Benefits of Being an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing has become one of the most effective ways to advertise online. It is also one of the easiest ways for anyone with a website to make a profit online. Affiliate marketing is an agreement between a merchant and a website owner. The website owner, or the affiliate, allows the use of their site for the promotion of the merchants products by linking to the merchants website. In exchange, the merchant pays a commission to the affiliate on all sales generated by the affiliate. Every time someone clicks on the link on the affiliate website and proceeds to make a purchase, the affiliate gets a commission. The merchant will pay the affiliate only when a customer clicks on the product link and makes a purchase.

Affiliate marketing programs are described as a win-win situation for both the merchant and the affiliate because of the pay-for-performance scheme. Both the merchant and the affiliate enjoy some benefits in affiliate marketing. There are many benefits on the merchants side. It gives the merchant a wider market in which to advertise a product or service. Affiliate marketing will give the product or service the maximum exposure that it may not get with other traditional advertising techniques. The more affiliate sites a merchant has, the higher the traffic, which can convert to sales. Affiliate marketing is the equivalent of having an army of sales people who will do the advertising and will only get a commission if a customer purchases.

Meanwhile, since an affiliate marketing relationship is a win-win situation, the affiliate also enjoys many benefits. Foremost among these is the easy way to make a profit. The affiliate can earn by having an ad or link to the merchants website, which prospective customers will hopefully click and proceed to make a purchase. As soon as the customer clicks on the ad on the affiliates site, is redirected to the merchants website and goes on to buy that particular product, the affiliate earns a commission. The more referrals there are the more profit for the affiliate.

Affiliate marketing is an excellent way to earn money while at home. There are virtually no production costs. The product is already developed and proven by the merchant, and all you have to do to find, as many prospects as you can that will bring in the profit for both the merchant and the affiliate. Affiliate programs are usually free to join, so affiliates do not have to worry about start-up costs. There are thousands of products and services you can choose from. You can find affiliate programs for every product under the sun. Surely, there is a product or service out there that is relevant to your website.

In addition, there is absolutely no sales experience necessary. Most affiliate programs offer excellent support when it comes to providing marketing material. The simplicity of affiliate marketing allows you to be an affiliate marketer at the least cost and the most comfort. You can even build a successful affiliate marketing business right in the convenience of your own home. In affiliate marketing, your responsibility is simply to find prospects for the merchant; you do not have to worry about inventory, order processing, and product shipping. These, along with customer service support are the duties of the merchant.

Because of the global reach of the internet, you can easily find thousands of prospects. You can intensify your advertising campaign by exploiting more aggressive and productive strategies such as viral marketing. By attracting more prospects, you also maximize your potential to earn. Another benefit of an affiliate marketer is the minimal risk involved. If the product you are advertising is not making money then you can dump it and choose another. There are no long-term binding contracts tying you to products that are not making enough money.

All the same, the best benefit of being an affiliate marketer is the opportunity to increase your income; and you can make a profit even if affiliate marketing is only a sideline business. With your own affiliate business, you can earn easily earn extra income, although you do have to exert effort and use your imagination to maximize your earning potential. Indeed, affiliate marketing is one of the simplest and most effective business opportunities on the web today.


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Direct Selling Can Truely Be Your Gateway To Financial Freedom

Why Start a Home business With the number of independent direct sellers in the millions today, its clear that a home business truly has something to offer. Direct Sales give you the FREEDOM to decide how to earn and spend both your money and your time.

Although theres no doubt direct selling is a growing industry, its not without its critics. Direct Selling has been criticized for promoting Pyramid Schemes, where only the top echelon of the sellers see any money or make it difficult for the average person to achieve success.

Pyramids are illegal in all 50 states, says Rod Nichols, entrepreneur.coms multi-level marketing columnist and an industry expert, in an article titled Network Marketing: Answer to Your Top 5 Questions In a pyramid scheme, the only people who make money are those who set in first, but in legitimate companies everyone has an equal opportunity to make money and become the top income-earner in the company.

The WFSDA also denounces pyramid scheme worldwide, and supports international legislation to control fraudulent direct-selling business.

Its easy to debunk negative myths by the hand facts: more than 13 million people in the United States are actively involved in the industry and according to DSA research, more than 80 percent report having a positive experience.

It all depends on how much time and effort you put into it. You can take it as far as you want ..the biggest reason people fail with direct selling is they get into it with unrealistic expectations.

People can make money through direct selling, but only by treating it like a serious business and working at it everyday. Money is made when products or services are sold within your network, so if you want to earn a solid income, youll need to recruit a network of people who are buying and selling products/services. Excellent trainings and support are made available to help you succeed, but ultimately the success or failure of your business is up to you.

Direct selling opportunities often incomparable flexibility to just any other business. Consumers get the kind of personalized service that is often lost in an increasingly corporate market. Direct sellers not only get to know their customers, but also enjoy the freedom of being their own boss on a business theyve chosen for themselves, success can be measured in their own ways, and as the industry continues to grow on a global scale, its a wonder anyone would pass up the chance to join in.

SFI Marketing Group offers direct selling in addition to online marketing/resources/training for FREE to its affiliate, a bundle worth over 295.

Choose what ever marketing method suit your ability.

Ill be glad to have you onboard ..

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"I just wanted to take a minute to thank SFI for being so helpful and interested in my future success. Your training and constant presence makes me feel as though I am in good hands."

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"I have been in lots of programs in the past and nothing compares to SFI. It is a great opportunity for anyone. I am so excited to be a part of SFI Brenda Griner, KY, United States"

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"When I joined SFI, I was overwhelmed by the wealth of information for people such as myself who are looking for a solid, sound foundation to financial freedom...Thank you, Mr. Carson, founder of such an elite and prestigous financial system."

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"I have been involved in many different programs over the years. But I never experienced the growth or commission potential that SFI offers. I have been advancing and seeing a profit since DAY ONE In short, SFI is the BEST and ONLY program to belong to. TO SUCCESS"

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About the Author

John Benjamin, "A successful Entrepreneur" is the author of What You Need to Know About Direct Selling.

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A Guide to Putting Together Your Opt in List

If you want maximum results from your online business, one way is to put together an opt in mailing list. This list has the names and email addresses of people who have expressed an interest in your company. They have given you permission to send them emails about your business on a periodic basis. Half the sale is made already when you talk to someone who has expressed an interest in what you have to sell.

Permission Email Marketing is the result of building an opt in list in the first place. They are rapidly becoming quite a popular tool.

If you want to succeed at what you are doing, there are certain things that you should and should not do. The following are some steps that you should know about opt in lists.

Yes, you should.

1. Make an opt in list highly visible on your site. You can use a software program from virtually any site.

2. Using the general email that you send out to clients, have a place where they can link to sign up for receiving emails from you.

3. Make sure they do want to receive emails from you. You do not want to get into trouble for spamming.

4. When conversing with them, mention that you have emails that you can send to let them know of new products and sales.

5. Do not talk in circles. Explain exactly what you have and how it can benefit them. Do not mislead them about what they will be receiving.

6. Contact people who sign up right away. Let them know how you operate and what they can expect from you. Make them feel welcome.

No, You Should Not

1. Do not assume someone that has emailed you six months ago would like to be added to your list. Send them an email and ask if they would like to be included in your mailings.

2. Do not buy lists of opt ins that you are not sure of. Ask for evidence that the people on the list do want to receive emails about your business.

3. Do not take people for granted. Appreciate the trust they put in you. When you do something to make them reconsider whether trusting you was wise or not, you put your business in jeopardy. They will not be eager to return emails or converse with you either.

One sure method of saving money is to send emails. Direct mailing is expensive and the supplies you use to send mail by the post office is expensive. If you are ready to start your own opt in service, give it a try.

1. Information for free. If you want to get a good opt in list going, let your visitors know that they can receive free information. Newsletters, travel tips, which tools are rated the best, and tried and true recipes are a good start.

2. The simpler the better. It should not take an hour to sign up for a subscription to a website. Do not ask questions that are not necessary. The info they provide should be just what you need to know a little about their preferences, their email, and other contact information. Tell them what their subscription includes.

3. offer something of value. The information that your newsletter contains should be good information, free incentives should have some value, and it should be up to date.

4. Have a forum on your website. Do not only have a forum but be a part of it. This is one way to let people know you are truly interested in what they think.

5. Communication through writing. If you spin out some articles about your chosen business and use it to try and inspire people as you have been inspired, this will serve you well.

6. Joint enrollment. If you do this, a huge opt in list could be possible in practically no time.

7. Put your knowledge to work. Use your expertise to write an e-book. This can be used as an incentive to give to people who subscribe to your opt in list or mailing list. It does not have to be large. Just write what you know best, add some interesting facts, and a few tips that you have found useful.

When you are trying to get an opt in list started, make sure you add something that would make someone want to sign up. The fact is, opt in lists have been found to lay the foundation for web sites that are more profitable than others. Always look for ways to improve your website.

Nobody said this was going to be easy. However if you want your website to succeed, take a good look at what you want to say and make the pitch for opt in sign ups as interesting as you possibly can. Here are 10 ways to build a opt in list that will get the best results.

1. Keep in mind that there are plenty of other web owners who want business as badly as you do. Choose which section of people you want to appeal to.

When you are trying to get an opt in list started, make sure you add something that would make someone want to sign up. The fact is, opt in lists have been found to lay the foundation for web sites that are more profitable than others. Always look for ways to improve your website.

2. Make certain that your website is reaching the right people.

3. If you cannot make a profit on it, do not waste your time. Keeping track of your budget is another way of determining whether you will be successful or not.

4. By leading discussions on a forum as much as possible, you will find out what problems you have and be able to correct them.

5. Find out why your customers are not getting what they want from websites. Help them to find the right resources for the things they need.

6. Help is always appreciated. If a visitor to your site has a problem, help them to find a solution.

7. A small site that offers direct response will be much appreciated.

8. Auto responders are great. They can keep track when you cannot. This is definitely one site you want to keep in shape.

9. Draw in potential customers with giveaways. Coupons offering a percentage off of a product or products can help to get customers to your website.

10. Use whatever works within reason to corner the market in your field of expertise.

The results found in opt in are more than you would ever dream if done correctly. This is a huge part of the profit margin. If you take care of your customers, they will take care of you.


About the Author

Anthony Harris is a member of one of the fastest growing and one of the most successful home business on the internet. Find out how were creating financial freedom and join us for a FREE test drive at

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The Hidden Costs of Buying Iridium Satellite Phones from the Low-Cost Provider

A quick Google search on "Iridium 9505A Satellite Phones" will display a wide variety of prices and airtime plans. However, what does it all really mean Is buying a phone for 1,395 really better than buying one for 1,495 Are you truly saving 100 Perhaps not It is critically important to understand there are very distinct differences between the equipment, services, and options that Iridium service Providers offer which significantly impact the retail price of the phone. In general, low price means very few options and services, if any, while higher prices include more accessories and service.

Sure, you bought at a seemingly great price and your phones arrived in the standard Iridium factory packaging. However, did your low-cost vendor perform the following essential tasks for you that will ensure your Iridium satellite phones are fully operational in the time of greatest need: emergency response, business continuity, or communication in remote areas with the intangible reasons being to save lives, time and money

Task: Description Time Value
Unpack: Open each phone box, remove all components, 10 min, 4.81
Read: Read set-up instructions, 10 min, 4.81
inventory: Verify you have received all components, 3 min, 1.44
SIM: Insert the SIM card in each phone, 3 min, 1.44
Charge: Unpack charger, insert battery, charge phone, 3 min, 1.44
Label: Print a label and label each phone, 4 min, 1.92
Charge2: Check on charging status, swap phones, 5 min, 2.40
Test: Remove PIN code and make, receive a test call, 20 min, 9.62
Trash: Packaging disposal, 2 min, 0.96
Case: Buy case for kit, 30 min, 14.43
Pack: Pack the kit into the phone case, 5 min, 2.40
Card: Create, print label and laminate a user card, 30 min, 14.43
Errors: 20 No offense, but do you do this daily 25 min, 12.02
TOTAL: The REAL total additional time and cost, 150 min, 72.12
Value based on 60,000/yr salary

Additionally, what is the opportunity cost for you and your organization to unpack and properly set up the phone Setting up your Iridium phone will take you or your Admin person away from other high value projects which can more than double the cost of "doing it yourself". Isnt your time worth more than the value of setting up an Iridium phone Once youve set up your phone, how will you keep all the accessories together Will your low cost vendor provide a carrying bag for you What if you have trouble setting up your phone Is 24 X 7 support available to you at no cost

And heres a scary thought: What if you have to set up 50, 60, 80, or 120 phones Do you have the time Do you have the staff Oh, yes, do you have a place designated for setting up and charging a large quantity of Iridium satellite phones

Summarized below is the total of all the real hidden additional costs of buying Iridium satellite phones from the lowest cost provider:

Self setup 72.12
Opportunity cost 72.12
Nylon carrying bag 20.00
Easy instruction guide 10.00
1 hour support 28.85
Total: 203.09/phone

But you bought the phone at the "lowest price" didnt you Or, so you thought The lowest price is simply a number and is usually the lowest overall value. The highest value encompasses far more and saves you more time and money in the end. When you receive the Iridium satellite phone you bought from a customer service oriented provider, all of these tasks are taken care of for you, and done right. Simply turn on the phone and you are ready to go


About the Author

Lou Altman is the CEO and Founder of GlobaFone, an award winning, leading provider of

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How You Can Make Money In A Down Market

The residential real estate market has reached an all time low when it comes to homes that are for sale, foreclosures and the lack of qualified buyers. Attempts to jump start the market again by lowering the interest rates have not proven to be successful. Is this the end of the real estate investment boom Absolutely not As a matter of fact, this is the beginning of even a bigger boom. You can make money in todays market just as you could when the market was burgeoning. As a matter of fact, it is easier as there is less competition.

While many amateur real estate investors gave up when the residential market crashed, those who really knew the game realized that this spelled opportunity for them to make even more money. Foreclosures are at an all time high - so what does that mean to the investor It means that there are more foreclosures on the market than there are buyers. When equated with the laws of supply and demand, it can only mean that the prices of the foreclosures are dropping even lower than ever.

Banks today do not want a foreclosure on their books. They cant get rid of them. Years ago, you only saw foreclosures in bighted areas. Today, you will see foreclosures in just about every neighborhood. Many people bit off more than they could chew when the market was booming. Many people borrowed against the equity of their home and realized that they were paying more than what the house was worth. Many people signed up for adjustable rate mortgages that they could not afford. And many people simply lost their jobs due to a recession that many refuse to acknowledge that we are in.

Because of the abundance in foreclosures, banks do not want these properties on their books as they know they are bound to lose even more money. For this reason, a savvy investor can make a deal with a bank to buy a home that is headed for foreclosure before it enters the court system and costs the bank tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees.

One way to do this is through the short sale. In this type of investment, the investor works with the owner of the property who is just trying to get out of the deal without it costing him any more money, and with the bank to purchase a piece of property before it costs the bank money in the foreclosure. Because banks know that it will not only cost them tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, but time that they house sits it takes at least 6 months for a foreclosure to go through the court system and then the bank has to try to sell the house, they are wiling to sell the house for a lot less than the market value and what is currently owed on the property. This makes the bank happy as they have gotten rid of the house without foreclosing and the former owner happy as they can walk away from the deal without any backlash.

The short sale is one way you can make money in todays down market. To learn more, take a real estate investment course. There are plenty of opportunities out there for savvy investors.


About the Author

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The Continuity Factor - The Best New Ideas Are Often Old Ideas Brought Back To Life

The best new ideas are often old ideas brought back to life. Sometimes the ideas are altered to fit particular circumstances but, many times, the application is altered to fit current circumstances.

Over twenty years ago, when I was in the financial services industry, I decided to alter our business from commission-based to charging a monthly fee based on a percentage of assets. This was a radical thought at the time because the brokerage business was based on commissions. The change was also difficult to execute because it took some time for monthly income (based on a lower rate) to catch up to handle current overhead. The change required confidence that the new monthly fees would last and we had to temporarily cut overhead at the same time.

Fortunately, it proved to be the best decision I ever made in business. Since that pivotal moment, I have never had a business that did not have a continuity component attached to it. Additionally, every business we consult with is taught the value of continuity and has it structured into their business plan.

Continuity income is simply income that is based on a monthly plan or membership program. If you have a continuity program, you can count on a certain income stream coming in each month whether you find a new client or not. This is not to say that you do not need to keep looking for new clients, because you do. Instead, it is a mechanism that produces income so that, should you have a bad month in finding new business, or should the economy falter, you still have money coming in regularly, allowing for time to make adjustments. If you do not have a continuity program in your business or profession at this time you have to get a certain amount of new customers or you are going to have serious problems in a short amount of time.

The ideal goal in a continuity program is for the continuity to first cover your monthly overhead. When you do that, all new business goes to profit and expansion. The next goal is to make money just on your continuity.

When we present the continuity factor to clients, some have an immediate experience. Others struggle with how the application could possibly be structured into their business. These clients frequently say the same thing: But my business is different. Trust us. It's not. Let me give you some examples so you can see the applications of continuity in different businesses. Our goal is for you to consider how continuity can be applied to your business so you can enjoy its benefits.

A real estate broker in Iowa works exclusively with investors. He has a successful track record of finding good income-producing properties. He offers a tiered continuity program where investors pay different amounts each month for the opportunity to be higher up on his investor list in order to see new properties first. For $1,000 per month, you get to see them immediately. In addition, he must agree to work with you exclusively and give you a fee as a buyer's broker when you buy the property. He also represents you when you sell the property. The continuity factor in his business takes the pressure off having to find something new in a particular month.

Frequently, continuity is designed around a marketing service or an ad campaign that a company has developed to consistently produce new clients. For example, a client we are working with has a commercial cleaning company. They have developed a very successful lead generation system. We are developing a monthly payment program based on providing leads to other cleaning companies in non-competitive areas that pay a fee for the exclusive rights to those proven marketing methods.

Our latest client is a pizza business, which our law firm is franchising. The pizza delivery company sells a monthly membership service that gives discounts and higher priority for phone orders based on membership levels.

And to blow your mind even more: We actually know of a funeral director that guarantees recovery for the family of a lost one and charges a continuity fee for counseling and grief services.

Continuity in your business will improve your income and your stress level. We encourage you to think about how continuity can be used in your business.


About the Author

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Easy-To-Do Tips On Building Residual Income

Have you ever dreamed of waking up every morning relaxed and not hurrying to go to the day's work while money is coming into your bank account? Can you believe this? Yes, you should. This is very possible in the world of interconnections and technologies. A new system of earning big bucks comes right into the comforts of your home!!!

Working today does not mean reporting to the office or company. It does not refer to reproducing piles of resume and going through sweat- taking interviews. Working does not mean doing office works or field works. Salary and checks are not just the modes of payment. More importantly, working time does not only refer to hourly or daily basis.

In fact, working may also be home-based, do-it-yourself style. You need not to be the employee but the employer instantly. What you just need are a big percentage of confidence and financial capital. And voila, you can now start your own business, build residual income, increase your gains and enjoy life.

But you may ask, what is the residual income that you're talking about? From the root words residue, which means excess and income which means earnings or profits, it refers to making profits from investing on your own assets, tangible or intangible in a long period of time, while exerting efforts and labor in a shorter period. Simply put, those are the gains which double or triple the amount of capital you had invested.

Sounds interesting, right? Imagine how easy and convenient making a living is for you if you are engaged in a business like this. You don't have to indulge yourself in an eight hour; five or six times a week work, together with all the reports or evaluations you have to undergo. You don't need to wait after weeks or months to get the salary needed to buy your everyday needs, or extra curricular weekend plans or vacation trips.

Instead, you are now sitting in front of your computer notebook, connecting to the internet and start the ball rolling. Its time to loose yourself into the new, exciting, fascinating job that gives more and bigger money at the least of time and the next question will be how?

The internet offers many, a lot and thousands of business ideas, or attractive programs to choose from. Online services such as affiliate and smart marketing, network marketing, email advertising, home-based business among others. However, because of information overload, you might find it difficult to decide for every kind of business will tell their best persuading words and catchy offers.

Remember, though ideally, internet business is a lot easier, this is still business in a strict sense which means that there are risks, so you need to play it safe. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in making a wiser choice.

1. Know thyself. What are your interests, psyche and personality? Get the work that is not just for work but also for play.

2. Identify the right customers. Engage in in-demand markets with in-demand customers. Be resourceful and trendy in looking, attracting and keeping your clients.

3. Love your affiliates. Take care of your down lines, for their success or failures will also, in some ways affect the whole cycle of business.

4. Be marketable. Make use of internet opportunities that offers free or one-click marketing services to spread the words about your business. Advertising is a must, successful advertising is a victory.

5. Shoot thy target. Be specific with the product you want to sell for a special product has particular set of followers.


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Construction In Crisis Meet The Decision Makers

In marketing for construction, as with any other industry, getting in front of the key decision makers is crucial for the development of your business. The most important rule about appointment-making is to sell the appointment and not the product.

Appointment-making is a skill in its own right. Some construction companies and architects for that matter, use canvassers or telemarketing staff to do this job for them. However, it is far better to use staff internally, or if you are a small family run business or sole trader, you should try to do this yourself rather than outsourcing. That way you have direct contact with your prospect from the word go.

It will also be very useful for you or your marketing person to combine the appointment-making with the initial researching activity. When combined in this way it helps to build initial relationships with helpful people in the prospect organisation, and you or your marketing person can collect additional useful information that would otherwise be missed or not picked up by a separate appointment-maker or canvasser.

Sending a well written letter of introduction is a useful and often essential requirement before an appointment can be made. Generally the larger the prospect organisation, then the more essential an introductory letter will be. This is mainly because PAs and secretaries almost always suggest that any approach to a decision-maker i.e. the boss, whose time the secretary is protecting be put in writing first.

Bear in mind that the PA is there as a defence shield for the boss, and rightly so, or the boss would never get anything done So for any approach to succeed in getting through to the right person, the PA must effectively endorse its credibility. Whether by writing or telephoning, the reason for wanting to meet must be serious and interesting enough, which is why researching and understanding the organisations strategic priorities are so crucial.

General product and service approaches do not work because they are not seen to relate or benefit the prospects own strategic priorities. So a carefully thought-through UPB Unique Perceived benefit, forms the basis of the appointment approach. If it strikes the right chord the appointment will be granted.

A good introductory letter may win an appointment without the need even to speak to the decision-maker. Remember, the PA often holds the key to achieving an appointment She certainly holds the diary So in your contact with the PA, do not be pushy or arrogant. If you are the door will close You should assume that the loyalty and trust between boss and PA are strong, so you need to get him or her on your side.

A point to remember: The PA will generally try to divert the sales persons approach to a less senior member of staff. So its important to tailor the approach to fit with the level of, and functional responsibility of the person being approached for the appointment. On occasions, the sales person will not be granted an appointment with the targeted main decision-maker, but instead will be referred by them to make an appointment with a lower ranking manager or director. If this happens its no problem - the sales person then proceeds with the MDs or FDs endorsement to develop the situation with the lower ranking contact.

The fact that its been referred by the MD or FD gives the sales person vital authority and credibility. Being referred down the line is fine; but trying to refer upwards for eventual purchase authorisation or budgetary approval is nearly impossible, which is why appointment-making should always aim high, with a strategically orientated proposition.

Dont use a script, it will become your downfall. And also remember, unhappy people cant sell. So if you are having a grumpy, bad mood day, STAY AWAY FROM THE PHONE Do some paperwork instead until you cheer up a bit If you always see the glass half empty, GET OUT OF SALES AND MARKETING Its not your thing

So let your personality shine through and be yourself. Be professional, enthusiastic and straight-forward. Resist any temptation to employ gimmicks, jokes and flashing ties - your credibility will be undermined before you even open your mouth

Happy sales hunting


About the Author

Steve Flashman is a Marketing Consultant with a unique edge He is a public speaker published author, recording artist, media broadcaster and communications expert.

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A Sign of Maturing - Trade Shows Sans Booth Babes

The rationale behind hiring a trade show model is simple - nail the first impression by leveraging the old advertising maxim of sex selling. And for years the trade show model was a staple, pulling show-going crowds towards booths and hopefully towards products. Recently, though, trade show models, or as they are more commonly known booth babes, have been going the way of the caribou. Case-in-point, the 2008 SHOT Show, previously known for its pairing of guns and babes, was so lacking in trade show models that Field and Stream Magazine was forced to pad their annual review of models with pictures of men sporting unusually long beards, and causing many readers to question, why are exhibitors messing with a good thing

In 2006, the Electronic Software Association ESA, the trade group behind the Electronic Entertainment Expo E3 issued a press release stating that for the first time, the dress code, typically flouted by models, would be enforced. And by enforced the ESA meant a warning followed by a 5000 fine. Common motives associated with this new rule enforcement stemmed from the reputation of the trade show previously described by IGNs David Adams as ribald, the fear that the ESA was marketing sexually-explicit content to children, and the fact that the video game industry was reaching sales parity with Hollywood. There is, of course, a common thread between these arguments: the product didnt need the sex, instead it needed to be viewed as professional. For the ESA, the video game had matured beyond the quick, impulsive sell that sex grants, and was finally a legitimate part of living rooms around the world.

The ESA was telling exhibitors to do something every trade show exhibitor should be doing anyways, they should be considering their brand. Whether you are an entrepreneur, an executive, or merely an employee, trade shows are worked with the explicit intent of drawing quality attention to your brand. The trade show exhibitor is there to build excitement that should ultimately turn a booth visitor into a repeat customer. The booth is a means to forging a lasting relationship on a personal basis. Working a booth allows a company to press the flesh and promote with a passion that simply cant be found in traditional advertising. So, why would a company risk potentially isolating half the attendees at a conference with a booth babe

Half Well, close to it. According to a survey conducted by AffiliateTip.com, 70 of the female respondents and 41 of the male respondents 56 overall said that they were less likely to visit a booth that used a booth babe. Conversely, 29 of the overall respondents said that a booth babe caused a null opinion, and a mere 15 said that a booth babe would positively impact their opinion of a booth. Perusing blogs will lead to an even larger mountain of anecdotal evidence that suggests that not only are individuals less likely to visit your trade show displays if a booth babe is present, but they are actually more likely to form a negative opinion of your company to boot.

Of course, not all trade shows are following the trend presented by the ESA, yet booth babes seem to be disappearing just the same. The use of booth babes at YAPC Yet Another Perl Convention sparked a thread on the Use Perl official message board regarding whether or not booth babes should be used at other conference. The quote that seemed to sum the experience up was that is so auto show.

The debate surrounding the use of booth babes even leaves the trade show, with various media outlets debating about whether they should continue to feature photos of the best babes, often opening up the discussion to readers. Toms Hardware, a forum and media outlet focusing on technology posed the question to their readership and the first response cut to the heart of the issue - juxtaposing the for being juvenile and mainstream against the opposed being adult and technical. Tech Republic, also opened the question up to their readers, and gathered likewise responses. It seemed that even the media was turning their backs on booth babes.

There is, of course, one final theory on why exhibitors were shying away from trade show models. At the 2006 E3, Disney was there presenting the video game tie in for their Pixar animated feature Cars. There between near-life-size examples of the films star cars was, you guessed it, a trade show model. The model in question was decked out from head to toe in skintight black jumpsuit, complete with plunging neckline and a checkered-flag racking stripe running up her sides, and covering just enough to show that Disney could play by the new E3 rules. Perhaps the world at large saw Disneys display as truly jumping the shark and everyone simply moved on.

Whichever theory you subscribe to - maintaining an professional image, fear of isolating potential clients, or merely staying one step ahead of Disney, the use of trade show models are certainly on the decline. And as John Davis, editorial director for Ziff Davis Media Game Group told ABC News, "Not having the booth babes isnt going to make any difference." Instead, of babes, the new trend seems to be presenting your products in a professional manner, with booth workers who go beyond gimmick or sex and instead have a passion for your brand and a knowledge base to match. Guess which one leads to more quality sales


About the Author

Mat Kelly is the president of ExhibitDEAL, a leading provider of

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Find the Market Value of Your Business

Business appraisals are an integral part of the way business is done today. No one would buy a home or vehicle without knowing the fair market value of it. The same is true with business, whether large or small. Anyone looking to purchase a business of any kind will request a recent appraisal or valuation of the business. Every type of business in existence has a market value that can be assessed via means of appraisal or valuation.

Importance of Business Appraisals

The importance of business appraisals goes far beyond understanding what an existing business is worth. Entrepreneurs can use valuations of other businesses closely related to theirs to help them create a successful business plan. Smart entrepreneurs will learn from the mistakes as well as the successes of their competition. Existing business owners may use an appraisal to determine shortcomings of their business and improve upon them.

Official appraisals may be obtained from professional appraisers. Appraisals required for personal use may be done via computer software. Some software packages offer the ability to input your companys financial and other required information to produce a fairly accurate business valuation. In most cases, business appraisals used for buying or selling a business must be completed by a professional appraiser.

Business appraisers are not the same as real estate or equipment appraisers. A business appraiser has been disciplined in the ways of appraising businesses, not homes or equipment. Sometimes real estate and equipment fall within the lines of the business appraisal, in cases such as this, more than one appraiser may be required.

Business Appraisal Credentials

Much like doctors, business appraisers often specialize in a specific designation. Specific designations include: Certified Business Appraiser CBA, Accredited Senior Appraiser ASA, Certified Public Accountant Accredited in Business Valuation CPA/ABV, Certified Valuation Analyst CVA and Chartered Business Valuator CBV. Each designation carries with it different abilities and responsibilities. When searching for a business appraiser, check each designation carefully to determine the type of appraiser you require.

Assessing the Costs of Your Appraisal

Acquiring a business appraisal can be expensive, be prepared. An oral appraisal is often less expensive than a written appraisal but an oral appraisal isnt as valued to someone looking to buy your business. Appraisers have a set guideline they follow when appraising a business. Before choosing the best appraiser for the job you require, discuss your appraisal needs with your partners or advisors. Create a list of questions you need to ask potential appraisers. If your needs go beyond the scope of a certain appraisers expertise, they may not be the appraiser you need to hire. Dont limit yourself to one appraiser. Keep your options open until you find the perfect appraiser for the job.

An oral business appraisal may cost under 300, especially if the appraiser is just getting started or is a broker with no appraisal designation. Specialized written appraisals can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the depth of the job and how many hours it takes to complete. Accredited business appraisers charge a minimum of 100 per hour and usually require at least two to four hours to perform the appraisal with an additional hour to explain it to the client. The entire oral appraisal may take as few as two hours or as many as six.

A written business appraisal costs a minimum of 2,500 to 5,000 in most areas. A written report is very in-depth and may take the appraiser up to fifty hours of work to complete. Expect a written appraisal to be approximately 100 pages of information. Very large companies may be looking at a cost of 10,000 for an appraisal.


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