Copywriter for Your Business

Pet Peeve - Garbage Content in the Name of SEO

2011-05-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

Here’s hoping that Google’s recent focus on improving their search results to feature websites that actually provide decent, original content is a trend that continues. This focus needs to become even more discerning. The proliferation of sites that put out regurgitated useless content, all laced with an over abundance of keyword driven links in every paragraph, may now decline – at least in the results that show up on the front page of a search.

As users of information, we want quality information. Don’t insult us by using the same old story, thinly disguised as something new. Most of us have pretty well trained B.S. detection systems by now – and we are not fooled.

What does this mean to you as a website owner? It means asking yourself this question “Does my site content address the concerns and needs of my site visitor? Am I giving my visitors/readers the information they want and need? “ If you care about them returning to your site, the answer needs to be “Yes”.

As a frequent user of on-line information I recently signed up for a weekly e-zine. The first issue arrived. I was expecting lots of good advice, news and suggestions. I got two paragraphs driving me to links, to more links, all promising me the information – which I never got. After 4 link clicks, I gave up and immediately Unsubscribed.

This large on-line information company spent a lot of time and money getting me to sign-up – only to loose me immediately because of garbage content.

Web site content doesn’t need to be written by John Steinbeck – just make it authentic, original and useful. Keywords and links can be placed to help with your SEO needs, just don’t let these needs drive the content over a cliff and make the whole thing unreadable and annoying to your visitors. Amen. ‘nough said.

Sue Elliott

Web Content Copywriter

http://www.sueelliott.com

How Saving the House Cleaning Money led to Art Education for Kids

2011-04-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

“All great journeys start with a single step” – and so it is with the story of how the Youth Art Scholarship Fund got started at the Mountain Art Center in Ben Lomond, California.

Ten years ago, one of the local community members made a lifelong dream come true by starting the Mountain Art Center Youth Art Scholarship Fund. Shari Edwards, a single Mom of 3 small children, wanted to take art classes as a child, but her family was unable to afford it. Over the years she kept her dream of art alive in her heart for other children and finally found a way to help. Shari noticed that The Mountain Art Center (an Art Education non-profit organization) employed a cleaning service to keep the Gallery and Studio neat and tidy. She volunteered her cleaning service with the condition that the money that had been used to pay for cleaning now be deposited into a Youth Scholarship Fund instead.

From this small beginning, the Youth Art Scholarship Fund continues to attract support from many quarters. Local businesses, such as the New Leaf Market , make donations via “Community Days” where they provide a portion of their market sales. The Ben Lomond Market donates via market card signups. The Earth Matters Foundation donates in June of each year to make sure sufficient funds are available for the Summer Art Camp Scholarships. Numerous individuals and other businesses and non-profits continue to give generously to make the dream of art a reality for local children.

The Fund provides 20 to 30 Youth Scholarships each Year.

The Youth Art Scholarship works with Valley Churches United and the Valley Resource Center to determine who shall receive a Scholarship. Youth from families in financial or other crises; those interested in art. All are carefully considered as scholarship recipients.

The Ripple in the Pond Effect

Shari could never have anticipated the effect her initial donations have had upon the lives of the many children who have since benefited from the Youth Art Scholarship Fund. The ripple in the pond effect is powerful. If you wish to add ripples of your own, you may contact the Mountain Art Center via their website at www.mountainartcenter.org – your donation is tax deductable.

Article written by: Suzanne Elliott – Freelance Writer – www.sueelliott.com

Beginners Mind

2011-04-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

Help! I forgot How to Paint Plein Air!

It’s been a long Winter and most of us haven’t been out plein air painting much. In fact, it may have been months, depending on where we live. But now things are looking up and the weather is nice enough to start venturing out there again.

But something has happened to our hard won skill of getting our gear together, setting up our equipment and then, actually painting. We have become unaccustomed to all of it after the long plein air painting drought – we are rusty!

We can feel like beginners all over again. We may even feel we don’t know how to do this anymore and get discouraged.

Be comforted and know that even the most seasoned and expert plein air painters feel this way from time to time.

It may even be a good thing. It keeps us humble and with a Beginners Mind.

Zen masters strive for this Beginners Mind in everything. It keeps us open to new ideas – eager to try fresh approaches and techniques.

Getting set in our ways as artists is a recipe for dull work and blunted creativity.

So let’s embrace the feeling of “I don’t knowness” and see where it takes us. A new mix of colors? A new canvas size or format? A different type of composition that is daring and unusual?

It’s all good, and part of the ever evolving journey as artists.

The more we get out there and paint, the more we love it. Build it into your weekly routine and make time for art.

Here’s wishing all of us a good dose of Beginners Mind at the start of another glorious plein air painting season.

Join us in the Monthly Painting Challenge and see where it takes you. We are all cheering you on and want to see your progress each month.

Here’s wishing you a good dose of Beginners Mind at the start of another

Tips on Article Writing or How to Sneek in Sideways on the Writing Bogyman

2011-02-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

The subject of Article writing causes fear and loathing in many people but that can be overcome with regular practice. And a few tricks – so keep reading.

1.The number one trick to get started is to really know your writing topic. If you are writing an article about your business, you are the one who knows your business the best – you certainly have a passion for what you do. As it happens, feeling passionate about a subject is the best “starter fuel” to get you off to a good beginning with your writing project.

2.Pick a subject that is a hot topic in your business right now. Decide to get some off the top of your head notes down in a document on your laptop. Nothing formal – just random notes that can be expanded upon over the next day or so.

3.Write in 30 minute segments. Set your timer and stick with it for that chunk of time. As a professional writer, this is how I get most of my project writing done. 30 minute chunks over the course of a couple of days and you will be surprised at how much you can get accomplished. By sneeking in sideways on the writing bogyman, we make it less frightening and are thus more likely to get it done.

4.There are many great tips on article writing out there – do a little research and use one you like as a guide or template for your own writing. Don't allow the overwhelm of information to create another block to writing – this happens way too often.

5.When in doubt, get into action and “just write something”

Articles Build In-Bound Links and help with SEO

This is all about building in-bound links to your website to drive more and more traffic your way – and it's totally free if you do it yourself.

Some folks just can't get through the “writers block” - for them I recommend hiring a freelance writer to do the job.

Do not be conned into purchasing software that promises to take one article and “spin” it – re-configure it into many different formats. The Search Engines are onto this and will penalize you in Search results for using duplicate content.

Keep it real, keep it fresh and keep it unique. Over time you will build your site traffic and, who knows, get to enjoy writing so much that you become the next Hemingway as a result.

To contact Freelance Writer, Sue Elliott go to: http://www.sueelliott.com

Learn SEO the right way – at an affordable price, online and on your schedule

2010-11-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

Do you keep hearing about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and realize you need to get up to speed with this whole subject? Here's one complete SEO Workshop that I can recommend. No gimmicks, no “black hat” tricks that will get you banned by Google and other search engines. Just plain old fashioned straight information that keeps it real, speaks your language and will get you the results you are looking for – all under your control without having to pay a fortune in seminar fees. No need to become a code expert either.

Attend weekly classes on-line starting Nov. 22, 2010 and ending March 28, 2011 – a new module each week for 8 weeks. Each new module of learning is supported by online group coaching sessions by your instructor, Tom Petty, President of Bay Area Search Engine Academy. All sessions will be recorded so you may review them later – in case you miss the class. I know Tom personally and can attest to his knowledge and no nonsense approach to SEO.

To check out the Academy website and register for this class now follow this link:
href="http://www.netofficetoolbox.com/app/?af=1267055">

I have been to so many networking meetings in the last year where SEO “Experts” speak about how they can get your website on Page 1 of Google – at a cost of big $$$ - sometimes thousands! I cann't believe too many people are falling for these “black hat” types – Google figures out their tricks in very short order and then the party is over. Bay Area Search Engine Academy teaches legitamate SEO for real people. SEO using organic methods that are Google friendly. Check it out.
http://www.netofficetoolbox.com/app/?af=1267055

The Power of One Idea - Copywriting for the Web

2010-08-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

Trying to be all things to all people who visit your website isn't possible. One of the major problems a lot of business websites have is that they are too scattered in the information they offer. Too much information is presented. The human brain gets overloaded. Attention spans are going down not up. Don't make us work too hard to find what we are looking for on your site.

Rather than try to sort through layers of information in a hunt for that one specific thing that may be useful to you, it is easier and less annoying to just click off a cluttered site. The exception to this will be a company that has such a strong market demand for their product or service that people are prepared to endure a confusing and cluttered site. This is a rarity – most of us aren't yet in that enviable position. And even if we are or will be, treating customers as if they don't matter won't keep you at the top of the heap for very long.

What is the main purpose of your web site? Make the power of one purpose a priority – avoid getting lured down paths that lead to different destinations than the one you set out to reach. If the main purpose of your site is to give your customers a place to check your list of services and prices, then keep your site primarily dedicated to that mission. If your main purpose is to provide a discussion forum for certain groups, then keep it at that. Want to generate sales leads? Your site will then have a different tone and feel of course.

While copy writing for your site, always keep your ideal customer in mind – exactly who is it that you prefer to deal with and want to attract more of? If most of your current clients/customers are from a particular demographic group, then direct your writing towards that group. Make them feel heard and appreciated. See my previous blogs on this subject for more information. Such a simple idea, and very powerful.

The power of one idea – Compelling and quite rare.

Suzanne Elliott
Writing for the Web
Freelance Copywriter

Avoiding the On-Line Version of Glazed Eyes Syndrome - Writing for the Web - Part II

2010-06-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

It's a fact. There is nothing more appealing to us than to know that we matter to others.

When you meet a new person for the first time, do your eyes glaze over and your ears stop hearing them when all they can do is to go on and on about themselves? You want them to hear about you as well – a give and take of conversation. Well, it's exactly the same on-line. If your Home Page isn't focused totally on who your site visitor is, what their concerns and needs are, then they will do the on-line equivalent of the “glazed eyes” which is, to click-off your site and go elsewhere – where they are more appreciated and their concerns heard.

So first up, in order to provide your on-line visitor with an experience that makes them feel heard and appreciated, you need to clearly understand who your visitor is – the whole demographic package. Once you have this crucial piece of information you can use that as the foundation for your writing.

The content of your writing will be totally different if your primary audience is 20 years old, male and going to College verses 45 years old, female and working in a corporate job.

Next time we'll discuss some more about “walking a mile in their shoes” and how that can really make your writing sing.

Sue Elliott
Web Site Content Writer

Writing for Your Website Front Page - It's Not About You

2010-06-25T09:32:00.001-07:00

One of the most important things you can do to improve the content of your Front Page is to ask yourself this question. “Does this page address the concerns and needs of my Site visitor?”

If the content of your Front Page is all about your qualifications, experience and education, the answer is “No”.

If the content is all about how great your company is – then the answer is “No”.

If the content is all about how great a consultant you are....well, you get the picture.

You have spent an incredible amount of time, money and energy getting your web site visitors to your site, please don't immediately turn them off with “how great we are” content. This will result in a quick click off. Your visitors have a particular need or problem that they feel your website may address, otherwise they wouldn't be there. There is, of course, a place for how great you and your company are on your website - it just isn't on the Front Page.

Give them what they crave – the answer to what they are seeking.

I'll be blogging on tips for better content writing a couple of times a month. So next time we'll talk some more about giving your site visitors what they crave.

Sample of Front Page Re-Fresh of Content for Massage Therapist

2010-04-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

DO YOU NEED SANCTUARY FROM STRESS?

For most of us, the answer is a resounding – YES!

More and more research is proving what you already know – that uncontrolled stress is extremely damaging to your long term health.

Regular Therapeutic Massage Therapy IS a drug free, self- nurturing way of keeping stress and anxiety under control.

Get back to Yourself – this is NOT pampering (although it may feel like it)

Self Care IS Health Care – and Keeping Your Stress Under Control is Crucial

Therapeutic Massage = Preventative Care = Wellness
(click here to schedule massage with Aeriol)

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

*Your whole body feels “abuzz” with trapped energy vibes
*You are unable to relax
*Too much multi-tasking has you feeling really crazed
*You feel the need to just....HUG YOUR TEDDY!

These are serious signs that you need to take your self-care much more seriously.

Regular Therapeutic Massage Therapy should be part of your
long term health care plan

The following people should be ultra careful to keep their stress levels under control - with regular massage playing an important role in their self-care:

*Stressed, energetically sensitive people
*High Anxiety People
*Overwhelmed Caretakers of Elderly parents or who have loved ones with illness.
*Moms who don't take time out to recover themselves

Click here to check out our special offer of discounted massage when you sign up for regular sessions with Aeriol.

YOUR SANCTUARY OF RELAXATION, STRESS REDUCTION AND WELL BEING IS JUST A CLICK AWAY. (CLICK HERE)

Sometimes the Only Way Forward is to....Take The Leap

2010-03-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

I just celebrated one of those big Life Moments with a cup of coffee at my home office desk. Decided I needed to write about it as it is worthy of marking this particular place in time. An examined moment of full consciousness and personal choice. The closing of one avenue of opportunity and the stepping into the next river of the unknown.

I'm now completely finished with a 22 year successful career as a mortgage broker. I have known for some years now that this time was approaching. Circumstances and the state of the financial industry have now brought this career to an end. It feels bittersweet to make the choice to stop doing what one has done so well for so long. But in the end, nothing is forever and the best choice is to stop and go and do something else that will be more meaningful and provide new challenges and enjoyment to my life.

Over the last 3 years I have been re-purposing myself for this next step. Working at studying and gaining experience in my new “next thing”. I am now well on my way in my new career. It feels so wonderful to be able to focus on this one thing instead of splitting myself into ever smaller splinters each day. Straddling the fence is OK for a while – then you just have to commit to one side or the other. Which is what I have done today.

I am one of a vast sea of people who are in this same place – forced there by the changing economy, life transition, loosing a long held job, or just plain feeling that the time is right to take the leap of faith. Remembering that at other similar stages in life, we have all done this at least several times before. We move forward. Believing in our inate optimism to prosper and enjoy the process of the work we chose to define ourselves by each day.

Life itself requires us to honor the need to change and evolve – this is what we are about. I feel new again.

The Easiest New Business to Find is Right in Front of You

2010-01-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

As Business Owners we are always scouring our brains for ways to attract new business. If it's something new and sexy it must be the answer - Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo. A miriad of other social or not so social media sites that magically provide us with instant access to all those people in high places who make the decisions to hire your small business. I'm not saying that you shouldn't try these tactics, of course you should. In the end, however, people do business with people they already know and trust. Where do we find these people? Our previous satisfied clients data base. They are a goldmine of opportunity that often goes completely untapped for the very reason that they are so obvious.

There is a fine line, in my opinion, between staying in touch with people on a regular basis - maybe once a month - and being downright annoying with too frequent contact that verges on Spam. I'm sure you all have people who you know who email you constantly about everything. After a while I get so annoyed that I just put them on my Spam List and thus solve the problem. Unfortunately, if they did have some message or offer that could possibly interest me, it is now completely lost to me. See my next post here in a day or two for the way around this problem.........

Copywriting Boot Camp in November

2009-10-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to be attending the AWAI Copywriting BootCamp in Del Ray Beach, Florida in early November - 3 days of wall- to- wall learning of new skills, meeting other copywriters and schmoozing with other professionals like me. Finding out about the latest tips and techniques for writing for the web. It will be energizing, fun and profitable. What more could I wish for. Oh, and Florida won't be bad either - a little warmth, walking the beach in the early morning to greet the day - my hotel is right on the beach.

Financial Writing: Scam Proof your Internet Sales/Purchases

2009-06-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

I recently had someone contact me to purchase some items from my art website. He said he wouldn't use PayPal or a credit card as he had had a previous bad experience because of giving an unknown person this information. His paranoia sounded reasonable enough to me. This problem got me thinking about how one could safely purchase things on-line without exposing all of your credit card information – even to a reputable conduit such as PayPal or other sites like it. You are still required by them to present your credit card or bank account numbers – which makes one feel a bit queasy, given the rapid increase in scams and fraud on the Internet.

Under no circumstances should you accept Cashiers Checks for the purchase of any item on-line. Fraudulent checks may initially be accepted and cleared by your bank. FDIC regulations in fact require it and the criminals know this. You go ahead and complete the transaction thinking all is well. Weeks later you are informed by your bank that the check was a forgery and that you are now liable for the entire amount originally credited to your account. You have then been defrauded of your merchandise and also of cash as you paid for the shipping of the items in question.

I've come up with a good solution for all concerned. Why not get a “Prepaid” credit card from your card company or bank – you pay upfront for the amount you want – say $500.00 – and use this card exclusively for all purchases done on-line. Keeping the pre-paid amount low is additional insurance. You thus compartmentalize the damage that could potentially be done if your card information is compromised. You can “refill” the card as needed. The more I think about it, the more I like this as a secure solution to on-line purchase or sales transactions.

In addition, this solution could also put a cap on how many of those on-line monthly automatic charges we forget that we signed up for. By using a regular open ended credit card, many of which have large credit lines, they have unlimited access for on-going charges each month, usually until your card expires – which in some cases can be as much as 4 years.
The pre-paid card will also work well for those with bad credit or no credit and allow them to rebuild their credit histories over time. The pre-paid credit card also has the added benefit of requiring us to pay, in cash, for things we need. Much better for budgeting and being aware of our spending habits.

Website Front Page Sample for Dog Sitter/Dog Trainer

2009-05-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

DOG TRAINING AND PETSITTING BY AMY NOBLE

OFFERING:

DOG TRAINING
PUPPY TRAINING/SOCIALIZATION
PETSITTING SERVICE

Contact Amy at: amy@weyekins.com

Amy Noble, Dog Trainer, uses positive reinforcement/kindness based training. She doesn't believe in punishment or harsh methods to get results with animals. She loves them too much for that.

AMY'S TRAINING IS BASED ON WOLF PACK THEORY

Amy: “ I have spend a lot of time studying wolves and their pack dynamics. My training methods are grounded in understanding wolf pack dominence hierachy and how that relates to behavior issues. Your dog's behavior is closely linked to it's dominance amongst it's pack (aka - your family ). I help owners understand the reasons for their dogs' actions. This is key in learning how to correct undersirable habits.

I have worked with aggressive dogs and severe behavior issues since 1996. I have a high success rate with difficult dogs. Big dogs and Northern breeds such as Huskys, Malamutes and Akita – no problem. From Chihuahua's to Mastiffs, they are all wolves at heart!

One of the things I love to do is to take an “untrainable” dog and work with it for a better outcome for all concerned – This is so satisfying!”

Contact Amy: amy@weyekins.com

DOG TRAINING

“It's a perfect Spring morning, the ideal time for a walk with your beloved dog, Honey. You smile in pleasurable anticipation as you get Honey's leash. She is pleased and excited as well and shows it with eager little yips and front paws moving up and down. By now, you have her so well trained that she sits at your side waiting for you to attach her leash. You give the command to “Heel” as you both head outside into the glorious morning light. Honey walks by your side in such harmony with you that you barely feel her on the leash. No tugging – no barging ahead or pulling. What a joy!

As you proceed on your walk together, you pass other owners and dogs out enjoying the morning. Some of these dogs aren't behaving well at all. No aggression from Honey towards them – No Way! You feel just a little pride in all your hard work together...”

WOULD YOU RELISH THE SAME EXPERIENCE?

YOU CAN - BY WORKING WITH AMY NOBLE

DOG TRAINER

Contact Amy: amy@weyekins.com

Training Classes with Amy offer the following:

Basic Obedience thru advanced Obedience
Clicker training and positive reinforcement training
Wolf Pack Theory
House/Potty training
Off leash training
Therapy Dog Training
Owner training to follow up lessons learned in Class

Amy offers One-on-One Dog and Owner Training

She will take dogs and train them. Regular follow up meetings with owners reinforce learning and keep training fresh.

PUPPY TRAINING AND SOCIALIZATION

A successful partnership with your dog begins with picking the right puppy to match your family's needs and dynamics. After all, your family will become your puppy's “pack”. Amy will visit the breeder/litter with you to figure out your puppy's personality and likely pack hierachy so that a successful match is achieved. No more problems with aggressive Alpha dogs mismatched with humans who cann't cope with them.

Once you picked the right puppy, puppy training and socialization is critical. Dogs are pack animals and being raised without proper socialization can lead to many problems such as aggression towards other dogs and people.

TO SOCIALIZE AND TRAIN YOUR PUPPY

CONTACT AMY: amy@weyekins.com

Sample of Flyer for Financial Advisor

2009-05-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO YOUR FUTURE FINANCIAL SECURITY?

ANSWER: Taking Consistent, Knowledgeable and Timely Action on your Financial Plan
STARTING TODAY!

ARE YOU ASKING YOURSELF ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS?
I feel I should be doing something rather than just hoping things will work out – but what should I do?
We'd like to buy a home sometime soon – is this the right time?
All the talk of layoffs has me wondering, do I have enough to tide me over if I lose my job?
What about my family if something should happen to me?
I have kids and they will need money for college – what do I do about that?
At some point in the future, I'd like to have enough saved so I don't have to worry about money all the time – how do I get started on this?

THE REALLY WONDERFUL NEWS IS:
With a long time horizon to work with, you are in the best possible position to make wise decisions with the help of a xxxxxxx Financial Advisor as your guide and ally. What today's reality is clearly showing is that investments must be diversified over a wide range of different products – a mix of stocks and bonds, cash and insurance, real estate and maybe gold. Partner with your Financial Advisor in making these critical decisions for your future
.
NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO START!
Start by making an appointment with xxxxxxx, Financial Advisor at xxxxxxx – xxxxx offers a free one hour consultation to review your situation and tell you how she can help you. Also to see if this is the right fit for both of you.

Once you decide to partner with xxxxx, she will educate you about investing each step of the way. Work with you on your long term goals. Get you started on a consistent and automatic investment schedule. Teach you about the level of risk you can accept in your portfolio. You need to be able to sleep at night if the market declines but at the same time you need to reap the rewards when the market is moving higher. xxxx can help you find the right mix.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:

Your xxxxxxxx Advisor will also help you with the following areas of concern:
Reviewing your employer's 401k and stock option plans
Tax planning and Estate Planning
Risk Management and Insurance needs for disability, life insurance, long term care
Analysis of your current employee benefits and what they mean to you

xxxxxxxx – IN BUSINESS FOR OVER 70 YEARS
The importance of professional financial advice is one of our core values

Article: Avoiding Recession Depression

2009-04-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

Words of Encouragement to Women in Business - What Motives and Keeps Me Going During Tough Times

It's all too easy to Join the Recession Depression right now, what with the constant bombardment of bad news from the media, everyone cutting back on their spending and general air of anxiety that pervades our society at all levels. Not to mention news of Swine flu! No wonder we are having a hard time feeling optimistic and motivated in our business and personal lives. If things are going well for you, in this atmosphere of gloom and doom, its can actually make you feel guilty because you aren't suffering enough! We are social creatures and its only natural to feel pulled by the crowd.

So what to do to counteract all of this negativity? I'm no psychologist but am happy to share what is working for me right now.

Look after yourself. This means getting exercise outside in natural light every day – even a 10 minute walk where you are totally present to the wonder of nature can refresh your weary soul and body. Eat properly – you know the routine, get your fruits and veggies, whole grains, healthy protein. Take a warm bubble bath and listen to music – treat yourself to playing with your rubber duckies in the foam, just like a kid. Have some fun and laugh regularly.
Limit Exposure to Bad News. Its easy to get so taken over by the Recession Porn (predictions of more disaster and scary scenarios) that is rampant in the media on a daily basis. People even admit to deriving a guilty pleasure from wallowing in all of this. Time to Stop Already! This doesn't mean you have to turn off the internet and TV and live in Wonderland. It just means putting boundaries on how much of this stuff you will allow to pollute your personal space. And certainly eliminate taking on a boatload of more bad news just before bedtime. I used to watch the late news. I now turn off the TV and go to bed an hour earlier and feel a lot better for it.
Get Your Sleep – This one step can make a huge difference in how you feel each day. Anxiety and depression can make getting restful sleep difficult. So get help if you need to with these issues.
Make a plan to do 3 or 4 positive things to attract new business – make a change in what you are currently doing in your business if it isn't working – tweek a few things. Accept what you cann't change – don't beat yourself up, and do your best each day.
If you are thinking of changing careers, now is a great time to do it. You have time to get educated in your new field and be ready to take on new business once things turn around again – and they will!
Be grateful for what you have – we are so privileged compared to so many living in misery on our planet each day. Smile at someone and be kind – This Too Shall Pass!

Written by: Suzanne Elliott – April 25, 2009 Office: (831)429-9126

Freelance Writer/Copywriter and Artist

Tips for Getting Referral Business - Sample of Ghost Writing for a Mortgage Broker Client

2009-04-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Creating Personal Relationships with Your Clients – Consistent, Simple and From the Heart Actions to Grow Your Business

Having been in the mortgage business for over twenty years , and having moved to a variety of different loan companies during that time, I can attest to the fact that my clients followed me to each new company I moved to because of the personal relationship that I had developed with them over many years. People want to work with someone they like and trust rather than having to start over again with a new person every time they do a transaction.

One of the key points is to stay in regular contact with all your clients. I create newsletters, emails or other informational and educational marketing pieces and mail or email my entire client data base with these pieces about 6 to 8 times a year. I keep my data base updated and guard it carefully, as it is a precious resource that keeps generating repeat and referral business for me.

I have always been present at the conclusion of each transaction when my clients are signing their loan documents. This gives me the opportunity to be on the spot should there be any questions or concerns expressed by my clients. It also makes them feel that I care about their business.
A handwritten Thank You note is mailed to each client within a day of the transaction closing. I also send a small gift as part of my Thank You for their business. Clients like to know that their business is appreciated and not taken for granted. After all, they have many others they could have chosen to do business with other than me.

In addition to the points mentioned above, I always operate with the best interest of my clients foremost in my mind. This means full disclosure of all pertinent facts in each transaction. Gentle education of complicated products is very important. No one wants to feel like an idiot because they don’t understand a financial product, so explaining what is involved in ordinary language is huge for building trust and customer relations.

The points outlined above sound really simple, but it is surprising how many people in business don’t do them. Be consistent with these simple things and genuinely care about your clients and you will have a happy business life for many years.

Sample: Front Page Content for Professional Organizer

2009-04-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Professional Organizer – Home Organizer – Closet Organizer

“ORGANIZED AT HEART” - ALYS MILNER, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER
FROM CHAOS TO CALM, ONE ROOM AT A TIME

Specializing in Organizing: Home Offices, Play Rooms, Kitchens and Garages

Picture This:
The chaotic jumble of stuff that was your home office has now disappeared. In it's place you see clear space. The shining surface of your beautiful wood desk greets you and the faint scent of lemon-oil polish wafts through the dust-free air.
Breathing room!

You smile as you contemplate paying your monthly bills. All your bills are in one place. You know exactly where to find them and you know when they're due. No more frantic searching to locate a bill only to find you are late paying it. No more late fees; no marks on your credit report. This will now be a thing of the past. Your shoulders relax, you feel great. All of this is possible because you called
Alys Milner, Professional Organizer, Organized at Heart.

CONTACT ALYS MILNER, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER AT:
(408)921-4816 OR BY EMAIL AT: alysmilner@comcast.net

Article Sample : Origins of Feng Shui

2009-04-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

ORIGINS OF FENG SHUI and THE SPIRIT OF OUR TIME

Feng Shui (meaning Wind, Water in Chinese) is more than just a system of where to place things in your home. It encompasses a whole philosophy of life and how to live a life that is in harmony with nature. Feng Shui principals are very much focused on balance in all things, and as such, have a commonality with the ancient Greeks, who were also concerned with balance in all aspects of life.

Feng Shui is a Taoist art that can be traced back to the shamans of ancient China at around 300 B.C. It evolved from the observation that people are affected, for good or evil, by their surroundings. It was thought that if you change your surroundings then it will have an effect on you and also change your life. Attitude is everything. This buys into today’s renewed interest in the Law of Attraction and that you bring to you what you think about most. Like attracts like.

There are many different school of Feng Shui. The original version is called the Landform School and is concerned with the shapes of landforms and how they may affect “chi” or the flow of energy. Landform Feng Shui is the most intuitive approach and is concerned with shapes and directions of land and water masses. Mountains are said to resemble dragons or other animals. Dragons are a frequent metaphor for mountains. The ridges leading to the summit link the backbone. Ridges on either side of the backbone are arms and legs. Streams and springs running down the mountain are the veins and arteries of the dragon. Mist is the dragon breath.

Originally these matters were simply to do with farmers wanting to place their fields in spots that were the most likely to yield good crops, with minimum interference by floods, drought or strong winds. The shaman was consulted as to the best location – this would most likely be in a protected valley with the fields located in a South-facing manner well out of the flood plane of any river and out of the reach of destructive winds. Farmers would more likely prosper in their work in such a good Chi location.

The Tibetan Tantric Black Hat school of Feng Shui is a hybrid of many customs. It changed and acquired new aspects as it made its way from Tibet, thru India, to China. The Tibetan influence is in the charms (or cures) and chants or setting of intentions. The idea of karma – that you get back what you put out into the world – is from India. The theory of Yin and Yang (balance of light and dark) is Chinese in origin. Intuition and mystical knowledge is also incorporated with the use of astrology and divining the future.
No aspect of life is left unexamined.

Chi is the most important thing in Feng Shui. Chi is energy or life force. Feng Shui can be used to untangle knots in chi that block happiness and attainment of one’s goals and hopes. Energy that moves is nourishing and beneficial to life. However, the energy flow must be moderate and not too violent. Many of the Feng Shui “cures” are designed to modulate the energy flow so that it is just right. Stagnant energy is destructive – Feng Shui focuses on bringing movement to this still pool and the ability to embrace change.

Tao – reflects the natural way, the eternal rhythm of the universe and the place of man within the balanced system. Out of Tao, comes Yin and Yang – complimentary opposites necessary for balance and harmony.

With global warming now an acknowledged threat to our planet’s health, more and more people are taking note of the planetary impact of their personal habits and lifestyle. It is now becoming less and less acceptable to live in a way that threatens the overall good. People want to do the right thing and live in harmony with nature. It feeds our need to be good stewards of our homes and communities.

In a spirit of play, ascribing mystical powers to animals, plants and landforms leads to a more connected feeling with the earth and a more meaningful daily life. A childlike happiness in greeting a beautiful tree as you walk by it each day adds richness to life and a deep appreciation of what we already have right in front of us. The desire for beauty in our homes and balance in our lives by employing techniques that have been used for thousands of years by other humans weaves a thread of connection and universal understanding.

Arrange for a Feng Shui reading of your home with a local Feng Shui practitioner. To experience the benefits, pick one area to work on with good intention and see what happens. It is said that the life we experience is a reflection of how we think – so paying attention to surroundings that make us feel better can only have a positive and uplifting effect.
Article Written by: Suzanne Elliott - Copyright 2009

Financial Writing Sample - Good Faith Estimate for a Mortgage

2009-04-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

As a Real Estate Loan Borrower, one of the most important documents to pay attention to is the Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs. This document will help you understand exactly what you are paying for, how much is being paid to whom, and can save you big bucks in negotiating with your Lender. I am going to show you what to look for so that you feel confident that you are receiving the full facts about the cost of your new mortgage loan.

First of all, the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of Closing Costs is just that. An estimate of costs. However, the fees disclosed should be very close to what the final numbers are at the end of the transaction as disclosed in the HUD-1 form. Figures that may change from the GFE will be items that are “Prepaid” (#900 thru #1005 on GFE form) such as mortgage interest, insurance premiums, impound account amounts for property taxes and mortgage insurance. These prepaid item calculations are made based on the closing date of the transaction. Therefore, if the closing date changes, then these prepaid item amounts will also change.

Items 800 and 801 on the GFE cover Lender “Points” aka Loan Origination Fee or Discount. A Point is 1% of the loan amount. So if the new loan request is for $200,000 and the quote is for a rate of 5.5% at 1 Point Origination Fee, then the Lender will make $2,000 on the transaction.

There may also be an additional disclosure of “Yield Spread Premium” or a “Service Release Premium” which is paid by the Lender to the Broker for originating a loan. This is the equivalent of the “Manufacturer’s Rebate”. And you need to know how to spot it. This fee is how Lenders make their money on a Zero Points loan. This Yield Spread Premium is paid to the Loan Agent by the Lender in certain situations. Important! It is not disclosed by a number item on the GFE but rather as a line item towards the end of the GFE under the heading “Compensation to Broker”.

The GFE is required by law to be issued to you within 3 business days of applying for your loan. It is important to understand that the GFE does NOT guarantee or “lock-in” the interest rate quoted. The HUD-1 form is issued at closing and should match up with the GFE except for prepaid items as explained above.

Sample Brochure Content

2009-04-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

BROCHURE CONTENT FOR “MY PERSONAL VET

“My Personal Vet” -Private Membership Health Care for your Pet – featuring 24/7 access, House calls, Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Physical Therapy and Nutrition Counseling

REWARD YOUR PET'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND LOYALTY WITH WELLNESS EXAMS AT HOME!

IMAGINE

Your pets greet your vet at their front door as a welcome visitor
Treatments are part of play – with treats!
Your vet sees the home environment and can then make recommendations that will help you and your pet. You converse with your Vet in a relaxed setting taking the time you need.

A LIMITED NUMBER OF MEMBERSHIPS
In order to provide each Private Membership Client with the attention they need and deserve, Dr. Evelyn Sharp is limiting the number of memberships available in “My Personal Vet”

THE LUXURY OF ... TIME
Dr. Sharp needs time to research new treatments, time to consult with specialists if needed and time to spend with you, the pet owner, whenever you need her. This is all covered with your Membership.

MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:
Long term relationship with your vet so she can get to know your pets in depth.
Two unrushed House calls per year for wellness exams
Vaccines based on their exposure and need
One full blood and urine panel per year
My Personal Vet available to you 24/7 via phone or email – even if you are travelling.
If your pet needs to go to Hospital for Treatments, Dr. Sharp will see you within 48 hours – usually sooner. No week-long waits for appointments
If Emergency Room is needed, the Doctor will meet you there
Dr. Sharp's time to do research for medical treatments that are appropriate
We act as Advocate for you and your pet

ABOUT DR. EVELYN SHARP, FOUNDER OF “MY PERSONAL VET”
Dr. Evelyn Sharp is a graduate of UC Davis and has been practicing Veterinary medicine since 1995. She has been studying and using animal acupuncture since 1996.
Dr. Sharp believes in combining traditional Western Medical knowledge with Alternative holistic treatments such as:

Acupuncture – for pain relief, behavior modification and medical adjunct therapy.
Physical Therapy - which includes carts, braces, swimming therapy, at home treatments.
Nutrition Counseling
Basic Behavior Counseling
Chiropractic Care, Homeopathy, Herbal and Massage treatments by referral.

THE COST
About the cost of a Starbucks coffee each day gives your animal friend
Accessible, Knowledgeable, Holistic, Loving care

AS MEMBERSHIP IS LIMITED, CONTACT “MY PERSONAL VET” TODAY AT:

(831)476-1515 or Email Dr. Sharp at: dr@mypersonalvet.com

Creative Writing - Indian Silver Bracelet

2009-04-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

“My Silver Bracelet”

I found my silver bracelet inside an old adobe house in Taos Pueblo. It was a cold and snowy day in early March. I had stopped at the Pueblo because it was too windy to go skiing at Taos Ski Valley. The air was biting cold and small sharp snowflakes stung my face. I walked amongst the old pueblo houses stacked upon each other like toys – ladders leaning against the flat roofs. The incense-like smell of pinon wood burning tickled my nostrils and reminded me of going to early morning mass when I was a child. A pack of mangy dogs trailed after me hoping for food. They turned on each other and fought in the mud and sleet.

I opened the turquoise door to a room housing the wares of a jeweler. The interior of the room was small and lit with underpowered light bulbs. The darkness of the day was relieved by a small fire burning in the kiva fireplace. The Tiwa Indian silversmith was an austere man – thin and weather beaten with dark hair shot thru with gray – it was pulled back into a pony tail. He had beautiful hands. I saw the bracelet that he had made with those hands and knew I would buy it. To remind me of what is important in life – simplicity, beauty and the importance of respecting yourself. He had these qualities.

Twenty years later, I have not tired of the bracelet I bought that day. The silver takes on my body heat and feels such a part of me. I wear the bracelet whenever I create my art or write. It has become a talisman of creativity for me – a ritual part of my artist persona. If I had to choose just one piece of jewelry to last the rest of my life, this silver bracelet would be my choice.

Suzanne Elliott

2009-04-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

My brand new Blog is off and running. Mainly for the purpose of providing a place for prospective clients to come to see samples of the promotional writing I have done for previous clients. It feels great to have actually done this - as always the thinking about it is 20 times as much work as actually getting it done! Which is why people need someone else to do their writing for them - it is so much easier for me to write for a client than do my own stuff - kind of like do your own dentistry. No thanks! Call in a pro and just get it done.