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A frequently affirmed accusation by hypercritics of the no fax instant cash advance industry likes to concentrate on the amount of interest ordinarily levied upon short term payday advance loans which can accumulate to a multiple of the payday advance issued.

This annual percentage rate (or “APR”) can be defined as a well accepted indicator to check the amount of interest a debtor must pay for an entire year. The annual percentage rate (APR) supplies us with a viable basis for ascertaining which financial utensil brings about a higher or lower costs to the asker, covering adjuvant costs that might be imposed.Undoubtedly the p.a. rate may be considered a highly relevant instrument relating to financial undertakings covering a span of 12 months minimum .But, when addressing short-term fast cash advances the annualized rates of interest are decidedly less beneficial.

Rather, you should liken payday cash advances to hailing a taxicab home from the airport. It might cost you $40 to drive home by taxi. Now admittedly forty dollars qualifies for a lot of money to cough up for a ride home but people opt for it simply because it is opportune and it addresses a must. Obviously, we all know that we could hire a car for the whole day for forty dollars allowing us to drive as many miles as we wish.

So let’s just say we do that: to wit, hire this car and drive it for 400 miles during this day we’ve rented it. Of coursethe supporters of APR would most likely say that we will have to annualize these figures to obtain reasonable comparisons… Ok, so we take the price we’re paying for this taxi ride ($2/mile x 400 miles) which gives us: $800. The “annualized” counterpart of the car rental compared to our taxi hire renders $40 versus $800. Obviously, there’s little doubt that hiring a car was not the world’s best option, notwithstanding how much more expensive the rate of interest p.a. would have tallied up in this particular case.

And exactly the same applies to payday advance loans. Because after all loans till payday are limited to two weeks, not annual loans. The obviously high annual interest rate is no meaningful metrics in view of the fact that this breed of loan does not cover the full year. The interest rate charge is fifteen to twentyfive percent for the entire loan.
In case you need more info about a no fax payday advance go here.

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The term “marketing company” can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. To further complicate things, after agreeing on what the term means you still have to find the right marketing company to suit your needs. Some specialize in helping small businesses while others will only work with huge multi-million dollar corporations. Some may focus on particular industries and others may focus on a single aspect of marketing such as SEO or web site design. In any case, there are some things that are common to pretty much every marketing company.

• Expertise - A marketing company knows how to help you get the most from your marketing budget. By hiring them for their services you can generate more revenue because you won’t have to learn what works and what doesn’t. It may seem attractive to have your nephew design your web site because he will do it for $500 but unfortunately, doing so probably won’t present a professional image of your company nor will it increase your sales.
• Contacts - They can help you to save a lot of time and money on your marketing because they already know where to go or who to call to make things happen. If you need your company vehicles wrapped to promote your business, they can tell you who is the most reliable and cost effective, or in some cases, handle it for you.
• Manpower - One of the benefits that a marketing company can provide is that they can usually create more powerful marketing materials in a shorter time frame. This allows you to leverage your time more effectively and create a more successful business.
• Technology - When you handle your own marketing you usually have to get by with what you have. Marketing companies are able to be far more productive and flexible, in part, because they have access to a technical resources that most people don’t have.

These are just a few of the benefits that you can expect to receive from a professional marketing company. Additionally, there are probably hundreds of benefits specific to a particular company depending on their specialty. The bottom line is that you are putting someone with the proper expertise in charge of generating new business for your company so that you can focus on your area of expertise, and ultimately, become more successful and more profitable.

Jeremy L. Knauff is the founder of Wildfire Marketing Group, an innovative marketing company that specializes in guerilla marketing techniques to help smaller companies compete with larger companies and win . article submission & directory submission by rcplinks.com

DEBT COUNSELING - AVOID SCAMS

If you are overwhelmed and decide to seek the services of a debt counseling agency, make sure you find a good one.

Before we delve into this topic, let me say that every trade has good people and bad people. Unfortunately, some debt counseling agencies give the good ones a bad name. With that said, there are PLENTY of legitimate Debt Counseling organizations that will help you manage your money and develop a budget that is suitable to your situation.

The first thing to do is RESEARCH. Look for a debt counselors in your area of residence that will work with you face-to-face. You may want to check with the State Attorney General or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to get a sense of their reputation. Both sources can tell you, if complaints have been filed against the counseling agency.

The FTC recommends asking questions such as the following, when looking for a good credit counseling service:

· What services do you offer?

Stick with debt counselors who offer a full range of services including budget counseling, savings and debt management classes. Avoid organizations that do not encourage you to analyze your current debts or financial situation. This is important as we discussed in step #4.

· Will you help me develop a plan for avoiding problems in the future?

· What are your fees? Are there set-up and/or monthly fees?
Get a specific price quote in writing.

· Will I have a formal written agreement or contract with you?
Do not sign anything without reading it first. Make sure all verbal promises are in writing.

· Are you licensed to offer your services in my state?

· What are the qualifications of your counselors? Are they accredited or certified by an outside organization? If so, by whom? If not, how are they trained?

· What assurance do I have that information about me (including my address, phone number, and financial information) will be kept confidential and secure?

In addition, avoid organizations that promise to:

· guarantee they can remove your unsecured debt

· promise that unsecured debts can be paid off with pennies on the dollar

· claim that using their system will let you avoid bankruptcy

· require substantial monthly service fees

· demand payment of a percentage of savings

· tell you to stop making payments to or communicating with your creditors

· require you to make monthly payments to them, rather than with your creditor

· claim that creditors never sue consumers for non-payment of unsecured debt

· promise that using their system will have no negative impact on your credit report

· claim that they can remove accurate negative information from your credit report.

Visit www.poorcreditgenie.com for additional articles on how to rebuild your credit:

If your home business is starting to overflow from the office into other parts of the house, it may be time to consider finding a building large enough to handle your startup’s rapid growth. However, most businesses are unable to generate enough revenue at this phase of growth to allow for the outright purchase of a new facility. In fact, businesses of all sizes commonly go through a commercial lender when acquiring new real estate.

There are literally hundreds of commercial lenders waiting to provide new businesses with growth capital. You’ve probably seen their advertisements pop up on your browser offering the lowest rates and best service. With so many lenders to choose from, how can you get past the gimmicks to find the one that will fill your needs?

Let’s start with the type of business you want to open. Are you thinking of a manufacturing, retail, agricultural, or service business? There are many different types of business, all with their own unique facility requirements. However, not every commercial lender will finance every property type. Here’s a brief list of the different types of property that a lender may (or may not) finance:

· Agricultural (Ranches, Farms)
· Automotive (Gas Stations, Car Washes)
· Hospitality (Hotels, Motels)
· Industrial (Heavy/Light Manufacturing)
· Leisure (Golf Course, Amusement Parks)
· Mobile Home Parks
· Office Buildings/Complexes
· Parking Lots
· Retail (Shopping Centers, Strip Malls)
· Tenant Buildings (Apartments, etc.)

Besides finding a commercial lender who will finance the type of property best suited for your business needs, you also need to consider what kind of loan options will be best for you. Some lenders are fairly flexible in their loan offerings; non-recourse, mezzanine, and bridge loans may all be useful options depending on your individual requirements and circumstances. In addition, many commercial lenders also provide construction financing for borrowers who would prefer a custom facility. Renovation and repair financing is also a common offering by many lenders.

Before you borrow from any commercial lender, first make sure that your anticipated loan amount falls comfortably within the dollar range that the lender is willing to provide. Most lender’s have a minimum loan amount of 100k to 300k although you will find the occasional institution willing to make loans as low as 25k. While the majority of lenders have a loan ceiling reaching $10 million, a few of the largest have no limit.

Some commercial lenders also provide opportunities to refinance property that you’ve previously purchased. While the a .5% decrease in interest may not seem like a big deal on a $25,000 loan, it can save you a substantial amount of money on your $50 million loan. A flexible lender may even give you the option of borrowing to avoid foreclosure. While this should always be the option of last resort, it may buy you enough time to make your business profitable enough to survive a sudden cash flow crisis.

Whether you plan to purchase an apartment complex, industrial facility, or retail outlet, there are few people you’ll work more closely with than your commercial lender. When it comes to starting or expanding a business, make sure that your lender is as vitally concerned with your success as you are. After all, they want a return on their investment. It’s important to find a commercial lender who is small enough to give you the personal attention you will need, but large enough to support your largest commercial real estate acquisitions while giving you options and interest rates that will allow your business to take off.

Cameron Brown is an internet marketer specializing in ranking automation. For information on what a Commercial Lender can do for you, visit Security National Capital

We already know that if you want to use a sweetener for whatever purpose, refined sugar is not what you should be using by choice. A far more viable option to refined sugar, either white or brown, is the unrefined natural cane sugar commonly sold in Mexico and the Caribbean and is sometimes available through health stores in the USA and Canada. Read on and learn whether you should be trusting any of the artificial sweeteners available.

A brief history of Artificial Sweeteners. Would you believe that the first artificial sweetener was put out to the public in 1903 and was actually discovered in 1879? Between 1903 and 2002 several artificial sweeteners were introduced to the North American public, each with its own unique promise of low calories and guilt-free consumption. What were they and when were they “invented and released” to the public? And just how safe are each of them to use?

Saccharin, discovered in 1879 by Constantine Fahlberg, a chemistry research assistant at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. It was used in industrial applications. In 1903 entrepreneur John F. Queeny and newly formed Monsanto began selling saccharin to food and beverage companies including Coca Cola. Also known as: acid saccharin, sodium saccharin and calcium saccharin. The major enticements to saccharin were it was a cheap, no calorie sweetener, unique in that it could not be metabolized by the human body and was excreted in the urine. Teddy Roosevelt stated “Anybody who says saccharin is injurious to health is an idiot.” It became especially popular during WW II with the sugar shortage. In 1977 Canadian research demonstrated that high doses of saccharin caused cancer in rats and it was immediately banned in Canada but reintroduced later. The US FDE deemed more study was required and allowed it to remain on the market with the frightening warning label “Use of this product may be hazardous to your health. This product contains saccharin which has been determined to cause cancer in laboratory animals.” New legislation in 2001 removed this warning label. Saccharin belongs to a class of compounds known as sulfonamides. Persons who are allergic to sulfa drugs can react to saccharin with skin eruptions, breathing difficulties, headaches and diarrhea. Saccharin is presently sold in the US as Sweet ‘n Low and Sugar Twin, and in Canada as Sweet ‘n Low. Saccharin can be considered relatively safe if you are not in any way allergic to sulfa drugs.

Cyclamate. It was discovered in 1937 by Michael Sveda, a graduate student at the University of Illinois, and the patent was purchased by DuPont, later sold to Abbott Laboratories, making its debut in 1950 and was promoted as a no-calorie, diabetic-friendly sweetener. It was combined with saccharin in the original Sweet ‘n Low formula. It is also known as calcium cyclamate and sodium cyclamate. Research during the 1960’s showed evidence of bladder cancer and testicular abnormalities in laboratory rats and the US FDA banned it in 1969. Later research showed that cyclamate also caused DNA damage in the digestive organs of mice and rats. In 1978 Health and Welfare Canada declared a general agreement that cyclamates were no carcinogenic, based on more sophisticated lab testing that was available in previous years. It is presently being sold in Canada under the brand name “Sugar Twin”.

Aspartame. Discovered accidentally in 1965 by James Schlatter, an employee of the pharmaceutical company G. D. Searle, while working on new drug formulations. Safety studies by both the G. D. Searle (the “inventor) and later the FDA, particularly with the help of G. D. Searle’s then CEO, Donald Rumsfeld, aspartame was approved in 1981. In 1985 G. D. Searle sold the rights to Aspartame to Monsanto, the company who has also given us Agent Orange, recombinant bovine growth hormone and a wide variety of chemicals and genetically modified plants. When first marketed aspartame was promoted as a “no-calorie sweetener that could help with weight loss, diabetes maintenance, lower the incidence of cavities and reduce the risks associated with obesity; it was even given an endorsement by the American Dental Association.” Since its introduction independent research has show that aspartame has neuro-toxic and potentially deadly effects on the human body. The most common health risks linked to aspartame include visual impairment, seizures, headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, Fibromyalgia-like muscle pain, depression, speech impairment, tinnitus and memory loss. European researchers demonstrated in 2000 that formaldehyde, one of the breakdown products of aspartame, accumulates in the brain and other organs of regular users leading to immune, nervous system and genetic damage. These may consequently result in misdiagnoses as lupus, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and may as well lead to birth defects in children of aspartame users. In 2002 the original safety studies revealed that diketopiperazine, another aspartame breakdown product and a known carcinogen, produced brain tumors in lab animals and was now showing up in brain tumor tissue removed from humans. Despite this preponderance of evidence of the damaging effects of aspartame it presently remains approved and on sale in Canada and the US. In fact, Health Canada recently declared aspartame “safe” for use by pregnant women. In the US and Canada it is marketed as aspartame, Nutrasweet and Equal, and as Spoonfuls in the US. A combination of aspartame and acesulfame potassium has been available since 1995 under the name Twinsweet. Neotame. In 2002 neotame (the latest incarnation of aspartame) was released with full FDA approval.

Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame-K, potassium acesulfame, ace-K and ACK, appeared on the North American scene in 1988 and has been sold under the names Sunett, Sweet One, Swiss Sweet and Sweet & Safe. It was discovered in 1967 by Karl Clauss, a chemist working for the Hoechst Group of Germany. Based upon safety studies by Hoechst (the inventor), the FDA approved limited use of acesulfame potassium in 1988 despite protest by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) that it had not been properly tested for safety. Like its precursors, saccharin and cyclamate, it is promoted as a non-nutritive sweetener. Non-nutritive means that it is not metabolized by the body, therefore does not provide any caloric content, and is excreted in the urine “harmlessly”. The Hoechst Group studies suggest that this additive might cause cancer in rats and CSPI has continued to protest the inadequate safety studies originally done. Other studies demonstrated that one of the breakdown products, acetoacetamide, affected the thyroid gland in rats, rabbits and dogs; that rats in particular developed fast-growing benign tumors when fed acetoacetamide daily. Although it is marketed as a sugar alternative, acesulfame potassium may have a similar effect to sugar in that it can stimulate insulin release and could be problematic for those with syndrome-x, hypoglycemia or diabetes. It is most commonly seen in Canada as acesulfame-K; in the US it’s sold under the names Sunett or Sweet One.

Splenda. With the reputations of aspartame and acesulfame potassium somewhat tarnished, it was ripe for a new kid on the block: enter sucralose. It was discovered quite by accident by graduate student Shashikant Phadnis at Queen Elizabeth College, University of London, while researching ways to use sucrose in chemical formations, in 1976. It was approved by Health Canada in 1991 and by the US FDA in 1999. British Sugar Company Tate & Lyle collaborated with Johnson & Johnson (J&J), in 1980, to create an artificial sweetener from chlorinated sucrose through the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary McNeil Specialty Products. The FDA’s own studies indicate that sucralose can cause lymphatic cell mutations in mice; nevertheless, the FDA gave full approval to Splenda in 1999. It is promoted by J&J “as a calorie-free, carbohydrate-free sweetener that is save for diabetics, children and pregnant women” as it “does not break down the body but, like others before it, passes harmlessly through the body. Both the FDA and independent Japanese research contradict that claim, however, and show that up to 40 percent of consumed sucralose is absorbed by the body and with an undetermined amount concentrating in the liver, kidneys and/or gastro-intestinal tract. Further independent research on rats, mice and rabbits demonstrates liver and kidney enlargement as well as structural irregularities of the colon. Other animal research reveals that sucralose can cause up to 40 percent shrinkage of the thymus gland, a decreased red blood cell count, reduced fetal weight and growth rate, genetic damage and birth defects. The FDA has stated that “aside from any direct toxicity from sucralose itself, it may also contain trace amounts of heavy metals, arsenic, methanol and other chlorinated saccharides (sugars) but that these contaminants are considered acceptable within current manufacturing guidelines.” It is available in Canada and the USA under the names sucralose and Splenda.

Alternatives. As otherwise noted, unrefined cane sugar is available with a little bit of effort and is a healthy, viable option, although it is not low-calorie. Other wholesome alternatives are organic rapadura or sucanat sugar, unrefined sugar cane juices that retain their naturally occurring nutrients and full flavor. Another is organic and mineral rich molasses, which stimulates release of serotonin. Grade C organic maple syrup contains vitamins and minerals. Raw organic honey contains protein and B complex (raw honey should not be given to young children). Finally, organic grain syrups such as barley or rice retain up to half of the original whole grain nutrients.

The major problem with these wholesome, natural and very healthful alternatives is that they are naturally occurring and thus can never be patented. There thus is no incentive for drug and/or chemical companies to market these items; so the search for “patents and profits from the unsuspecting public” goes on….and on…..and on. The worst part of this? We are now into our 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st generation of observing and documenting what is happening to human beings because of these “harmless, non-nutrient, zero calorie” sugar substitutes. We have documented birth defects and DNA alterations. What does the future hold, 1-2-3 generations into our future, for the more distant results of obviously widespread, albeit minor, genetic alterations and birth defects? How healthy are your great grandchildren going to be? What are they going to look like with DNA alterations as well as birth defects? What are the long-term ramifications for the human race? Don’t you believe its time to make a healthy decision for you and your children and grandchildren? As a closing thought, it is already proven that there are, at the very least, digestive problems with the genetically modified grains. Where will this all end?

References:
http://www.splendatruth.com/index.htm
http://www.aspartame.org/index.html
http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/
http://www.earthrenewal.org/saccharin.htm
http://www.cspinet.org/new/saccharin_labeling.html
http://www.caloriecontrol.org/cyclam2.html
http://www.westonprice.org
http://www.alive.com/intro.html
http://www.xylitol.org
http://www.thewolfeclinic.com
http://www.finlandiapharmacy.com

Disclaimer: This article in no way should be taken as “medical advice” on any product, condition or course of action, nor does it constitute in any way “medical advice” endorsing any specific product, specific result, nor any possible cure for any condition or problem. This article is meant as a source of information upon which you may base your decision as to whether or not you should begin using any vitamin, mineral and/or herbal supplement for better health, or begin using a “greens” product as a dietary supplement.

If in doubt, or if you have questions, you should consult your physician and, if possible, consult a second physician for a possible different opinion. The author does not bear any responsibility for your decisions nor for the outcome of your actions based upon those decisions.

This article may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is copied complete with all links and text, including the Authors Resource Box, intact and unchanged except for minor improvements such as misspellings and typos.

About the Author

This article is Copyright 2005 by http://www.organicgreens.us and Loring Windblad. Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer.

The eyes are generally considered the most beautiful part of the body.

They are seen as “windows to your soul,” and very few people decline to comment on a pair of striking eyes. Fortunately, they are also the easiest of features to enhance. So read on and discover how to make those eyes really “pop” and catch attention.

When you are first learning how to apply eyeliner, it can be one of the trickiest tasks to master. But when it is applied properly, the overall effects can be absolutely amazing. Skillful application of different eyeliner can help make your eyes look more evenly spaced, thus giving a better balance to your entire face, and this is only one of the benefits. The following tips will cover several aspects of eyeliner, including how to chose the right eyeliner for your eyes, and how to properly apply it to your eyes.

Choosing the Right Eyeliner

Like all beauty care products, choosing the right eyeliner is simple if you already know the effects you hope to accomplish by wearing it. In addition to helping balance the face, eyeliner is also meant to give lashes more depth, and make them appear thicker than they really are. Although there are two types of eyeliner, liquid and pencil form, it is recommended to only use pencil form on the lower lids of the eyes. Eyeliner in liquid form is most effective when only used on the top lids of your eyes.

When choosing the color of your eyeliner, you should always chose a color that complements the eye shadow you are going to use, but be sure it is a color that is flattering to your natural eye color. With brown eyes, the darker colors of eyeliner prove to work best, and with blue eyes, the softer colors tend to be most flattering.

Pencil Form Eyeliner versus Liquid Form

As mentioned before, eyeliner comes in two forms, pencil and liquid. Pencil eyeliner creates a soft definition to the eyes, while liquid eyeliner tends to offer more precision, and a more dramatic effect. When trying to chose which form of eyeliner to use, keep in mind the overall look you hope to accomplish.

Pencil form eyeliner is more popular, in part because it is easier to use. Liquid eyeliner requires practice in order to apply it correctly.

How to Apply Eyeliner - the Basics

To apply eyeliner correctly, you need to maker sure you have applied all other make-up first. If you apply your other make up on top of the eyeliner, it not only takes away from the effects, but during the application process, your eyeliner could get smudged or smeared.

Once you have all your other make-up on, make sure you have a good mirror and appropriate lighting, then begin. In one smooth motion, draw a thin line from one side of your eyelid to the other, remaining as close as you can to your eyelash line. How thick you chose to make that line will have a bearing on your final results.

Eyeliner is an inexpensive addition to your collection of beauty care products and can show stunning results – now you know how to catch attention and draw those admiring gazes.

The author Linda Johns has the experience of her own adolescent kids and is the wife of Allan Johns who has over twenty years experience in health and related industries and now devotes his time to sharing his knowledge with the millions of people interested in improving or learning more about better health. Don’t miss Allan’s information packed beauty products site at: www.beautyproductscenter.com/

United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), one of the most powerful militant organizations operating in the northeast region is in the limelight again but this time for a better reason. Attempts to initiate talks with the center and the group are in progress. The group was established in 1979 by Paresh Baruah along with his associates. The group aims to establish a Sovereign Socialist Assam.

In the latest developments the renowned Assamese writer Indira Goswami met PM Manmohan Singh on November 19 to initiate talks with the proscribed group. This step is seen as a path breaking one however the end result is still awaited. In 45 minute long meeting with PM Indira Goswami appealed to the Prime Minister to initiate talks with the militant outfit. Goswami submitted a written appeal on behalf of the ULFA to the PM. ULFA has demanded that the sovereignty issue should be part of the talk process. On 22 November Mr.Singh made his stand clear in Guwahati that “If they shun violence, then I will invite them for talks but violence and talks cannot go on simultaneously”. Further stalking the process, on November 22 the ULFA chief Paresh Baruah said that “The comments made by the PM was not unexpected and not different from that made by his predecessors. It is evident that the Centre’s colonial policy will continue.”

The chances of peace in the two decade old insurgency torn state of Assam seems to very bleak, however Goswami’s attempt has laid the foundation stone for a process. Indira Goswami the recipient of the nations highest literary award the Jnanpith Award association with the ULFA started thirteen years ago when she was invited for attending a function in Northern Assam. Her famous novel “Mamore Dhora Tarowal”(The Rusted Sword) is selected as a must-read by the ULFA for its women cadres.

Prime Minister showed his appreciation for the literary marvel for taking the initiative to bring ULFA to the negotiation table with New Delhi. The letter from the Prime Ministers office to Indira Goswami says that ” the Prime Minister has a special interest for Assam and its people. He, therefore acknowledges the expression of desire by the ULFA for talks with the Government of India.” The letter also said that the Prime Minister welcomed the expressed desires of the ULFA leadership to hold talks with the government of India.

Manmohan Singh has said that he is willing to talk to any “disaffected” group in the country, provided it gave up the path of violence. As per NDTV reports on December 7 the PMO sources said that the “Prime Minister has made the government stand with regard to talks with insurgent outfits clear during his visit to the North-East and Jammu and Kashmir last month.

For reading the complete article
Go to : http://www.himalayanaffairs.org/articledetails.asp?id=128

www.himalayanaffairs.org

Freelance writer who writer who writes on social and political issues of Southasian countries:

Public Relations (or P.R.) is a wonderful, yet often overlooked marketing tool. P.R. is an intangible – making it a tough sell for many P.R. professionals. It is our job to sell the concept and show the client how it will enhance marketing efforts and, in many cases, replace costly or one-off advertising. Public relations is just that – relating to the public. Every outward communication should be carefully executed and the mission of the company should never be compromised. How do your customers find you? How does the public perceive your business? These points can be incorporated into a P.R. strategy that maintains consistent messages to your customers, thereby keeping your company top of mind and, in turn, growing your business.

Below are six P.R. strategies that can be implemented today. Whether you hire an outside professional or keep your publicity in-house, these strategies should be a part of your marketing plan.

1. Brand Building: It is very common for businesses to use advertising in brand-building strategies, however publicity can be less expensive and much more effective in establishing a brand’s identity. One complimentary news piece in a publication read by your target consumer can produce significant results. Publicity, whether performed by an external company or executed in-house, can also be cost-effective.

Several online distribution services are available making the cost to send out a press release affordable, and sometimes even free depending on desired reach. It is important that any news release is informative and factual. Many of the online distribution services even offer templates to assist in the development of a release for a small fee. Before paying for such a service, however, be sure to identify hidden talent in your organization – there may be a great writer in your midst.

2. Generate Press Releases: Press releases are for announcing newsworthy information to the media only. If the information is not news, it should not be announced. In addition to news, a press release should contain only facts – not hype. Business as usual is not news. Celebrating a milestone such as a ten-year anniversary, one-millionth sale, or appointing a new CEO is newsworthy. In many cases, a newsworthy story can be developed with some creativity.

For example, if your company manufactures comfortable walking shoes you can create a “Walk to Work” day. Provide fun facts about the health benefits of walking and why the right walking shoes are so important. This can be pitched to your local media outlets and may get picked up nationally. Many times current events will also create an opportunity for a press release (see #3.) Remember to always include your company’s website at least once and be sure accurate contact information is listed.

3. Tap Into Media Trends: Many times businesses can tie into current events and trends in the media. For example, if the evening news is covering storm damage to an area in your town and your company sells a product or service that would benefit people living in those areas, you have a topical news announcement. Call, fax or email the news desk and tell them about your product and why their viewers need to know about it. Be sure to mention that your story idea is time-sensitive. Watch your local news for one week and take notes. Identify what types of stories the local reporters are covering. Chances are at least one of the subjects covered was a direct result of a recent news story. Listen and learn how one led to the other then be ready to pitch your service or product when future opportunities arise.

4. Increase Awareness by Increasing Search Engine Listings: Each time a release is distributed over the Internet or a story is written and posted online, be sure your company’s web address is included. The more links to your site, the better the exposure your site will receive in search engines. In addition to press releases, link swapping, article postings, quotes, and endorsements are great ways to generate links online. Google your company and your competitor’s company daily. If your company is not as prominent as your competitor’s, read their results listings and learn what they are doing to generate links.

5. Website Improvements Produce More Traffic: Optimize your company’s website often. Be sure keywords on the website are targeted toward your consumers. Ask customers what words they would enter in a search engine when looking for your products or services and add those to your keywords. Small adjustments can mean a big difference in traffic to the site and subsequently increased business. Constantly updating web content is an easy and effective way to generate better search engine results. Be sure to update news and information at least once a month. Always add press release announcements to your website press area – and be sure your press area is easy to find, easy to read, and easy to print.

6. Highlight Expertise: One of the best ways to generate publicity is to establish expert credibility with the media. Do competitors continually get quoted in industry trade publications and you don’t? They’ve probably done a good job of alerting the media about their expertise in your field. Don’t worry, however, all journalists want to have more than one expert in any field. Begin to define yourself as an expert by writing articles, including the word expert in press releases, biographies, announcements, and descriptions. If you make a living doing what you do, you are an expert. If you are having trouble determining your area of expertise: ask friends, family, and colleagues to help identify your strengths and start spreading the word. Update the company description on your website right now by including your newly identified expertise and you’ve accomplished #5 and #6 already!

Angela Garcia is a founding partner in Starfish Public Relations, a Los Angeles based public relations and marketing company specializing in personality driven strategies. Garcia has held several positions in the entertainment industry including HITS Magazine, Warner Bros. Records, Maverick Records, MCA Records, and House of Blues Entertainment. She credits her success to her creative and enthusiastic approach to work and life. For more information about Angela Garcia and Starfish P.R. please visit: http://www.starfish-pr.com