Testimonials and Letters to the EditorWritten by Marcia Yudkin
Of all marvelous opportunities offered by Internet to get publicity without paying for it, two of least- used methods are writing testimonials for companies, books and Web sites and penning letters to editor. Every time you're happy with a service performed for you or a product you've purchased, instead of simply saying "Thank you" or keeping your contentment to yourself, consider writing a blurb expressing why you were satisfied, pleased or ecstatic and emailing it to company responsible. End your message of praise, "And feel free to quote me on this," and very often recipient will do exactly that. So long as you follow two additional guidelines, when your testimonial gets added to a well-trafficked Web site, you can count on it generating click-throughs to your site. First, within body of your praise, mention what you do or what your company is up to. For example, "Your whooziwhatsit performed like a dream when we used it during our new all-female production of 'Hamlet'" or "For anyone like us who helps recruit college presidents and other educational leaders, your service couldn't be more valuable." Second, include your site's URL when you sign off. Use full "http://www" format, and anyone becoming curious about you from your comments can easily hop over and visit you, even if site using your words didn't install a formal hyperlink. The same tips apply when you read a book that you liked in your professional field of interest. Even if you bought it at a real-world bookstore, you can submit comments about book at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and elsewhere. In your review, find occasion to state how book was valuable to you in your line of work, namely such and such. For example, "I read this book when our company, WashWorks, was launching our portable washing machine. It warned us away from so many pitfalls of new product introduction that TravelWasher became an immediate success. Thank you!" Add a few more points that you appreciated in book so this doesn't sound like bald self-promotion.
| | Fundamentals of Selling A Business - PreparationWritten by Jim Brown
Fundamentals of Selling A Business - Preparation Business owners invest much time and effort into their businesses, and most arrive at hard decision to sell their businesses at some point in time. There are various reasons for selling a business, and although each circumstance is unique, most owners have similar incentives and concerns. It is an emotional and difficult process, and most advantageous deal is achieved by understanding steps and factors that determine best time to sell. After decision to sell has been made, there are a number of preparatory measures that make your company more appealing to potential buyers, and they may take from two to twelve months to implement. Financial Statements You should obtain most recent profit and loss statement from your accountant. It is preferable to also get past two to three year's statements to show a historical trend and profile. The profit and loss statement shows both parties income earned and costs incurred in accounting period, difference of which is net profit. You should address how you can strengthen or better document your company's financial health. Many owners minimize taxable income by using techniques to hide their earnings, however smart buyer will recognize such tactics. Buyers will normally recognize company's observable profits and will not pay for earnings that are not clearly documented. Since businesses are bought on a basis of multiples of earnings, investment of taxes paid for a year or two would be repaid in multiples of that amount in a sale. You can increase buyer confidence by having your statements audited which will accelerate selling process and prevent delays in closing sale. Physical Condition of Facility The condition of business facility indicates how you operate your business but more importantly, it gives potential buyers a good impression of what they are buying into. You should do what is necessary to make your business facility more presentable such as repainting interior and exterior, reconfiguring business to convey a productive and efficient working environment, making minor repairs, or simply removing garbage from storage and work area.
|
