Genae Valecia Hinesman reports:
"To gain start-up capital for a new business, or to secure investment money for expanding an existing one, you need a strong business plan. To ensure that your plan will get read, you will need an equally strong preface, which is also called an executive summary...Write the first paragraph in an engaging manner. The sooner you can grab and hold the reader's attention, the better. Just as the preface is designed to get the plan read, the first few lines should convince the reader to read the plan. Describe what your business does, the niche it [fills and] the opportunity it offers. Illustrate what makes your approach unique and why it is needed in the marketplace...Stick to the main issues for the preface, and summarize them within one or two pages. Use concise language to emphasize key points that will be discussed in greater detail in the body of the rest of the proposal. Many lenders, venture capitalists and investors are natural multitaskers, but most don't have time to read a massive document in one sitting. One cursory glance at your preface might be the only opportunity you'll have to pique...interest and secure a face-to-face meeting to discuss your proposal. Ask yourself this question: If the only page that was read was the preface/executive summary, would it be enough to explain what your business does and entice the reader to learn more? If not, revise it so it does...Conclude your preface by giving your reader a sense of urgency. If the person reading your preface feels that he has all the time in the world to come to a decision about your business plan, then it might be forgotten. State briefly, but confidently, why now is the best time to fund your venture. Avoid cliches and common, overused terms that can't be clearly defined in the preface. Don't say your idea is 'revolutionary', 'on the cutting edge' or 'groundbreaking.' Instead, show the reader how and why it is all of those things, using specific examples to back up your points." Karen S. Johnson reports:
"Newspaper editors enjoy writing and are good at it, but many do little article writing. In fact, many newspaper editors work almost exclusively on assigning articles to their staff members, then reviewing what's submitted. This is changing as newspapers are suffering serious declines in revenue and newsroom staff are being cut, with reporter and editor jobs getting combined more and more. Many newspaper[s] start as newspaper reporters and move up to the editor position. While Internet news publications are replacing some print newspapers, editors still need to make coverage and business decisions for online news as well as in print...There isn’t a degree or education requirement to being an editor, but with little predicted job growth you increase your chances with at least a bachelor’s degree...English, journalism [and] communications are all appropriate choices, but any liberal arts degree is a good choice, especially with a concentration in writing. While in college, find other opportunities that will give you newspaper experience, such as working for the college newspaper or an internship...Editors commonly get their indoctrination into the newspaper world by writing and reporting. Many interns conduct research for reporters, which is important for factually correct stories and background information. Even a job in another area, such as the business office or selling advertising, can help you understand the newspaper publishing business and prepare you for an eventual career as an editor...An editor is not only a good writer, but [also] has an excellent grasp of grammar. You have to pay great attention to detail; even with proofreaders, the ultimate responsibility for accuracy falls to the editor. With more newspaper eyeballs coming from online sources, coming up with eye-catching and accurate headlines is increasingly part of the newspaper editor role. Newspaper publishing is deadline[-]driven, so you must work well under pressure without compromising accuracy. There is also a business component to being an editor, from understanding the publishing business, to keeping an eye on bottom-line practices of subscriptions and advertising sales. With news operations shrinking and newsroom jobs getting combined, you should learn more computer skills, including how to use a content management system to upload articles and how to post on social media channels. To increase your employability, learn how to take photographs that can be used in a print publication (usually for local papers) and online...Newspapers are working hard to increase online readership, with some offering free access to readers (making money off ads), while others sell online subscriptions with premium content. To see what type of income you might make, use job aggregator and salary websites like Salary.com, Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.com. Type the job title, city and/or state you're interested in to see what employers are currently offering." Naomi Johnson from Lifebasedbusiness.net reports:
"Even the most experienced entrepreneurs would be hard-pressed to build a business alone. It takes a huge variety of skills to establish an enterprise, create a strong online presence, and market your products to a wide audience. Luckily, working with freelancers will give you access to the talent you need without taking on the costs of hiring full-time employees. If you have a history as a business owner, you probably have prior experience collaborating with web developers or copywriters. However, there are also freelance services that can help you accomplish tasks that are more outside the ordinary. 1. Logo Design If your startup is on a tight budget, you might use an online logo creator to make a business logo of your own. There are many styles and icons to choose from, and you can adjust fonts and colors until you have a workable design. You might overlook the services of a freelance logo designer if you create a strong placeholder yourself. However, a professional designer can help you go the extra mile when it comes to making a strong first impression with your logo. Freelancers who specialize in this niche tend to know exactly what design elements will stick in a customer's memory. 2. Photography Depending on the nature of your business, the idea of hiring a photographer might not have crossed your mind whatsoever. If you sell a physical product, though, it is important to showcase it to your audience with a professional-level composition. Regularly collaborating with a freelance photographer will ensure that you always have the best imagery for use on your website and in your marketing material. As an entrepreneur, it is also essential that you work with a photographer to get a professional headshot of yourself. This is particularly important if you offer an involved service, as clients will wish to put a face to the name before trusting you with potentially sensitive needs. 3. Proofreading/Editing Composing written content is an inevitable part of appealing to customers through social media and marketing tactics. Perhaps you are already incorporating search engine optimization methods into your website writing practices. What you might not realize is that a proofreading service such as Mister Line Editor can elevate your writing to a higher level. The best editors will hone in on easy-to-miss grammar or spelling errors as well as any factual inconsistencies. Perhaps more importantly, your editor can help you rearrange and develop content in a way that will better inspire customers to interact with your business. 4. Consulting Hiring a business consultant may seem like an unnecessary expense, especially if your venture is already turning a profit. Consider that reputable freelance consultants are experts in their particular niche. Whether it's general management, accounting, or marketing, you can leverage the knowledge of a proven professional to accelerate your growth. The longer you work with a particular consultant, the deeper their insight into your business will grow, leading to ever more lucrative collaboration. Once you find the freelancers that will improve your operations, you can make the most of their talents by exercising your ability to manage multiple projects at once. Experts emphasize the importance of using cloud-based communication platforms to maintain work relationships. Mastering the art of communication is the only hurdle stopping you from making the most of both ordinary and extraordinary freelance services that will benefit your business." Frank Moraes at HotDog.com reports:
"The last few years have seen a revolution in TV. It is no longer necessary to be tied to a cable provider with a long contract. There are many live TV streaming services that are as good, or better, than what the cable companies provide. All this for a lot less money...We provide simple but detailed information for cord-cutters to get the best possible experience without cable. You will learn where and how to stream different channels, what individual streaming services offer, and how to be cost-effective with your chosen streaming device. Whether you’re a sports fan, movie buff, parent with curious kids, or just a general TV consumer, we provide you with everything you need to leave your cable contract behind...Some reasons for getting rid of cable are obvious. But there are some that may not have occurred to you. Time: Too much television is a waste of time. If you cancel cable and only watch your favorite TV shows, you can spend more time with your friends and family. Money: A cable or satellite subscription costs many times more than it does to grab a simple on-demand plan with Hulu and Netflix. Cable is also more expensive than online cable replacement services with live TV channels, like FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV. Technology: Video streaming is the future of TV. Soon, all video entertainment will be via an online connection. You might as well get on board now, learn the tricks, and save money in the process. Information: Be more informed. Rather than be at the mercy of local news anchors, you will revert to more reputable news feeds like PBS, Bloomberg, CBS News, and LinkTV. For example, FuboTV provides 13 news and information channels, along with all the local affiliates in its base plan. Freedom: Cable and satellite providers normally tie you into a long contract, only to give you prices that are still higher than comparable streaming services. Getting rid of cable means getting rid of the contract. Go month-to-month and be flexible. Dignity: Stop getting ripped off! Calling up the cable company and canceling your cable will simply make you feel good...Choosing the right streaming service is probably the most important decision that a cord-cutter will make. There is no absolute 'best' streaming service. It all depends on what you want with your live TV streaming plan. Some streaming services are free, like Peacock TV (although they have a premium plan). Sling TV offers value plans that are low-cost but offer a lot. And the full-featured plans of FuboTV, Hulu Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM) provide what you would expect from a standard cable plan, but with different bonus features designed to appeal to all sorts of viewers’ needs. Get access to all our detailed and up-to-date reviews of the major streaming services. You will also get links to free trials so you can make sure a service suits you before you buy...Most cable TV subscribers also get their internet access from the same place. In many cases, there are other options for the internet. In some cases, cable is literally the only game in town. We’ve put together everything that cord-cutters need to know about getting internet service. Even if your cable provider is tied in with your internet, you can probably get a reasonably-priced internet-only plan via a downgrade...There are a lot of aspects of cord-cutting that newbies may be faced with. These range from what’s worth watching, to getting access to particular channels, to buying and installing specialized streaming and recording devices. We discuss it all. Here are some of our most popular articles: How to Watch Local News Without Cable Setting Up your Streaming Service Parental Controls The Best DVR Without Subscription Fees The Best Ways to Get Internet Without Cable for Cord[-]Cutters Watching Television in Spanish Without Cable...Major TV events are still a big part of our social lives — just look at Facebook and Twitter during the Super Bowl or Academy Awards. Cord[-]cutters have full access to these events...Most major streaming services offer good access to live sports. The standout is FuboTV. But a good low-cost newcomer to the industry is Vidgo...With live TV streaming, you never have to miss your favorite shows, mini-series, and films when they are broadcast live...We understand that dumping cable is intimidating. So we’ve written a detailed step-by-step guide to the process on How to Watch TV Without Cable. It also gives you an overview of all the top streaming services, desirable features to look for, and answers to the most frequently asked questions from to-be cord-cutters. What are you waiting for? Get started now!" Steve Milano reports:
"Before you begin writing a business plan, determine what you’ll include and how you’ll present the information. A standard business plan consists of a cover sheet, contents page, executive summary, informational sections, summary and support documents. The information sections include a description of your concept, marketing research and financial data and projections...The two main sections of your business plan cover marketing and finances. While you might think your food truck business concept is key, it’s irrelevant if you can’t prove it will turn a profit. In your marketing section, present information regarding the demand for your food truck, or sales potential; potential competition; target customer profile and numbers; pricing strategy; your location; [and] how you’ll advertise and promote the business. In your financial section, provide your start-up and operating costs. Start-up costs include the expenses you’ll have before you sell your first item, with operating costs occurring when you start selling. A key element of any food truck plan includes addressing your location, not only in terms of traffic, but also addressing zoning laws. Discuss any health department regulations that will affect your business to show investors or lenders you have this covered...Create several budgets for potential investors or lenders, as well as to help you operate. Start with a master budget that shows your projected first-year operating expenses, start-up expense debt-service and sales. Create separate overhead, production and cash flow budgets, a balance sheet and a profit and loss statement. These documents provide snapshots of different aspects of the business. For example, you might start making a profit from operations your first week, but take six months to be truly profitable by paying off your start-up costs. Start-up costs include expenses such as the food truck, insurance, licenses and permits. Divide your operating costs into overhead and production. Overhead costs include expenses such as salaries or wages, marketing, credit card processing, truck payments, gas, parking and debt service. Production costs include the food, plates, napkins, utensil[s], napkins, cups, lids, straws and condiments necessary to sell each item...Put your business plan together in a logical order. After your cover and contents pages, write an executive summary, which gives the highlights of what’s to come without supporting detail. Include a brief description of the concept, any marketing research that supports the attractiveness of the idea, the projected sales and profits and the start-up capital needed. After your concept, marketing and financial sections, add support materials, such as your qualifications, menus, budgets and bids you’ve received on trucks." Jennifer Parris reports (sample letter included):
"As part of your job search strategy, you should consider writing letters of inquiry to companies you’d like to work for. Much like the name connotes, a letter of inquiry (also known as a letter of interest) is a professional way of reaching out to a potential employer to establish a connection when they haven’t advertised any job openings you’d be a match for. The benefit of a letter of inquiry is that it puts your qualifications and accomplishments in the spotlight. But if writing a letter of inquiry has got you groaning, don’t worry...Since taking the time to write a letter of inquiry is time-consuming, the last thing you want is for it to get tossed in the trash before even being read. That’s why you should look for a good contact to send it to. Go through your network first (check out your LinkedIn, as well as other former colleagues and bosses) to see if you already have a connection at the company. If not, you should address the letter of inquiry to a management-level contact who would in theory be your boss should you be hired. Another option is to send it to an HR director if you can’t track down any other solid leads. Under no circumstances, though, should you blindly send your letter of inquiry to a company and address it 'Dear Sir' or 'To Whom It May Concern.'...Remember, you’re not applying for a real job, so your letter of inquiry should not be a regurgitation of your resume or mimic a traditional cover letter. Brevity is the hallmark of a letter of inquiry, so make sure to include the reason you’re contacting the company (i.e., why working for that particular company would mean so much to you), as well as the skills and work experience that would make you an asset to their organization...Since you’re looking for a flexible job (one that allows you to work remotely or perhaps to get hired for freelance assignments), it’s a smart move to mention this in your letter of inquiry. After all, an employer might not be hiring full-timers, but could be on the lookout for contract workers for special on-occasion assignments. Putting your flexible work needs out there might make the difference in getting called in for a job interview!...Sure, almost everything is done online today, including applying for jobs. With a letter of inquiry, though, it can be in your best interest to send in an actual letter along with a printed copy of your resume. The chances of it being read are higher and give your letter a better impression upon a potential boss. Sending in an emailed letter of inquiry could be deleted more easily and without much thought...A letter of inquiry can be a great way to establish a connection with a company that you’d like to work for. It can put you on a company’s radar—and put your resume at the top of the hiring pile, too." Update: Here are the top 60 remote work websites for new opportunities in 2022 provided by iReviews. Stephanie Haywood reports:
"Marketing is often a huge expense for small businesses. The good news is that you don’t always need to hire a marketing agency or spend thousands on traditional advertising. You can be your own marketing department and cut down on the costs of marketing. It’s important to first understand the language of marketing. So let’s examine some popular marketing terms and see how you can become your own marketing department. Need effective marketing content for your business and website? Connect with Mister Line Editor for all your proofreading, editing, and SEO writing needs!...Marketing channels are various ways companies can communicate their advertising messages to consumers. Marketing channels are used to reach as many customers as possible by delivering a particular message about your brand. Marketing channels are available online and offline. Online channels include things like email marketing, blogging, and social media, while offline channels include things like telephone poles, billboards, and coffee shops...Marketing messaging is an idea that can be applied to many industries. This refers to how your company communicates with customers online and offline. This type of communication aims to build trust with customers and encourage them to move on to the next step in the sales process or conversion process. Moreover, this gives you insight into what your target audience wants. From there, you can position your brand to cater to your customers’ needs more effectively and more efficiently...Did your marketing campaign work? It can be difficult to know what works in marketing, especially when trying to reach new people. There are five ways you can tell if your marketing campaign was successful. ● Increased website visitors ● Social media interactions are increasing ● Customers and clients leave positive feedback ● Sales increase or conversions ● Your feedback Launching a new product can be complicated. You can overcome these problems in your marketing by creating a go-to-market strategy template. This will include your business plan, marketing strategy, product launch data, and other information...There are a number of ways you can promote your business. The important thing is to find the marketing channels that work best for you and your company. Here, we’ll discuss some different methods you can use to market your business and get your name out there...Email marketing is one of the most popular marketing tools. It allows businesses to send emails to their customers, which can include any kind of information, like announcements about new arrivals, sales, or updates on your company. When utilizing email marketing, you want to make sure you're using catchy subject lines. It’s also important to present content that addresses your clients’ needs and interests...Blogging is one of the best marketing channels for companies to use. It allows you to create content on your site while also promoting your company and services. Blogging is a great way to tell people about the value of your products or services. You can also use other platforms like Facebook or Instagram to share blog posts with your followers...Social media is an important part of digital marketing. It is very powerful and can be used to reach new potential customers. One popular social media site is Facebook, which has almost 3 billion monthly active users. With this many people on the network, it’s easy to spread the word about your business and connect with prospects. Other social networks include Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat, and YouTube...While digital marketing is essential to your business’s success, don’t neglect traditional marketing methods. For instance, a business card can create a lasting impression and give potential customers something to remember you by. You can create business cards inexpensively by utilizing a free online business card maker. Simply choose a template and add your own design elements and copy. It’s possible to market your business effectively without hiring an agency. Use the above tips to make a powerful and lasting impression on your customers." Jamie Schwartz reports:
"Sponsored articles are articles written on a community-driven or news website that are paid for by the advertiser to be a part of the community posts or editorial content of the website, but they include a contextual link. The benefit that they provide is blending the sponsored article with other editorial articles or content from the host website and showcasing it in front of the host website’s readers. Pros of sponsored articles:
Chris Daniels reports:
"Whether for business, research or philanthropy, a proposal is your case for securing resources and permission to pursue a project. The cover letter to your proposal is the first chance to make a favorable impression. As opposed to the executive summary of your project, a good cover letter explains how the organization will benefit from your proposal...Address the cover letter to the person who will be evaluating the proposal. If you do not know, opt for a more personable salutation such as 'Dear Reader' rather than the impersonal 'To Whom It May Concern.'...Introduce the project you are proposing and the amount of funding [you] are requesting in the first sentence...Describe how your project will further the goals of the organization. For a philanthropic organization, this will be its charitable mission. For research, this will be the overall benefit to scientific, medical or technical knowledge. For your business, this will be profits and opportunities gained...Reference any prior contact or interaction you have had with the evaluator of the proposal...List the contents of your proposal without going into depth about the specific contents; this is best left for the executive summary...Provide contact details for the proposal leader in case the evaluator has any further questions. Also, the cover letter should be signed by hand by the project leader." Cynthia Myers reports:
"Writing for the greeting card market requires the brevity of a poet and the knack for tapping into popular culture and ideas. Every card company has its own style and looks for cards that set it apart from the competition. Study the market and follow submission guidelines for individual companies to get paid for writing greeting cards...A visit to the greeting card section at your local supermarket or discount superstore will give you a good idea of what's on the market. Study styles of cards you like and check for the names of companies on the back of them. Note that some companies specialize in funny cards, [and] others go for more serious messages, while still others focus on religious messages. Some companies want rhyming poetry, while others prefer short, pithy sayings...Research the guidelines for companies you'd like to write for. Visit company websites for submission requirements. Determine the types of cards the company is looking for – funny, serious, rhyming or not – and the themes they most need – love, birthdays, cards for men. Some companies accept submissions only via email or an online form, while others will only accept snail mail submissions...Writers create the messages on both the outside and [the] inside of the card, while artists create the illustration and other elements. A writer's job is to come up with messages that convey the feelings people have trouble putting into words themselves. Because companies publish thousands of cards each year, strive for uniqueness and avoid clichés. You may need to brainstorm and write many ideas before you find the ones that will appeal to card companies...Card companies pay from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars for card ideas, but they discard many more ideas than they use. To make money writing for greeting cards, you have to be prolific and persistent. Most successful greeting card writers submit ideas in batches and target several companies. Once you become a regular contributor to a card company, it may solicit new ideas from you." |
Writing and editing can be pretty rigorous processes if you want to do them well, but that's what this page is here for. Check out the latest tips here. Archives
April 2024
CategoriesJ.D. Parsons
Author SEO Writer Proofreader Editor Internet Researcher |
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