If you sell a product or service online, it is now entirely
within the realm of possibility - that is, technically - to
run your business while you're "catchin' some rays" somewhere.
Impossible, you say?
Not anymore! This article will describe four simple
techniques that will allow you to run your business - and
rake in the cash - without even being present.
The first thing you need to do is arrange to accept credit
cards on your website. Internet shoppers are impulsive, and
want everything NOW. If they have to go offline to phone
you, or write a check, fill out a form, address an envelope,
go to the post office, etc.... many people won't bother.
Make it easy for them. With a merchant account, the info is
automatically processed - and the cash can be directly
deposited into your bank account. If you sell an informational
product, your online customer can automatically download the
product once their credit card information is accepted.
For retail products, have a statement that says 'All orders
will be shipped within 7 - 10 days.' That's long enough for
a Caribbean vacation, isn't it?
If you haven't already done this, run, don't walk, to your
nearest Merchant Account provider and get signed up. Expert
Internet marketers claim that you can lose up to 60% of your
potential business without accepting credit cards - but more
importantly, it's the first step to stepping away from all
the hard work you're doing - the first step to FREEDOM, for
YOU.
Still with me? Keep that Caribbean brochure handy, but
here's resource #2 that will free you up to go on that
vacation...
Get an autoresponder. Get SEVERAL, if you need to. They're
available free all over the Internet, or very inexpensive.
They're also easy to install on your website - and can go to
work for you instantly. Start sending out newsletters, sales
letters, product updates, or anything else you want your
customers to receive on a regular basis without
personally sitting there staring at your computer screen for
hours on end. If you really want to rub it in, you can even
have an autoresponder attached to your email address that
will send everyone who emails you a message that says, "Hi!
I'm on a beach in the Caribbean, and won't be back in the
office until..."
But, of course, you don't necessarily want your customers,
or potential customers, to know that you're not sitting
right there waiting to take their order. So one more thing
you can do, if you haven't already done so, is arrange for a
voice-mail message on your telephone. This is another simple
business tool that's readily available for free, or nearly
free. Yet I am constantly surprised at how many home-based
business owners still either just say 'Hello?' when you call
them, or even have their children answer the phone!
SMART marketers have a voice-mail message set up, and smart
customers now expect and anticipate having to leave a
message when they call. One businessman I know is sitting at
anchor right now in some out-of-the-way exotic little cove -
while his voice-mail system is taking care of business!
So... what part of the Caribbean do you think you might
visit first? Maybe I'll see you there - we can have a drink
together, and toast our mutual success!
About the Author
Darryn Hayward is not really sitting on a beach in
the Caribbean, but you can visit his website at
http://www.marketingtips.com/t.cgi/27621 for lots more
valuable 'net marketing tips that will boost your profits!