Author Archive
SFI? A New Look For An Original Internet Business
March 25th, 2010 | 
Author: I have written a few reviews on SFI (Strong Future International). They have recently changed their program and the compensation package so I thought it was time for another review.
As I have stated before SFI was the first Internet Business I became involved in eight years ago. I promoted the opportunity and the products for the first five years. I maintained an EA membership for most of those five years; which cost me approximately $30.00 or more a month. Out of that $30.00 (which was my only sale) the most I received for one month was $20.00.
I don’t mean to imply that it is not a good program. It is however a very difficult one if you want to make money fast. It just won’t happen.
With the new changes at SFI it is somewhat more user friendly when it comes to training and accessibility of the products. The Triple Click Program is basically a store where anyone can purchase products for their home or office. You don’t have to be a member to access this site. It is also the primary store for the affiliates to purchase the needed merchandise they need to continue with their Executive Affiliate upgrades. Once you sign into the page you can also list things for purchase, so I can see where it would be attractive to many.
Their Eye Earn program is another way of signing up affiliates under you so that you can make money. With this you have to purchase the Eye Earn package, display it on either you car, wear the shirt and then take a picture and send it to them so they can verify that you are advertising their product before you can earn any money from them.
There are several other programs within SFI where you could possibly make money. The only program that I really benefited from was the IAHBE, which is now sold in the Triple Click Program. This is a great learning tool that has tons of free books, articles, and advice on how to run a successful home business. Anyone starting a home business could benefit from this site you don’t have to be a member of SFI to purchase the program; it is connected to SFI and they will encourage you to sign up for SFI but you don’t have to and it is $30 a month to stay with them, it is not a one time purchase.
SFI will tell you that you don’t need to upgrade to make money. But in fact you really do. You can make money as a free associate but it is questionable if it is worth your time. I have 170 associates under me (that is after eight years of advertising), my upline support was non-existent, SFI support is there 24/7 but does not always answer your question. If you are not an EA they will insist that you have to be one before you can make money.
As far as their compensation package I am still a little confused. One person tells me I don’t have to be an EA to make money from my downline, while another tells me I do. I haven’t been an EA for some time and refuse to spend $30.00 a month on the off chance I might earn $6.00 of it back from someone under me that will upgrade. By the way I do have two EA’s under me at this time and am always there to answer their questions honestly.
You are suppose to earn 30% commission on any non-affiliate sale; if one of your personally sponsored affiliates purchases something from Triple Clicks you are suppose to earn 15% of that sale. And on it goes until you are crossed eyed trying to figure out if they owe you money.
I would say that when SFI started in the 1980’s it was new and innovative. It filled a void on the Internet for those of us who wanted to work from home. The people who started then have made a fortune; I am just not sure it can be said of those who join today. SFI provides “residual” income in that once you have made a sale or had one of your downline upgrade the income keeps coming in from those sources. As with any business you continually have to go out and find new sources to keep that income growing. There are many programs on the Internet that provide that also, SFI isn’t the only one.
So with all of this said you are probably wondering why I still promote SFI? Strong Future International is basically a good program for the beginner to learn about affiliate marketing. It will take you through advertising on the Internet both free and paid, it has some really great products. Upgrade? Not unless you can afford it. Look through the Triple Clicks store at the products offered, if you can see yourself selling $30 or more each month then that would pay for your upgrade. If you have the extra money each month to take $30 out of your budget to pay your own way then do so; but if you do not have the money don’t upgrade.
This program does have flaws still, but overall if you go into it with an open mind you can learn something about Internet Marketing.
To Your Success
Nancy Kraska
Webmaster
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Creating eBay Customer Service
When you go into a brick and mortar store one of the first things you appreciate is how well the customer service person handles your order. If it is a poor response the chances are you will never go back to that store again. Your opinion has been formed by that one encounter. You will tell your friends, who in turn will tell their friends and on down the line for friendships.
An online store is no different in terms of whether you have good customer service or not. The only difference is you are unlikely to hear about it until it is too late. Reputation is everything on the Internet; poor customer service can make or break an online store.
This is true no matter what type of business you operate online, but especially true of eBay. EBay has its own rating system; it is based on feedback from your customers. It is important for you as a seller to get a good feedback rating from your customers as it shows potential customers that you are a trusted seller. These potential customers are more likely to purchase from you than from someone else who has a lower rating. It is very important to have a proven track record with eBay customers. Develop a good customer service policy and maintain those standards with each and every buyer.
Once you have a firm grasp of the policies and regulations of eBay (there are two sections one for buyers and one for sellers), then you will be able to develop your own customer service strategy.
A good customer service strategy starts with a good product description. One common mistake on eBay is that people get caught up in hype and blowing the description of the product out of proportion to what it really is. Don’t fall into that trap. Keep your descriptions simple, honest and to the point. Include everything in the description including any model number, serial numbers, make, model, who manufacturers the product etc. Be very specific when describing the item, if it has any imperfections then say so. If possible get the size and location of the imperfection and post it in your description. .
A good aid to any selling on eBay is to have a good clear picture of the product you are selling. If the product does have some damage take a picture of that also so the customers can see the damage for themselves. Any customer coming to your eBay store will want to see what they are purchasing.
Once the order is placed and payment received be sure and ship the item out to the customer immediately. Customers do not want to wait a long period of time for their merchandise.
So to summarize:
* Make sure you have a full and complete description of the item including all imperfections listed
* Answer any and all questions quickly and in a professional manner
* If the price of your item includes shipping and handling, make sure that is stated clearly in the description
* Once payment is received ship item immediately, the same day if possible
* Treat your customer as you would want to be treated and you will have satisfied customers
* Research similar items on eBay to see what others are selling their for and price your item accordingly.
If you follow all rules and regulations and the guidelines I have outlined you should have no problem with eBay or your customers. A good customer rating is important always remember that when dealing with customers on eBay or any other home business.
To Your Success
Nancy Kraska
Webmaster
Have you ever tried to sell something on eBay and not had much success? This 45 year old eBay veteran Powerseller will teach you the insider secrets on how earn money buying and selling on eBay for much less that you would expect! |
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Is the MLM business opportunity better off worked at home or what?
MLM is a legitimate and potentially lucrative way to work from home for your own MLM business opportunity.
By directly selling products while creating your own upline downline, you can work your MLM business opportunity part-time, from home, and at in your own hours. Even with all the potential for making money, you should decide, though if an MLM is for you.
Many people are blinded by all the benefits of an MLM when determining if this type of business is right for them. You do not need to have a college degree or any experience to get into the industry.
The products are already manufactured and are usually shipped by the company directly to your customers. Plus, you choose your hours and your work location. In fact, many MLM business opportunities are taken by people who work from the comfort of their own home.
Other benefits of an MLM business opportunity that is worked from home is that you have leverage; you continue earning commissions on a single effort. You do not need to come up with your own business or marketing plan, because the company does it for you. Also, recruiting and training systems are provided for you by the company.
Despite the numerous benefits, MLM businesses do come with some downfalls.
For instance, you usually start of marketing to family and friends. This is especially so if you are just starting your work from home MLM business. This can create some friction and alienation, especially among people who are more acquaintances than close friends and family.
The work is selling, so you need to have a pretty strong backbone, as many people will tell you, “no” instead of the much-coveted “yes”. Therefore, it takes a lot of effort and motivation.
In order to make the most potential income, you need to continuously recruit new representatives. Plus, if you are working from home, your MLM business opportunity require that you purchase a certain amount of product each month or quarter, adding in a financial commitment.
Working at home works for some people. But other people find that it takes a great deal of discipline and motivation to get the job done without being easily distracted. Before you decide to take up the MLM business opportunity and work at home, make sure that you get all the information that you need to make an informed decision.
So weighing out the good and bad, is MLM for you?
Well, if you are a self-starter with a lot of energy and motivation then it is a good start. If you have leadership skills and can set goals and meet them, then MLM might be for you, too.
MLM people have great people skills and are self-starters. They have strong powers of persuasion and can influence people easily.They also have an ability to guide and encourage others to work the program.
An MLM business opportunity is an ideal trade to run on the Internet and work from your home. If you have the personality to run this type of business, then it could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Just make sure you watch out for MLM scams and do your research before joining. Then take advantage of the MLM opportunities that await you. Try working at home and see how well it suits you.
SFI-Worth A Second Look
Do you want to work for 40 years or more to make $40,000 a year or less Imagine owning a profitable home business that you could start today - Technical know-how, - Large capital investment or overhead, - Jeopardizing your current career, - Any of the headaches of owning a traditional business. What if all the tools and techniques were provided for you instantly |
Several years ago I joined SFI (Strong Future International) with the thought of making a living from that one company. After several years of struggling with the company and spending money each month to upgrade, I found that it did not live up to its hype. Not only did I not make enough from that one company to support myself, I did not make enough to pay for the programs upgrade each month. By this time I had several companies with which I worked that were earning money each month, so I dropped SFI as one of my main opportunities. Although I kept my membership I never upgraded again.
I am sure there are many people out there who have made money with SFI in the past and would disagree and say it was my doing and not SFI’s fault for my not making money. The trouble is I agree with them.
SFI is a great company. Unfortunately I had a sponsor who never communicated with me about how to get my business started. SFI’s training was foreign to me as I had never worked online before. Their training was disjointed for me and that combined with a lack of sponsor support contributed to my downfall. Not only did I not learn anything, but I became the same type of sponsor that I had. I did not communicate with my downline as much as I should have. Frankly, I didn’t know what to tell them or how to help them as I wasn’t sure what I was doing within the company.
So this gives you a little background on my past experience with SFI. Since joining 5 years ago, I have learned a great deal about Internet Marketing from various ebooks and other resources on the Internet. Including friends I have met through forums. With this arsenal of knowledge I decided to take a second look at SFI.
I am happy to say that not only have they completely revamped their website from top to bottom. Their product lines through Triple Clicks and MaxMall have greatly increased the potential for making money. The upgrade process can be done for free now, you don’t have to pay for something that you might or might not need. The support for the novice marketer is greatly improved, so even if you join under someone who is non-communicative you have an excellent chance of success. Simply ask to be assigned another sponsor. Although the way the system is now set up, the sponsor becomes just that a sponsor. The training is completely done by SFI through a simple step by step program. The sponsor is there to steer you in the right direction should you have a question or concern.
I have always liked SFI, even though I didn’t promote it much in the last few years, but now I consider it my top program. This has become a program for the novice and experience marketer alike.
Caution: SFI will not make you rich overnight, but it will give you a solid foundation on which to build a successful Internet business. It was worth a second look.
To Your Success
Nancy Kraska
Webmaster