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What Do You Know About All In One Directional Advertising?

Advertising is the key element of any business. If the advertisement thrives, it can mean immense traffic that generates thousands of dollars in income. Advertising requires original thinking because conventional advertising mediums are becoming very costly. Advertising is the best method to make sure that customers learn about your products or services. But the real question is; are you getting the proper returns on investment on your advertising dollar and do you feel that your promotion dollars and advertising overheads are giving you the results that you want? Probably you have been wondering where to advertise your business. Stop wondering, just look for a website that has the potential to draw thousands or millions in traffic and your business will surely benefit.

Most advertising sites offer only one of three main categories of directories, that is, classifieds, normal directory or jobs. If you find sites that offer all three probably the traffic generated is greater.

Classifieds usually contains more than 10 categories including houses for sale, rent, apartments for sale, rent, shops for sale rent, and offices for sale, rent, cars for sale and business opportunities.

Directory usually contains more than 2,000 categories of listings. Among the more popular categories are advertising, airlines, banks, beauty salons, bus lines, computers, charities, travel agencies, building contractors, renovators, consultants and interior designers, florists, hospitals, hotels, transportation, car rental, car accessories, office furniture, restaurants and photographs retail centers.

Jobs usually contains more than 60 job categories under the main headings of Accounting, Finance, Human Resource and Admin, Sales, Marketing, Arts, Media, Communication, Services, Hotels, Restaurants, Education and Training, Computer, IT, Engineering, Sciences and Healthcare.

Web Surfers from all over the world can search for and view products and services advertised and do business with the advertisers.

The importance of advertising in a directory is outlined as follows:

1. Supply necessary information

The customer may be looking for more information than just name, address and telephone number. They may need product or service details.

2. Complete directory representation

Sometimes a company may be known by two or more names. They may deal in two or more types of products or services. Therefore, an advertiser may want to advertise in different names and classifications.

3. Supply attention and value

Directory advertisements offer aggressive business a chance to secure a bigger ad space, thus showing itself to be more prominent than its competitors.

4. Trade mark and trade name identification

Customers may be just looking for a company trade name which is better known instead of its company name.

5. Focus attention on a specific product or service

If a product or service can be obtained from several sources an advertiser will benefit if he can point out the advantages of buying from him instead of his competitors. He can do so in a directory.

6. Maintain prestige

Directory advertising is special advertising which differentiates a prestigious business from an ordinary one.

Advertisers must understand the above functions of an online directory. They must be able to differentiate directory advertising from general advertising. When directory advertising is confused with general advertising sales executive from a directory company will face a very serious problem because he will meet with strong resistance and put into a class of media with fierce competition where magazines, television, newspaper, radio, exhibition and dozens of other types of salesmen battle for a place in the businessman advertising budget.

In most businesses all advertising is designed to build a desire for the company products or services. Directory advertising is used after the prospective buyer has already decided to buy. He is just looking for the seller. Therefore, general advertising is concerned with a product looking for a customer. Directory advertising is concerned with a customer looking for a product.

Real Estate Auctions – The New Land Rush

On a sunny afternoon in Florida, an energetic crowd gathers on the lawn of a high end luxury estate. A loud and eager banter between an auctioneer, a group of bidders and bidder assistants fills the air. For several minutes the auctioneer asks for the next highest bid and the bidders respond. Suddenly the bidders grow silent. The high bidder holds his breath in anticipation of winning the auction. The auctioneer calls for one more bid. In a loud clear voice which rolls over the audience he says, “Fair warning, last chance” the auctioneer pauses, “SOLD!” And in less than 10 minutes another multimillion dollar estate has changed owners.

Successful real estate auctions like the one above are happening all over North America and the Caribbean. Recently real estate auctions have been on the rise, the increase in popularity is partly driven by growing inventories and fading buyer confidence. Properties that were selling in weeks using traditional methods are now languishing on the market unable to attract buyers even as seller’s lower prices. Many say the real estate boom is over but savvy buyers and sellers are profiting from real estate auctions.

Real Estate Auctions Work in Up or Down Markets.

Regardless of trends or market cycles, real estate auctions provide an open and transparent process for buyers and sellers. Properly conducted real estate auctions attract ready and willing buyers and motivate them to act now.

The auction method removes the “wait and see” attitude which serves to further depress real estate values. Buyers are always concerned about overpaying. Buyers gain confidence with their purchases at real estate auctions because they can see what others are willing to pay.

When market demand is high and inventories low, real estate auctions can deliver selling prices well above what a willing seller would have accepted in a negotiated private treaty sale. In good selling climates many property owners using traditional real estate methods; negotiating with one buyer at a time, leave thousands of dollars of equity on the table. During up markets real estate auctions are the best way to establish top market price.

Evaluating Your Real Estate for Auction

Not every property or seller for that matter makes a good candidate for auction. First of all sellers must be ready to sell now and for the current market value. Also a real estate auction will not fix problems caused by a downturn in market value of your property, if you owe more than a willing buyer will pay, be prepared to come to closing with your check book.

Properties that do well in real estate auctions have a high uniqueness factor. Ask your self, “What makes my property different from most others?” Maybe you own a resort property or high end luxury home, commercial properties and land do very well at auction. Real estate auctions thrive on uniqueness. If your property is like everyone else’s, the best thing you can do is offer the most competitive price.

Most importantly sellers must be reasonable about setting a minimum bid. A seller must look at the lowest, most current comps and price below that to generate the interest and urgency necessary for a successful real estate auction. Once the auction begins and qualified bidders start competing against one another you can watch the selling price increase.

Locate a Qualified Real Estate Auctioneer

Start by checking with the National Auctioneers Association, the best real estate auctioneers belong to this organization. These real estate auctioneers are well trained and adhere to a standard of practice and a code of ethics. Many attend the annual International Auctioneers Conference where the latest techniques and innovations in the real estate auction industry are presented.

Find out if the company you are interviewing is a full time real estate auction firm. Many real estate agents are getting auction licenses yet have no experience with the auction method of marketing. Conducting a successful real estate auction is nothing like (private treaty) traditional real estate sales. Go with a real estate auction pro.

You’re probably better of with an auction house that specializes in real estate auctions. There are many qualified auctioneers who have generations of experience selling personal property; furniture, dishes, lawn equipment and the occasional rare painting. Selling real estate at auction is a complex matter that should only be attempted by full time experienced real estate auction professionals.

Commissions and fees may vary, sellers must pay all marketing expenses up front and buyers typically pay 10% of the sales price to the auctioneer of which a share goes to participating real estate agents.

Types of Real Estate Auctions

Auctions are effective because they create a seller’s market. Professionally conducted real estate auctions create urgency, a reason to buy today and competition for the property. Terms and conditions of sale are established ahead of the auction. Real estate auctions will follow one of these three approaches:

Absolute Auction

The property is sold to the highest bidder regardless of price- using this process often returns the highest sale price.

Minimum Bid Auction

Seller agrees to sell at or above a published minimum bid price – this method is useful for internet auctions.

Seller Confirmation or Reserve Auction

With a reserve auction, the seller “reserves” the right to accept or decline any bids usually within 48 hours of the auction. Reserve auctions are used when there is a lien on the property from a lender or a court ordered sale with a minimum selling price.

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All About Small Business Loans – How to Get Them

If the business employs less than a hundred, is owned and operated independently, and not the market leader in the industry where it belongs, then it is considered a small business. These are some of the criteria of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) defining a small business.One of the most common problems of a small business owner is the lack of funds to maintain, run and expand the business. If you have this problem, then these frequently asked questions will guide you in making your business survive through the support of a business loan.What is a Small Business Loan?A small business loan is the type of loan that lends money or funds to a small business owner so he or she can operate the business. It is also made available for individuals who wish to start a business.Small business owners may use the amount borrowed for the establishment, construction or renovation of the business, acquisition of the necessary equipment, and for operational expenses such as payroll.While a small business loan refers to a loan for the business itself, the personal credit history of the business owner will strongly determine if the bank or lender would give its approval to the application. Thus, a small business loan is also termed as a personal loan granted to small business owners.How to apply for Small Business Loans?When you apply for a loan, your loan provider will look into your personal credit history. You, the business owner, should also be able to project a sense of deep commitment to your small business. The lender will gauge your willingness to put a portion of your personal funds to help the business prosper. Be prepared also to present a loan security or collateral such as a house or car. What’s more, your educational background and expertise are also important factors for your business to be granted the loan.The small business owner is also required to submit a business plan. A business plan is a written proposal which details the nature of your business, marketing strategy and contains a financial report. This document should also include how the business will generate income and support its operational expenses in the coming years. Moreover, the business plan should be able to convince your loan provider that you can pay the loan within the stated date of payment through the profit realize from the business and its expected continuous growth.Remember that lenders need to make sure that the business can survive to pay up the loan and that its owner is credible enough to guarantee that the business is well planned to prosper.Where to apply for Small Business Loans?You can apply for a loan traditionally, which means going to local banks and government funded organizations. Even your local cooperatives have facilities for small business loans.You may also apply for a loan online. Online application for a business loan is easier and convenient for a small business owner. You no longer have to waste time scouting for the best loan arrangement in the market. All you need to do is visit various websites and compare the rate and application requirements. However, make sure that your target small business loan provider is credible to avoid problems later on. A national bank with online capability is the best choice.

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