. I'd been feeling disconnected from him lately and wanted to focus on ways to become closer to him.

I decided at that time, that instead of writing an ebook, I needed to form another site that he could work on with me and that could be a joint project for us and a way for me to teach him a little big of Entrepreneurial info. ShowKidstheFun was born.

The mission statement for ShowKidstheFun is..

To find ways for parents to be involved with the things our children are interested in.
To give our children encouragement to lead us into making great memories.
To foster self-esteem by showing our children that we want to invest time in their interests.
To set up opportunities for our children to talk openly.

I've begun with the following topics and plan to expand significantly in the coming month...
Barbie, Disney Princess, Harry Potter Series, Incredibles, Lord of the Rings, Monsters, Inc., NASCAR - Racing, NBA - Basketball, NFL - Football, NHL - Hockey, Pokémon, Shrek, Spider-Man, SpongeBob, Spy Kids, Star Wars, Swiss Family Robinson, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Yu-Gi-Oh, Blues Clues, Care Bears, Dora The Explorer, My Little Pony, Thomas & Friends

If you get a minute, stop by and let me know what you think. And watch for changes. I have tons of content coming. :)

Stay tuned...
Nicole

ShowMomTheMoney Network Update.

Here's a copy of the email I sent to all the Ryze Members of the ShowMomTheMoney network on Ryze at http://mvn-network.ryze.com/

If you haven't been to the network lately, here's what you're missing...

• Questions are being answered and archived. The questions about booking parties and making more sales have been submitted to my Expert Friends and their responses can be found on this page. http://www.showmomthemoney.com/businesstips.asp
• Networking? How do you do it? Where do you start? Louann from Megan's Pantry wrote us a great article that I've published on this page ... http://www.showmomthemoney.com/networking.asp
• KC has teamed up the "Shape Up" Motivational Buddies, but we have room for more. If you need a partner to kick your butt into swimsuit season, post to KC on the board and she'll pair you up with someone you can work with.

~~ Featured Sponsor ~~Lavender Love - USA - - Do you love the smell of Lavender? Visit us for wonderfully scented lavender bath and body products! Bath Oils, Scrubs, Herbs, Salts, Eye Pillows, Lotions, Soaps, Soy Candles, Carpet Powder, Lavender Nite Cream and more! http://www.lavender-love.com/shoplavender

~~ Your Questions Will Help Other WAHMs ~~You can help other WAHMs by asking your biggest questions about achieving success in Business (online or offline), Family or Life. If you have the question, chances are the response will help others too! Write or call in your questions ... (214) 231-2905 x4487 If I can't answer it, I'll find someone who can. :)

~~~ Pay It Forward by Telling a Friend! ~~The name Jonathan Archie is spreading like wildfire. This adorable boy needs a liver. His name was removed from the transplant list due to insurance problems so his family has no choice but to raise the funds themselves. If you can give a dollar or more to help save this boy's life, please do. If you can't afford to give any money, please let others know so this family can raise the money they need -- grab the banner or spread the word in your newsletter. Read about Jonathan or Donate money here. http://www.jonathanarchiefund.com/

~~~ Save Money at ShowMomTheMoney ~~I've added a bunch more articles about saving money on the site. Whether it is meals, family time, or romance, you can always keep a few extra dollars in your pocket. Check it out and tell a friend! http://www.showmomthemoney.com/TimeSavers.asp

I'll see you on the network!
Nicole

PS. Would you like your banner in rotation on over 100 pages of ShowMomTheMoney -- featuring the pages that are targeted towards moms who may not yet be in business? Check out my new advertising option. http://www.showmomthemoney.com/advertise.asp

PS - again. If you found this information to be fun & helpful, feel free to forward this to a friend, or invite them to join our network. :D

National Women's History Month

My friend, Christine Harvey of http://www.vintagejewelbox.com gave me permission to share this piece she wrote with you. Be sure to click through to see the pictures at the end. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Nicole

March is National Women's History Month
by Christene Harvey

Since this is National Women's History Month, I thought I'd put in my two cents worth and share some of my favorite WWII working women photos. My personal admiration cannot be put into words for the strength and character of women throughout our history.

From the wives of our Founding Fathers, who lost everything but their responsibilities when their husbands made stands to make us a nation, through the female unsung heroes throughout the western migration, to those who faced down ridicule and rejection as part of the suffrage movement, through housewives filling vital roles in World War II ... to now,... If not for those bold women who came before, where would we be today?

Personally, I salute them. And I give thanks to God that these women had the God-given intelligence, strength, and fortitude to forge onward.
If you'd like to see my special "Salute to Women" Web Page , here's the link:
http://www.vintagejewelbox.com/Salute_to_Women.htm

Christene Harvey is the owner of the Vintage Jewel Box found online at http://www.vintagejewelbox.com and a Consultant with Shopping in the South http://www.shoppinginthesouth.com/vintagemom. She is a wife, mother of four, and grandmother. Deeply patriotic, she served her country as a Naval Officer for several years and now has two of her children in the Armed Forces. She is also very active in career and faith based mentoring. @ Christene Harvey 2005

ShowMomTheMoney Newsletter 3/14

Here's the latest version of my ShowMomtheMoney Newsletter that goes out on Mondays -- and is slightly different than my Ryze version as you'll see. Enjoy! Nicole

Welcome to another week to learn and grow. What would you
like to achieve this week? What are you planning to do to get
closer to your goals? Remember, all the learning in the world
won't get you closer to making money unless you are taking
chances and implementing your new knowledge. Go for it!

Once again, I have so much to share with you. I don't even
know where to start.

Scrapbook Contest Ends Tomorrow

Don't forget to send in your layouts to the Scrapbooking
contest! The deadline is tomorrow. You could win a $150 cleverkingdom.com
shopping spree!

Ever Want to Start Your Own Internet Radio Show?

http://shoestringradio.com
- Free resource from WAHMTalkRadio Owner Kelly McCausey. If you have any interest in having an online radio show, this is the place to start. Kelly will teach you what she learned since starting her show.

Making those Calls

Would You Miss Your Favorite TV Shows for $100, $200, $500? -
You CAN do it!

What's your Biggest Question?

Send me your QUESTIONS for the new ShowMomTheMoney question and answer portion of the newsletter - I want to help you reach your goals in Business, Family & Life in 2005! Post on the ShowMomTheMoney Network, email me, or call into this question line (214) 231-2905 x4487 (Questions about offline business, online business, relationships, organization, saving money, making money, etc.) If you prefer to remain anonymous, then please let me know in your email -- or don't say your name or website in your phone message. :) I have a bunch of women I'll be referring your
questions to. If you're thinking of a question, then please ask. It'll benefit everyone who hears the response.

Question #1 - SEO?

From a member of the ShowMomTheMoney Network -- My biggest
question is more an ongoing issue than a question. I have SEO
issues. More like, It's just not very easy to do and I never
really know if I've done it correctly or if I've done all that I
need to do to drive targeted traffic to my site. I get traffic
because I have an Adwords campaign, but I don't want to rely
totally on paid advertising if I can generate some traffic via
search engines. There's some, but I just don't quite get the whole
Google thing. I never know where I am with them. From what I've
read neither do a lot of website publishers.



Read the responses here - SEO Issues - Where to Start?

Question #2 - Party Plan - Booking The Parties

Question: I am a with a Party Plan and I am having trouble getting parties booked off-line and getting recruits. I had several people tell me before Christmas that they wanted to book parties in February, but none of them came through. Right now, everyone says the weather is too bad, cold, etc....

Read our Expert's Response: Booking Parties After the Holidays 

Free Advertising

Press Release Tutorial
- Take this press release tutorial and learn how to get FREE
exposure for your business.

It's Tax Time!

1. If you need help and this is your first year doing taxes for
your home business, this e-book is a great place to start. It's
for the Work at Home Mom. HomeBusiness
Tax Smarts

2. If you're getting a tax refund, what are you going to do with
it? Make some plans so you can spend it wisely. 

Newsletter Archiving on a Blog? What a GREAT idea!

Awesome Nell at MomsMasterminds and owner of MommysPlace.net got me thinking, as she always does ...

She simply said that she posts her newsletters onto her Blog. Some of her readers prefer to receive blogs via Blog-feed and some prefer the traditional way. So, I thought -- sure! Why not? This way, you can all comment and ask questions as we go. It's worth a try! :)

So, here's part of the Ryze newsletter I sent this morning.

~~~~ What's Happening on the Network? ~~~~~

Betsy posted her 6th and 7th questions for her Intimacy Challenge. What can you do to reclaim that closeness you once had in your relationship?
'ShowMomTheMoney Network on Ryze

KC is teaming up partners for her Shape Up Challenge. If you need motivation, contact her right away and get teamed up!
'ShowMomTheMoney Network on Ryze

~~~~~~~ Featured Product ~~~~~~
Lavender Love - USA - - Do you love the smell of Lavender? Visit us for wonderfully scented lavender bath and body products! Bath Oils, Scrubs, Herbs, Salts, Eye Pillows, Lotions, Soaps, Soy Candles, Carpet Powder, Lavender Nite Cream and more! http://www.lavender-love.com/shoplavender

~~~~~~~~ Write an Ebook with Me ~~~~~~~
I decided to write an ebook and I'm blogging my journey so I HAVE to do it. Here's my ebook journey exposee. http://journeytoanebook.blogspot.com/ Anyone want to join me? We can do this together. Whether you give away your ebook free for publicity or sell it, it'll benefit your business.

~~~~~~~~ What's your Biggest Question? ~~~~~~~
Send me your QUESTIONS for the ShowMomTheMoney question and answer portion of the newsletter - I want to help you reach your goals in Business, Family & Life in 2005! Post or call into this question line (214) 231-2905 x4487 (Questions about offline business, online business, relationships, organization, saving money, making money, etc.) If you prefer to remain anonymous, then please let me know in your message -- or don't say your name or website in your phone message. I have a bunch of women I'll be referring your questions to. If you're thinking of a question, then please ask. It'll benefit everyone who hears or reads the response.

~~~~~~ It's Tax Time ~~~~~~
1. If you need help and this is your first year doing taxes for your home business, this e-book is a great place to start. It's for the Work at Home Mom. HomeBusiness Tax Smarts
2. Start organizing your Taxes for this year! Don't get behind in 2005 ... http://www.ryze.com/posttopic.php?topicid=425344&confid=932
3. If you're getting a tax refund, what are you going to do with it? Make some plans so you can spend it wisely. http://www.showmomthemoney.com/FrugalMoms/what-to-do-with-tax-refund.htm

Nicole

Why Work from Home? A little puppy puke never hurt anyone...

As Work at Home Moms, we talk about our "Why" as a positive thing... Our Why is our purpose, our reason, our ... muse. We refer to our 'Why' when we need inspiration or motivation to reach outside our comfort zone, to try a little harder, to keep going even when it's hard. Our 'Why' helps us to succeed.

Today I was asking "Why work from home" in a slightly different light. Today, I am home with a sick puppy and am up to my eyeballs in 'puppy puke'. Now, those of you on my ShowMomTheMoney network know that I'm new to this puppy thing. I was warned up and down about how much work a puppy is, and I thought "I have two children -- how hard can a puppy be?!" Well, one difference is that newborns aren't born with fangs -- at least mine weren't. ;) So, in between changing the gauze patches on my shredded arms, and hours of puppy school, I fell in love with this furry poop-making machine. He was added to my list of "Why's".

So, today, while I was composing my newsletter to send out to all the Moms on my list -- about how to make more money from home, in the background I hear my furr-ball start to vomit -- again. The thought that ran through my mind initially was WHY in the world would I want to be home to deal with this while my husband gets to sit in a quiet office all day. Why isn't HE dealing with cleaning up the 8th pile of puppy-puke?!! After I cleaned up the puppy, rubbed his head and got him clean blankets, threw in another load of laundry, and climbed into bed with my sick 7 year old and my 3 year old to read stories -- then it hit me. A little bit (ok, a LOT) of puppy puke was sure worth it. And, when I made my third phone call to my husband to tell him about our day, it wasn't the puppy-puke I was telling him about.... It was the time Delaney said she was sure a "Hungry Marvin" (since I always call her a Starvin' Marvin') and it was how she wanted to plant some Jelly Beans (like in Jack and the Beanstalk) and it was how she and Mason were playing Life and the person who got the most parents into the car won -- THAT'S Why I stay at home. And, if a furry little tail starts wagging when I walk into the room -- that's sure an added bonus. ;)

Until next time,
Nicole