They have proven time and time again that best format is still plain text. Results count. Here are some reasons why text email is still way to go:

~ Most of new spam filters (software that kills spam before it hits your inbox, see "resources" below) will *automatically* delete HTML email unless user adds you to his/her friends list.

~ People receive mostly text email from their friends and associates, rich media doesn't come from "people" it comes from "companies". Who would you rather buy from?

~ Many email clients still don't handle HTML well, so in order to reach everyone with a high-quality message, you need to produce to lowest common denominator.

~ Rich media takes longer to load which frustrates prospects. Frustration is a state-of-mind that effective email marketers avoid like plague.

~ Finally, and this is strictly my opinion, Text email generally looks better and is easier to read as long as it is formatted correctly.

I've decided to go with experts and keep my ezine in text only format.

Doug Hudiburg is a self proclaimed Marketing Geek and the founder of Business-Marketing-Advisor.com a central source for marketing insight and resources for businesses of all sizes.

Smile and Applaud Whether you have employees or you're a one-person show, it doesn't matter. You must smile at and applaud people within your network including employees, associates, vendors, friends and family. When you say "thank you," "please," "nice job," “I love design you did for me,” “I really appreciate your waiting for that report,” “thanks for delivering it,” “It was nice meeting you,” “I enjoyed your presentation,” you leave a positive lasting impression on people. As a small business owner, you can’t afford to miss out on what I call, “moments of positive impressions.” These moments accumulate over time. Before you know it, you’ve created a positive reputation for yourself. Smiling and applauding are fairly easy traits to acquire and can be competitive edge you need to separate you from stuffy entrepreneur down street.

Keep Away from Certain People Nothing will stop you dead in your tracks faster than someone who’s “questioning” your entrepreneurial instincts. I’m not saying ignore these people altogether, because they may have a good point; however, don’t stop doing what you’re doing just because people don’t completely support your ideas. Many of these naysayers are employed by someone else. How could they understand or support your ideas? They’re on a completely different life track than you. They can’t possibly understand what it’s like to have to be responsible for making your own money. Surround yourself with other successful-minded people who have to make their own money.

Stay Focused You must stop flip flopping with your marketing ideas. Pick 10 of them, and repeat them continuously for more than a year. Pick a direction and stick with it!