Domain names and TLD's are analogous to 800 long-distance numbering plan or to a superhighway whose lanes are inadequate to handle traffic volumes. When "exclusive" 800 scheme reached depletion, 877 and 888 were put forward as acceptable substitutes. While it's true that 800 numbers retain some of their old panache, 877 and 888 numbers do get job done. And because there is an observable need for emergence of TLD's other than dot com, it is virtually inevitable that at least one new TLDs will succeed in foreseeable future. Likewise, while short generics such as drugs.com and loan.com will always have intrinsic value, we are rapidly moving into an Internet environment where disassociative names such as versitrol.com and primeonebank.com are increasingly desirable because they are excellent vehicles for building of brand names. In short, I am convinced that there is ample evidence to support my thesis that present time offers an excellent opportunity for marketing of dot com names and that there are certain downside risks involved in waiting for hoped for improved conditions in future. The point here is one that I have frequently made in past. Creativity becomes an increasingly factor in recipe for making of new domain names; rest assured that it will remain an exceedingly important factor in domain mix regardless of TLD in which one is operating.

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4) Referrals = found money. You already know that referrals are best, most cost-effective way to get customers who spend more and complain less, right? Right.

So, you should be doing everything possible to actively encourage your current customers to refer new ones.

Here's a quick tip that will send lots of new business your way ...

On your Web site's order form, offer a $10 discount to any customer who gives you e-mail addresses of 3 friends for you to contact with info later.

Customers in middle of buying process already have a favorable impression of your business, so this is an ideal time to ask for referrals.

Does it work?

It helped me triple number of referrals to my resume writing business in 2000. It can work for you, too.

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5) Use bonuses to sweeten deal and make more sales. Here are 3 kinds:

a) Informational reports. If you've written any articles or copy for your Web site, chances are you can package as a free report to give to prospects or clients. Make sure you give it a value ("A $29.95 value, yours FREE"), because it's human nature to not appreciate anything without a price tag.

b) Give away what your competitors sell. Find lowest-price product or service that most of your competitors try to sell ... and give it away instead. The increased business will make up for it.

c) Give away ANOTHER freebie after sale. This will cut returns dramatically and cement good relations with your clients. Marlon Sanders does it with his online marketing course. I give away loads of follow-up advice by email to all my clients. If you use an autoresponder, it can be done while you sleep.

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6) Build relationships with potential business partners online.

You already know that you MUST publish an email newsletter, right? Right.

But some sites still don't get this. They feel they don't have time or writing ability. This is your opportunity.

Find high-traffic sites in your industry that don't offer a newsletter, and say: "I noticed your site doesn't publish a newsletter. You're leaving money on table by not keeping in touch with your prospects and clients. I can help. I publish a newsletter that doesn't compete with your site. If you put a sign-up form on your site for my newsletter, you'll build instant, profitable relationships with your users. And I'll give you a permanent spot in my newsletter to run your ad in."

Who can say "No" to that? But, does it work?

I'm negotiating right now to get one of my newsletters, "Employment Dispatch," onto two Web sites with a combined viewership of 100,000 people per month.