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 Managing Editor, Wealth Builders Club
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+====== Extra Income Opportunity #8a: Understanding the Export-Import Business in India  ======
+Recently we sent you Mark Ford's essay on making money through import-export, and you were interested in knowing more about how the export-import industry works in India. And rightfully so, because this is a growing business both online and offline.
+You wanted to learn about the licenses you needed, required regulatory procedures, the shipping charges, the websites to go to, the payment modes, etc. So in this report we are providing a list of FAQs that will answer some of your queries.
+This essay is a starting point, and it leads you to many great additional resources you should refer to for details on the different areas we discuss. We found many useful online resources that have extensive information on export-import. There are dedicated websites dealing with the subject, even the Government of India has provided sufficient easy-to-read guidelines on the trade, all of which you will find here.
+From starting a business to choosing your preferred import-export products to how to market and sell, to how you can settle disputes, you will find most of the information you need in these resources.
+We also recommend that before you start your export-import business, you should consult your legal counsel or any other tax consultant or government agency. Forewarned is forearmed, so get all the procedures double-checked before you start.
+Before starting an import-export business
+A necessary pre-condition of import-export is to do ample research and to understand various trade guidelines in your own country, as well as those of the countries you’re dealing with. Foreign trade agreements are a good place to start. They tell you about all the rules and regulations, custom duties and waivers and eventually help you prepare a business plan.
+Another aspect that Jayden William writes about in his article Starting an import export business: Basic guide for beginners , is to evaluate your company's "export readiness". "Planning for export should be done only, if the company's assets are good enough for export. While planning an export strategy, it is always better to develop a simple, practical and flexible export plan for profitable and sustainable export business."
+Once that is done, the next step is to choose products that you would like to import or export.
+How to choose products
+Choosing a product is an important part of this business. While you can look at it as purely a business and merely conduct transactions, it helps if you inherently have an affinity for the products you're dealing in.
+One way to choose products is to find hot-sellers in different countries. These can be done by following government statistics, trade organizations like Chambers of Commerce of the different countries you're looking to work with or even some websites like InfoDriveIndia, EximPulse, Government of India's Department of Commerce, EximGuru.
+A good way is to understand the product before you start dealing in it. Find out its intricacies, its shelf-life, its handling, its packaging, the amount of storage space you'll need for it etc.
+The next step can be to make a list of all the probable products you would like to import or export. Then tick those that you feel match your strengths, either in your knowledge about it or in your ability to market it. For example, if you already know a network of people who would be interested in placing orders for a particular product, it helps get you initial business.
+If you have an existing business, try and import or export products that support the core rather than branching out too far. Your business experience will also help here.
+Some FAQs on Export-Import
+We directed some of the questions members had asked us to people who are already in the business. Here's a short QnA with Neha Agrawal who runs two ecommerce sites importing foreign products (Mumsbuddy.com) and promotes the sales of local handicrafts (Folkbridge.com).
+To import anything from outside the country does one need an import-export license. If yes, where can one procure the same?
+Yes, to import or export anything of commercial quantity / value we need to have an Import Export Code (IEC). The IEC can be procured from the concerned Regional Authority (RA) of Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
+(We will give you more details on EIC below.)
+How are the general practices for payments in this line?
+Followings are options for terms of payment:
+Advance Payment/ Part advance
+Letter of Credit (L/C)
+Documents against Payment (DP)
+Documents against Acceptance (DA)
+Telegraphic Transfer (TT)
+Mode of payment would always be through a banking channel, the general practice is around 30% advance and balance on receiving a scanned copy of the commercial invoice and *Bill of Lading (B/L)
+(*A bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier detailing out the shipment of the merchandise. It helps guarantee the receipt of payment from either party.)
+How are shipping charges calculated?
+Yes, air or sea freight are both typically pre-paid by importer. Freight is calculated based on gross or volumetric weight and port of pick-up and shipment. There can also be some unforeseen charges that an importer may have to bear once goods arrive at the destination. Examples of these charges are: Delivery Order charges (DO), Destination Terminal Handling Charges (THC), washing charges, container maintenance charges, service tax etc.
+Shipping charges for any single destination will vary from season to season, volume, frequency, transit time, gross weight etc. Before handing over cargo to shipping line, one should also negotiate with a different shipping line to compare prices. Our practical experience says that it is best to have clear commercial terms in writing.
+Do suppliers ship the product to your doorstep or are they picked up from a specific location?
+Both options are available - a supplier can book cargo for delivery up to your doorstep or you can pick it up from Container Freight Station (CFS)/ Inland Container Depot (ICD)/ airport. At times it is more convenient to ask a supplier to book cargo up to CFS/ ICD/ airport only, then appoint a reputed Custom Broker (CHA) who will arrange custom clearance and local transportation for delivery up to your doorstep.
+Do websites like Alibaba have a minimum purchase quantity and how can one procure lesser quantities?
+Not aware of any specific large players. We at Folkbridge are also working on this opportunity. So far our focus has been to supply Indian handicrafts for decor and gift needs to retail and bulk customers in India. However, we are also working to supply to overseas clients in smaller quantities at reasonable prices.
+(It is largely the prerogative of the wholesaler to decide how much the minimum quantity of import or export should be. Thus, negotiations and understanding between the two parties involved is a key determining factor for deciding terms.)
+Which online payment gateways are safe and reliable?
+Paypal has been a good experience for us so far.
+Does one need to start an escrow account for import-export of online/offline products?
+Recommended, but not necessary. One should undertake some due diligence through one’s banks/ other sources on a case-to-case basis.
+(Nowadays most importers and exporters are avoiding using an escrow account, the nature of the business does not require it.)
+What are the specific government regulations one needs to keep in mind?
+In the import-export business classification and valuation are most important, however additional conditions depend on the product. For example, if you are going to export a food product you need to have registration in the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and APEDA, if you want to export medicines/drugs, you need to have permission from the drug controller.
+Which countries are easy to work with?
+US, EU, Japan, Australia etc, but must be careful with African, Latin American and Gulf countries.
+(Each country has their own strengths and weaknesses, and each country has their own varied range of products. As trade is increasing globally, challenges and disputes are also getting resolved more easily.)
+Registration and documentation procedures in India
+(Excerpted from the website: www.howtoexportimport.com)
+Rental agreement / or own property: Once after forming a firm name, you need to have a rental agreement with the premise owner. This rental agreement may be required for various government authorities to register your address proof of the firm.
+PAN - Permanent Account Number: Here, if you are a sole proprietor of your firm, your individual PAN number is sufficient. However, if the firm is a partnership one, a separate permanent account number - PAN in the name of the firm is required to be obtained from the Income Tax Department.
+Interesting Facts on Import-Export in India
+Top 10 exporters to India: China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA, Switzerland, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Germany, Indonesia (Source)
+Top 10 importers from India: USA, UAE, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, U K, Germany, Brazil (Source)
+Top Exported Products from India: Cable, Cotton Yarn, Wool, Basmati Rice, Pharmaceuticals, Brass, Banana, Furniture, Onion, Tobacco, Frozen Food (Source)
+Top Imported Products in India: Aluminium, Plastic, Brass, Rubber, Finished Leather, Camera, Crude Oil, PVC, Resin, Fertilizer, Gear Machine, Printing Ink (Source)
+Partnership agreement: If your firm is engaged in a partnership, you need to a have a partnership agreement between partners with terms and conditions as per the Partnership Act. The complete details of terms and conditions among partners with the share of profits should be mentioned clearly in the agreement.
+Current account opening: Open an account with a bank that has effective export-import services and does not delay in crediting foreign exchange... preferably with a bank with exclusive international business.
+Import Export Code: If you need to export or import from India, you need to obtain an Import Export Code IEC from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) within the jurisdiction office where your firm is situated. Without an IEC code, no movement of goods from/to the country is allowed.
+Registration with central excise department: If your products fall under excisable goods, you need to register with the nearest central excise department to claim necessary export excise benefits.
+Registration Cum Membership Certificate: Many government agencies support exporters at various levels to boost the export of the country and such agencies extend all support including financial support to exporters. To avail of such benefits, an exporter needs to register their product and obtain Registration Cum Membership Certificate from respective agencies.
+Registration with sales tax office: Exporters are eligible to claim sales tax benefits against exports. So after completion of necessary IE code procedures, register with the Sales Tax authorities under your jurisdiction area to obtain the necessary guidelines as an exporter or importer.
+Note: Before setting up an export-import firm in India, you may once again reconfirm the procedures and formalities with necessary government agencies.
+Some Useful Tips Before You Start
+(Excerpted from the essay: How to Start and Operate Your Own Profitable Import/Export Business At Home)
+You don't need previous experience in the field, but you should have a good head for organizing. Fulfilling a successful import-export business requires constant attention to little details.
+Take a look into the import-export business. Consider the risks, and consider the advantages. Talk to people in the business. Is it for you?
+An import-export agent is a matchmaker. Manufacturers of domestic goods seek foreign distribution; foreign manufacturers want a local market.
+Start small - don't tackle the world. Find out about the countries, what they have to offer, and what is generally in demand.
+Keep informed. Read everything you can find about world trade. Look at trade publications, international newspapers, news magazines, and financial reports. Who is selling what to whom?
+You will become more familiar with the terms of shipping used in quoting prices and delivering goods as you gain experience. Your responsibilities vary with the terms of the agreements and orders.
+A freight forwarder is a person who takes care of the important steps of shipping the merchandise. This person quotes shipping rates, provides routing information, and books cargo space.
+Never work on promises. Not only do you take a gigantic risk, but you create bad risks for everyone you are involved with.
+Importing requires the same diligence and follow-up as exporting does. Investigate the reputation of the manufacturer and the reliability of the goods.
+The profit of the import-export business is in the quantity of the goods traded. The higher the cost of the merchandise, the higher the profit from your percentage.
+Don't be hasty for orders. Investigate the manufacturers and distributors to be sure the products and sales methods are reputable.
+The import-export business is not for everyone. But it is a personal operation that you can run yourself - you don't have to answer to anybody.
+While this article shows you how to start an import-export business of your own, if you wish to start small you could also explore the possibility of selling products online, through import agents who handle all aspects of the import process, and leave you relatively free to simply focus on the selling.
+Either way, we see this is as a booming extra-income opportunity that you may not wish to miss out on.
+Resources
+http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/feb/22/cameron-india-trade-exports-imports-partners
+http://www.smetimes.in/smetimes/in-depth/2012/Jan/29/starting-import-export-business-basic-guide-beginners56632.html
+>http://www.foreign-trade.com/reference/impexp.htm
+http://howtoexportimport.com/How-to-set-up-an-export-import-firm-in-India-ndash-398.aspx
+http://www.startupfreak.com/how-to-apply-for-importer-exporter-code-online/
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 Best,
 Bob Bly
+====== Extra Income Opportunity #9a: The Internet Marketing Retirement Guide ======
+Dear Reader,
+The Extra Income essay you received from Bob Bly - Enter the World of Information Marketing - Make Money Selling What You Know is a brilliant idea for us here in India.
+What's happening now is that most people are turning to international sites and sources for information because finding India-specific information - for Indians by Indians, so to speak - is not easy.
+There is huge potential here. In spite of the increasing prevalence of Indians getting on the Internet for their learning needs, and a saturation of free information available, there is a lack of information authored by respected sources in the field... and consumers are willing to pay a fair price to get access to knowledge.
+So take what you know, get out there, and start marketing your information.
+And to help you get started, Bob is sharing with you this free special report (or 30-Day Launch Protocol as we usually call it) that is co-authored with Fred Gleeck, information marketing expert, better known on the Internet as the King of Content.
+In this 150-page report, they take you through each step of setting up your information marketing business.
+Topics include:
+Instructions for creating your first product
+How to find what information people are looking for
+How to create audio CDs
+Ways to increase sales
+How to handle guarantees and refunds
+And much more.
+To access this report, please click here.
+To sharing knowledge and building businesses,
+Anisa Virji
+Managing Editor, Wealth Builders Club
+====== Extra Income Opportunity #10: Service Businesses ======
+Today, we are going to talk about a very different type of income opportunity. It's not at all exciting, and the income potential is limited. But it has one very important virtue. It is perhaps the easiest way I know to generate significant and reliable extra income.
+Easy matters. Many people can't get themselves going with our Extra Income Projects because they are intimidated to try something new. Other people are willing to start, but the marketing stalls them.
+If you've read the previous essays and have been thinking that you don't have 'what it takes" to become a photographer or a copywriter or an importer of Chinese goods or a publisher of e-books, etc., this might be the opportunity for you.
+I am talking about starting a service business.
+A service business is a company that... well... performs a service. That can include anything from fixing toasters to cutting hair. But I'm going to talk about a certain kind of service business - the most boring and repetitive type of service business that exists.
+I would like you to consider starting a company that performs routine homeowner services such as cleaning, repairs, indoor gardening, carpet cleaning, etc.
+As I said, there are many kinds of service businesses. Plumbing, for example. Or carpentry. Or house painting. Or fixing toasters or lamps, etc.
+But those types of services have costs and challenges that make them tougher in some ways. Fixing toasters, for example, requires retail space. Being a plumber or a house painter does not, but those sorts of jobs are demanding in another way.
+You are always working on a unique job with particular problems and a particular customer. Also, you are always looking for new customers - even if you have developed a great reputation and get lots of referrals.
+You can certainly make a decent living running one of these types of businesses full-time. Tens of thousands of people do.
+But the Extra Income Project is about part-time freelance opportunities. So I'll be discussing this kind of business based on the assumption that, after getting it going, you will be working on it only 2-10 hours per week.
+The Monkey Factor
+The kind of service business I'm talking about is not rocket science. As I said above, it may be the easiest kind of business there is. Whether you are mowing a lawn, cleaning carpets, trimming trees, or painting windows, the skill level is relatively low. And the repetition is high.
+I haven't absorbed all the info you've provided, but you've given me confidence that I can drive my future, rather than sit by the roadside waiting for what might pass my way. I am in a much better, safer, financial position than I was a year ago. Thank you. Subscriber J.N.
+In my meaner days, I called these 'monkey businesses." As in, 'You can train a monkey to do work like this."
+But that's a good thing. Because once you learn the basics (not hard at all), you can hire and train monkeys (or their human equivalents) to do the actual work for you. That is why I say that this business can be managed working only 2-10 hours per week.
+It probably won't surprise you to learn that I have some experience with this type of business. (I try to never write about stuff I know nothing about.)
+The first real business I owned was called Reliable Pools. Peter (my real estate partner today) and I installed aboveground pools for homeowners on Long Island. We began by doing it ourselves, but within weeks we had a crew working for us.
+We made great money during the spring and summer managing those crews. But since every job was different, our crew always called on us to solve problems on the job. (This is the same kind of problems you'll face if you get into plumbing, remodelling, or painting.) But during the fall and spring we developed a secondary business that turned out to be much better.
+That was the business of 'winterizing" and 'summerizing" the pools we built. Winterizing meant setting them up for the cold - draining some of the water, putting a cover on the pool, etc. Summerizing meant filling up the pool and taking off the cover.
+As you might imagine, it took us less than a half hour to winterize or summerize a pool. Still, we were able to charge good money for doing so. And we rarely had to be on the job, because our monkeys could easily do the work we'd trained them to do.
+This is a little understood, but crucial aspect of the idea I'm presenting to you. We want you to find a service business that has this monkey factor, because it means you won't have to be working full-time to make good money.
+The Downsides
+Boredom is the No. 1 problem with these kinds of businesses. But you will be able to get over the boredom once you are working only a few hours per week while raking in lots of dough.
+The next biggest problem with a repetitive business is embarrassment. When people ask you how you are making all the extra money, you may be ashamed to tell them exactly what you are doing. They might laugh at you behind your back. But you will be laughing, as they say, all the way to the bank.
+Let's Start With Car Cleaning
+The most obvious kind of service business and one of my favourites is the car cleaning service. Although it's a round-the-clock business across the country, it is easy to enter and make a profit quickly.
+The demand for car cleaning services is high and growing. As the number of cars owned by each family is growing and as the time spent at home by most individuals is reducing, this seems to be a growing need for many.
+Who's driving this growth? The many young professionals who don't have the time to do any cleaning, or they have no interest in doing it. But they want well-maintained cars, and prefer to engage professional service companies instead of individuals. Additionally, nowadays, building complexes, and office buildings hire professional services to clean cars in their garage as well.
+These trends make a convincing argument that car cleaning is one appealing service business option. Moreover, it doesn't require any specialized training, and the start-up costs are low. The business model promotes repeat business, and it's relatively easy to expand from car cleaning to residential cleaning to other profitable services, including basic car servicing, minor dent fixing and repairs. One great example is a very successful website in India called TimeSaverz.com. It includes a myriad of services from cleaning cars to residential cleaning services to repairs and plumbing and electricity, bringing multiple service providers together under one roof.
+If it's that simple, why isn't everyone doing this?
+Not everyone can handle the stringent demands of the job, which include understanding the finer nuances of different cars, what areas need to be paid more attention to while cleaning and what cleaning products are to be used for different materials, interiors etc. All these areas need a little study and some patience. But if you're a disciplined self-starter who cares about cleanliness, and is looking for an easy way to start business, a car cleaning service could be the extra income ticket for you.
+What Can I Make?
+It's difficult to pinpoint exactly how much you can make because there are so many variables that can impact your profitability. But there's money for you to make in the cleaning industry. In fact, in many ways, the earning potential is unlimited.
+You could make anywhere from Rs 1000 plus per detailed car wash and additionally add other services like polishing, dent-fixing, etc. Even if you had each of your people clean only thirty-forty cars per week, that translates to about 1-2 lac rupees per person coming in each month.
+Getting Started
+When starting out, you should limit your focus to the basics of the car cleaning business - vacuum cleaning, air freshening, polishing, waxing etc. Doing so will enable you to keep your start-up costs low.
+The majority of those start-up costs will go toward the purchase of equipment. The temptation to spend large sums of money for a line-up of equipment to rival your biggest competitor will be great. Don't do it!
+Simply buy the minimum amount of equipment needed to do the job for your first few cars-a good used vacuum cleaner, polishes, cleaning solutions, carpet brushes, air fresheners, etc.
+Pay cash. Don't finance anything.
+Plan on spending about Rs 1-2 lac for commercial-grade equipment.
+In this article, How to Start a Car Cleaning Business, Shanika Chapman says:
+Attend an auto detailing training course to learn proper cleaning techniques and care for vinyl, plastic, leather and chrome, as well as the difference between polishes and waxes, and carpet cleaning techniques. Learn how to touch up paint, remove swirls, scratches, oxidation, fading and overspray and repair dents. It may behoove you to undergo training in windshield repair, headlight restoration and other car repair services, depending on the scope of your small business.
+You'll also need to spend a few thousand rupees on buying gloves, masks and any other protection equipment you and your employees will need to wear while cleaning.
+A car cleaning service is your best bet for success. Remember, two-thirds of the revenues generated come from residential customers. Cleaning a car is easier and faster than working on homes or office spaces, but that can be the next step too.
+In your first year, your goal should be 20-30 residential clients per week. How much your competition charges will be a large factor in deciding how much you should charge. You can get an idea of how much to charge by having two or three competitors give you a quote to clean your own car.
+'Poorly run companies drive themselves out of business-literally!-by driving miles across town to do one job and then drive back," Hutchins wrote. The high cost of gas erodes any profits you generate.
+So when you take up one job in an area, try to couple it with two-three more. That way you earn more and justify the cost of fuel and labour.
+There Are Many Other Choices
+There are all sorts of other service businesses that meet the criteria we are looking for. They include carpet cleaning, pool service, baby proofing homes, window cleaning, etc.
+Let's take a quick look at how these kinds of businesses meet our Extra Income Project opportunity requirements:
+Anyone should be able to do it (it's simple and easy to understand)
+Being able to start it from home
+Work part-time or on weekends
+Begin without investing a ton of money
+Do the service businesses we mention so far fit? They sure do. With service businesses such as lawn care, carpet cleaning, baby-proofing homes, or window cleaning, anyone can do it (no major schooling or educational requirements). You can begin many with an investment of less than Rs. 1 lac.
+And it's simple monkey factor work. Once you've hired a crew, you'll rake in the cash working 2-10 hours per week.
+The only criteria it doesn't strictly adhere to is doing it from home. When you start, you'll have to travel to client locations. But you should be able to quickly hire a crew and then manage the operation from home. Even then, it would be good practice to keep personal contact with each client. Developing relationships with your clients will go a long way.
+Free Marketing Options for Any Service Job
+Marketing for service businesses can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. There are ample free services you can utilize to market your new business. Here are just a few:
+Justdial - you can post a detailed description of your services, give estimates, offer discounts for mentioning the ad, while focusing on a very specific region.
+Door-to-door-a lot can be accomplished through personal contact with prospected clients. Many people think they can't afford such services but are pleasantly surprised when you present them with a proposal. Even if they decline, as long as you present yourself well, they may refer you to their friends.
+Friends and family-there's a good chance you have friends or family who need your service immediately. They can also be a huge help in spreading the word about your new business.
+Car dealers -it is common practice for car dealers to recommend to their clients to use professional services to maintain their fleet of cars.
+Bulletin boards-every local town or city office, coffee shop, hardware store, restaurant, and community service usually has a place for locals to post ads. These are great places to get your business exposure.
+Parking lots-simply placing fliers under the windshield wipers of cars parked at the local stores can produce a decent amount of prospects.
+The big idea here is that this kind of business attracts new clients by word of mouth. All you have to do is provide a better level of service than average. Any smart and diligent person can do this.
+You canvass local areas and offer freebies. When you do a good job for free, people feel compelled to hire you at least once. If your prices are reasonable, they will keep you on.
+The All  Time Best Way to Get (and Keep) a Customer
+By Paul Lawrence, contributor to Early to Rise
+If you can't sell your product or service, you don't have a business. Plain and simple. Your primary concern has to be making sales. Even if you have a good product or service-one that is in demand-you can't force people to buy from you.
+The customer has the advantage. And if she wants to ignore you and spend her money elsewhere, you can't stop her. But what you can do is give her a reason to choose you over your competitors.
+As a small-business owner, you don't have a whole lot of business-building tools at your disposal. In terms of resources, a small business just can't stand up to a mega-corporation. But you don't need a lot of money or employees to find-and keep-customers. You just need a few easy-to- come-by strategies.
+In fact, being small can actually work to your advantage when it comes to one of the all-time best strategies: establishing a relationship with each customer. It can:
+Get the customer to trust you enough to take the chance of doing business with you that first time
+Build loyalty-so the customer wants to continue to buy from you rather than your competitors
+Get the customer to refer you to other potential customers.
+You develop relationships with your customers the same way that you do in your personal life. In big part, that means caring for them.
+Think about the people you consider friends. Aren't they people you genuinely care about-and who seem to genuinely care about you?
+And think about your relationships with companies-big and small-that you deal with on a fairly regular basis
+You must admit that it's awfully hard to believe that the mega - corporations - General Motors, for example - care about you. They are nameless, faceless conglomerates. It's a lot easier to believe that your local car salesman has a sincere interest in you.
+After all, he lives in your community. His kids go to school with your kids. You meet him face-to-face when you step into his dealership. That's why, unlike General Motors, he can-if he chooses-establish real, caring long- term relationships with you and his other customers.
+And that's why you, too, will have any easy time proving to your customers that you are concerned about them and their problems... and that you're there to help.
+With blogs and social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, there are more ways than ever to communicate with your customers-and to allow them to actually interact with you. Meanwhile, try this classic three-step method for establishing those all-important customer relationships:
+Focus on a narrow niche market.
+I publish informational programs for wannabe entrepreneurs who want to start up and run one or more businesses on a shoestring. Since I'm not trying to cater to all entrepreneurs, I can focus specifically on what my customers want and need. Because it is obvious that I am devoting my time and energy to helping only people like them, it is clear that I sincerely care about their success.
+Customers will believe that you genuinely care about them when they have a reasonable basis for that belief. By specializing in delivering a product or service that is aimed directly at them, you take an immediate step in that direction.
+Take the time to understand your customers and their problems.
+Only by putting yourself in your customers' shoes-taking the time to figure out not only their wants and needs but also their worries, fears, and hopes-can you develop products or services that will truly help them.
+When you do that-when you give them something that will make their lives better or easier in some way-you're sending a very strong message that you care. This is especially true if you continue to develop new products or services for them.
+I've got a catalog of about a dozen different programs that I offer my customers-covering a wide range of businesses they can get into with little capital or experience. That way, I'm able to give them exactly what they're looking (and hoping) for.
+Make your promotional messages personal.
+Building close relationships with customers is all about communicating on a personal level (as it is with family and friends). That's true of any direct contact you may have with your customers in person or over the phone- and it's just as true of the indirect contact you have with them in your marketing materials.
+Here are a few suggestions for making your sales copy more personal:
+Write your sales message in a conversational tone, as if you're talking to a friend. For example, instead of saying 'This business program can help entrepreneurs earn substantial profits," say 'You know that new car you've had your eye on? Well, check out this program. It will help you get it."
+Share information about yourself. When people feel that they know you, they're more inclined to trust you and want to do business with you.
+In my marketing copy, I frequently admit what a slow starter I was... how I was in my late 20s and pretty much broke before I started my first successful business. When my prospective customers hear things like that about me, they sympathize with what I went through. And that makes them feel closer to me.
+Be honest. Say what you really think, not what you think your customers want to hear.
+For instance, instead of sugarcoating my sales pitch, I come right out and tell my prospects to stop feeling sorry for themselves... to stop blaming their past failures on bad luck and, instead, to take responsibility for whether they will succeed or fail in the future.
+I'm sure that turns a lot of people off. But, hey, you can't please everyone. And those who see things your way will become profoundly loyal to you- and rightfully so.
+You can't pretend to be someone you're not. Your sincerity-or insincerity -will always shine through.
+These three steps will help you quickly establish real rapport with your customers. And not only will they willingly pull out their credit cards to make that first purchase... they will be loyal customers for years.
+Getting Started the Smart Way
+But before you start any marketing, you need a business plan.
+A key to success is having a plan to reach your goals. And every good business plan is a work in progress. This means adapting based on knowledge you acquire while getting ready to launch. You'll probably have to tweak your plan quite a few times before it's perfected.
+Starting a business can be fairly easy, but to ensure success, you need to have the necessary groundwork in place to give the business a fighting chance.
+Businesses don't grow and become profitable by accident. There are reasons why they succeed.
+Here are some of the steps to follow:
+Get organized-every successful business is well organized.
+Keep detailed records-this allows you to track finances and potential challenges you may face.
+Know your competition-study them and learn what makes them successful.
+Understand the risks versus the rewards-making calculated risks can help your business grow, but be careful... know the downside.
+Creativity will help separate you from the pack. It will give you an edge on your competitors.
+Don't lose focus-just because you started a business doesn't mean you'll immediately make money.
+Be ready to make sacrifices-an example would be possibly working longer hours, which leaves less time with your family.
+The service you provide must be the best-this will help create repeat business and will lead to a lot of referrals.
+Be consistent-doing the things that help make you money need to be constant. That's how you'll succeed in the long run.
+These are just a few factors to consider. Do your homework and you'll be just fine.
+How to Hire and Keep Good Workers
+We don't really want monkeys. We want people who are willing to work hard for Rs 1000 per day. But you do need motivated crew chiefs. You motivate this kind of crew chief by letting him take a piece of the profits.
+Thank you so much for the invaluable information we receive from Mark and the WBC team! We've been given new hope for our futures and have put to good use the information we receive. Subscriber S.T.
+The kind of employee you hire will have a huge impact on the long-term success of the business. Great people make all the difference.
+Employees who are tenacious and self- motivated will help take your company to the next level.
+It's important that prospective employees understand your goals. In turn, it's important to know their goals. This will help you reach your goals while helping the employees achieve their own. A relationship that is beneficial to both parties will go a long way.
+A healthy working environment that workers enjoy will increase productivity. Adequate employee compensation goes a long way. It will make the employee feel like they are an integral part of the company's operation.
+Acknowledging hard work when an employee is doing a good job motivates them. It's important to recognize a job well done immediately. This reinforces their hard work.
+Manage people to their strengths. Utilizing tools that give insight into personality profiles and a person's unique abilities will maximize an employee's strengths. This increases productivity and results in good employee morale.
+Give employees some freedom. Letting employees choose the projects they work on and enjoy the most will boost productivity.
+Reward great work. You should always make sure employees know you appreciate them and that you notice their hard work.
+Treat employees the way you'd want to be treated. This is self-explanatory. Employees are people just like you, so don't treat them like a number.
+Let employees speak up. Allowing employees to take initiative will help create a great team. This, in turn, will help your company grow.
+Always be on the lookout for quality employees. The recruitment process never stops.
+Hire passionate people. Not hiring individuals who are bossy, prima donnas, or clock-watchers is key. This will create a healthy work environment.
+Look for people who will be a good fit. Make sure the employee fits your values and culture and really gets your business.
+Be able to work with employees' schedules. Being flexible helps in making a loyal employee.
+Finally, hire self-starters. These people have drive and see value in building their own careers. Another factor that will help your business grow.
+Four Aspects of Entrepreneurial Success:
+Every entrepreneurial business-regardless of what stage of growth it is in -needs four personalities at the helm:
+A seller: someone to market the product/service
+An improver: someone to improve the product/service
+An organizer: someone to make sure things go smoothly
+A pusher: someone to get people to do what they are supposed to do.
+When you begin your business, if you don't have a partner, you may have to handle all of these functions. As your business grows, you will probably hire people to take on most of them-but at least during the first two stages and probably longer (my book Ready, Fire, Aim goes into great detail about this), you should be in charge of one of them.
+Which one should it be?
+To me, the most important job of any entrepreneur-and the one role you should not give up as your business grows is the seller. You should always be in charge of marketing your product/service.
+For more on this, get my book Ready, Fire, Aim... it's a must-read for any burgeoning entrepreneur.
+This Is Just the Beginning
+I've told you about the service industry in a general sense. As an example, I also went into the car cleaning industry in great depth.
+But all service-based businesses are very similar in nature. The way you'll start your business, hire the right employees, market your service, and manage the business will all be similar.
+To give you a better understanding of the opportunities that the service industry offers, the Wealth Builders Club Team has put together a special report: Extra Income From Service Businesses... and Our New Ranking System.
+This will give you a good idea as to what service or services you may be interested in. You'll also learn about our new ranking system for these criteria:
+Income potential
+Size of the opportunity
+Skill barriers
+Capital barriers
+And freedom.
+This free report will reach you in a few days.
+Start earning an extra income with a service business now.
+Best,
+Mark
 ====== Special Report: Extra Income From Service Businesses ======
@@ Line 4059: / Line 4570: @@
 Best,
 Mark
+====== Extra Income Opportunity #11: Make Money Writing Grant Proposals ======
+The universe of grants is huge. A grant is nothing more than a gift of money, usually substantial, to a recipient - either an individual or organization - for a purpose specified in the grant request and award.
+And the organizations or individuals who apply for grants often hire freelancers to write their grant applications or proposals. You can you earn a handsome wage writing grant proposals. Plus, you can help worthy causes get much-needed funding.
+VR is a California writer who has helped her clients secure more than $155 million from federal, state, and private funding sources over the past decade.
+In Mumbai, RB helps NGOs draft their proposals for foundations and other companies with a corpus set aside for CSR or corporate social responsibility. She has helped one such NGO secure Rs 10 lac in one year alone.
+MN began writing grants on a volunteer basis for local nonprofits. Once she had the experience, she offered her grant writing services to nonprofits on a paid basis.
+CS wrote her first grant proposal 10 years ago. Her proposal received $1 million. Since then, she has written over 300 grants submitted to federal and state government agencies and private and public foundations.
+While in India, KT approaches several foundations as an independent consultant and instead of working and taking money from the NGO, he bills the foundation whose format and language he is already familiar with. In this way, he has helped disseminate more than Rs 2 crore from foundations for the effective running of 10-15 NGOs. And more than the money, he is also excited by the learning he gets from how the NGO sector is growing in India.
+In the U.S., "funders" - private foundations, corporations, and government agencies - give away around $24 billion in grants annually. These grants can range from a couple of thousand dollars to well over $1 million. In 2011, funders awarded a total of 149,518 grants to 56,970 recipients. This means a number of recipients apply for - and win - multiple grants.
+This trend seems to be replicated in India too. The CSR Policy under the Companies Act 2013, effective from April 2014, has made companies rethink their approach and they are now increasingly looking at ways to involve themselves more deeply with the NGO sector.
+While some are starting nonprofits of their own, many are continuing to support existing NGOs and are taking their causes forward. But they do conduct a due diligence and get a complete picture about the various initiatives undertaken by an NGO and its impact. And that's where the role of the grant writer comes into being.
+The publishers of Foundation Directory, an online source of information on funders and grants, lists more than 120,000 foundations and corporate donors that award grants.
+In India, websites like Give India and Help Your NGO are portals that successfully link donors with NGOs.
+Is Freelance Grant Writing for You?
+As I remind you in each of these articles, when Mark began writing essays for the Extra Income Project, he promised to show you dozens of ways to generate more cash. A tall order, for sure.
+To make good on that promise, Mark and his team brainstormed for months. They determined the specific criteria each opportunity had to meet before we brought it to your attention.
+Let's review these criteria. We want to see how well grant writing passes our litmus test...
+First: Anyone should be able to do it (it's easy and simple to understand).
+The only skill you need for grant writing is the ability to write clearly and persuasively. Refer to the resources at the end of this essay. They will help you master the particular format of grant writing - no courses required.
+If you are a good writer, grant writing may be an ideal extra income opportunity for you. If you need a little help, find a place that teaches persuasive writing. We recommend American Writers and Artists Inc.
+Second: You should be able to start every opportunity from the comfort of your own home.
+Grant writing is a specialized type of freelance writing, and most freelance writers work from home. There is no need to rent an office space. You contact your clients through phone, fax, courier, and e-mail.
+Third: You can choose to work part-time or on the weekends.
+You can work part-time as a grant writer (or as any kind of freelance writer, for that matter). You can take on as much or as little work as you like. And with a laptop and an Internet connection, you can work from almost anywhere.
+Fourth: The opportunity should not require a tremendous amount of start-up capital.
+Freelance writing has the lowest start-up costs of any home business. All you need is a computer, an Internet connection, and a telephone. I recommend using a separate room in your house as a dedicated office.
+But when I started freelancing in 1982 and lived in a tiny studio apartment, everything was in one room, and it was livable.
+And fifth: You should be able to ideally start making Rs 15,000-25,000 per grant proposal.
+Rates vary depending on the client, project, and experience of the writer, from around Rs 5,ooo per grant on the low end to as much as Rs 25,000 on the high end. The most typical fee arrangement is to keep track of your time and the effort put into each grant.
+Getting Started in Grant Writing
+To get started as a grant writer, you need to learn the format for grant proposals. Each funder strictly defines its guidelines for grant proposals. This structure makes grant writing a type of formula writing. Funders typically eliminate grant requests that do not adhere to their guidelines.
+If an organization cannot follow clear, predictable instructions, how can it be trusted to carry out its programs or fulfill the requirements of the grant? In short, if a funder specifies that pages, budgets, or attachments be formatted a certain way, you must format the grant exactly as requested.
+Even at 84, I feel like there is a world of opportunity out there. I don't know how to thank you enough for all of your help, instruction, and encouragement. Club member E.B.
+The formula for grant proposals follows a fairly universal format called the Common Grant Proposal (CGP). The elements of a CGP are as follows:
+A cover letter that introduces your client, summarizes its mission, and explains the program for which you seek funding.
+A cover sheet that lists required information, including the application date, the nonprofit's legal name, year founded, current annual operating budget, and information for the contact person.
+An executive summary with a brief description of the project, its importance, and why this particular funder should fund this particular project.
+A narrative that includes any additional information you think is important and may sway the funder to make a decision in your favour.
+The nonprofit's mission statement, goals and objectives, history, current programs, accomplishments, and affiliations with other organizations.
+A section that describes the program's design and sustainability. You need to explain the long-term plans for paying for the program - how it will operate once the grant runs out.
+The expected outcomes of receiving the grant and the specific criteria you will use to measure success.
+When you get your first client, ask to see examples of past grant proposals. Explain that you want a sense of what did or did not work for them. The client doesn't need to know that you are a newbie grant writer and want the old proposals to familiarize yourself with the grant proposal format. Continue doing this even as you build clients. It will help you gain more insight.
+Getting the Word Out
+The toughest aspect to any self-employment endeavour is finding customers. Nonprofit decision-makers often work closely with for-profit and local government decision-makers, as well as those of other nonprofits. You are as likely to run into a nonprofit executive at a Chamber of Commerce meeting as you are to meet any other businessperson.
+Your networking should include a variety of events, memberships, and organizations.
+Join the Chamber of Commerce, attend all of its functions, personally visit nonprofit organizations, and network regularly. Find out what organizations nonprofit managers belong to and join those as well. Visit with them at organization-sponsored meetings and events.
+Find out who belongs to the local Lions Club, Rotary Club, and other service and social organizations. Join as many as you can.
+You can get this information by being forthright in your intentions. Simply ask people who work for nonprofits where you might meet people interested in your grant writing services.
+Attend all fundraising events in your community, pass out your cards, and collect other people's cards. Take advantage of free advertising sources like physical bulletin boards, flyers that offer free classifieds, Chamber mailings, and brochure space.
+Mail brochures or postcards, build a Website to promote your work, start a newsletter and mail or e-mail it to prospective clients. Several websites like the Government of India one, India.Gov.in, NGOs India, Sphere India and GuideStar India will help you find a list of all the NGOs registered in your city. This might double as both a source for your client prospect list and your funder list.
+Issue press releases or even a series of articles to local newspapers and community magazines. Hand out your business cards to everyone you meet.
+Someone may be affiliated with a nonprofit.
+Post ads on Freelance India, register at freelance sites like Freelancer, Quickr or Guru and Freelance Writing Organization-Int'l for international assignments.
+Most sites offer free registration and various levels of access to jobs that you can bid on. Basic levels are usually free but offer less accessibility. Paid levels vary depending on the services you choose. You may even have to pay a fee for each job you get, ranging from 5-30%, plus PayPal or other money transfer fees.
+I just can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate all that you are doing. The Wealth Builders Club might just be the most important publication out there today. Club member K.W.
+Do pro bono (voluntary) work, or work at a reduced rate to get your foot in the door. Ask to assist other writers who may be overloaded and looking for someone to help out.
+If you know what funding opportunities are available and are familiar with the nonprofit programs in your area, you can use that knowledge when you approach potential clients.
+But don't just hand over too much of that information to your prospects. Give them a reason to contact you for more information.
+Newsletters are a wonderful way to convey that you are the go-to person for grant funding. This can establish you as an expert in the field long before you would otherwise gain that reputation.
+Long-term contracts are great for ensuring steady income. But spreading yourself out across many short-term projects will reap a broad range of experience in a short period of time, and a larger number of clients and exposure. Do a good job and you'll earn a good reputation and some free advertising via word-of-mouth.
+What to Do Next
+Your key task at this point is to familiarize yourself with the standard grant proposal format. One good book for grant writers is Grant Writing for Dummies by Dr. Beverly Browning. It's well organized and covers many tips, warnings, and good advice that other books miss.
+Another book by this author, Perfect Phrases for Writing Grant Proposals , describes how to sell your program and its achievements, how to describe your goals, and which supporting documents you should include, along with more insider secrets.
+The Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need: Top Grant Writers and Grant Givers Share Their Secrets by Ellen Karsh and Arlen Sue Fox offers tips from successful grant writers as well as from grant makers.
+A book that includes proposal samples, The Art of Grantwriting by Wendy H. Anderson, should be in any start-up library.
+Once you have read through books on proposal writing, you will know the ground rules for developing a proposal. Reading the books exposes you to other writers' experiences, mistakes, and secrets of success.
+This will give you the confidence to complete your first proposals. An excellent resource to find books and links relating to fundraising, grant writing, free fundraising kits, and much more is Fundsnet Services.
+Clients will likely rely on you not only to write their proposals, but also to find the funders for them. That's where this business gets even more lucrative. Just like any other for-profit marketing deal, you could also negotiate a percent of the revenue earned. And many NGOs oblige because it's a more viable option for them than hiring someone full-time.
+So put pen to paper, earn some money and do good all at the same time.
+Best,
+Bob Bly
+====== Extra Income Opportunity #12: Make Money As a Voice-Over Artist ======
+Some days it seems that Morgan Freeman or Amitabh Bachchan narrate about 90% of everything ever recorded - movies, documentaries, and radio and TV commercials.
+But in truth, ordinary people like you and me narrate most radio and TV commercials. And in this month's extra income opportunity, you'll learn how you can make as much as Rs. 12-15 lac per year or more as a "voice-over (VO) specialist." As a VO specialist, you lend your voice to selling everything from fans and Fevicol, to furniture and cars.
+Potential clients for your VO services include talent agencies, ad agencies, casting directors, production houses, local small businesses, and medium- and large-size corporations. For instance, if you are an Apple customer who hears Siri speak over your iPhone, you are hearing the voice of a voice-over professional. Another famous voice-over of the Internet age is AOL's "You've got mail."
+"Be creative in your thinking as to who could use your talents as a voice-over artist," says VO professional and coach Neeraj M. For instance, a local jewellery shop paid a friend of Neeraj's to do its on-hold phone messages - and he got the gig because he asked for it.
+As a VO pro, you could lend your vocal cords to radio spots, TV commercials, movie trailers, and cartoons. Business presentations, telephone system recordings, podcasts, and even video games also all use VO pros. Longer assignments might include audio books, training videos, and narration for documentaries... if Amitabh Bachchan is otherwise occupied.
+Is Voice-Over Work for You?
+As I remind you in each of these articles, when Mark began writing essays for the Extra Income Project, he promised to show you dozens of ways to generate more cash. A tall order, for sure.
+To make good on that promise, Mark and his team brainstormed for months. They determined the specific criteria each opportunity had to meet before we brought it to your attention.
+Let's review these criteria. We want to see how well being a voice-over professional passes our litmus test...
+First: Anyone should be able to do it (it's easy and simple to understand).
+The late Don LaFontaine, arguably the most in-demand and successful VO artist of recent vintage, had a distinctive voice. It was so recognizable that stand-up comic Pablo Francisco parodied LaFontaine in his routines. But you can still make a good living in voice-overs without Fontaine's dulcet tones.
+In India, the late Mohammad Rafi was considered Hindi cinema's greatest voice, where he could modulate his voice as per the persona of the artist who was lip-syncing.
+"Believe it or not, having a ‘great' voice is not the most important factor when it comes to being a successful voice talent," says Bill DeWees, a successful voice-over specialist and coach earning six figures. "From a performance standpoint, it's about being a great communicator and storyteller." Bill's coaching site for aspiring VO artists is www.voice-over-training.org.
+Bill says you can lack a stand-out voice and still give a compelling performance. "Having a great voice doesn't hurt; it's just not critical," says DeWees. "If you communicate for a living... such as being a teacher, salesperson, preacher, or speaker of any sort... chances are you're closer to a career in voice-overs than you may think."
+Similarly, Indian voice artist and coach Anil Mani of VoiceBazaar.com says, "One needn't be afraid of having a thin voice or a deep voice, what matters is the nature of the topic you're lending your voice to." Anil feels every voice will ultimately find its niche market.
+Top VO artist Swati G agrees. "It takes much more than a great sounding voice to be successful in voice-overs. You also need the ability to take someone else's words - the script - and make them sound as believable and sincere as if they were your own."
+Second: You should be able to start every opportunity from the comfort of your own home.In the 1990s, the business model for VO specialists required talent agency representation and the flexibility to travel to a studio during business hours for auditions and actual work.
+Today, VO specialists audition and work from home. "You no longer have to travel to the client's place of business," says Neeraj M of VoiceArtistes.com, noting that many voice-over artists record at simple home studios.
+Third: You can choose to work part-time or on the weekends.
+You can definitely work part-time as a voice-over artist. At the beginning, you may have to, because you won't have enough projects to fill your schedule.
+Plus, your hours are your own. As long as the client gets the digital recording on time, he doesn't care when you record it - business hours, evenings, or even weekends.
+Fourth: The opportunity should not require a tremendous amount of start-up capital.
+The start-up costs are low. All you need is your voice and a minimally outfitted home recording studio. This you can equip for less than
+Rs. 20,000. You can buy the gear you need online on Amazon India or eBay.
+You do not need to join an association to make money as a VO artist. However, those voice-over specialists who are association members generally make more money than non-association members. The one big association is the Association of Voice Artistes India. To join requires some prior but limited work experience as a professional actor, and it will add a few thousand rupees or so to your start-up costs.
+And fifth: You should be able to make Rs. 1000 - Rs. 5000 per hour.
+Rates vary depending on the client, project, and experience of the talent.
+For audio book narration, you can earn Rs. 1,000 - Rs. 5,000 per finished hour. Video game voicing pays Rs. 4,000 - Rs. 10,000 per hour. For corporate narration, figure anywhere from Rs. 12,000 - Rs. 20,000 per job. As for TV commercials, a local cable spot may pay only Rs. 3,000, while a national commercial for Sony or Colors TV could earn you 20 times that amount.
+Most working voice-over artists earn Rs. 15-20 lac per year or less. But top VO specialists like DeWees or India's Harish Bhimani and others can make well over Rs. 50 lac per year. Voice-over artist Joan Baker says that a very successful VO professional can make even a crore rupees per year. LaFontaine, who has recorded over 5,000 movie trailers, said that the top handful of VO professionals make seven-figure incomes.
+As a VO pro, you can make six figures without being a 9-to-5 cubicle slave.
+Says DeWees, "The best part of being a pro is that I am self-employed. I enjoy being responsible for my own success. I also love the work itself. It's very gratifying to finish a recording session and have the client tell you that you gave them exactly what they wanted.
+"Aside from the creative side of the equation, I also get a thrill from the marketing side of things. I love finding ways to get new clients. In all honesty, I think I enjoy getting clients more than recording!"
+A side point: I have written elsewhere that being self-employed requires you to be in relatively good health. In that context, I was talking about major illness. But for voice-over professionals, even minor sickness - sore throat, flu, cold, allergies, or sinus infections - can render them unable to work.
+Getting Started in the Voice-Over Trade
+There are four steps to take in launching a voice-over career.
+Step One: Set up a basic recording studio in your home. "Everything - auditions and actual work - can happen from your home studio," says Rohit J, a professional voice actor.
+Rohit's first home studio was a bedroom closet with only Rs. 20,000 invested in recording equipment. Even with that very humble set-up, he was able to generate a six-figure income. Today, his studio reflects just a microphone costing Rs. 1 lac and a sound-proof studio with the latest interiors and technology. about a Rs. 5 lac plus investment - still not very sizable in relation to the return it provides. You do not need a lot of space for your home recording studio; one successful VO artist has hers in a tiny bedroom closet.
+Step Two: Invest in some training to improve your voice. You must refine your raw talent to meet the demands of talent agents, casting directors, and clients. VO professional Rajesh More says that voice-over artists who do audio books or other long-form narration should get special training so they avoid straining their voices.
+Your Wealth Builders Club has been amazing for the price. Actually, I've never seen anything at all like it. It goes into so many aspects of wealth and does so in a very thorough manner. Thanks for your help and the help of all the others who have made this possible. Club member B.T.
+Step Three: Record a demo. A demo is a short audio with several 60-90 second sections. Each demo segment consists of you reading a real or made-up trailer or ad. Offering samples of your voice in multiple VO media - e.g., a movie trailer for an action film in a dramatic voice; a TV commercial for diapers in a softer, kinder voice - showcases you as a professional. It demonstrates the range of your capabilities.
+Back in the day, submitting your demo meant mailing an audio cassette and then later on a CD. Today you can post a digital file of the demo online and send potential clients a link to the mp3.
+Step Four: Market yourself. For many, this is the biggest challenge to VO success. "This is where most people fail," says Rohit. "I talk to incredibly talented people represented by the top agents in India who struggle to get work."
+Yes, VO artists can and should get talent agent representation. But you can't count on agents to fill your book of business. You can be represented on a non-exclusive basis by multiple agents. The jobs they bring account for a small percentage of income. The rest comes from his own marketing efforts. For this, he focuses on getting his demos in front of enough of the right people on a consistent basis.
+Getting the Word Out
+The key to marketing yourself as a voice-over artist is to get your demo into the hands of as many potential clients as possible, says successful VO artist and coach David Rosenthal of Internet Voice Coach. Send your demo to as many potential clients as possible.
+"Nowadays this is even simpler, as all you need to do is take your pen drive and dump the samples on to the studio's computer," Says Pervez M, a dubbing artist and voice actor in Mumbai.
+There are a number of ways you can get someone to listen to your demo. For radio and TV ad work, you can approach advertising agencies or go to advertisers directly. You can send it via postal mail as a CD. Or you could hand deliver a CD yourself.
+Some prospects prefer you send your demo as a sound file attachment in an email. Or, you can direct your prospect to a URL where they can download your demo as an mp3 file.
+"You've got to market yourself far and wide," says Neeraj. "Yes, it takes some work. But self-promotion is the name of the game, and all you need is one job to get yourself on the map."
+The offer in your self-promotional marketing - the "call to action" (CTA) - is for the prospect to request your free demo. There are many ways you can promote your free demo offer.
+For instance, you could send a postcard to ad agencies in your city. On the postcard is a URL where they can download the demo mp3. Also include your phone number. This way, interested prospects can call you to discuss a potential job.
+Several VO artists run small classified ads in the "services available" sections of advertising and marketing trade publications. Nowadays, the digital medium is used the maximum. With JustDial getting the largest number of advertisements for freelancers and voice-over artists. You could also e-mail studios with your details and voice sample attachments.
+Now, let's say you've had the good fortune to book a job or maybe you've landed an agent. Do you now stop promoting yourself? No. In fact, if anything, now's the time to promote yourself even further. Self-promotion is easier after you land the first client or three. Reason: You are now a working professional, not an aspiring VO artist.
+Rohit also recommends creating a website for your new VO business. Send out more postcards, this time to all your contacts. Tell them that you have an agent, or you've voiced a job, or whatever your accomplishment was. Just keep the momentum going.
+Remember, you are nurturing a fledgling career. It doesn't happen all on its own. Self-promotion may be critical to breaking into the business, but it's also what keeps you busy and active.
+What to Do Next
+Have you ever heard the voice-over in a movie trailer or TV commercial, or the narration in a documentary or audio book, and thought, "Hey, I could do that!"?
+Just read the Extra Income Opportunity on e-books (link ebook essay). Wow, another home run. The quality of the information we receive as members of the Wealth Builders Club is simply amazing. A resounding WELL DONE! Club member K.K.
+Anil Mani did. With experience in the Merchant Navy, Anil chanced upon the profession of becoming a VO artiste. Anil has done TV and radio commercial voice-overs for Kingfisher Airlines, Volkswagon, Bajaj Steel and even Gitanjali, the collection of poems by Rabindranath Tagore.
+So did Harish Bhimani. A VO professional who was famous during the times of the serial Mahabharata on Doordarshan and became famous for his line: Main Samay Hoon. He has provided voice-overs for numerous TV campaigns, documentaries and sound-and-light shows.
+If Anil and Harish broke into VO work, the truth is, you probably can as well. Voice-over work is an extra income opportunity where the barriers to entry are low. You need a voice, but not a golden one. And if you are not already good at voice work, with training you can improve. You can start and run a successful VO business with an initial investment of only a few hundred of dollars.
+Plus, the work is fun and at times even a bit glamorous. Yet, you can do it at home wearing your robe and slippers, for only a few hours per day. And if you tell people you have done a voice-over they heard, they will think that's really cool.
+You can find more information on the voice-over business at:
+www.edgestudio.com
+www.internetvoicecoach.com
+www.voices.com
+www.greatvoice.com
+www.voice-over-training.org
+www.voiceacting.com
+www.voiceoverextra.com.
+Some Indian websites include:
+https://www.voices.com
+http://www.voiceartistes.com
+http://www.indian-voice-overs.com
+Best,
+Bob Bly

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