What Is The Annual Salary For Someone In Sports Marketing

People who enjoy promoting events and selling products, and who have a strong interest in sports, can pursue sports marketing. Sports marketing professions are vast and include sports management, advertising, event planning and ticket sales. Average salaries for sports marketing positions range based on experience level, organization and location.

Marketing Assistant

Sports marketing assistants in the United States earned an average salary of $36,000, according to a May 2011 Indeed report. To break into the sports marketing industry, college graduates typically obtain entry-level positions as sales or marketing assistants. They perform administrative work such as billing, faxing and filing. They also update client databases, organize and set up promotional events, and manage social media websites. Other duties include assisting marketing managers, sales planners and account executives.

Marketing Specialist/Coordinator

The average salary for a sports marketing specialist was $40,000 according to a May 2011 SimplyHired report. A May 2011 Salary.com report stated that recreation coordinators in intramural sports averaged $42,448 per year. Recreation coordinators may work in high school athletic programs or with club sports teams. They develop and execute different promotional activities that boost sales and brand awareness. Sports managers negotiate contracts with advertisers and sporting goods companies that want to display and sell their products at an event. At the corporate level, marketing specialists, marketing coordinators and marketing managers plan and implement various marketing campaigns. For example, digital marketing specialists draft and create messaging for mobile and web channels, optimize websites, and track and measure marketing campaign results.

Geography

Average salaries for sports marketers depend on factors such as geographic region. A May 2011 SalaryExpert report stated that sports marketers working in Houston averaged an annual salary of $116,605. In comparison, sports marketers in New York City averaged salaries as high as $140,749. Professionals in Atlanta earned an average salary of $103,772. Sports marketers working in Los Angeles reported an average annual wage of $124,755. Phoenix sports marketers reported the lowest average salary, at $79,859 annually.

Potential

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition" predicts that marketing jobs will increase 12 percent from 2008 to 2018. Similar to marketing professionals working in other sectors, sports marketers have the opportunity to make six-figure salaries depending on their educational background, skill level, and industry. According to the bureau, the national average for marketing professionals in management was $122,720 as of May 2009. A 2007 Baylor University survey reported similar wages for senior-level workers in professional sports associations including the National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball. For example, sales directors working in Major League Soccer organizations averaged $96,597. Major League Baseball senior sales managers and directors averaged $102,350. The National Basketball Association paid sales directors an average salary of $96,437.

Tags: average salary, Major League, sports marketers, according 2011, Average salaries

How The Media Reflect Social Culture

Media portray social culture every day in many ways.

From the Internet to movies, news and magazines, social culture is reflected by mass media. Social culture is also referred to as popular culture. The media reflect social culture in different forms, and not always in a positive manner.

News

Newscast topics seek attention and mean to turn heads. When portraying social culture, much of the news focuses on never-ending cultural changes. The subject rarely seems to be a good deed or positive impact that social culture has made, such as the green movement or education, but rather focuses on the negative, such as swearing or "sexting." This makes social culture appear to have a negative influence, which isn't always the case.

Magazines and Print Media

A wide variety of representations of social culture are circulating at any given moment, from the articles in magazines to newspapers and books. Most portray social culture figures as a beautiful, skinny and flawless bunch, with an unlimited source of money. From the sexy photos found in popular magazines to the topics of articles--which are usually sex, beauty and sometimes fitness--culture is reflected in a clouded way that can misrepresent it to the masses.

Ads

Advertising isn't commonly thought of as a form of media, but it is and it certainly reflects social culture. From TV shows to makeup and clothing, ads highlight social culture and most commonly portray society as shallow, hungry consumers. From what people eat to what they wear and use on their skin, all popular items are portrayed through ads on TV, the Internet and print media.

Tags: social culture, social culture, portray social, portray social culture, social culture

Sell Baby Items

Sell your baby items to make some extra money.

There is no question that purchasing baby items can get expensive. With the high cost of infant clothing, furniture and toys, many parents are turning to second-hand baby items to try and save money. Gently used baby gear is in high demand in today's economy. If you are trying to sell these types of baby items, there are many resources available to assist you.

Instructions

1. Prepare the baby items you want to sell by cleaning them. Make sure to remove dirt from the toys and wash any previously worn baby clothing to remove stains. Fold neatly or hang on hangers.The better the condition, the more you may receive for the items.

2. Sell your baby items at a nearby consignment store. Many second-hand and consignment stores will purchase gently used infant gear and clothing. Some shops, like Once Upon A Child, will pay you on the spot for used kids' clothing, toys, furniture and equipment in good and like-new condition.

3. Coordinate a baby or children's garage sale in your neighborhood. Find out if your neighbors have toys or other items they want to sell. Economical parents shop at these type of sales for many of their baby items. Make sure to list your sale through Craigslist under the For Sale header, in the "babys+kids" or "garage sale" sections, and make plenty of signs to put out in the area.

4. Contact local daycare providers to see if they would be interested in purchasing any baby items. They are usually looking for inexpensive toys and books.

5. Sell your baby items on Craigslist. It is free, and many people use it. You can list your items under "baby+kids." Make sure to be detailed about the items you are selling and provide a photo if you can. Be conscious of how much items are selling for so you do not ask for too much or too little.

6. Earn money for your baby items on eBay or Google. There may be a small fee involved, but many shoppers trust purchasing their items through these sites.

7. List your baby items on Mykidscloset.com. The site features a classified site for moms, dads, grandparents and anyone else who is looking to buy and sell new or used kids' items.

8. Donate any items you are unable to sell to your local charity. You should receive a receipt to show the donation so you can claim it on your taxes.

Tags: baby items, baby items, your baby, your baby items, Make sure, Sell your, Sell your baby

Taxes On Employee Gifts

Every year, the holidays pose a conundrum for business owners. Many would like to show their appreciation for clients, vendors and employees, but they do not want to cause any unwanted tax headaches for themselves or anyone else with whom they do business. The IRS has developed a series of rules that addresses that, and explicitly spells out what gifts to employees are taxed.

Business Gifting - General Rule

If you own a business, you can generally deduct a maximum of $25 per person for any gifts you give to employees, vendors, clients, customers or prospects for business purposes. If you have incidental costs such as engraving fees, that does not count against the $25 limit.

Gifts to Employees

Gifts to employees over and above the de minimis amount of $25 are generally taxable income to the employee, just as a Christmas bonus would be. This is true even if the gift comes in a format other than cash. Non-cash compensation is also taxed. However, the IRS does not normally consider a Christmas or holiday meal in the office to be a taxable benefit to the employee.

Gifts to Family Members

If an employer gives a gift to an employee's family member, that is still generally considered a gift to the employee, and the IRS considers that the employee benefited directly from the gift. However, there is an exception for infrequent items such as a gift given in sympathy for the death of a loved one, provided the gift is not extravagant or excessive. A boquet of flowers to a grieving widow, for example, would not be considered a taxable item.

Exceptions

You can give a gift of a promotional item or premium valued at $4 or less without it counting toward the $25 annual limit, provided the gift has your business, company or trade name on the item and it is substantially identical to others you provide for the same purpose.

Tags: gift employee, provided gift

1960s Household Products

Households were changing during the 1960s.

The 1960s represented a time of major changes within American history. The average home grew in size while the number of people living within home declined. Most products for the family were purchased rather than crafted by hand. Several household products common in the 1950s still had a place in the 1960s household, and some continue to be used widely today. Does this Spark an idea?

Ajax Laundry Detergent

Ajax cleaner, developed in 1947 by Colgate-Palmolive, was one of the more popular cleansers in America, but the introduction of Ajax laundry detergent in 1964 pushed Ajax to become even more of a household name. The advertising campaign surrounding the laundry detergent helped to make it popular. A white knight rode a white horse and magically zapped children clean using his lance. The ads were so popular, the knight was a fixture of Ajax for nearly the rest of the 1960s.

Mr. Clean Cleanser

Procter and Gamble introduced the Mr. Clean brand to the world in 1957. By 1962, the brand became so popular as a household cleanser that the company held a promotion that allowed consumers to choose the mascot's first name. By 1963, Mr. Clean became the first liquid cleanser to come in a plastic bottle. The pine scent of Mr. Clean was introduced in 1968 when Procter and Gamble reformulated the cleaner to make it more effective.

Charmin Bathroom Tissue

Charmin brand bath tissue, created in 1928 and purchased by Procter and Gamble in 1957, became one of the most popular tissues of the 1960s thanks to its famous advertising campaign. Mr. Whipple, the grocer requesting that consumers not squeeze rolls of Charmin in his store, became one of the most recognizable American figures of the 1960s and 1970s.

Vacuum

With the larger size of homes, the necessity of vacuums to keep them clean rose. Hoover vacuums became incredibly popular to the point that even today, any brand of vacuum may be colloquially referred to as a Hoover, and the act of vacuuming is known as hoovering. In the mid 1950s, Hoover developed the Hoover Constellation vacuum cleaner and it became a hit throughout the 1960s.

Dishwasher

The move toward automating household chores, such as doing laundry or washing dishes, continued into the 1960s. Many homes either came with dishwashers, or they were installed by families living there. KitchenAid brand developed one of the more popular dishwashers of the 1950s with the KD-10. By the 1960s, KitchenAid dishwashers were known for their reliability.

Portable Television Sets

New England Economic Adventure notes that the number of homes containing a television sets jumped from 9 percent in 1950 to 87 percent in 1960. Television sets from manufacturers such as Sony, Zenith or Sears filled houses in the 1960s. Floor model televisions were commonplace in living rooms, but portable sets became popular for use in kitchens, bedrooms and dorm rooms. General Electric portable sets, averaging about 26 pounds, allowed viewers to take their favorite shows with them.

Tags: Procter Gamble, advertising campaign, became most, became popular, more popular, portable sets

The Roles & Duties Of A Marketing Manager

Duties of a marketing manager include monitoring the public's demand for various products.

Usually employed by retail corporations and manufacturing companies to develop pricing strategies for specific retail products, the marketing manager helps a company maximize its profit margin. Assuming the role of product development oversight, the marketing manager will also attend trade shows in order to promote a company's new product line. As of July, 2010, the average salary for this job was $86,000 per year.

Evaluates Product Development

By viewing the cost expenditures and manufacturing budgets of an upcoming product line, the marketing manager evaluates the effectiveness of the overall product development of this new line. The marketing manager also researches the return-on-investment ratio if the new product line is manufactured for the international marketplace. Analyzing the profit-loss ratio, the marketing manager creates an evaluation report regarding the new product line and submits it to upper management after completing the report.

Oversees Marketing Staff

The marketing manager evaluates the overall job performance of all members of the marketing staff to ensure these workers are following company guidelines. The marketing manager also oversees the hiring of potential marketing department employees and trains these new workers so they can perform their primary job functions in an efficient manner.

Negotiates Vendor Contracts

To keep a company's overall cost expenditures within the company's annual budget, the marketing manager negotiates vendor contracts. By researching the lower cost of other product distribution companies, the marketing manager contacts his company's management team in order to lower costs. The marketing manager also researches lower production costs when it comes to material goods and negotiates a new contract with these companies when needed.

Attends Trade Shows

Working with the company's product developers, management team members and advertisers, the marketing manager coordinates specific activities of a trade show presentation. The manager will help set up the trade show booth, as well as organize and create posters and educational pamphlets regarding current and upcoming product lines. The marketing manager also answers any pertinent questions retail business owners attending the show might have regarding upcoming products.

Tags: marketing manager, manager also, marketing manager also, product line, also researches, company product, cost expenditures

Develop A Reliable Market Survey For A New Product

How can you tell that your new product will appeal to the market?

To ultimately determine the success or failure of a product, the importance of good market research for a new product can never be taken for granted. While the product that a company introduces might be better than what is currently available, the market will never know unless deliberate efforts are made to make the buying public take notice. Good market research costs time and money. Take time to make your market research effective and not too exorbitant.

Instructions

Market Profiling

1. At the very beginning, it is important to profile your market. This basically means identifying who the customers of your product are, and to save time and marketing costs, who are not. Unless the target market is correctly identified, time and money will be wasted pursuing people who will not become customers.

2. Conduct market description surveys. These surveys provide information regarding the size of the market and forecasts on its growth potential. Additionally, the surveys identify a company's competitive positioning and at the very outset help the business managers plan for a product launch with a fair degree of confidence.

3. Carry out a conjoint analysis, the marketing research technique that allows business managers to find out what customers desire in a product. Before a product launch, it is important to identify the features of the product that are desired by the potential market, because every product has both positive and negative attributes. During a conjoint anaysis, customers are presented with a product and asked to identify the most preferred and the least preferred features. In addition to helping in product development, conjoint analysis also aids in the pricing of a product.

Tags: market research, business managers, conjoint analysis, product launch, product that, time money, your market

Ammunition Tax Law

Ammunition Tax was created in 1919.

Federal ammunition taxes are an excise tax governed by the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET). The United States created the tax in 1919. This law also covers tires, gasoline, coal, vaccines, sport fishing equipment, and bows and arrows, says TTB.gov.

History

According to TTB.gov, the FAET was originally collected by the IRS from 1919 to 1990. In 1990, the ATF overtook collection responsibilities.

Current Collection Responsibilities

In 2002, President Bush signed the Homeland Security Act which divided the ATF into two entities. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Bureau of Alcohol (TTB), Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Currently, the TTB has collection responsibilities for the tax, says TTB.gov.

Tax Rate

The FAET applies an 11% tax rate on ammunition.

Tax Return

Taxpayers must file TTB Form 5300.26, Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Return on a quarterly basis.

Tax Deposits

During a quarter, if tax liability exceeds $2,000, a tax deposited must be made semi-monthly. File deposits using TTB Form 5300.27, Federal Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Deposit.

Tags: Ammunition Excise, Firearms Ammunition, Firearms Ammunition Excise, Alcohol Tobacco, collection responsibilities, created 1919, Form 5300

Improve Marketing Communication

Your message is a key part of your marketing communications plan.

Marketing communications is a subset of the marketing umbrella; the way in which you promote your business or organization. It is an important tool in generating business and expanding your market. While the number of people you reach with your marketing methods is an important factor in how much business you may be rewarded with, just as important is the way in which your service offerings are communicated. You can probably do a number of things to improve your overall marketing communications to ensure greater success.

Instructions

Build a Marketing Plan

1. Develop a message. Regardless of what kind of business or organization you operate, your message is the most important part of your communications strategy. It is what most people will remember about you if it's effective and it will help ensure they don't remember you if it's not. Think about your target audience and what they would like about your services. Consider the best features of your services and come up with ways to package those features in a few sentences. This is your basic message, similar to the elevator pitch, simple and direct, but explanatory. For best results, your literature should consistently convey your message.

2. Develop a logo and slogan. Logos and slogans tend to create the most-lasting impression of a business and are used to convey certain characteristics of the company. When you are devising a logo, it is best to try to capture the essence of your services. If you are an accountant, you may want a logo that conveys a serious tone about your work. You may, however, want to consider being more creative. For example, if you are a computer repair technician, you might eschew a serious tone in favor of something lighter, such as a smiling computer.

3. Brainstorm communications methods. Like every other part of your business, your marketing communications should be planned out. Regardless of where you are in terms of your marketing, it may be a good idea to map out your future communications. This doesn't mean you can't alter a plan once it's in place, but it will be helpful to know in what direction you are going. Start by asking yourself questions about your business, such as who the target audience is, and then list some of the best ways to reach that audience.

Implementing Your Plan

4. Develop materials. Once you have your message and logo, it's time to start creating materials that incorporate them. Web sites, business cards and brochures are the more basic communications materials. You also may want to consider developing a newsletter that is distributed either in print or by email. This will remind the target audience regularly of your services and also is an opportunity to establish yourself as an expert in the field. Additionally, mailing fliers gives your customers and potential customers a fresh reminder of your services and allows you to provide special offers that generate new and repeat business. A common strategy is to make the fliers over-sized to help them stand out from regular mail.

5. Monitor your success. Keeping track of your success will help you determine what methods work and which ones do not. By placing marketing codes on different fliers and other materials, you can ask your customer for the code when they first contact you and see which fliers produce the best results. Alternatively, offer 5 percent discounts if people mention a certain advertisement or flier.

6. Review your strategy. Marketing communication is a dynamic process and avails itself to constant improvement. When you determine what is working, try to figure out why and build on that success. If something isn't working, you may need to change the method, the target audience or the material. Be ready to revise or rewrite materials to be clearer, address your target audience's interests in using your services and sufficiently motivate them to contact you.

Tags: your services, target audience, about your, your marketing, part your, your business, best results

Price A Product

In the world of marketing, pricing products incorporates 2 of the 4 most important aspects of business. Setting a price that brings value to both your customers and your company is essential for the longevity and profitability of your business. Several factors go into determining the right prices for your company's products.

Instructions

1. Understand that a price suggests a certain value to a customer. Setting a price that's too high or too low can limit your business growth. It can also cause major problems for your sales and cash flow.

2. Increase your profit by understanding the value of your product to the consumer. The price of the product is your financial reward for providing the product; the value is what your customer believes the product is worth. Evaluate the benefits your product offers to your customers and how price affects their buying decisions.

3. Take into account both the fixed and variable costs involved in producing your product. Fixed costs, such as retail space or insurance, remain constant no matter what you produce or sell. Variable costs such as wages and materials rise with the amount you produce or sell. When setting a price, you must take in more money than just the production cost, so you can make a profit.

4. Align your prices with those of your competition in so far as possible. Never price your products too much higher or lower than your competitors without having a very good reason.

5. Use different pricing tactics to attract customers while maximizing profits. These include offering special prices during promoted times; odd-value pricing, such as selling something for $9.99 rather than $10; selling products at a loss for the sake of attracting new customers; selling a unique product or service at a high price; and starting a new product off at a lower price, increasing it as the product gains popularity.

Tags: your product, costs such, price that, produce sell, Setting price, Setting price that, your business

Write A Good Letter Of Apology

Writing a letter of aplogy is necessary to repair some relationships.

When you do or say something you regret, you can rectify it, and perhaps even make things better than they were before, by sending a meaningful letter of apology. The offense may be personal or business, and might involve hurt feelings, being late, poor service or bad behavior. Reasons to be sorry vary, but good apology letters have one thing in common: sincerity.

Instructions

1. Write the letter as soon as you can. The longer the delay, the more insincere your letter will seem.

2. Write the letter by hand if the offense is personal. Avoid e-mail or a typewritten letter unless the offense was a business one.

3. Write a few drafts to make sure there are no grammar or typing mistakes. Use high-quality note paper. Send the personal apology by mail.

4. State precisely what the offense was. Don't make excuses for your action. Don't blame someone else. State how you will make restitution if possible. State how you will rectify the situation so that the recipient will begin to regain confidence in you.

5. Consider a gift certificate or a replacement product if the offense was a business or professional one.

6. Use direct and simple language. Don't couch your apology in fancy words and phrases. Take responsibility for what you did. If you are sorry, say so. For example, if you are apologizing to a friend for speaking out of turn, you could say, "I chose the wrong words. I should have thought before I spoke, and I am sorry I didn't." For a professional letter you could say, "I am sorry I lost my composure during the meeting. In future meetings, you can expect me to be more professional and less emotional."

7. Arrange to meet soon so that you can reinforce your sincerity and apologize again in person.

Tags: offense business, offense personal, State will, Write letter

Calculate Excise Tax

Figure excise tax using paper and pen.

An excise tax is a tax on the sale of a good, such as a new automobile, real estate or ammunition. The federal government or each state sets its own excise tax. Before you purchase a new vehicle, for example, learn manually determine excise tax based on the purchase price. The math is moderately easy and excise tax calculators are available to assist you, although it is not necessary to use a calculator to figure excise tax.

Instructions

1. Calculate excise tax based on purchase price. For example, if your state imposes an excise tax of 6 percent of a vehicle's purchase price, you would multiply the purchase price of the good by 6 percent. Subtract the result from the purchase price.

2. Calculate excise tax based on a dollar amount. For example, if real estate is taxed at $1.50 per $100, and the purchase price of a piece of property is $130,000, then the excise tax is $1,950. The equation is $130,000 divided by 100, followed by $1,300 multiplied by $1.50. If the excise tax is $1 per each $500, and you purchase a vehicle at a cost of $2,000, the excise tax is $4.

3. Calculate excise tax using an online calculator. Frequently, state websites and Department of Motor Vehicle websites offer free excise calculators. Plug in the required figures and obtain an estimate of excise tax.

Tags: purchase price, excise based, based purchase, based purchase price, Calculate excise

Cons To Combining Marketing & Sales

Sales focuses on individual customers while marketing takes a broader market view.

In many companies, especially smaller organizations, sales and marketing are combined out of necessity or the belief that they're the same function. Sales and marketing, however, play different roles within a business. Understanding of the differences between the two reveals solid reasons not to combine these distinct business functions. A better understanding, too, influences this critical organizational decision.

Focus

Entrepreneur and marketing guru Seth Godin says, "Marketing tells a story that spreads. Sales overcomes the natural resistance to say yes." Marketing is concerned about spending money to gain broad appeal. Sales, however, uses its budget to reach many individual customers. This often creates friction within an organization.

Customer Approach

Marketing listens to learn and understand the needs of current and potential clients. Once this information has been gathered, it's brought back to departments within the company, like product development, customer service and fulfillment, to change a product or process or shape future products. Sales pitches demonstrate how the company's current products meet a client's existing needs. Long, exploratory discussions are seldom a concern.

Communication

Marketing functions can require passive, one-way communication: print and broadcast advertising, direct marketing campaigns, websites, email campaigns, newsletters and press releases. Other functions, like attending conferences, participating in trade shows and social media campaigns, are more interactive and could be conducted jointly with sales staff. Sales functions, like presentations, emails, phone calls and customer meetings, depends on direct, two-way interaction with the customer. Sales staff send more time on the road. Marketing largely works out of offices.

Skill Sets

Sales staff need strong relationship-building skills to interact with clients. They learn to accept rejection, not taking it personally but rather as a missed business opportunity. They are transaction-focused. Conversely, marketing resources focus on projects and tend to be highly analytical, suggesting the need for different recruiting and training techniques.

Rewards

Closing the sale, bringing revenue and profit to the company, reaps rewards for the sales staff, usually in terms of monthly or quarterly commissions. Marketing's rewards stem from identifying the right product offerings for the targeted market and extending customer awareness of the company's products. This produces customer satisfaction. In some cases, marketing creates a need in the marketplace, using promotional campaigns to persuade clients they need a product or service. For this, reward may be a financial bonus or some other type of compensation, usually awarded annually. Differences in the types and timing of compensation could create a sense of inequity.

Tags: functions like, individual customers, sales staff, Sales staff

Start A Homebased Property Management Business

Office buildings often outsource management of the property.

Property management companies maintain several responsibilities, such as dealing with interior and exterior renovations. Your home-based business might focus on commercial, residential or international properties. Commercial properties include neighborhood shopping centers, mixed used developments and office properties. Residential properties involve apartment complexes and rental units. If you work with properties outside of the United States, you must be familiar with foreign property laws.

Instructions

1. Review local, state, and federal rules to ensure that you comply with all regulations. One way to get industry updates involves joining property management trade associations and reading the groups' publications or newsletters.

2. Purchase necessary equipment, such as software, a printer and office supplies. Develop a solid organization method, especially if you plan to manage several properties. You might differentiate paper files by color and by property name.

3. Determine prices for your various services. You might charge a monthly or annual flat fee. For example, with a basic package, you might collect monthly rents from each tenant as well as supervise an on-site property manager.

4. Advertise your business by at least developing a simple website. The website might describe when and why your company was founded as well as provide examples of common services.

5. Develop a community resource directory that lists areas businesses and relevant contact information. For instance, record information for three to five handymen who are bonded, insured and competent. Organize your directory so that you can efficiently find a phone number when you need it.

Tags: directory that

Get Other Things With An Amazon Mp3 Gift Card

Amazon.com gift cards can be applied to almost any qualifying purchase in the store, even if that gift card was obtained via exchanging an MP3 gift for credit. Gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash or refunded to your credit card. Promotional codes and gift cards are not the same thing, though both need to be added to your account.

MP3 Exchanges

When you receive an MP3 gift, you will be able to exchange that gift for an Amazon.com gift card for the amount paid for the gift. If the gift did not cost anything, because the MP3 was free or purchased using a promotional code that covered the cost of the purchase, you will not have the option to exchange the gift. Within seven days you will receive your gift card code, which can then be added to your account the same as any other Amazon.com gift card.

Gift Cards

Gift cards can be used for any purchase on Amazon.com, unless otherwise stated on the item in question. It cannot be used on sister sites such as Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca. Gift cards also cannot be used to subscribe to Amazon Prime, or to purchase more gift cards. Before using a gift card on Amazon.com, you must first add it to your account. Once added to your account, the balance of the gift card will be applied to your next purchase. If your next purchase exceeds the balance of the card, you'll need to cover the remaining balanced of the purchase.

Promotional Codes

Occasionally Amazon.com sends out promotional codes for items on their website, and this can include promotion codes for MP3 purchases. These promotional codes can only be used toward the items indicated; if you have a promotional code for an MP3 purchase, then it must be used to purchase MP3s on Amazon.com. Promotional codes must be added to your account like a gift card code, and applies automatically to qualifying purchases.

Applying Gift Card

Log in to Amazon.com. On your account page scroll down to the "Payment" section and select "Apply a Gift Card to Your Account." You may be prompted to log in again for the sake of security. Fill in the claim code for your gift card; this should have been present in the email you received, and will be behind a film on the back of a physical gift card. Click "Apply to Your Account" to add the balance to your Amazon.com account.

Tags: gift card, your account, added your, added your account, your next purchase

Plan A Nonprofit Fundraising Event

Fundraising events can raise public awareness as well as money.

Nonprofit groups with few sources of income commonly organize fundraising events to help support themselves. People sympathetic to the goals of the group can usually be counted on to support the nonprofit by attending. But, with careful planning and a bit of work, a well-promoted and enjoyable event can engage people simply looking for a good time who can also become interested in the cause.

Instructions

Plan Ahead

1. Recruit as many people as possible to help you plan your nonprofit fundraising event. There will be a lot of details to take care of, and a well organized team will be needed to complete them all before the event.

2. Decide on a venue and reserve it well in advance. If you are planning a large event, you will need an easily accessible public location, and good venues are usually quite popular and, consequently, often unavailable. So, choose your event date several months in advance and reserve your venue.

3. Contact performers several months in advance to request their participation if your event involves entertainment. Just as with venues, more popular and successful performers are more in demand. If you try to recruit talent at the last minute, you may find yourself with performers who don't help draw a crowd.

4. Include as much information as possible in your print and broadcast advertising. This is another advantage of booking entertainers early. If your promotional materials can name the entertainment scheduled, you will draw fans of those entertainers as well as supporters of your cause and hopefully gain more supporters as a result.

Advertise Widely

5. Utilize as many forms of public advertising as you can think of and afford, including newspapers, magazines, billboards, posters, internet, radio and TV. The downfall of many fundraising events is lack of advertising; people who support your cause won't show up for the fundraiser if they don't know about it.

6. Produce creative radio advertisements with a few friends, using drama and humor to draw people. If there is a college radio station in your town, approach the staff and ask about availability of free airtime for your nonprofit group.

7. Use online social networking sites such as Facebook to spread the word about your event. More and more people are using these websites for such purposes, and they will pay more attention to a notice that is forwarded to them by someone they know than to a poster on a billboard.

Tags: your event, fundraising events, months advance, several months, several months advance, they know

Walt Disney World Swot Analysis

A SWOT analysis can be used to analyze Disney World.

Walt Disney is one of the best-known names in the world of entertainment. The name is associated with countless animated films, theme parks and resorts--including the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida. Although this resort is world famous and has been extremely successful, it is still subject to market forces. In order to understand how Walt Disney World is positioned in the market, it is helpful to conduct a SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis is a managerial tool which assesses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that a business faces.

Strengths

Walt Disney World's greatest strength is its world famous brand. With theme parks around the world and movies released to generations of children, the Disney brand is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Beyond the Disney name, Walt Disney World is able to use the brand power of its many animated characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Cinderella and Winnie the Pooh in order to attract customers. Disney has expanded its holdings to include the Mirimax film studio and the Pixar animation company, giving it access to an even greater number of brands and characters.

Weaknesses

Walt Disney World includes several different theme parks within its resort, including Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. Additionally, they have opened up two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. They have also expanded beyond their traditional brands with the ESPN Wide World of Sports attraction. On top of all of this, Walt Disney World operates several different hotels and a campground. This diverse product portfolio may represent a weakness because managing such different products can reduce efficiency and lead to a lack of strategic focus.

Opportunities

According to Danjel Lessard and Lauren Northcutt of Pacific Lutheran University, a major opportunity exists for Disney parks and resorts, including Walt Disney World, through the use of "imagineering." Imagineering is a combination of imagining and engineering, developed by Walt Disney. It refers to the company's ability to develop innovative new attractions that bring the imaginary world to life. This provides Walt Disney World with the opportunity to create exciting, new attractions that will draw in new visitors.

Threats

According to Danjel Lessard and Lauren Northcutt, a major threat to Walt Disney World is the competition of other resort and theme parks such as Universal Studios, which is also located in Orlando. In addition to competitors in its geographic area, Walt Disney World risks losing customers to the many theme parks that are opening throughout the United States and the rest of the world. These theme parks have the potential to steal away visitors who might otherwise make the trip to Walt Disney World.

Function

A SWOT analysis can be used to understand the position that Walt Disney World currently occupies in the market. This can be used internally to make decisions about the future direction of the company or by competitors to anticipate what the company might do next.

Tags: Walt Disney, Disney World, Walt Disney World, theme parks, SWOT analysis, According Danjel, According Danjel Lessard

Promote A Giveaway

Ensure that the giveaway is a successful investment by effectively promoting it.

Giveaways are a common promotional tool used by marketers that range in size from an all-inclusive cruise for two, to concert tickets, to even little gift baskets. Businesses are able to effectively promote their products and brand names by offering giveaways. Careful planning should not only be made for the product or vacation package that will be given away, but also the methods of promoting the actual giveaway. For a giveaway to be a success, there should be hype and excitement throughout the targeted market. The giveaway should also be memorable and encourage a large number of participants to enter.

Instructions

1. Send out a press release. By issuing a press release, the giveaway is more likely to be found by news agencies or reporters that are willing to do a story about the company or announce the giveaway to its base.

2. Ensure adequate timing. The deadline for the giveaway should be far enough into the future so that people do not come across it when it is too late to register. However, the deadline should not be set too far into the future because it will most likely be forgotten and the excitement generated will be lost. Most giveaway promotions should allow at least six months to one year for marketing efforts to take effect.

3. Start a viral marketing campaign. You can create a YouTube video, podcasts, e-cards or a Facebook fan page. It could even involve a combination of all three. The trick to a starting a successful viral campaign is to make it catchy and easy for people to share with others, no matter which method is used. A marketing campaign is considered to be viral when it quickly spreads throughout the target audience at an exponential rate, which is usually accomplished through the use of social networks.

4. Create relevant articles. Write articles that provide useful information, whether they are about your products, services or industry. Each article should include a short announcement about the giveaway and a link to a webpage to provide readers with more information.

5. Place announcements in newsletters. Continuously remind readers of your newsletter about the promotion. If your company provides a daily email, then promote it once a week on alternating days to ensure the message reaches as many people as possible.

Tags: giveaway should, into future, marketing campaign, press release

The Importance Of Promotional And Marketing Strategies

Some promotional strategies call for one-on-one persuasion by a salesperson.

The importance of a marketing strategy is that it helps a company create, communicate and deliver value to target consumers, using the tools of promotion, product, price and distribution. The importance of a promotional strategy is that it enables marketers to determine the most effective communication vehicles, which may include advertising, sales promotion, personal selling and/or public relations.

Target Consumers

A marketing strategy pinpoints a group of consumers with high potential to choose the firm's products over the competition's. This is an important way to avoid wasting marketing resources on people who are unlikely to respond or difficult to reach. Target consumers may be selected based on a range of personal characteristics. For example, people of the same age and sex are likely to choose similar clothing brands. Consumers who share a distinctive lifestyle, like frequent travelers, make good targets for airlines or rental car companies.

Marketing Mix

In addition to promotion, marketers use other tools known as the marketing mix. These include product, price and distribution. Product tactics involve choices related to the functions, attributes, benefits and image of an item. Price is a measure of relative value in the marketplace, as well as an amount of money the buyer is asked to pay. Distribution, also called place, is about making goods available to consumers when and where they shop.

Advertising and Sales Promotion

Among the important questions addressed in promotional strategy are whether and how the firm should use advertising and sales promotion. Advertising uses messages transmitted via mass media. It is effective in educating consumers about a product and persuading them that it is superior, but takes time to produce sales. Sales promotion offers direct incentives like coupons, rebates and premiums that motivate people to buy a brand immediately, or in greater quantities than they otherwise would. Often, these two tools are used simultaneously.

Personal Selling and Public Relations

Promotional strategies may also call for the use of personal selling and public relations, which further expand marketers' communication opportunities. For products that are technologically complex, difficult to use, expensive and/or require demonstration, one-on-one persuasion by skilled salespeople may be more effective than any other technique. In situations where the firm wants to influence its shareholders, employees, vendors and the broader community, public relations devices like press releases and media events can help get attention and build excitement.

Tags: marketing strategy, one-on-one persuasion, personal selling, price distribution, product price, product price distribution

The Function Of A Promoter

Promoters should have a marketing background or be knowledgeable in basic marketing skills.

Promoters are in charge of raising awareness about an event, business or idea. They often are involved in all aspects of an event, including planning, marketing and sometimes even funding. Promoters use a number of resources and outlets to spread the word and get people to attend an event or take another action to support a cause.

Planning

Promoters often are in charge or work on a team that plans an event, such as a party, concert, business launch or sale. They often work to find the appropriate venue and negotiate a rental price. They also might enlist volunteers or other people to work at the event. Promoters also are in charge of booking entertainment for the event, like bands, DJs or other performers. They often serve as the liaison for the entertainers as well, booking their travel to and from the event.

Spreading the Word

One of the most important functions of a promoter is to spread the word about the event to get people to attend or participate. Promoters need to understand the target audience for the event, and use ways to reach the audience. For example, when promoting a concert, promoters often attend similar concerts in advance to pass out fliers to the audience interested in similar music. Or, to promote a business event, promoters might send emails to an industry target market or take out banner ads on websites visited by the target business audience.

Generate Excitment

A good promoter creates excitement or a buzz around the event to get people talking about it and help promote the event through viral marketing techniques. Viral marketing is a concept in which a message spreads from person to person, like a virus. So, a promoter must find an angle that gets people's attention and entices them to tell their friends or co-workers about it. For example, if a promoter is able to hire a celebrity to attend the event, that will generate buzz around the event and get people talking about it. Other ways to generate excitement include contests, giveaways and performances by popular entertainers.

Methods to Promote

Promoters can use a number of resources and methods to promote an event. Street promotion involves hanging posters in public places for people to see as they walk by. Promoters can also take out ads in local newspapers, magazines, TV or on the radio to reach hundreds or thousands of people quickly. Also, promoters can create a website about the event, or post the event on popular social media sites to reach people online. Promoters might also enlist their friends and family to help spread the word to their social networks via email, social media or word of mouth.

Tags: about event, event people, spread word, They often, around event

What Is A Short Term Marketing Plan

Most businesses and other organizations require some form of marketing to make themselves known to potential clients. To implement marketing effectively, most businesses choose to develop a marketing plan. This plan is a written description of the business' marketing goal and the strategies it will employ to accomplish them. While companies devote some parts of marketing plans to a long term strategy, a company also may include information about marketing in the short term.

Definition

In marketing, "short term" has no specific definition, and most people use it largely as a relative measurement. The exact time period specified by short term depends greatly on how often a company's marketing changes. For example, a fashion company that produces a new line of clothes every season may consider short term marketing as marketing strategies for the next three months, while a television station may consider daily or weekly ads as part of its short term marketing plan.

Contrast with Long Term Plans

Often, short term marketing includes all strategies that a company plans to use to promote a new good or service. In contrast, a long term marketing plans help position a company in the consciousness of consumers over many business cycles. While short term marketing may sell a new product, long term marketing plans help identifying how a company will brand itself in a year or longer.

Contents

Short term marketing plans generally contain information that is more specific than the information found in long term plans. A typical short term plan outlines the message of a marketing campaign, the formats or channels through which the the message will run and the cost of the project. Depending on the company, a short term marketing plan might resemble a finished blueprint of a marketing campaign or it might resemble a draft painted in relatively broad strokes.

Function

The best short term marketing plans accomplish two related tasks. First, as discussed, they identify a means of advancing the business in the short term through marketing. Secondly, effective plans also identify a way of integrating this near-term strategy into the company's longer term marketing vision. For example, while a short term marketing campaign might promote a new product, the branding of the company in the ad jibes with the company's long term vision, which can be repeated in future ads.

Tags: term marketing, short term, short term marketing, marketing plans, short term

Airline Regulations On International Travel

Different airlines have different regulations.

Before you go on an international flight, it's important to understand airline regulations regarding international travel. While some requirements -- like having a passport -- are universal, others may be specific to the airline you're traveling with.

Passports and Visas

United States citizens must have a valid passport to travel internationally on any airline. Some countries require travel visas for tourists, though visa regulations vary by country. You'll need your passport to reenter the United States at the end of your trip.

Liquids

Many countries regulate liquids on flights. While specifics vary by airline and country, you should limit personal toiletries and liquid medications in your carry-on luggage to no more than 3 oz. and seal them in a clear bag with a zip-top. Delta Airlines suggests having these liquids out while going through security, which could speed up the process.

Minors

All airlines require proof of parental permission before allowing an unaccompanied minor to fly. Many countries and airlines require a legal guardian or specified party to pick up the child upon arrival. All of the visa, passport and identification laws also apply to minors, meaning they'll have to show as much identification as an adult to board flights and visit some countries.

Considerations

Because each airline has different policies, the requirements for international flights can vary. Contact the airline you'll be using for specific requirements and regulations.

Tags: airlines require, Many countries, United States

Make A Sales Flyer

Create your own sales flyer

Flyers are a simple and effective way to advertise locally. Create flyers to sell a used household item, advertise a garage sale, a bake sale, a business or neighborhood event. You can hand them out, hang them up in your area, display them in your car window or get permission to place them in shops. Microsoft Word has all the tools you need to make a descriptive and eye-catching flyer; you can even add photos of the item you're selling or decorate your event flyer with clip art.

Instructions

Details and Infomation

1. Open a blank Microsoft Word document.

2. Type in the title or header of your flyer. This should include the product you're advertising. If you're selling a car, it might be "For Sale: 1999 Mitsubishi Galant".

3. Describe the item in detail; specify the color, style, condition and asking price.

4. Add your contact information.

Add a Photo

5. Click 'Insert' from the menu bar.

6. Scroll down to 'Picture' and select 'From File'.

7. Double click on the photo you would like to add. If the photo is too large, resize it by moving your mouse cursor to the bottom right corner of the picture. When the double-sided arrow appears, hold down the mouse's left click button and move in towards the center of the photo until you're at the right size.

Clip Art

8. Click 'Insert' from the menu bar.

9. Scroll down to 'Picture' and select 'Clip Art'. A right-side column with a search function will appear.

10. Enter a search term that applies to the subject of your flyer. If you're advertising a bake sale, enter "dessert", "cake" or "cookie". Click an image to select it.

Review

11. Print one copy of your flyer and review it.

12. Make any necessary adjustments to the document in Microsoft Word.

13. Print as many copies as needed.

Tags: Microsoft Word, your flyer, bake sale, Click Insert, Click Insert from

Write A Marketing Letter To Get Clients

Effective marketing letters quickly address readers' issues and challenges.

Companies must market to not only potential clients, but also build relationships with their existing customer base. Although trade shows, partner referrals and cold-calling are common strategies for prospecting, sending an effective client letter helps break through the marketing clutter. Whether attached to a survey, newsletter or brochure, marketing letters personalize sales pitches and engage your target audience. Marketing letters can be sent online or through postal mail depending on the marketing campaign and target audience.

Instructions

1. Write a compelling headline or email subject line. Use this as an opportunity to introduce your campaign's incentive, which encourages the reader to participate or respond. Consider your target audience. Ask what members would want to read in a marketing or sales pitch. Avoid using business jargon or marketing language not comprehensible to the average reader.

2. Address the letter to an actual individual. In the heading, include the customer or potential target's full name and office or home address. Use the standard salutation with the customer's proper name.

3. Spell out the reward, benefit, product or solution. Communicate the reader's challenge in the first paragraph and highlight how your company can resolve the reader's problem. Show that you specialize in the reader's sector and that your company understands her business challenges. Cite a specific issue, trend, news article or report. Explain the initiative (for example, a 20 percent off coupon).

4. List your company's credentials and purpose. Establish credibility by talking about your products and services, and what you have to offer as a firm. Distinguish yourself from your competitors by stating your unique selling point and why your company is different from the rest. Offer best practices or tips that the reader can immediately use or implement after reading the letter.

5. Include contact information such as your office phone number, website and email address. Write how and when readers can collect their incentive after participating in the initiative described in the letter.

6. Check your letter for misspellings or errors. Share the letter with other marketing colleagues for further proofreading, edits and comments. Get your supervisor or project leader to review and approve it before sending it out to customers and targets.

Tags: your company, target audience, your target, your target audience

Enbrel Injection As An Alzheimers Cure

The Enbrel injection may offer hope as a new treatment for Alzheimer's patients. Since 1998, Enbrel (etanercept) has been used to treat people for rheumatoid arthritis along with other immune-based conditions. Arthritis patients receive the Enbrel injection in the thigh, stomach or upper arm, but Alzheimer's patients in a recent study received the injection in the spine. A medical facility in Los Angeles conducted the study using Enbrel on patients with Alzheimer's, and the results amazed them. Enbrel may not be a cure for Alzheimer's, but it could be a promising treatment option.

One Study

According to Rxlist.com, a small six-month study was done on 12 people who had mild to severe stages of Alzheimer's. Dr. Edward Tobinick, director of the Institute for Neurological Research, a private medical facility in Los Angeles, California, injected Enbrel into the muscles surrounding the spinal cord of Alzheimer's patients. This delivers the drug straight into the nervous system. So far, this small study has undergone two phases with promising results, and researchers are considering a phase three clinical trial in the near future. Researchers don't know when the FDA will approve Enbrel but they plan more research.

What Is Enbrel?

Enbrel blocks part of the body's immune system that makes the tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or TNF-alpha. Elevated levels of TNF-alpha may be what interferes with the regulation of neural impulses. This protein is critical to the immune system of the brain. Scientists believe that Alzheimer's may be due to an inflammation in the brain. They attribute this to the TNF-alpha secreted by glial cells in the brain that may contribute to this damage.

Improvements From the Enbrel Injection

When a person has Alzheimer's disease his speech is often affected. Sometimes he has trouble finding the right words. Within a few minutes after receiving the Enbrel injection, there were noticeable improvements in the patient's conversation and comprehension abilities. He was better at naming things and following spoken commands. One patient didn't know what the current year was or what state he was in. Ten minutes after he received the injection, he could answer those questions. Another patient was asked to draw a clock showing a specific time. He drew a square instead. Two hours after the injection, he drew a round clock and the correct time.

Warnings

People with rheumatoid, juvenile, idiopathic or psoriatic arthritis and other immune diseases should not take this drug or consider being tested. Enbrel lowers the immune system that fights infections, and some people have contracted tuberculosis.

If you are prone to infection, have advanced diabetes or you have trouble controlling your diabetes, do not take Enbrel. People who have an infection or are allergic to any of Enbrel's ingredients need to avoid this drug.

Amgen Manufactures Enbrel

The company Amgen manufactures Enbrel. As of 2009, the FDA has not approved Enbrel for people with Alzheimer's. Enbrel needs more testing for possible side effects, but researchers are encouraged because the drug has shown exciting promise. Maybe in time they will have gathered enough information to approve it for people with Alzheimer's.

According to Science Daily, Dr. Tobinick owns stock in Amgen and has pending patents describing the potential use of Enbrel in treating Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.

Tags: Alzheimer patients, Enbrel injection, immune system, with Alzheimer, Alzheimer disease, facility Angeles

Write A Business Request Letter

Do your homework before making a written request to guard against an unreasonable demand and inaccuracies.

A business request letter always asks for a specific action. It concisely describes what you want and details the action that you hope your recipient will take. It also thanks the recipient in advance for any special effort or favor needed to address your request. When you have to persuade a recipient to act on your request, emphasize the reasons for your request early in your letter. If you will accept several responses, then describe them and state which one you prefer. Carefully plan your request before writing your letter to prevent unreasonable demands, and then organize your request as follows.

Instructions

1. Provide details regarding your past relationship with the recipient, if any, to help him remember you and take special notice. Next, tell the recipient why you are writing. For instance, "We met last month at the XYZ branch store. You may recall our lively discussion about the World Series and how excited I was about the new company cell phones we were purchasing from you. Unfortunately, the phones have not lived up to our expectations."

2. Tell the recipient what you want him to do and by when. For example, "We hope that you can help us overcome our cell phone issues quickly. Please come to our office to meet with our sales team on Monday, February 10, at 9:00 am. This is the only time during the week that the entire team gathers together. Be prepared to instruct them on the proper usage of their new cell phones, troubleshoot their issues and suggest alternatives."

3. Provide the recipient with the information he needs to meet with your request, including any supporting documentation. In our example, you could attach a copy of an internal memo that lists or summarizes the cell phone complaints made by your sales team, as well as driving directions to your office. Refer to these attachments in the body of your letter.

4. Offer to provide additional information to your recipient. Ask him to contact you to answer any questions or address any concerns about your request. Furnish your contact information, including your name and title, address, phone number, fax number and e-mail address. If you are simply initiating the request but delegating its resolution to another individual, then provide the designated individual's contact information instead of yours.

5. Summarize your request and thank the recipient in advance for his assistance. Remain courteous and positive to the end. For example, "Thanks so much for your help, Joe. I look forward to seeing you on Monday, February 10, at 9:00 am. With your expert help, I trust that we will be able to resolve our cell phone issues before too long."

Tags: your request, cell phone, your letter, cell phone issues, cell phones

The Average Tattoo Artist Salary

A tattoo artist makes anywhere from $40 to $250 an hour.

According to Simply Hired, the overall national average median salary for tattoo artists in 2010 is $32,000 annually. However, this figure can vary from case to case depending upon a number of factors including level of skill, experience and whether you are a self-employed tattoo studio owner or an independent contractor working on commission. In either scenario, career and employment statistics are available online to help you get an idea of what the average salary of a tattoo artist may be in a particular niche.

Typical Hourly Rates

The amount of money you can expect to earn as a tattoo artist will be determined in part by what the current hourly rate of service is and what hourly rate is charged by the studio you work for. In 2010 the typical hourly rate for tattooing is between $80 and $125 per hour. However, increased rates may apply for custom designs or tattoos created by well-known established artists in the field. Celebrity tattoo artists such as Kat Von D, Paul Booth and Brandon Bond are known to charge between $350 and $500 per hour and have waiting lists of up to three years.

Working In A Studio

Tattooists who work in shops and studios are typically paid a commission or percentage of the hourly rate charged by the proprietor. In most instances, the tattoo shop will provide you with necessary materials such as a work station, inks, needles and latex gloves. As a studio tattoo artist the amount of your commission may vary according to your level of skill and experience. Generally, commissions range between 30 and 50 percent of the tattoo price. PayScale.com reports that in 2010 the range of salary for tattooists working in studios is from $22,404 to $45,731 per year.

Studio Owner's Salary

Many tattoo artists bypass working in a shop to earn more money as studio owners. Though you can earn additional income by collecting up to 50 percent of the earnings of your employees --- and 100 percent of your own earnings --- you must take into consideration the overhead expenses associated with running the shop. You will be required to sponsor all advertising, provide liability insurance, your own health benefits and supplies and materials for your tattooists. According to PayScale.com the average yearly salary for tattoo studio owners is between $33,129 and $56,500.

Benefits

Much like most other commission based independent contractor positions, tattoo artists are typically offered no benefits and are responsible for paying their own taxes and providing their own health benefits and retirement plans. In 2010 PayScale.com statistics show that 91 percent of tattooists working for studios receive no benefits whatsoever. Nine percent receive medical benefits, seven percent receive dental and only five percent receive vision. Shop owners have slightly higher statistics with 31 percent receiving medical, 23 percent receiving dental and 15 percent receiving vision benefits.

Tattoo Apprenticeships

By law, practicing the art of tattooing requires no formal education. However, most professional tattoo artists are required to complete an apprenticeship prior to beginning their career. During an apprenticeship you'll have little if any income at all. In fact, some apprenticeships require that you pay your mentor. Typically, tattoo apprentices enter in an agreement with an established tattoo studio that states that she will be taught the art by studio artists in exchange for working in the shop and assisting professional tattoo artists. As an apprentice you may have the opportunity to tattoo customers as "practice" however the shop will receive payment for your work. The only payment that tattoo apprentices receive are occasional tips from clients.

Tags: tattoo artists, hourly rate, percent receive, percent receiving, salary tattoo, shop will

Be A Promotional Model

Promotional models in a San Diego nightclub

Ever notice how those people handing out sodas, T-shirts and other freebies are always easy on the eyes? That’s no coincidence. They’re promotional models hired to attract as much attention to their product as possible. Here’s how you, too, can make it as a promotional model.

Instructions

1. Search web sites like Craigslist.org and EventSpeak.com for promotional modeling jobs. Apply within a day or two of the posting, as most positions fill very quickly.

2. Be available by phone and email at all times. Many promotional job offers are first come, first served. Checking and responding to your messages regularly increases your chances of getting a job.

3. Be prepared to send a resume, photos, and/or a modeling bio. Your resume should highlight jobs that utilize your interpersonal skills as well as your promotions, customer service and marketing experience. Your photos should be clear, show only you, and be as professional as possible.

4. Have a mailing address where you can receive packages. Also, it helps to have your own transportation and access to a digital camera. Some promotional modeling gigs require you to receive and transport goods and take photos of the event.

5. When you land a gig, arrive early, be friendly to everyone and be prepared to work hard. Promotional models who turn up their noses at moving a few boxes, setting up an event tent or filling goody bags generally don’t receive future job offers.

6. Know that promotions is a small world. The co-worker you argue with today may be your manager at the next promotion. And if you flake out or do a bad job for one manager, you may be blacklisted not only from that company but from all of its affiliates and any other companies that manager may go on to work for.

7. Make connections. Ask your co-workers what companies they like to work for, what upcoming gigs they’re working and if they’d be willing to share job opportunities with you (in return for your sharing with them, of course).

Tags: promotional modeling, Promotional models

What Is An Import/Export Clerk

Many products have a final destination that requires the importing and exporting of the product. The sheer volume of products transported across international borders by a company might require the assistance of an import-export clerk. The import-export clerk ensures the products get to their destination by filing the appropriate documentation with all of the entities involved with the transit process. The import-export clerk also keeps financial records of this process.

Duties

The import-export clerk is involved in every step of the international shipping process. A primary goal of the clerk is to ensure the efficient delivery of items by having the right information at all times during the shipping process. The import-export clerk helps to ensure synchronization during shipping to avoid any lag time in customs for international delivery. The clerk also helps a company obtain the best prices for shipping, insurance, warehousing and ensures the company follows government regulations at all times during the shipping process.

Requirements

Entry level import-export clerk positions typically require a high school diploma. However, many companies also now require a bachelor's degree in a business-related field. If you speak more than one language, you will have an advantage over other applicants in this field. Additionally, obtaining a certificate in import-export regulations is a common requirement for this position. An import-export clerk must have the ability to convert currencies, weights, measures and volumes for international orders. Furthermore, because most shipping systems are computerized and automated, an import-export clerk must have basic computer skills.

Required Skills

An import-export clerk requires critical thinking skills that will allow you to find alternative solutions to the recurring problems that take place during the shipping process. Additionally, you will need evaluation and organizational skills to keep track of multiple destinations and assess compliance with varied international regulations. Also, an import-export clerk will need to have good communication skills, the ability to deal with pressure and have strong attention to detail.

Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field will experience a decline of 7 percent between 2008 and 2018. This decline results from the automation of the shipping industry and the resulting decrease in shipping departments. Many companies have started to replace import-export clerks with identification and data collection systems. The median annual salary for this position is $35,340. The salary you can expect to receive as an import-export clerk will also depend on the size of the organization and the location.

Tags: import-export clerk, during shipping, shipping process, during shipping process, clerk also, clerk must

Apple Computer Promotion Ideas

Appeal to loyal Apple customers when designing promotions.

When you are selling Apple computers, marketing is an important part of reaching out to Mac-friendly users. As you develop a marketing strategy, consider how you can capture the attention of people who are likely to use Apple products by focusing on their unique interests.

Market to Designers

Many graphic and Web designers use Apple computers because of the quality of their displays and the capability of the processing system to handle design and video files. Take advantage of this pre-existing audience group and create promotions targeted to designers. If you are marketing Apple desktop computers, for example, you might hold an in-store demonstration that shows a full layout on the screen to demonstrate the convenient work space. You can also have a workshop that helps designers understand Mac operating system's compatibility with major design programs and built-in programs that handle the exporting and merging of different file types.

Focus on Gadgets

Apple gadgets like iPods and iPhones are popular even with consumers who use PC computers. To convert PC users to Mac customers, focus your promotional efforts on the ease of using multiple Apple products together. Because all Mac products run the same applications, like e-mail and calendars, users do not have to worry about conversion between Apple and PC or run the risk that data will be corrupted when moving between different platforms. As part of a marketing campaign that emphasizes ease of use, offer a free iPod with purchase.

Maintenance Options

It can be more difficult for a Mac user to find computer technicians who are able to repair their computers, particularly in rural areas or small towns. If you have technicians on-site who can address Apple problems when they come up, use it to your advantage in promotions. To reassure customers that they will have experienced, capable help, run a promotion that includes a service package with each purchase of an Apple computer. Depending on how you run your business, it might be for a period of time or a certain number of hours.

Back to School

When students go back to school in the fall, many parents look to buy them computers. Because Apple computers generally have a higher price point than other brands, do a back-to-school promotion to overcome cost concerns. You might offer a discount for students from a major university in your area, for example, or hold a contest for students to win a free computer. By giving parents extra value, you can encourage them to become regular customers.

Tags: Apple computers, Apple products

Build An Effective Magic Deck

Red decks are associated with fire, and direct damage to your opponent.

Magic the Gathering is the most popular collectible card game on the market. It has been imitated by many other products, but its longevity attests to its popularity. One of the reasons for its ongoing success is the combination of simplicity and complexity the game offers. Like chess, the game takes very little time to learn, but a lifetime to master. Much of the mastery of Magic though, comes from building a strong deck. An extremely talented deck builder will often defeat a superior player, simply because their deck sets them up for victory.

Instructions

1. Choose a theme for your deck. There are many different concepts that you can base a deck around, but you have to choose one in order to have a starting point. This is especially useful for inexperienced deck builders. There are a number of different themes that are good starting points, such as a small creature deck, direct damage, protection, or a permission deck. Small creature decks would be based around low-mana cost creatures that you can get out fast and early. Direct damage utilizes spells that directly hurt the opponent. Protection decks use as many methods as possible to prevent your opponent from damaging you (with a few big creatures to unleash on them to cause damage). Permission decks are designed to counter your opponent's play. There are more, and more complicated ways to approach deck building, but any of these would be a good choice for a beginner.

2. Choose a color or colors to base your deck around. Most people now play one or two color decks. A one color deck gives you the advantage of always drawing the right type of mana. Choose a deck color that is suitable for the theme of your deck. This might also be influenced by your collection of cards and what you have available. Blue is usually a strong color for a permission deck and red is good for direct damage. Most colors are good if you want to make a deck full of quick-to-deploy small creatures. Color choice is part personal preference, part card availability and part thematic suitability.

3. Decide what your land-to-card ratio should be. A standard Magic deck is comprised of about 60 cards. You can have more, but not less, and 60 is a good size for a first deck. A minimum of one third of your deck should be comprised of land. However, if you are going to choose a lot of high mana spells, add more land. Also, if your deck is multi-colored instead of only one color, you need to play with more land in order to make sure you have access to the different kinds of mana you need early in the game. In cases where you need more land, you might go as high as 26 or 27 land cards in a deck.

4. Choose the rest of the cards that are going to make up your deck. Now that you have the theme and color narrowed down, you should have a much easier time selecting cards that are going to fit in your deck. Remember that you can only have four of any given card in a deck. If you feel that a card is particularly strong, you want to be sure to have it four times in your deck, as that increases your odds of drawing it.

5. Test your deck. This is the key to truly developing a great Magic deck. Take it out and play a few games with it. If you're winning, that's great. But if you're losing, or just barely eking out wins, it is time to look at where the deck is weak. If you're getting pummeled with creatures, you might need a few cards that can stop your opponent from playing them, or a few big blockers of your own. You might not be doing damage quick enough and need to shore up that aspect of your deck. Once you adjust the deck, retest it until you feel like you've struck a balance and can be competitive against a wide range of deck types.

Tags: your deck, your opponent, cards that, more land, cards that going, deck around

Pricing Strategies For Business Franchising

Franchise systems may vary prices based on geographic locations.

Business franchising is a model used to replicate an existing business in new territories, locations and countries. The original company defines the framework, products and methods that are the foundational elements for their business. They establish a business system that can be purchased along with naming rights, business support and the purchases of products, supplies and equipment. Standard purchasing strategies can be applied to selling business franchises to new companies and individual entrepreneurs.

Penetration Pricing Strategy

A business new to the franchising business, or one that wants to expand quickly, may use a penetration pricing strategy. Franchisees may offer a low initial franchising fee, financial assistance for startup costs and reduced-cost products, services or machinery to rapidly expand the brand across multiple territories. Under this pricing model, franchisors typically receive a percentage of sales as a royalty. Companies using a penetration pricing strategy opt for long-term financial rewards and increased brand awareness over upfront payments for new franchise businesses.

Competition Pricing Strategy

Franchises that operate in a similar market to other franchise systems may opt for a competition pricing strategy that sets their prices in line with other franchise offerings. The pricing may be slightly lower than the competition to try and appear more attractive to potential franchise owners. The foundation of this strategy is to use other companies' pricing frameworks as a guide for establishing or modifying pricing schedules.

Premium Pricing Strategy

Businesses that offer a new or innovative product that is not easily replicated by other companies may opt for a premium pricing strategy. Under this model, new franchise owners pay a price premium that is based on the exclusive nature of the product. A high price makes the products and services appear more desirable. This model may encourage less overall sales, but the profit margin on each franchise sale may be greater. For example, a company selling a product that requires a patented process or access to exclusive equipment may price the upfront cost of the franchise high to capitalize on the brand while it is new and still a hot commodity.

Geographic Pricing Strategy

Franchise businesses that offer business options in different physical locations may opt for a geographic pricing strategy. This strategy is most often employed by companies when they want to start franchising internationally. Franchise systems can price the international franchises higher or lower than the prices charged domestically. Companies will set the price high to reflect the additional costs of supporting franchises at farther distances. Franchisors may price the franchise lower than domestic costs to gain a presence in new markets, or to reflect the economic conditions of the new location.

Tags: lower than, appear more, franchise owners, Franchise systems, other companies, other franchise, penetration pricing strategy

Advertising Coordinator Job Description

An advertising coordinator is in charge of all the advertising activities in the organization.

An advertising coordinator organizes advertising for print and electronic media for clients. He coordinates the scheduling of ads and product promotions to ensure client satisfaction. He carries out research on market needs and communicates them to the advertising team for appropriate ad development and placement. He is in charge of developing marketing plans, providing advertisement sales support and the administration of his department. He reports to a supervisor or manager. This kind of job may be available in organizations that have 10 or more members in an advertising department.

Education

An advertising coordinator requires a bachelor’s degree in advertising, media, public relations or communication. She also needs two to four years of continuous experience, according to the HR Management website.

Responsibilities and Duties

An advertising coordinator builds and maintains relationships with clients. He coordinates weekly newspaper and television advertising and works with the marketing team to ensure graphics and data specifications for advertisements are met. He sells web and print advertisements to national advertisers especially publishers. He tracks ad revenue and reports to the accounts department. He schedules ad placement with the art and editorial staff. He contacts businesses and tries to find new advertisement media such as the back of tickets and receipts. He provides support to other workers within the advertising department. He maintains and updates the customer database. He coordinates with the account department for requisitions, invoicing and billing issues. The advertising coordinator reports to his supervisor on progress made on advertising and results.

Desirable Skills

An advertising coordinator should be a good team player.

An advertising coordinator should be creative and innovative. She should be able to make decisions quickly and be time-conscious. She should be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially in Excel. She should be self-motivated and a team player. Exceptional attention to detail is needed as well as the ability to prioritize work, interpersonal skills and excellent communication. She should be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and take up duties at short notice.

Working Conditions

An advertising coordinator works with a marketing and advertising team for at least 25 to 40 hours every week, to beat deadlines and meet client requirements. An advertising coordinator is usually required to handle more than one advertising project for different organizations at a time.

Salary

An advertising coordinator earns an average of $42,384 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for support and administrative staff in advertising are expected to drop by 0.9 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Tags: advertising coordinator, advertising coordinator, advertising coordinator should, advertising department, advertising team, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics

Definition Of A Marketing Representative

Discover marketing career options.

If you're seeking a career in marketing, you can choose from a variety of career paths and positions. One of the important roles you can fill in a company is a marketing representative. Before you decide on this career path, learn what the role of a marketing representative is, what the job outlook for the marketing industry is and what your potential income may be.

Significance

A marketing representative is the liaison between a company and its current and prospective clients. In essence, the marketing representative performs promotion and marketing activities to meet and land new clients for the company the representative works for. For example, a marketing representative for a mutual fund company visits the offices of financial firms and meets with financial advisers to try to get them to invest in mutual fund investments for their clients. A marketing representative can work for almost any type of company in almost any industry.

Education

Companies that employ marketing representatives tend to prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in marketing or business. Some companies, however, allow a candidate's experience in sales and marketing take the place of a formal education and the earning of a college degree. If the position is for a company in highly specialized industries such as aerospace or technology, the company may also prefer someone with education or experience in the industry.

Qualifications

Some of the qualifications for marketing representatives include outgoing personalities, computer skills and advanced communication skills. Most marketing representatives travel outside of the office either locally, regionally or long distance to meet with clients and make sales. This requires good time management skills and self-motivation because the representative may spend one day a week in the office completing reports and paperwork and the remaining four days traveling to client meetings and fulfilling sales orders.

Income

The income for a marketing representative can vary greatly. Most marketing representatives work on a salary and commission basis. Many have a base salary, which is generally low, and they are paid a percentage of their sales. Commission percentages can be as low as 2 percent of the sales amount for large-volume items and go up from there for smaller volume items.

Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a 13 percent increase in marketing job positions is expected by the year 2018. The increase is expected as the competitive environment and the number of products and services available increases. Marketing professionals are also required to handle the changing landscape of the advertising and marketing world, so an ability to uncover and develop new and better ways to promote products and services is always important.

Tags: marketing representative, marketing representatives, Most marketing, Most marketing representatives, mutual fund

Apply Communication Theories To Everyday Life

Communication theories can enhance your personal relationships.

Communication theories examine interpersonal relationships as well as social, group relationships. These theories investigate communication, both verbal and nonverbal, and can be used to help develop your own personal and social relationships. They can help enhance your friendships, increase your closeness with your family, support your work relationships and further your romantic involvements. While each communication theory is drastically different, each offers its own advantage to your social interactions and relationship management.

Instructions

1. Study communication theories and examine how each can affect your life. Read through your options such as cognitive dissonance theory for its relation to your relationship frustrations or cultivation analysis if you want to improve your mood and general world view. Consider expectancy violations theory when you want to get a better job or standpoint theory if you would like to learn see things from other people's points of view.

2. Concentrate on one or two theories that seem to focus on the main problems in your life and read the theory in greater depth. For instance, if you find yourself in a difficult relationship and need help resolving your conflict, the cognitive dissonance theory, which points to a dissonance between your actions and your beliefs, may help you overcome your relationship frustrations. Read all of the information that you can find about the theory.

3. Examine your life and the status of your current relations in regard to your chosen theory. Ask yourself how the theory applies, or could apply, to your situation. As an example, after reading about cognitive dissonance, you realize that some of your frustration with your relationship may be attributed to the dissonance between your belief in your mate as ideal and your choice to continue the relationship. If your chosen theory does not seem to fit your situation, continue searching for a new one that better identifies your problem.

4. Read deeper into your theory and determine how you can use your new information to achieve a different result. Focus on the methods to achieve a positive result, but do not ignore the pitfalls that could lead to a negative result. For instance, cognitive dissonance theory suggests that you should alter either your beliefs or actions so as to bring the two closer together, eliminating the dissonance. You decide to concentrate on the positive features of your mate.

5. Evaluate your actions in response to your communication theory and determine if you are following through on your course of action. As an example, you address every interaction with your mate with the positive features in your mind, reminding yourself of his positive points. After a time, you should begin to see him in a much more positive light, and then you can reassess whether the dissonance you felt was the cause of your frustration or if you still need to rethink your relationship.

Tags: cognitive dissonance, your relationship, cognitive dissonance theory, dissonance theory, with your

Top Things To Sell On Ebay

Top Things to Sell on eBay

Many entrepreneurs have made their fortunes by selling on eBay, and you probably want to get in on the action. It sounds perfect: buy something for next to nothing, and then turn it around and sell it for a huge profit on the online auction site. However, some items just don't sell. Carefully choosing top things to sell on eBay means that you'll better find a buyer willing to pay top dollar for your item.

Electronics

Thanks to the major inflation of items from big box electronic stores, consumers are looking for a cheaper way to buy their DVD players, iPods and television sets. Many are searching eBay for these deals, and you can sell some of your old, unused and even damaged electronics for top dollar on the site. Remember to categorize properly, so that those who are looking for an item like yours can find it easily.

Antiques

Do you have an attic full of old items that someone else might be able to use or re-purpose? Antiques are hot sellers on eBay. The best way to sell your antiques for a hefty profit is to make sure they have all of the proper identification and authentication with them to prove they are collectible antiques. Unfortunately, your "Great Aunt Betty's watch" may not be authentication enough. See an appraiser to get the best documentation on the authenticity of your antiques.

Collectible Memorabilia

Many sellers make a business out of their uncanny abilities to snag superstar memorabilia from singers, actors and other famous people. If you have autographed pictures or a few tour t-shirts, if you put them up on eBay at the right time, they can be top sellers. For instance, a signed picture from all of the members of a band would sell best when the band announces that it is breaking up, as buyers scramble to get their pieces of memorabilia.

Designer Items

Designer handbags are easily one of the top sellers on eBay. Designer bags, glasses and shoes are status items, and while a small-town girl might not have the money or resources to buy a Gucci Pelham where she lives, she can purchase a used one on eBay for less money and still retain the status. Make sure that you have authentic documents with the designer items to prove that they aren't just clever knockoffs.

Niche Items

Seemingly silly niche items often sell very well on eBay for massive profits. Check out your storage containers to see if you have popular action figures that you could sell as a "lot" (a group of items). A bag of vintage marbles recently sold on eBay for $4,600 simply because it was an entire collection. When in doubt, pay the $.50 listing fee just to see if you get any interest. Your trash might just be another person's eBay treasure.

Tags: sellers eBay, your antiques