Kamau's Business Blog Page - The World's 1st Black and Minority Business Blog!
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Its Time for Web Business Persons and Marketers to Unite!
I put my Money where my mouth is last night by donating to OMPUAC (learn more about them at: OMPUAC ). This organization is working to lobby in Washington to help legitimate opt-in e-mail marketers to continue to use e-mail as a promotional tool. We all hate spammers and spam. But as you know in sales, you usually have to ask for a sale 6-8 times before you get it. E-mail is how we keep in contact with our customer base and promote our products.
With all the spam filters on the major ISP's like AOL, Yahoo, and MSN, legitimate opt-in e mail publishers are being hurt while spammers continue to be a scourge on the Internet. The irony of this situation is that many of us are paying these same companies for advertising and other Internet services via Overture and other pay-per-click services. In other words we are paying the major companies to put us out of business because, they are stopping us from promoting our products. Not to mention that ISP's have made email, once a reliable communication medium, totally unreliable.
This continues to make the Internet a feast or famine environment in which to do business. I think web marketers will have to join organizations like OMPUAC, in order to create technologies and an audit system to give online business people a credible system of doing business. The major ISP's should then have to allow OMPUAC business members to send e-mails to their opt-in mailing lists without being filtered. It not OMPUAC members should in mass pull out from all pay-per-click and other services supplied by the ISP's. This will force the ISP's to find another way to go after the spammers. The print publishers developed audit bureaus like ABC and BPA to police themselves and give credibility to their publications, when questions were being raised about circulation numbers.
These organizations are non-profit associations. Online marketers should follow this example, because if private companies are allowed to develop the technologies to audit and police e-mail marketers they will raise prices as much as possible and become gatekeepers and kingmakers.
Kamau
Friday, August 22, 2003
Topica and the SBA Create E mail Webinar
Courtesy Enterprising Blacks Forums - a great Yahoo Group
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration and Topica Inc., today announced a series of free, live online "webinars" about e-mail marketing strategies, entitled "E-mail Marketing for Small Business." The first of the 60-minute webinars will be held September 3, at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). It is intended for small to medium-sized businesses such as retailers and professionals, as well as e-commerce Web sites of all types.
"Both the SBA and Topica have a long history of experience in working with small businesses to maximize their investment in e-mail marketing," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "We will focus on how small businesses can take advantage of the inexpensive and rapid tool of e-mail marketing without fear of alienating their customers and suppliers."
"Every retailer should be using e-mail to increase its sales, and we will be presenting what we've learned are the most effective strategies," said Anna Zornosa, President and CEO of Topica, who will host the webinar. "One lesson we've learned is the necessity to make it quick and easy for readers to buy."
The webinar will feature - a checklist of best practices for responsible e-mail marketing, including ways to obtain the recipient's permission, unsubscribe links and posted privacy policies; - tips for successful e-mail selling covering areas like effective offers, how to build a list, e-mail design, the power of confirmed opt-in, frequency, and personalization; - resources to get started, including a carefully selected catalog of resources that can help marketers increase the effectiveness of their e- mail campaigns; and - stories from the e-mail/e-retail front, including examples of how various companies have used e-mail to boost sales, recruit paying attendees and generate demand.
Also covered will be overall principles in making e-mail work for e- commerce. There will be a question and answer session following the webinar presentation.
Small business owners can participate in this free, 60-minute session from their own computer and telephone. Interested participants can sign-up at by clicking the "Enroll" button next to the September 3 event titled "E-mail Marketing for Small Business."
About the SBA The U.S. Small Business Administration, established in 1953, provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. With a portfolio of direct and
guaranteed business loans and disaster loans worth more than $45 billion, SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses. Last year, SBA offered management and technical assistance to more than 1.5 million small business owners. SBA also plays a major role in the government's disaster relief efforts by making low-interest recovery loans to both homeowners and businesses.
America's 23 million small businesses employ more than 50 percent of the private work force, generate more than half the nation's gross domestic product, and are the principal source of new jobs in the U.S. economy.
About Topica, Inc. Topica, Inc., San Francisco, Calif., is a leading provider of self-service e-mail solutions, delivering 1 billion e-mail newsletters and discussion group messages each month. By providing easy-to-use but powerful marketing tools, the company has extended the power of e-mail marketing and communications to magazine publishers, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. Customers include The National Geographic Society, eHobbies Inc., IBM and Hachette Publications. The company partners with companies including CNET Inc., PayPal Inc. and Terra Lycos to distribute its products to Web sites and small businesses. Firmly committed to permission-based e- mail, Topica is a member of TrustE, CAUCE (the Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail), the E-mail Services Provider Coalition of the NAI (National Advertising Initiative), and a member of the Internet Alliance. The company was founded in 1998 and is backed by investors including Morgan Stanley, TLCom Ltd., August Capital and Highland Capital Partners.
An Interesting Webinar on Email Marketing!
Courtesy Enterprising Blacks Forums - a great Yahoo Group
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration and Topica Inc., today announced a series of free, live online "webinars" about e-mail marketing strategies, entitled "E-mail Marketing for Small Business." The first of the 60-minute webinars will be held September 3, at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). It is intended for small to medium-sized businesses such as retailers and professionals, as well as e-commerce Web sites of all types.
"Both the SBA and Topica have a long history of experience in working with small businesses to maximize their investment in e-mail marketing," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "We will focus on how small businesses can take advantage of the inexpensive and rapid tool of e-mail marketing without fear of alienating their customers and suppliers."
"Every retailer should be using e-mail to increase its sales, and we will be presenting what we've learned are the most effective strategies," said Anna Zornosa, President and CEO of Topica, who will host the webinar. "One lesson we've learned is the necessity to make it quick and easy for readers to buy."
The webinar will feature - a checklist of best practices for responsible e-mail marketing, including ways to obtain the recipient's permission, unsubscribe links and posted privacy policies; - tips for successful e-mail selling covering areas like effective offers, how to build a list, e-mail design, the power of confirmed opt-in, frequency, and personalization; - resources to get started, including a carefully selected catalog of resources that can help marketers increase the effectiveness of their e- mail campaigns; and - stories from the e-mail/e-retail front, including examples of how various companies have used e-mail to boost sales, recruit paying attendees and generate demand.
Also covered will be overall principles in making e-mail work for e- commerce. There will be a question and answer session following the webinar presentation.
Small business owners can participate in this free, 60-minute session from their own computer and telephone. Interested participants can sign-up at by clicking the "Enroll" button next to the September 3 event titled "E-mail Marketing for Small Business."
About the SBA The U.S. Small Business Administration, established in 1953, provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. With a portfolio of direct and
guaranteed business loans and disaster loans worth more than $45 billion, SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses. Last year, SBA offered management and technical assistance to more than 1.5 million small business owners. SBA also plays a major role in the government's disaster relief efforts by making low-interest recovery loans to both homeowners and businesses.
America's 23 million small businesses employ more than 50 percent of the private work force, generate more than half the nation's gross domestic product, and are the principal source of new jobs in the U.S. economy.
About Topica, Inc. Topica, Inc., San Francisco, Calif., is a leading provider of self-service e-mail solutions, delivering 1 billion e-mail newsletters and discussion group messages each month. By providing easy-to-use but powerful marketing tools, the company has extended the power of e-mail marketing and communications to magazine publishers, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. Customers include The National Geographic Society, eHobbies Inc., IBM and Hachette Publications. The company partners with companies including CNET Inc., PayPal Inc. and Terra Lycos to distribute its products to Web sites and small businesses. Firmly committed to permission-based e- mail, Topica is a member of TrustE, CAUCE (the Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail), the E-mail Services Provider Coalition of the NAI (National Advertising Initiative), and a member of the Internet Alliance. The company was founded in 1998 and is backed by investors including Morgan Stanley, TLCom Ltd., August Capital and Highland Capital Partners.
Google Makes Sense
The Google Adsense Program continues to get high marks by web marketers. Check out the Digitips section to learn about this program. I will be writing more about this service in the futures.
Blogging is for Business
Blogging or web logs are definitely good tools for updating business content for time critical information. Drop us a line to tell us if you like the blogs. Email us at: baustin@adpronline.com. We would love to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by. Visit us soon. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter updates and Keep it Real Profitable Ezine.
More Information on Hubzones
This message is from Enterprizing Denise and it is on getting Government procurement in Hubzones. The Following information will explain their importance.
Subject: Re: Fwd: GSA/SBA Hubzone Event September 17, 2003
If you are interested in government procurement, hubzones can be very beneficial to you. Some solicitations have 'limitations' on them and if that limitation is hubzone then you get to step ahead of the class.
If you cannot attend this seminar, you can also go online to the SBA's website(www.sba.gov) and check to see if your company falls within a hubzone. You just put your company address in and it instantly tells you whether or not you are in a hubzone.
I suggests strongly that all of you add your company to the ProNet, SubNet, and now the new TechNet (IT companies) databases. You will also need to submit your information to the www.ccr.gov database. And for those of you who have yet to obtain a FEI, www.ssa.gov or
www.irs.gov. You can now request it online.
I have a GSA consultant at GA Tech who teaches me about government procurement and what they look for when searching for a company to participate in a bid. We found out that when an agency searches these databases that there really aren't that many companies on the list. And if they look for certain types of certifications (woman-owned, SDC, 8(a), or hubzone) that the lists are even shorter. Just imagine if your name was on that short list?
Our government is the only one that also allows for outside countries to bid on contracts. (Sounds familiar ITers.) So I urge all of you to consider government procurement as another way of selling your wares and increasing your revenue. We are talking about the #1 buyer of all products and services and they always pay on time.
Check out www.fedbizopps.gov to see what kind of business the federal government is looking for and please do not forget about your local State and City government procurement agencies. Good luck!
Subject: Re: Fwd: GSA/SBA Hubzone Event September 17, 2003
If you are interested in government procurement, hubzones can be very beneficial to you. Some solicitations have 'limitations' on them and if that limitation is hubzone then you get to step ahead of the class.
If you cannot attend this seminar, you can also go online to the SBA's website(www.sba.gov) and check to see if your company falls within a hubzone. You just put your company address in and it instantly tells you whether or not you are in a hubzone.
I suggests strongly that all of you add your company to the ProNet, SubNet, and now the new TechNet (IT companies) databases. You will also need to submit your information to the www.ccr.gov database. And for those of you who have yet to obtain a FEI, www.ssa.gov or
www.irs.gov. You can now request it online.
I have a GSA consultant at GA Tech who teaches me about government procurement and what they look for when searching for a company to participate in a bid. We found out that when an agency searches these databases that there really aren't that many companies on the list. And if they look for certain types of certifications (woman-owned, SDC, 8(a), or hubzone) that the lists are even shorter. Just imagine if your name was on that short list?
Our government is the only one that also allows for outside countries to bid on contracts. (Sounds familiar ITers.) So I urge all of you to consider government procurement as another way of selling your wares and increasing your revenue. We are talking about the #1 buyer of all products and services and they always pay on time.
Check out www.fedbizopps.gov to see what kind of business the federal government is looking for and please do not forget about your local State and City government procurement agencies. Good luck!
Since 70% of my ezine subscribers are women this
should be of interest to you.
Do you need help with your business? How about a mentor? How about one in your own area? Well that is what women roundtables are for. Please read the below information and if you are interested as I know you are, copy and paste the link below to find a roundtable in your area.
Welcome to the Women's Network for Entrepreneurial Training, a mentoring program of the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a WNET Roundtable?
The WNET Roundtable offers what no other networking group does: public and private sector individuals that provide a unique array of contacts, services, and suggestions for women business owners. Participants receive practical support and guidance from a range of individuals with a wealth of experience in an informal, ongoing relationship--the most effective way to build a network.
WNET Roundtables are sponsored by the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership. Other co-sponsors often include SBA's Service Corps of Retired Volunteers (SCORE), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and Women's Business Centers (WBCs). Frequently, other women's organizations such as the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the business departments of universities, YWCAs, chambers of commerce, and women's business and professional organizations are also involved.
WNET is a very decentralized program, with various formats and focus groups found across the country. This iversity is intentional so that each WNET Roundtable can tailor the program to meet the needs of women business owners in their local area. Contact your local SBA Office for information on WNET groups in your area.
What is a mentor? Mentors are women business owners willing to give back to theircommunities by assisting other women ready to grow their businesses. Mentors can also come from legal, financial or other professions, providing guidance, advice, and training to new women entrepreneurs. Mentors are viewed as wise and trusted counselors, willing to share their business knowledge, skills, experience, and most importantly, serve as respected role models.
As seasoned entrepreneurs, mentors are recognized within their communities and industries for excellence and leadership. They are select women of any age or background, who are succeeding in spite of past and present obstacles. A mentor is the one person in front of whom every question is a good question, and it is acceptable to be uninformed-as long as the protégée is attempting learn.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Now if there has ever been anything you had questions about these
workshops can help you.
The workshops cover topics such as (just to name a few):
Invited Going Global: Exploring New Markets Overseas
Strategies for Marketing Your Business Better
Getting the Contracts: Strategies for Winning Business
The Search for Money: Options and Strategies for Securing Growth
Capital
Trends in Technology
Open the Doors to New Markets:
Doing Business With Government
Me?.a media expert?
Tips from the pros on accessing the media and
getting positive exposure for your business
Venturing for capital when the pool is shallow ?
Realistic options for women business owners
Trends in Technology: What's New, what's affordable and what works!
should be of interest to you.
Subject: Women Roundtables in Your Area
Do you need help with your business? How about a mentor? How about one in your own area? Well that is what women roundtables are for. Please read the below information and if you are interested as I know you are, copy and paste the link below to find a roundtable in your area.
Welcome to the Women's Network for Entrepreneurial Training, a mentoring program of the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a WNET Roundtable?
The WNET Roundtable offers what no other networking group does: public and private sector individuals that provide a unique array of contacts, services, and suggestions for women business owners. Participants receive practical support and guidance from a range of individuals with a wealth of experience in an informal, ongoing relationship--the most effective way to build a network.
WNET Roundtables are sponsored by the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership. Other co-sponsors often include SBA's Service Corps of Retired Volunteers (SCORE), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and Women's Business Centers (WBCs). Frequently, other women's organizations such as the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the business departments of universities, YWCAs, chambers of commerce, and women's business and professional organizations are also involved.
WNET is a very decentralized program, with various formats and focus groups found across the country. This iversity is intentional so that each WNET Roundtable can tailor the program to meet the needs of women business owners in their local area. Contact your local SBA Office for information on WNET groups in your area.
What is a mentor? Mentors are women business owners willing to give back to theircommunities by assisting other women ready to grow their businesses. Mentors can also come from legal, financial or other professions, providing guidance, advice, and training to new women entrepreneurs. Mentors are viewed as wise and trusted counselors, willing to share their business knowledge, skills, experience, and most importantly, serve as respected role models.
As seasoned entrepreneurs, mentors are recognized within their communities and industries for excellence and leadership. They are select women of any age or background, who are succeeding in spite of past and present obstacles. A mentor is the one person in front of whom every question is a good question, and it is acceptable to be uninformed-as long as the protégée is attempting learn.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Now if there has ever been anything you had questions about these
workshops can help you.
The workshops cover topics such as (just to name a few):
Invited Going Global: Exploring New Markets Overseas
Strategies for Marketing Your Business Better
Getting the Contracts: Strategies for Winning Business
The Search for Money: Options and Strategies for Securing Growth
Capital
Trends in Technology
Open the Doors to New Markets:
Doing Business With Government
Me?.a media expert?
Tips from the pros on accessing the media and
getting positive exposure for your business
Venturing for capital when the pool is shallow ?
Realistic options for women business owners
Trends in Technology: What's New, what's affordable and what works!
Its almost 1:00 AM in the morning and I think I have the main Blog page figured out. Check it out. {(C:]///
Thanks for visiting my business blog page. Blog is short for web log. This technology was used to give instant reflections on peoples personal lives on the web like an online diary. However, Internet business people and on-line marketers are using this technology to give daily updates on business or company info on an on going basis to their site supporters. Once this page is up and fully functional we will be able to give important daily news to our readers without the grind of formatting this information on a traditional web page. Visit this page daily we already have some very good info on scholarships and grants.
Internet Marketers are talking about how blogging will become the new e mail for digital communications. It is like instant messaging for web business sites. I don't know about all the hype but if it helps us to get out breaking news -views and insights it is very promising.
I am still trying to get a handle on this blog technology. Please bare with me. Once I get the hang of it, it will really help me post the most current business, grant, and web marketing info available until I can lay out the traditional web pages for the content. This is really an amazing technology if I can only get it to work [(c:)/// !
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Minorities will have to learn to network more online if they expect to have successful businesses. Things like reciprocal linking, webrings, and web marketing associations are needed to increase awareness about the collective nature of web marketing. Most of the major web gurus cross promote each others products. I have yet to find other minority businesses people who are willing to cross promote each other products. I tried to get 100 business people to do a cross promotional reciprocal linking program and I only received 4 responses. This attitude will not get us very far.
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
If you ever have lost Student Aid
because of a former drug conviction
read the following blog for an update
on receiving student aid.
Scholarships for Students Losing Aid because of Drug
Convictions
Black Excel note:
At the noted website (below), you can get pivotal information about
the law that hurt all students with drug convictions. In 1998,
Congress enacted an amendment to the Higher Education Act that
denied loans, grants, even work study jobs to tens of thousands of
would-be students every year. Sonce then, many students have written
Black Excel for suggestions and help. Read below.
Isaac Black, Black Excel Founder
Subj: Scholarships for Students Losing Aid because of Drug
Convictions
Date: 8/6/03 9:28:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time
The following is being posted on behalf of David Borded
of the DRCNet Foundation.
The DRCNet Foundation, in association with Students for
Sensible Drug Policy, is pleased to present the John W.
Perry Fund, providing scholarships to students losing
federal financial aid because of drug convictions. The
Fund has monies for fall 2003 as well as future semesters,
so eligible students are urged to apply as soon as
possible. Visit http://www.RaiseYourVoice.com/perryfund/
to fill out a pre-application, print out an application
form or brochure, or for further information. Students,
financial aid officers, friends and family members and
supporters of students, as well as media, activists,
potential donors and other interested parties, are all
welcome to contact us!
More from Black Excel:
The above gateway of info was first posted by Mark Kantrowitz
(mkant@fastweb.com) one of the top experts on college
aid in the country. If a student is interested they should
follow the instructions in the above post--that is, they must
visit the sponsoring website and fill out an application.
because of a former drug conviction
read the following blog for an update
on receiving student aid.
Scholarships for Students Losing Aid because of Drug
Convictions
Black Excel note:
At the noted website (below), you can get pivotal information about
the law that hurt all students with drug convictions. In 1998,
Congress enacted an amendment to the Higher Education Act that
denied loans, grants, even work study jobs to tens of thousands of
would-be students every year. Sonce then, many students have written
Black Excel for suggestions and help. Read below.
Isaac Black, Black Excel Founder
Subj: Scholarships for Students Losing Aid because of Drug
Convictions
Date: 8/6/03 9:28:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time
The following is being posted on behalf of David Borded
of the DRCNet Foundation.
The DRCNet Foundation, in association with Students for
Sensible Drug Policy, is pleased to present the John W.
Perry Fund, providing scholarships to students losing
federal financial aid because of drug convictions. The
Fund has monies for fall 2003 as well as future semesters,
so eligible students are urged to apply as soon as
possible. Visit http://www.RaiseYourVoice.com/perryfund/
to fill out a pre-application, print out an application
form or brochure, or for further information. Students,
financial aid officers, friends and family members and
supporters of students, as well as media, activists,
potential donors and other interested parties, are all
welcome to contact us!
More from Black Excel:
The above gateway of info was first posted by Mark Kantrowitz
(mkant@fastweb.com) one of the top experts on college
aid in the country. If a student is interested they should
follow the instructions in the above post--that is, they must
visit the sponsoring website and fill out an application.
