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Friday, December 7, 2012

Cash Networking


CASH NETWORKING
© BD Manus
Manus Publishing - www.manuspublishing.com

Definition & Overview:

Cash Networking can be described as using social media combined with basic networking skills to get the cash you need in this digital age. 

For use in a small business, it can mean the difference between success and failure.

This report will cover the ways you can improve both your social media & networking skills and how you can use them (combined) to get the cash you need.

 
Social Media:

By now, we are all aware of what social media is.  Websites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter have evolved human communication to a new level.  No longer do we seek human contact, but through a non-living machine.  Video and images, all static, no physicality, and void of body language.
 
It is body language that we use to use to convey sadness, joy, and elation; on-line, this language is lost.     So, the development of social media skills in necessary if one is to achieve Cash Networking.

 
Networking:

Basic Networking can be defined as the using of someone else's contacts to create a chain of contacts to assist you in finding work. 

In Cash Networking, you still build the chain of contacts, but you use the chain to generate funding for your business or project.   Each link on the chain gets you closer to your ultimate goals.

If you are unfamiliar with networking, the text below will help you set up the ultimate Cash Network, that you can use to build your own network of supporters.

First, you will want to set up a Cash Networking log that on your computer or Rolodex, that can be used to keep track of the contacts.  


The log should contain:

The date you met with the person (in person, by mail or e-mail, or over the phone)

The Name of the person

Where the person works (what company)

The Title of the person (in business)

How you came by the contact (friend, networking, other)

The address of the contact

The phone number of the contact

The e-mail address of the contact

Did you submit a funding proposal

Did you meet with this person to discuss your funding needs

Extra notes

Follow up

Other notes (such as things in common, birthdays, et cetera)

 
Now you can start building your Cash Network.  Start by writing down all the contacts you know and other pertinent information. 

Then call each of your contacts and get contacts from them who may be interested.  You will need to make the initial contact with these people whether by phone or in-person.  At the end of the meeting, ask these contacts if they know people who would be interested in the proposal.  Then make contact with the new group, and so on.

You will want to arrange your contacts by level.

Level One Contacts - Are the people you know the best.  They can be past co-workers, friends, and family.  These are the people whom you should meet with in person.  Tell them your plans, and present them with a proposal, but don't ask them for money.  If they agree to help you, then give them your 'Contact Cash Networking cards'. 

You will want to follow up with Level One contacts in three weeks, in which time, you will update them on your progress and keep their focus on your campaign.  When ever you make contact with a contact use the log.

Level Two Contacts - Are the people you know on a more casual level, but may not necessarily be your friends.  These can be people from organizations such as church, clubs, school, et cetera.  Just like in level one, these are also people whom you should meet with in person, but you can also contact them by telephone or email.

You will want to follow up with Level Two contacts in three weeks, in which time, you will update them on your progress and keep their focus on your campaign.  When ever you make contact with a contact use the log.

Level Three Contacts - Are the new people that may or may not be able to help you.  These are the contacts received from level one and two, or can be new contacts for your day to day interactions.  These are people whom you want to give your networking business cards to.

When you hear back from any specific networking contact, you should also email them a thank you note. You want to let them know you are appreciative of their efforts on your behalf, and you want to encourage them to continue working for you.

Remember, execute, manage, and document your networking activities. A well-managed campaign will lead to quicker and potentially better results.


Cash Networking:

In Cash Networking, we do not ask for cash that would be very, very rude.  No we use a form of synthetic body language to get the things (in this instance, cash) that we want.  For Cash Networking to work, you must first develop a plan for what you need the cash for and how it will be used.  This is very much like writing a business plan or grant proposal, it must be short but detailed.

Your Cash Networking Proposal should be no longer than 1/2 page long, and contain a brief Statement of Need, Statement of Use, Funding Statement; so potential funders can get an idea of your pressing need.

You can use your proposal on Social Media sites.  Social media will also allow you to tweak your summary where necessary to get the donations you need.  You will also want to open up a Paypal account to accept online donations.

A Project Video will tell both potential funders and funders how far along you are on your project and can give them something they can see.  Invite all of your Cash Networking Contacts to the social media site you have set up.  The more interactions you have with your donors and possible donors, the better.

You can also uses mass e-mails, and the telephone to gain more support and to tell funders of your exciting progress!  Remember that contact is the key.
 

Crowdfunding:

Crowdfunding is another form of Cash Networking when you pitch yourself or idea to others in hopes of a donation.  It can be very lucrative, though it comes with pit falls.  People have been sued because they did not use the cash as intended.  Donations can fall through, leaving you or your project short, and sometimes, hefty fees can be taken if your donations are higher than expected.


In Closing:

Just as a well-oiled machine will run forever, so will your Cash Networking campaign.   Continue to follow through with each contact and keep everyone informed.  If possible, when your project or business is ready, invite your Cash Networking Contacts to see what they helped you to develop.


Sample Cash Networking Proposal:

Cash Networking Proposal

Lone Star Bingo Hall

Statement of Need: The Lone Star Bingo Hall (Waco, Texas) would be a place for the Senior Citizens to interact with people of all ages, while having fun and eating a complimentary lunch or dinner.

Statement of Use: The Lone Star Bingo Hall project is 90% funded, and we have already secured a location, renovated the building, but we lack the funds to finish the kitchen, purchase food and other supplies for the Bingo Hall to operate properly. 

Funding Statement: We require $5,000 in order to have Lone Star Bingo Hall ready for its grand opening in two months.  Any assistance you can provide to us will be greatly appreciated by our staff and the senior citizens in the area that are waiting for Lone Star Bingo Hall to open.

Thank you,

Richard Floorings

Founder, Lone Star Bingo Hall


 

Sample cards:


You can easily create Cash Networking Information Cards on your computer's word processor and print them on business card stock or post card paper.  Carry them with you always and always pass them out.


Is a standard business card that contains:

Your Name

Your Title

The Company you work for or own

Mailing Address

Phone

Fax

and E-mail address
 



 

 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012


Lesson Nine: Marketing

There are many effective ways that you could market an e-book, by I feel the best way is to reach the persons for which the books are written.  If you write and e-book about the uses of color in home decorating, then the Target Market for your book would be Home Decorators and designers.

Excluding the markets of people who are not interested in the subject will save you both time and money.  Signing up with Forums, Creating your Own Blog, Using Social Media are all great ways to 'push' your book.  Even having an e-book signing at a local library or bookstore are all great ways to get focus and create sales.  Even vehicle advertising might work.

Ultimately whether you use your friends, family or strangers to get the word out about your books is totally up to you.

Goals to Creating a Successful E-book Marketing Campaign

1.    Create 'catchy' word and phrase combinations

2.    Use the 'catchy' word and phrase combinations everywhere (websites, web name, advertisement, et cetera.)

3.    Target the Customers for which your book was written

4.    Use the Internet to cast your net and catch potential sales

5.    Talk about your ebook(s) on relevant blogs & forums

6.    Have a book signing (whether traditional or digital)

7.    Advertise on free websites such as Craig's List

8.    Use social media sites to push your writing (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter)

9.    Use your friends and family to get the word out (word of mouth)

10. Never stop Marketing your products


This lesson concludes my series Writing A Book.  I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season & Merry Christmas.  Join me in January 2013, when I kick off my new series: Contacting the Media.

www.manuspublishing.com

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Lesson Eight: Publishing


You've spent the last few weeks, months, or even years developing the plot, writing the story, checking the facts, and figuring how much to charge.  Now its time to look at publishing your book.

If you have written an e-book, there are nearly limitless ways that you can publish it yourself.

PDF format - Is always near the top.  It can be read on every e-reader and some mobile applications.  You have the option of adding information and locking your file with software such as Primo PDF.

Amazon.com - is another good choice, although once they have it, it's theirs and only theirs to sell.  Visit the Kindle website for more information.

Smashwords.com - can publish your e-book in every available format and issue you a ISBN at no cost to you.  You must read their style guide and format you e-book to their standards.

If you want to publish your book, in-print, for free, there are also options available to you.

Publish America - will publish your book (print on demand) at no cost to you.  Additional services are available at cost.

Wordclay - will also publish your book print on demand.

If you don't have a literary agent, you can almost forget being published by a big, big named publishing house, unless you sell a million copies, that is.  Big publish houses don't normally accept unsolicited manuscripts (no literary agent), but if you have the time and money you can submit to them, you just might get lucky.

 
Since there are hundreds of book publishers all around the world, an excellent website to visit for addresses and more information is www.bookmarket.com


P.S.: Next week we cover Lesson Nine: Marketing
 

 

 

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Lesson Seven: Setting the Price

Pricing an e-book can be easy or hard, depending on how you look at it.  The purpose of this lesson is to help you find the right price to sell your e-book.  There are three important factors when considering pricing:

¨      First is the length - how long is the book.  Any typed document of 5 pages or more can be considered an ebook, because those 5 pages might compress to 10 depending on the e-reader it is read on.  You wouldn't price a 300-page e-book for $0.99, would you?

¨      Secondly the topic - what is your book about, the subject matter also effects the pricing of the e-book.

¨      Lastly what do you feel that it is worth?  You have put your time, heart, and soul into this project, shouldn't that account for something.  Isn't time money?

I have created the quiz below to help you find the 'right' price for any e-book.  You will choose A, B, C, or D.  Keep track of the number of a's, b's, c's, and d's you receive, as this will tell you which price to choose.


Choose the statement below that best reflects your actions:


A.   It took me a month to write this e-book.

B.   I finished this e-book in one day!

C.   It took me a week to finish this book.

D.   It took me a few weeks, but less than a month to finish the book.

 
A.   This book is a masterpiece.

B.   I put a few brain cells into this work.

C.   I put my heart into this work

D.   I did a lot of soul searching.

 
A.   My book is over 150 pages.

B.   My friends don't even call it a book!

C.   This is the longest thing I've ever written!

D.   My book is under 120 pages.


A.   Is your book an autobiography or novel

B.   Is your book a short story -or- not a story at all

C.   Is your book a story of some sorts

D.   Is your book a desk reference, such as a dictionary

 
How much money would you pay for your work?

A.   $7.00 or more

B.   $0.99 or less

C.   $1.00 up to $3.00

D.   $3.00 up to $6.99

If you select mostly ___,

A's = you should price your book in between $9.99 up to $15.99.  You take much pride in your creation, as you should.  Your pride probably reflects in the quality of your work.
 
B's = you should price your book for $0.99 or less.  Yes, I'm sure you are proud of the work you have created, but is it your best work? 
 
C's = you should price your book for $1.00 up to $4.99 or less.  C's are generally not better than B's but in this case, I feel you have spent more time developing your story line to create a better flow for the overall story
 
D's = you should price your book for $5.00 up to $9.89 or less.  You spent a lot of time researching the material for your book, checking the facts, and developing the flow, but did it come from your heart?

I hope this short quiz helped you to select a price for your e-book.

P.S.: Next week, we will cover where you can go to get your e-book published.

 

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Lesson Six: Creating a 1-D ebook Cover


Lesson Six:

Creating a 1-D E-book Cover
easy as 1,2,3

I know what you are thinking, I can't possibly build an e-book cover?  My answer is you are wrong.  I've been in your shoes, and not very long ago.  I searched the internet high and wide looking for a program, preferably free to build e-book covers, but I didn't want to pay the price.  I was fortunate enough to cross of a forum site that mentioned GIMP.

I did some research and downloaded the GNU Freeware program GIMP 2 / http://www.gimp.org   It was truly one of the best decisions I could have ever made.  Yes, it took me a couple of weeks to get use to the new software, but that is to be expected.

I can now build perfect 1-D e-book covers in any size, and drop in pictures and clip art.  In today's lesson, I will show you how to build a 1-D solid color e-book cover for Amazon or Smashwords.  Lets get started.

Opening the Program & Creating the Cover:

1.           After you have downloaded the program, go ahead and open it.

2.           Click on the file tab to open the dialog box.

3.           Then click on the new tab, this will open the "Create A New Image" box.  For a ebook cover on Amazon, you will click on the portrait tab, then for the Width type 600 px and for the Height type 900 px. Then click "ok".  For a ebook cover on Smashwords,  you will click on the portrait tab, then for the Width type 1600 px and for the Height type 2400 px.  Then click "ok".

4.           Your image field will open in a new window.

5.           Save the 'untitled' image (.xcf), you can still edit the image.  Be sure to save the image often.

6.           Then click on the maximize page tab (the square box upper right).

7.           Click on the GIMP tab to place the tools where you can access them.

8.           Click on the Bucket Fill tool (the paint bucket symbol), then select a background color or pattern.

9.           Move your pointer over the white field & double left click to fill the area.

10.       Click on the GIMP tab again to place the tools where you can access them.

11.       Then click on the text tool icon 'A', this pulls up the text tools.

12.       Choose your Font, font color, and Size (minimum of 90) to be seen.

13.       Move your mouse over the colored background, where you want to place the title of your book, and left click once.

14.       This opens the Gimp Text Editor field.  Type the text into the editor, it will also appear in the main field.

15.       NOW is the time to adjust the font size, color, and font type.

16.       Click on the close tab.

17.       Click in the main field where you would like to type the 'by line'

18.       Just like before, select the font size, color, and font type.

19.       Move your mouse over the colored background, where you want to place the title of your book, and left click once.

20.       This opens the Gimp Text Editor field.  Type the text into the editor, it will also appear in the main field.

21.       NOW is the time to adjust the font size, color, and font type.

22.       Click on the close tab.

This complete your first 1-D ebook cover, so how'd you do?  Now I will go over how to save and transform the image to a JPEG image.
 
Saving the Cover As A Picture --

1.   In the field that contains your ebook image, click on the file tab.

2.   Click on the save as tab.

3.   Then save as _________(name).jpg & click save.

4.   Then the Export File field will open.  You are going to click on the export tab.

5.   Then another 'save as' field will open, you will click save as jpeg.

Congrats, you did it!  As with anything, practice makes perfect, so practice.  This is also a great way to earn extra cash on the side, once you prefect your skills.

P.S.:  I'm hard at work developing even more ebook titles.  Currently, I have 17 e-books currently for sale on both Amazon and Smashwords in both Spanish and English.  To view or purchase visit:

 
 
 
 
Next week lesson '7' Pricing.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Lose Weight & Keep it Off for Good! New e-book


Newest E-book: Lose Weight and Keep It Off for Good!
$2.59 / http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/bdmanus
 
All who are tired of diet plans that don't work:

Weight is the most common thing people struggle to keep under control.  It is very hard to keep a handle on it with restaurants here and there and fast food places on nearly every corner, but it can be done.  I lost 50 pounds nearly two years ago, and I have managed to keep it off, and improve my cholesterol, and I am here to say you can to.  With just a minor 'lifestyle' change, (I hate the word diet), you can lose weight and keep it off too.

Also included is a quick weight loss plan when you need to lose 5 - 15 pounds in a week for a special event.  Both of these plans work, and with the material included in this new e-book you can lose the weight and look great too for the rest of your life.

I'm more fit than ever, and I am sharing my secret with all of you.  If you are tired of dieting fads, yo-yo diet plans, and spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars without the results, then my lifestyle change is for you.
 
It really works!
 
-- bd manus

 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Creating Work, the new e-book that Urges us to Create Jobs!

It's not like the good ole day's where we could just run out a get a brand new job tomorrow.  The times are tougher and there is more competition between high school students, college students, college graduates, the general workforce, and seniors who are forced into working longer.

Society dictates that jobs are something that must be applied for, but this is simply not true, which is the basis of this new e-book: Creating Work by bd manus.  In it, the writer gives you the tools, which you can use to simply create your next job.

The economy is ripe for job creation, it's screaming.  To get the wheels turning, money must be spent, it is a cycle.  Don't you want to join in on all of the fun of creating your very own job.

It is not the time to be shy, not wanting to get your feet wet.  Now is the time for creating work, earning a living, making a job for you and others.  Just think about the money you spend.  For every dollar, just think how many jobs you are supporting.  From the sales clerk, to the stocker, the managers, the product suppliers, and the people who made the products, we all work in unison.
 
We can't afford to wait on our elected officials, we must act now!  The new e-book Creating Work by bd manus, is a call to action.  It's time for that inventive spirit that made America great to return.
 
Creating Work / e-book / $1.59 / http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/bdmanus
 

Lesson Five: Common Writing Errors

It's been a little over a week, and I am almost positive that you have written a short story by now, if not you still have time, but we must move on to our next lesson.

Proof reading anything that you create is an important step in the writing process.  Without proof reading, the work you make can make you look like a fool.    Some mistakes you should be able to correct automatically while you write some you won't.  Don't rely on the spell checker feature, it is good, but it won't correct all of the mistakes.

Below is an excerpt reprint from a 40-paged little book (3x3-in. sq.) I wrote in 2004.  It contains a gathering of common mistakes and frequently misspelled words.  As writers we have a duty to create polished works.

It's All About The Grammar: The Perfect Pocket Grammar Guide
copyright 2004 Manus Publishing - http://www.manuspublishing.com

Forward --

Grammar is everywhere.  When you read the morning paper, the instruction of the back of your favorite lunchtime snack, even in spoken languages, grammar is everywhere.  This is the excellent pocket sized fact checker for all of your writing projects.

Spelling --

Here is a list of the most commonly misspelled words:
fulfill, iridescent, siege, separate, misspell, lavender, paralleled, noticeable, occurrence, maneuver, excerpt, heighten, embarrass, dilemmas, conscience, accommodate, minuscule, subtle, myer, noticeable, privilege, rhythm

Apostrophes --

Use an apostrophe to show that something is possessive (belongs to something or someone)
1.      The most common form is an apostrophe 's.
2.      The apostrophe as an contraction, I.E.: can not = can't, it is = it's, who is = who's, of the clock = o'clock, did not = didn't, I will = I'll, are not = aren't, I have = I've, let us = let's, I am = I'm

Spelling Rules 103 --
When adding a prefix or suffix-
1.      Keep the (y) if it is after a vowel, when adding a suffix.  I.E.: display+ing
2.      For words ending in (y) if it is after a consonant (not a vowel), change the (y) to an (I) then add the suffix.  I.E.: merry+ly = merrily

Quotation Marks & Writing Dialogue ---
When writing a conversation between two or more people, start a new paragraph everytime someone else starts speaking.  I.E.:

"Mike," He said, "Why is it gone?"

"It should be there." Paul replied.

"Are you sure?"  Mike asked.

"I didn't move it!"  Paul screamed.

How Do I Combine A Sentence --
The best way to combine two sentences is by using: and, but, or, for, yet, & so.
I.E.:
I have change for that twenty. 
Can I get two tens back?

(corrected)
I have change for that twenty, but can I get two tens back?

Spelling Rules 102 -- Plural Nouns --
1.      Add a (s) to most nouns.
2.      Nouns ending in z, x, sh, ch, or s, add an (es)
3.      Nouns ending in a vowel and y, add an (s)
4.      For nouns ending with a consonant and y, change the (y) to an (i) and add (es)
5.      Nouns ending in (o) add an (s)
6.      Nouns ending in (f, fe) add an (s).

This only represents seven out of thirty topics that It's All About The Grammar: The Perfect Pocket Grammar Guide by bd manus, covers.  We are currently in the stages of up-dating and writing this book in both English and Spanish.  It will be available for sale in mid-November 2013.

P.S.: For all of our available e-book titles, visit http://www.amazon.com/author/bdmanus (for English titles) and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/bdmanus (for Spanish & the duel language e-book Free Health Care, It Exists by bd manus)

Next week: How to build an E-book Cover.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Lesson Four: Writing the Story

Example Story Line from Lesson Three:

Mark - Policeman (fourth paragraph)

Future (sixth paragraph)

Lisa - Thief (first paragraph)

Crime - (first paragraph)

Sci-Fi - (story line)

Bank Robbery - (first paragraph)

Now you can begin to build your story!
 
Remember that a story is just a bunch of thoughts and phrases strung together with cohesion.

(The setup -

who = Lisa

what = Robbed

when = Dream

where = Bank

how = by a robber)


…I awoke in a dream, although it was a nightmare as far as I was concerned.  The bank I was charged in overseeing was being robbed, and what was worse, it was my wife, Lisa, who was the thief. 


(the Action)
 
"How could I face the boy's back at station 23."  I though aloud, which was another big mistake.

Lisa came running towards me, pointing an AK-47 right at my chest. 
 
"What did you say, Mark?" She screamed.

"Repeat what you said!"  She asked again.

 
(Under the story)

I just stood there like all the other customers, defenseless.  It was a real shame that I left my military issued revolver in the jet car.  No, no, she better be glad I left my revolver in the car, cause she'd be dead, and I'd take all the money for myself.

What a horrible cop I am, I didn't even have my state government issued walkie-talkie, guess where that is too?  What a shame.  Still in uniform, no weapon.  I guess there goes my weekend.

(the Finish)

She finally got away, no one could track her.  I was fired, I knew it!

 
Exercise One:

A story can go anywhere you want it to go. This is a stub of a story, where can you make it go?

The year is 2732, my name is Mark, I'm one of New York's finest, and I am in the pursuit of the thief who stole two-million dollars from the bank of Manhattan.

It's just seconds since the robbery suspect leapt into her awaiting jet car and raced into the sunset. Mark is in hot pursuit at over 300 mph, will he be able to catch her?

###

P.S. see next weeks lesson for common mistakes made when writing any story.