Sure, a vacation sounds good to you! A free or low-cost vacation sounds even better. But there are a few important points to remember when choosing vacation packages. If you don't think economically, and even cautiously, then your next vacation could actually turn out to be an extravagant bill you can't afford. Consider a four important points.
1.All Inclusive Trip?
You probably know of game shows where the contestant wins an all-inclusive trip to some place exotic. That's the key word to look for: all-inclusive. This usually means that the flight, the hotel stay and entertainment, and sometimes even the rental car are all included in one hopefully low bill. If your vacation does not say all-inclusive then you may be paying only for the flight or the hotel stay. Low-cost tickets to Disney land may sound like a good deal, but can you afford to fly the whole family, stay at a high priced hotel and get around town in a rental car?
2.Comparing the Costs
Some cautious vacationers have done the math on their own – and found some savings to boot. An all inclusive-vacation is convenient and sometimes can offer you a lower price in one combined subtotal. However, if you can find voucher coupons and don't mind investing some hours of research, you may be able to put together a vacation yourself with a subtotal that still beats the all-inclusive plan.
3.Will You Enjoy It?
This is particularly important for honeymoon vacations and family vacations. Older adults and young children tire easily, so plan a trip that your entire traveling party will enjoy. If you plan a trip just for the kids, it will be a long and expensive vacation for the adults. You may plan a trip that sounds fun to you, but what will your children do in the meantime? Will your honeymoon vacation take into consideration both the bride and groom's interest? Or will the two of you be so busy enjoying “room service” that you don't even get to see all of the popular sightseeing spots? One way to maximize the fun is to make a list of what your entire traveling party wants to do on the vacation and plan a trip accordingly. Sometimes a vacation that is actually enjoyable, and doesn't cause any frustration or disappointment, ends up being the most convenient.
4.Can You Afford The Full Vacation?
While some all-inclusive vacations take care of your every need, others merely will pay for the hotel stay and airfare. That means you still have to pay for food, entertainment and other vacation supplies. Can you afford to eat out every night? Does the hotel charge extra for food and beverages? If you cannot afford all of the vacation, then you may want to buy regular grocery supplies ahead of time and limit your outgoing dining to maybe once a day, or only a few times a week.
Ask yourself if you can indeed afford your vacation. If you're on a tight budget, then start planning well ahead of time.
Article By Adam O’Connor, www.RVTravelPro.com
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Flag that Sign!
“Flagging a sign” is an imperfect art that allows you to get a read on the height of your proposed billboard visually from the street. It is normally done one of two ways”
By Crane
To accomplish this, you need a tape measure (100’ fiberglass) and a red towel. You also need a 75’ or so skyhook crane. You attach the skyhook crane ball to the tape measure, and tie a red towel around the cable just above the ball. You then lift up the crane until the ball is at the bottom of the proposed sign face. What you have done is to create a fairly accurate indication of the sign face in mid air – so that you can see if the sign is tall enough.
You now get in your car and drive by the imaginary sign from both directions several times, to study the height. You also take pictures that you can then use to stick a scales white rectangle on the show potential advertisers what the sign will look like.
By Fiberglass Surveying Pole
To do this, you need to buy a 50’ fiberglass surveyor’s extension pole at a survey equipment store. You telescope the pole vertically in sections that snap in place, about 5’ at a time. Before you begin, you tie a red rag to the top of the pole, and then extend it vertically to the bottom of the sign face.
You then have someone hold it while you drive by it several times in you car, all the while taking pictures. The pole is bound to flex, so the measurement is not nearly as accurate as the crane.
It is critical that the pole be of fiberglass construction since it might hit the power lines and you could be electrocuted if it is of a material that conducts electricity. You also need to put you foot beside te pole to reinforce it from slipping when the wind blows. Many an amateur pole holder has had a bad accident when the pole slips and, like a giant lever, hits you in a very sensitive spot with a lot of force.
Now what do you do if the sign is too low? First, see if it is legal to make tit higher. Some states allow you to exceed the legal height when it is starting from below the grade of the road. Is it possible to make it too high? Absolutely, if the sign is too high, it will be above your windshield just when it is meant to be read.
Flagging the sign also will help uncover and tree or other obstructions that you need to negotiate now before the sign is built. If the neighbor has a tree that blocks you, call them and ask if you can trim it, or pay them to trim it. You don’t want to make tat call after the sign is built. The sign is always bigger in real life and will probably make the neighbor mad. Further, once the sign is up, you have less negotiating room and the neighbor may want to blackmail you.
So remember, Flag That Sign!
For more information on billboards and more, visit www.nicheinvestmentnetwork.com!
By Crane
To accomplish this, you need a tape measure (100’ fiberglass) and a red towel. You also need a 75’ or so skyhook crane. You attach the skyhook crane ball to the tape measure, and tie a red towel around the cable just above the ball. You then lift up the crane until the ball is at the bottom of the proposed sign face. What you have done is to create a fairly accurate indication of the sign face in mid air – so that you can see if the sign is tall enough.
You now get in your car and drive by the imaginary sign from both directions several times, to study the height. You also take pictures that you can then use to stick a scales white rectangle on the show potential advertisers what the sign will look like.
By Fiberglass Surveying Pole
To do this, you need to buy a 50’ fiberglass surveyor’s extension pole at a survey equipment store. You telescope the pole vertically in sections that snap in place, about 5’ at a time. Before you begin, you tie a red rag to the top of the pole, and then extend it vertically to the bottom of the sign face.
You then have someone hold it while you drive by it several times in you car, all the while taking pictures. The pole is bound to flex, so the measurement is not nearly as accurate as the crane.
It is critical that the pole be of fiberglass construction since it might hit the power lines and you could be electrocuted if it is of a material that conducts electricity. You also need to put you foot beside te pole to reinforce it from slipping when the wind blows. Many an amateur pole holder has had a bad accident when the pole slips and, like a giant lever, hits you in a very sensitive spot with a lot of force.
Now what do you do if the sign is too low? First, see if it is legal to make tit higher. Some states allow you to exceed the legal height when it is starting from below the grade of the road. Is it possible to make it too high? Absolutely, if the sign is too high, it will be above your windshield just when it is meant to be read.
Flagging the sign also will help uncover and tree or other obstructions that you need to negotiate now before the sign is built. If the neighbor has a tree that blocks you, call them and ask if you can trim it, or pay them to trim it. You don’t want to make tat call after the sign is built. The sign is always bigger in real life and will probably make the neighbor mad. Further, once the sign is up, you have less negotiating room and the neighbor may want to blackmail you.
So remember, Flag That Sign!
For more information on billboards and more, visit www.nicheinvestmentnetwork.com!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Secrets to Successful Ads
Secrets of Successful Ads
Throughout my life, I've seen billions of ads. Several of these ads are good, and several are bad. Since advertising is expensive, it is important for us learn how to produce successful ads so we don't waste any money on bad advertisements. This article will show you the secrets of producing successful ads.
Secret #1 - Simplicity
This is a very powerful yet most overlooked rule of design. The truth is that a clean, crisp, non-cluttered ad will outperform a clutter, hard to read ad.
The main purpose of an ad is to get people to purchase your product or service. The next objective of an ad is make
people want to learn more about your product or service.
Secret #2 - Focus on a Benefit
Benefits sell, features do not!
People want to know what's in it for them. They would rather know how your product can help them (benefits) instead of what your product can do (features.)
For example, let's say you are a real estate agent and your company has just won the best real estate award possible. I know you're proud of the award and you should be, but please don't make the award a big part of your ads. People that are buying or selling property would rather know that your agency will list their property on-line for convince and to time-savings.
Secret #3 - Appeal to your target market
Don’t try to make your ad appeal to everyone. Design your layout so it will appeal to your target market. Your ad response rate will be greater this way.
Remember each of us is in a different stages of life, and we all want different things. Once you find out what stage of life your target market is in, then you can make your ads reflect their emotional status.
Secret #4 - Emotional Appeal
Design your ads in a way that will show consumers how your product or service will make them feel. This is a very effective marketing technique because ads us subliminal messages that will make us feel a certain way about your product or service.
Kay's Jewelers ads are a good example of this technique. These ads always show happy people that exchange jewelry, hugs and kisses. When we view or hear these ads, we feel warm, loving, and happy. After seeing these ads several times, we start to associate warm, loving and happy feelings towards Kay Jewelers.
Secret #5 - Eye Catching & Unique
Ever since I was little, I was always told to "color inside of the lines" and "you have to color apples red instead of blue." When I colored things the same way every else did, my work got lost in the crowd because it looked the same as everyone else's.
In advertising the rules have changed. It's ok to be different; in fact it's great to "think outside of the box." Some of the best advertisements are so effective because they are completely different from all the other ads.
Decide what is the single most important part of your ad. Then find a way to make it stand out more than anything else. Arrange the ad so the human eye will see the most important item first, then the second most important item, and so on.
Secret #6 - Colors
According to psychology.about.com, "Psychologists have suggested that color impression can account for 60% of the acceptance or rejection of that product or service." The human eye is attracted to the colors red and yellow before any other color. Yellow backgrounds with black text is the most effective color combination.
Each color has different meanings to different cultures. For advertising purposes, it is extremely important to design your ads in a way that appeals to your target market. Try to choose colors that will compliment the message you are sending to your consumers.
Secret #7 - Copy
Use as little words as possible. Try to use words that catch attention like powerful, amazing, shocking, and revealing.
Be sure the copy you use will be legible for your audience. Use fonts that are clear, easy to read and big enough for each particular ad.
Also be sure your ads have a smooth flow. Viewers may get confused if your ads constantly jump from one topic to another.
Secret #8 - Creditability
An ad will not be effective if no one believes it. You can have the most creative, colorful, and eye-catching ad, but if people read your ad and say "Yeah, Right," than your ad will not be profitable. For example, an ad that says "Earn $100,000 a week with XYZ product" will not be as believable as an ad that says "Increase your sales by 20% with XYZ product."
Secret #9 - Problems Sell
People always want help with things and are always looking for easier ways to do things. Make your ads help them and solve a certain problem your consumers have.
Try to start your ads with a question that allows your product to be the answer. Here are a common few examples:
· "Is your cold keeping you up all night?"
· "Are you tired watching your weight?"
· "Do you want to be your own boss?"
· "Is your cellular phone bill as low as possible?"
· "Are you unhappy with your current internet service?"
Secret #10 - Call to Action
Don't forget to tell people what you want them to do after they see your ad. Don't be afraid to come right out and say "Order Now," "Call Today!" or "Visit our web-site at www.bpsoutdoor.com."
Secret #11 - Advertiser Recognition
Don't forget to put your name and / or logo on all your ads. Make sure they are big enough to be seen. There's nothing worse than seeing a great ad and wondering who the advertiser was.
Secret #12 - Tie it all together
Make sure your graphics, words, slogans, and so on make sense when used together. If your viewers have to ask what your ad has to do with your product than it won't be effective.
Secret #13 - Memorable
Successful ads make a lasting impression on everyone. Give your ads something special and unique that will help make your ads memorable.
Good examples of this are: The AFLAC duck, the "Whats up?" telephone commercials, Wendy's "Where's the beef?" from the 80's, and Verizon's "Can you hear me now?" commercials.
Secret #14 - Repetition
Your ads will look more professional if you use the same fonts and colors as often as possible.
The average person must see an ad 7 times before they remember it. Once you've found an ad that produces results, use it everywhere and as often as possible. This will brand your ad into consumers’ minds.
Throughout my life, I've seen billions of ads. Several of these ads are good, and several are bad. Since advertising is expensive, it is important for us learn how to produce successful ads so we don't waste any money on bad advertisements. This article will show you the secrets of producing successful ads.
Secret #1 - Simplicity
This is a very powerful yet most overlooked rule of design. The truth is that a clean, crisp, non-cluttered ad will outperform a clutter, hard to read ad.
The main purpose of an ad is to get people to purchase your product or service. The next objective of an ad is make
people want to learn more about your product or service.
Secret #2 - Focus on a Benefit
Benefits sell, features do not!
People want to know what's in it for them. They would rather know how your product can help them (benefits) instead of what your product can do (features.)
For example, let's say you are a real estate agent and your company has just won the best real estate award possible. I know you're proud of the award and you should be, but please don't make the award a big part of your ads. People that are buying or selling property would rather know that your agency will list their property on-line for convince and to time-savings.
Secret #3 - Appeal to your target market
Don’t try to make your ad appeal to everyone. Design your layout so it will appeal to your target market. Your ad response rate will be greater this way.
Remember each of us is in a different stages of life, and we all want different things. Once you find out what stage of life your target market is in, then you can make your ads reflect their emotional status.
Secret #4 - Emotional Appeal
Design your ads in a way that will show consumers how your product or service will make them feel. This is a very effective marketing technique because ads us subliminal messages that will make us feel a certain way about your product or service.
Kay's Jewelers ads are a good example of this technique. These ads always show happy people that exchange jewelry, hugs and kisses. When we view or hear these ads, we feel warm, loving, and happy. After seeing these ads several times, we start to associate warm, loving and happy feelings towards Kay Jewelers.
Secret #5 - Eye Catching & Unique
Ever since I was little, I was always told to "color inside of the lines" and "you have to color apples red instead of blue." When I colored things the same way every else did, my work got lost in the crowd because it looked the same as everyone else's.
In advertising the rules have changed. It's ok to be different; in fact it's great to "think outside of the box." Some of the best advertisements are so effective because they are completely different from all the other ads.
Decide what is the single most important part of your ad. Then find a way to make it stand out more than anything else. Arrange the ad so the human eye will see the most important item first, then the second most important item, and so on.
Secret #6 - Colors
According to psychology.about.com, "Psychologists have suggested that color impression can account for 60% of the acceptance or rejection of that product or service." The human eye is attracted to the colors red and yellow before any other color. Yellow backgrounds with black text is the most effective color combination.
Each color has different meanings to different cultures. For advertising purposes, it is extremely important to design your ads in a way that appeals to your target market. Try to choose colors that will compliment the message you are sending to your consumers.
Secret #7 - Copy
Use as little words as possible. Try to use words that catch attention like powerful, amazing, shocking, and revealing.
Be sure the copy you use will be legible for your audience. Use fonts that are clear, easy to read and big enough for each particular ad.
Also be sure your ads have a smooth flow. Viewers may get confused if your ads constantly jump from one topic to another.
Secret #8 - Creditability
An ad will not be effective if no one believes it. You can have the most creative, colorful, and eye-catching ad, but if people read your ad and say "Yeah, Right," than your ad will not be profitable. For example, an ad that says "Earn $100,000 a week with XYZ product" will not be as believable as an ad that says "Increase your sales by 20% with XYZ product."
Secret #9 - Problems Sell
People always want help with things and are always looking for easier ways to do things. Make your ads help them and solve a certain problem your consumers have.
Try to start your ads with a question that allows your product to be the answer. Here are a common few examples:
· "Is your cold keeping you up all night?"
· "Are you tired watching your weight?"
· "Do you want to be your own boss?"
· "Is your cellular phone bill as low as possible?"
· "Are you unhappy with your current internet service?"
Secret #10 - Call to Action
Don't forget to tell people what you want them to do after they see your ad. Don't be afraid to come right out and say "Order Now," "Call Today!" or "Visit our web-site at www.bpsoutdoor.com."
Secret #11 - Advertiser Recognition
Don't forget to put your name and / or logo on all your ads. Make sure they are big enough to be seen. There's nothing worse than seeing a great ad and wondering who the advertiser was.
Secret #12 - Tie it all together
Make sure your graphics, words, slogans, and so on make sense when used together. If your viewers have to ask what your ad has to do with your product than it won't be effective.
Secret #13 - Memorable
Successful ads make a lasting impression on everyone. Give your ads something special and unique that will help make your ads memorable.
Good examples of this are: The AFLAC duck, the "Whats up?" telephone commercials, Wendy's "Where's the beef?" from the 80's, and Verizon's "Can you hear me now?" commercials.
Secret #14 - Repetition
Your ads will look more professional if you use the same fonts and colors as often as possible.
The average person must see an ad 7 times before they remember it. Once you've found an ad that produces results, use it everywhere and as often as possible. This will brand your ad into consumers’ minds.
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