GOT ADVERTISEMENTS? WHY AREN'T SMALL BUSINESSES STILL ADVERTIZING?

Well.... Have You?

Hey You Guys!!!!!!

(Said Like Electric Company Remember that show?)

Anyway, I observed something this week not only as a web observer but as a marketing consultant that has me not surprised at all. What's the did I notice? Is that most small businesses DO NOT ADVERTISE! I always hear a lot of small business owners complain about people not supporting their brand, service or store when in fact they don't support it themselves! How Ironic! In today's business world promotion of your brand is "EVERYTHING" it's the life line of your company/brand no matter what profession or field you choose. It's imperative that you do so! You can expect people to support you when YOU don't even support YOURSELF!!

We've all heard the phrase "Support Begets Support" right? ......So why do we do otherwise? Consumers follow a pattern of brand awareness as do you threw a series of commercials, print or digital marketing. Huge companies have the budget and invest billions on multi-media campaigning to brand on a subliminal level threw repetition. Examples: McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Apple, Microsoft Etc... While small businesses mostly rely on "Word Of Mouth" advertisements but let's face it people the world is much smaller than just your circle of friends and this is the digital age! (In Short Times Have Changed So Shouldn't YOU?)

Technology has changed the way we view and consume products so either you get with the times or get left behind! I notice on most of the online networking platforms LINKED IN, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, NING, ETC that most of the time the only ones truly promoting is either artists, models, promoters, pyramid schemes, online media websites, TV, blogs, labels etc but seldom do I see independent brands pushing their products. You rarely see Real Estate, Medical, Legal or other smaller corporate brands doing so. My question is WHY? If multi-billion dollar companies have to and they are already branded don't you?

This has truly become a lazy generation when we want support of our business when in fact 1/2 of us still don't support ourselves. You wouldn't go to a record store and buy a artist record who you are NOT familiar with so why do you think people would do the same about you? Word of mouth is only valid when that person hears or experienced great things about that brand or experienced something not so pleasant and that's when it backfires! People when you are positioning your product/goods and/or services please remember the following:Do you research know your consumer

1. Convenience is key the more accessible the better the results
   
2. Learn their shopping habits
3. Create a platform where they frequent
   
4. Never assume nor take them for granted
5. Ask for feedback (very important)
6. Don't lie they are NOT stupid and once they realize you did you lost!
7. Price within range
8. Feed the Need (Give them what THEY want not what you THINK THEY WANT)
9. Stay in touch with your consumer!

Follow the above steps and I assure you whatever brand your pushing you will gain the attention you seek as well as stay relevant to that consumer base as well!

Once again its official you just heard the whistle!!!!!

Money & Music Salutes Pat-Lee, You know "The Name"?

Money & Music Salutes

Pat-Lee
"The Name"
YOU HEARD???

Cool V & Money Mike been working with Pat-Lee for some time and already Pat-Lee is making his name heard, with young fans from Alabama to the UK, all the way down, Brazil.
"Addicted to Fresh" (Fashion Gangsta) Single has been heard on major mixtapes and radio stations across the country & overseas.
Not only is he bringing the Fresh, but he's one young one grinding with his mind & eyes focused on the prize, only great things to come, so scoop up his latest EP, one word, "FRESH".

MONEY & MUSIC - THE ASSUMPTION OF YOUR CONSUMER

Cool V- Would like to give you the "Best TIP EVER" It's simple yet most of of us do this everyday! Stop assuming your consumer! If you truly want to get someone's respect you got to work a lil harder than a sales pitch to gain/instill their trust if you want them to "Truly Care" this means stop forcing your brand or opinion on them. Relax let them see the quality of your work and let ....."THAT SPEAK FOR ITSELF"! A wise person once told me "if you want to see life or people for what or who they truly are Just Sit Still" Now with that said I am NOT saying don't push or promote your brand or wait until business finds you rather sometimes we are so busy talking trying to push a product that we forget to the most important thing and that is to listen to what the consumer need!

Let me give you a scenario:

Business: Good morning kind sir/madam how are you?
Consumer: I'm ok

Business: We have a brand new flat screen television on sale for only $500.00 isn't that a steal?
Consumer: Yes it its "but" Im here browsing for something else

Business: But sir your gonna pass up a TV for that price? Your missing a great deal!
Consumer: I agree it's a excellent price but that's "not" what I'm looking for!

Business: Ok well I'd Hate for you to loose out but ok!
Consumer: Thank you for your time I think I'm going to look for my wife now!

Business: Thank you and have a great day!
Consumer: You do the same!

Now what was wrong with that scenario? The salesman didn't listen!!!! The consumer informed him three times he was NOT looking for a TV! Now although that may have been an amazing deal but a number of reasons could have came have been the reason it wasn't a go:

1. He already have enough Flatscreen TV's
   
2. He rarely watches television
3. His wife is blind and he has to work 3 jobs
4. He was shopping for another item
5. etc..

There could have been a variety of reasons but because he was more interested in making a sale he lost site of the most important thing to to and that was to gain his clients "TRUST" which plays the most important part in a sale. Because if your consumer does not have faith in your or the brand you represent is he's going to purchase your product? Chances are most likely not. Also be careful to watch your attitude or tone with your consumer because this will also hinder a sell. Things would have went a lot smoother if the salesperson just asked the consumer what exactly was it he was looking for. Another thing that could have helped is if he asked how could he be of better assistance? Both would have got what they was looking for! But because the salesperson was only interested in what he wanted then this became a heartless sale. (A sale with no emotion or care for the consumers needs)

We all know that in business most people have the attitude "it's not personal just business" but it is because when you invade a persons personal space you are now in "Their WORLD" They are not No longer caring about your store or brand until you gain their trust? (Your Introduction) The 1st thing in sales you learn is your selling "YOURSELF' 1st!!!!! Why?... because if the person doesn't buy you then trust me the same usually applies to the product your selling.

So in short "Stop, Look & Listen" don't be so eager or too busy trying to sell your brand that you forget the most important part of the deal "The Consumer & Your Relationship" this is the most vital part of the process that separates the successful return customer from the passer by!

Have a great day and It Ain't Official Unless U heard The Whistle!

"NFL Rookies Warned on Money" time Money & Music joins this discussion

For reprint reasons we will instead link this week's headline post in the USA TODAY "NFL Rookies Warned on Money" (click here to read entire article).

Why did we resort to Money Mike on this one? Because he is a Registered Investment Advisor, someone who has contemplated and able to qualify to join the NFLPA's union of financial advisors, but after having a conversation with one of our past guests, Elton Brown (Superbowl Lineman from the Arizona Cardinals), Money Mike revealed, "yes" he could, would, and was able to qualify to be part of the NFLPA's financial advisors union, even has the paperwork still in his files, but what did that really mean? From our conversations with him, what it really meant was paying 500+$ (annual fee) to be listed as a "Qualified advisor" on their 450+ list that the Rookies get of financial advisors during their Rookie meetings. Elton & Mike, talked about will that really make a difference? Their conclusions, would you trust someone because they are on a paid list, would that mean Money Mike is more qualified, more trusted? Before reading on...please read the article, better yet, read past blog archives, listen to past Money & Music Shows.

I met Money Mike in the late 90's, he was like any other young successful dude, just having fun, working hard, and never thought where our destiny's would take us. Since it's Caribana time...it only brings back true memories when we after one helluva event in Canada @ the Gov't, did we say to ourselves..."Wow, there is so much the Entertainment and Sports Industries lack, True Guidance" like the article points out, not that fancy suit, fancy car, legal/financial lingo, having you run for the hills if you dare to ask a question. No instead, someone you can sit down with you, look you in the eyes, kick you in the ass & tell you stop being so DUMB!!! While enjoying the game or bumpin some good music, all on the same level. We respect the fact the NFLPA set up such a union, and continues to preach and educate young athletes the importance of finances, yet are the role models preaching from success or from the failures that so many made? How about we stop preaching and stop LEACHING on to these athletes/entertainers as they are anyone different then anyone else? We have serious problems as a society, forget the whole fame blame. Today's economy affects all walks of life, no matter how many zeroes are after your bank account.

The problem, it's the Bling and the Blang, society and media, portray as Success. The Reality is...well start tuning in...start reading the posts, we can only lead the horse to the water, it's up to you to do something about it. So all you artists & athletes, at the end of the day, the blame only lies with you, Ask yourself one simple question, "After I'm done with my career, what plan do I have in place and where will my income come from?" as our boy Money Mike would say instead, " What is your lifestyle now and how much money do you need to maintain it for future years?"

Now why is Health such a important concept to me? Because a few years ago I was effected by a getting hit by a drunk driver which left me paralyzed for a few months and on a cane for a few years. This effected "EVERYTHING" not even just in the past but in the present as well because time to time when the weather change I'm still effected. Because I wasn't able to exercise and lack of a proper nourishment I also had a poor diet which triggered "Sugar Diabetes" which is so prevalent in my family because most of my siblings suffer from this disease from both of my grandmothers, aunts, father and even my sister suffer from the same illness. This left me in even worse condition. I have dealt with many of things but trust me when I tell you Sugar is nothing to play with it has resulted in the passing of both of my grandmothers, My fathers foot being amputated and my my aunt with a stroke.

You may heard many say "Your Heath is Your Wealth" but from personal experience I can tell you without it you have "NOTHING" don't let "NOTHING" nor "NO ONE" effect this because this will have a trickle down effect it will effect your finance, relationships, family and your overall existence. So plan ahead and think smart.

Money & Music is a movement that continues to strengthen, the show will be back shortly, so stay tuned, stay up to date, and keep educating because EDUCATION & your HEALTH is your TRUE WEALTH.

You Heard The Whistle It's Official!

"Visual Perception" on the Money & Music Show

If you missed this week's Money & Music Show, as always we got you, press play, below, get your notepads & pens...and listen in peoples...listen up!!! If you don't have the time to tune in...at least read the blog below it...Heavy...Heavy info, we got WAKE UP, Stand Up, and realize, it's our Future, the TIME is NOW. If you have no interest in your future, your families future, the future your business, or the Future of this country, well at least you know we'll keep bringing heat, in hopes someday, you will just be AWARE enough to do something about it.

As always, all the best & much success...

MONEY & MUSIC SHOW - GET YOUR FINANCIAL TIPS RIGHT HERE!

Solidifying your Brand with Valerie Valentina

"Valerie Valentina"

CEO OF 'VALERIE VALENTINA" CLOTHING & LITTLE FOX WEAR
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
LITTLE FOXWEAR

MONEY & MUSIC SHOW
Had the Pleasure this week to be joined by Fashion Guru/Entrepreneur/Successful Business Woman, Valerie Valentina

Always dressed for the occasion, San Francisco designer,Valerie Valentina is expanding from illustrious gowns to head turning fashions for your leashed companion. Before designing k-9 Couture for my international sweeping company "Little Fox Wear", Valerie designed traffic stopping attire for San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. I also designed for R&B performers, professional NFL and NBA athletes,TV personalities,and Pro Body Builders and let's not forget those gorgeous Chip and Dale costumes! Although I specialize in Couture wear, I am also an interior decorator in my spare time. My clothing line has sold in Nordstrom and designer boutiques around the world. I, Valerie has a flare with clothing. I've even caught the eye of a famous motorcycle club designing shirts for them. I relaxes by riding "Baby Fox", which is my 2004 Harley Davidson Heritage Soft Tail in her own motorcycle wear.

In 2004 Little Fox Wear was founded by Valerie Valentina The name Little Fox was derived from her father Fox, Valerie is the proud owner of 5 Miniatures Pinschers, Little Fox, a red cloud and Paris a red stag. While out dressed in our mohair sweaters people admired them so much, and this winter was so cold, and the min pins were so tiny they would shiver, that's when the idea of Little Fox Wear was born, to protect them from the elements. Now Little Fox Wear Couture has open there first dog store in San Francisco, California. Also includes a line of jewelry for our canine companions. Love A Animal Foundation established in 2008 is dedicated to protect, treat and cure companion animals. It's a non- profit rescue organization which rescues homeless, abused,abandoned animals placing them in loving caring homes.Love A Animal Foundation improves the health and well-being of companion animals.

This Week's Topic Focused on

Solidifying Your Brand

So if you Missed this Week's Show & You Really are serious about your Business, Press Play & Take Notes
LEARN FROM OTHERS MISTAKES
SO YOU CAN AVOID THE SAME

MONEY & MUSIC SHOW - GET YOUR FINANCIAL TIPS RIGHT HERE!

"IT'S NOT THE CHANCES YOU TAKE, IT'S THE CHOICES YOU MAKE THAT WILL DETERMINE YOUR DESTINY"

The Lessons Learned from this Week's Show were well taken.

*** Set Realistic Expectations/Timelines (may take many years)
*** Do Your Research
*** Start Slow
*** Spend Money Wisely
*** Having the Hottest Idea or Product Does NOT Mean Success
*** Save Money & Build Cash Reserves
*** Invest in Yourself Before You Ask Others to Invest in You
(this will allow you to retain control/ownership of your Brand)
*** Network, Network, Network
*** Always Read the Fine Print

As we always hear, patience is virtue. Understand that to build a successful company you must lay a solid foundation in place before you can expect to reap the rewards of your labor. There will be lots of sweat equity involved, so make sure you are YOUR BIGGEST CRITIC with all decisions made.

If you didn't listen to the show, and you want those nuggets, press play above & we wish you all the best & much success.

For More Information
email: info@moneynmusic.com
SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!!!

Branding/Packaging with Presidential Fits

Money & Music Show, clearly set the bar for what you can expect from "Cool V" & "Money Mike", it's not that they haven't done it before, but this week's show was on point. As you know, these two won't talk about it...so enjoy for yourself, and let us know what you think? Press play below & don't forget your notepads.

MONEY & MUSIC SHOW - GET YOUR FINANCIAL TIPS RIGHT HERE!

Cool V & Money Mike were joined by Founder & CEO Kwan from Presidential Fits, and if you listened to the show, you also heard how you can get your free Presidential Fits T-Shirt. Need we say more?

"PRESIDENTIAL FITS"
IS A HOT NEW CLOTHING BRAND out of Atlanta, Georgia.

Presidential Fits is a contemporary line of urban inspired menswear. Our philosophy is "Street Politics" because we recognize our government but we politic ourselves. Our constituents expect fashion forward collections that reflect their sense of style and their need to stay a cut above the rest. Since it is important to always look good at Presidential Fits, we take pride in creating quality garments that will remain timeless and relevant. This brand was created to introduce "must haves" for every wardrobe.

To Learn More Click Below
Facebook
MySpace
Twitter

Branding

The word "brand", when used as a noun, can refer to a company name, a product name, or a unique identifier such as a logo or trademark. In a time before fences were used in ranching to keep one's cattle separate from other people's cattle, ranch owners branded, or marked, their cattle so they could later identify their herd as their own. The concept of branding also developed through the practices of craftsmen who wanted to place a mark or identifier on their work without detracting from the beauty of the piece. These craftsmen used their initials, a symbol, or another unique mark to identify their work and they usually put these marks in a low visibility place on the product.

Not too long afterwards, high quality cattle and art became identifiable in consumers’ minds by particular symbols and marks. Consumers would actually seek out certain marks because they had associated those marks in their minds with tastier beef, higher quality pottery or furniture, sophisticated artwork, and overall better products. If the producer differentiated their product as superior in the mind of the consumer, then that producer's mark or brand came to represent superiority. Today's modern concept of branding grew out of the consumer packaged goods industry and the process of branding has come to include much, much more than just creating a way to identify a product or company. Branding today is used to create emotional attachment to products and companies. Branding efforts create a feeling of involvement, a sense of higher quality, and an aura of intangible qualities that surround the brand name, mark, or symbol.

So what exactly is the definition of "brand"? Let's cover some definitions first before we get too far into the branding process.

What is a brand?

If you ask ten marketing professionals or brand managers to define the word "brand", you very well may get ten different answers. Most of the answers you receive, hopefully, will at least have some commonalities.

In my own experience and in my extensive study of brands and branding, there is one definition of "brand" that seems to most succinctly define exactly what a brand is.

The definition of brand: A brand is an identifiable entity that makes specific promises of value.

In its simplest form, a brand is nothing more and nothing less than the promises of value you or your product make. These promises can be implied or explicitly stated, but none-the-less, value of some type is promised.

When Should I Start my Retirement Plan?

Money Mike was able to Relate tonight's topic & Presidential Fits discussion, to understanding when is the right time to begin establishing a Retirement Plan. As he mentioned, every individual, business, and family is in a different situation. Like tonight's discussion, Money Mike emphasized.

* Start Slow
* Focus on your Budget (How much can you save weekly/monthly)
* Sacrifice (Begin cutting back on goods/services you really don't need vs. putting those same funds spent into the Right Retirement Vehicle).
* Seek Expert Counsel, suggesting an Independent Registered Advisor that comes with years of experience and a reputation that you deserve.

These are some of the basics, there are MANY Retirement Vehicles out there, it's important that you work with a professional or do enough homework to learn what vehicle really is right for you.

Many of these vehicles have early surrender fees/charges, income tax liabilities, and various other consequences that could affect your overall plan. So take your time, but remember it is up to YOU. Our government is continuing to put future generations at risk of running out of social security funds, Corporations are putting more pressure on you to save for your own retirement with the pension systems almost extinct. So the Responsibility to save for your future, is solely upon you. Live today to the fullest, but Plan for Tomorrow as your way of life.

Have Questions? Need more Answers?
Serious Inquiries ONLY!!!
info@moneynmusic.com

DON'T FORGET TO TUNE IN
EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT
9pm EST, 10pm Brazil Time
LIVE FROM
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
MONEY & MUSIC SHOW, BRAZIL
on
www.radionovablack.com

FIRST EVER HEARD MUSIC WEEKLY

Digital Marketing with RatePoint

If you are looking to stay ahead of your competitors, lead your competition, and allow your business to focus on being more efficient and effective, this was one Money & Music Show, we are sure you don't want to pass up. In today's day and age, it's a must to be able to utilize technology by using the many tools available that allow your business to prosper, and can say it FIRST. Money & Music gives you firsthand insight on one company you most sure want to check out, RatePoint. Last night we were pleased to have join "Cool V" & "Money Mike" as special guest, Patrick Curran, Business Partner and Coach at RatePoint.com.

Patrick Curran is the Business Partner Manager at RatePoint. Curran has been with RatePoint since the company’s launch in early 2007. From 2007 - 2009, Curran was responsible for growing an inside sales team from 2 reps to 14 reps over 16 month. In addition, Curran also managed his own sales territory and continued educate small business owner about how to grow their business leveraging RatePoint’s innovative tools. In January 2010, Curran received a promotion and is now leading the Business Partner sales team.

There were some hidden jewels left in this week's show, so when you find them, thank us later...

MONEY & MUSIC SHOW - GET YOUR FINANCIAL TIPS RIGHT HERE!

So are You ready to jump on board? As we always stress, take it slow, and here's an offer you can't miss. FREE, THAT'S RIGHT FREE...starting getting familiar with their system & run some tests, it will cost you nothing but your time. Ratepoint.com will allow you to sign up FREE, just tell them Money & Music, Cool V, Money Mike, or TrunkHustlers sent you, and you will receive additional discounts, not to forget to mention their Lifetime offer of 125 Contacts, FREE!!!

RatePoint, Inc., the leading provider of customer feedback and online reputation management services, helps businesses protect and build their online reputation, allowing businesses to harness the power of credible customer feedback and leverage it into a sales, marketing and customer service asset.

RatePoint’s easy-to-use, Web-based communication services include feedback tools, email marketing, survey and dispute resolution capabilities to provide small- and medium-sized businesses with the ability to collect, manage and promote customer feedback directly from their website

Their core offering revolves around:
Premium Email Marketing
Verified Customer Reviews
Online Surveys
Integration with Facebook, Twitter, Google Buzz

These tools are bundled at one cost depending on contact list size without additional fees and allow our partners to help their clients to drive revenue from both traditional and integrated marketing strategies. At a click of a button your customers can send professional campaigns to current contacts’ inboxes as well as syndicate their campaigns to Twitter and Facebook. With the blend of traditional and social marketing, your clients can review success reports while watching both new and reoccurring business results increase.

RatePoint partner’s provide our membership to small to medium sized businesses: that may need to increase the effectiveness of their online communications have a need to visibly drive revenue from social media marketing and google local searches need help building credibility & trust in their brands online

Overall, A partnership with RatePoint allows you to help your clients launch an effective, integrated approach to marketing. As a partner you receive:

20% re-occurring revenue share on each membership
Free Training and Support
Quarterly Incentives (earn up to $2000+ in bonuses this quarter – call for details)

Best of all, we give you the chance to be “yourself” again. Our partners often enhance their own revenue opportunities by leveraging their core design and marketing skills to create additional managed services. For example, partners often offer template design, email copy writing, and online reputation management packages along with a membership.

GET STARTED TODAY!
&
TELL THEM MONEY & MUSIC & TrunkHustlers
SENT YOU

& YOU CAN EXPECT ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS
ON TOP OF YOUR
FREE LIFETIME SERVICE of 125 Contacts

HOW CAN YOU LOSE?

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE TRIAL

CONTACT:
Patrick Curran
Business Partner Coach
RatePoint, Inc.
781-465-2039
twitter.com/ratecurranpoint

as always it ain't Official unless you heard the "WHISTLE"

...STAY TUNED Later in the WEEK

WE WILL BE DROPPIN SOME HEAVY NEW HEAT