When you talk about branding, it is important to look at some of "big guys" to illustrate how to do it well. For instance, when you think of cotton swabs, do you mistakenly refer to all brands as "Q-tips®"? The key is finding right balance between a product, a name, tagline, and putting it all together. You want something that will remain with customer long after they have been presented with your product or ad. Create that "must have" with your customer. It isn't always easy -- but if you take time to research WHO your customer is, and WHAT you can do for them, you have half battle won.

Every once in a while there comes a time when you need to cross over that skip of a heart beat fine line.

How can I avoid all these business opportunity scams which sound so good but leave me feeling empty? Submitted by Michael Lahey June 8, 2003

Everyday there are individuals looking to strike it rich! An idea pops up and you wonder. Hmmmmmm... But then you tend to sit back and wonder - “Should I or Shouldn’t I?”

You sit there fiddling your thumbs; you’re humped over your computer with sweaty sticky palms having a staring match with your monitor. Your index finger is hovering over enter key waiting for a signal from that brain of yours to tell it to Pounce all over that submit button!

With your mouth still half open, that message doesn’t get broadcast to your finger, you decide to get out of your chair, walk about and think it over.

You start banging your head against a wall, “come on dumb ass, and tell me what to do!” You quietly postpone until next time. And rerun begins.

*** Reverse, Not Rehearse Your Failures ***

You don’t want to be labeled as Newest Sucker in town. It’s true! Most people are afraid to take a risk in anything that has to do with their money. Nobody can force anything unto you if you don’t believe that benefits are there. You don’t want to be sold, however everyone loves to buy.

I’m sure everyone has heard this before, “Nothing pursued, Nothing Gained.” In fact, you want to be somebody instead of nobody; you want to be important; you want champagne instead of beer; you want a home instead of a house. And you can only have all these things if you relinquish fear.

Associate yourself with people who are successful, people who have been on net for a while and have proof in pudding. Ask their advice about a product, honest to goodness money making pros will answer and share their opinions. Don’t be afraid to ask them.

*** Respond To Life With Action ***

You don’t want to miss that golden opportunity to “Strike it Rich” - that - “Pot of Gold” lifetime chance. A weak indecisive approach to life breathes inertia, failure and disappointment. Many people fail to act because they are afraid to make a mistake or think that what they conceive can never become reality.

Thomas Edison was once asked how many times it took him to finally get incandescent light bulb to work. He replied “1001 times!” The reporter then asked, “Why would you continue, most people would stop after second try?” Yes, Edison said, but I learnt 1000 ways a light bulb doesn’t work.”

Back in 1880, a man employed by US Patent Office handed in a letter of resignation. “Everything has been invented that could possibly be conceived of by man,” he wrote, “and I see no future in my job.” Don’t be like this man! The future is full of unlimited opportunities for those who take action and turn their thoughts into realities.

*** Opportunity Knocks at Your Door ***

You don’t want to try it because you were spammed. Not all golden opportunities come from people you know. Sometimes a complete stranger will announce something really intriguing.

Picture this, you are in 1600th century, you’re on front line behind six bails of hay and you’re about to be crushed by 500 enemy savages with axes and swords raging toward you. A man hurries behind you and taps you on your shoulders.

He’s a salesman, you tell him, “Can’t you see I’m busy here!?” Angrily ,“ GO AWAY WITH YOU!”, “pesky salesmen,” But... you see, salesman has a 21st Century High Power Machine Gun loaded and ready to go!

Opportunity knocks all time, here’s how to check them out if you are curious.

There is one other thing you don’t want to overlook and that’s what if it’s really a scam? What do I look for, how do I investigate it further and quickly?

The first thing you do if it sounds to good to be true, is to check when his domain was created by going to http://www.whois.net . Just type in domain name and it will display owners name, where his address is and date it was created.

This way you can find out exactly how long they have been in business. If ad says that he’s been making $10,000 a week since 1998 and his domain name was created in 2003! Close that window and move on!