Submitted by Hans Bos from miami beach

Q: Good evenng Sir, With pleasure and learning something every time I read your column about marketing.Thank you. This week I red you column about finding a niche market and we also have a hard time connecting with the right markets for our soccer product called iGoal : www.igoalsports.com . We feel we have all the ingredience to make this a very popular product IT SAFE FOR KIDS IT PROTABLE and easy to sue. But needs to be shown to believe. We like to stick to grass roots to protect our margins . Do you have any pointers ? THank you Hans Bos iGoal Sports 866-502-7792 www.igoalsports.com hans@igoalsports.com

Answered 07/07/09 08:26:19 by Jack G. Hardy

A: So who is your niche market target? Beach soccer clubs? If so how many and where are they? Do beach clubs use iNet? How often do they need to replace the goal? Will you get frequent repeat sales from them? (Most likely not I'd think) Then what market will provide some measure of volume sales? Or perhaps you should be searching for a companion product that has repeat sales and can sell with the goal. After all your product does solve a problem-agreed. But replacement is not frequent.

Submitted by Karen from Pompano Beach

Q: What is the best way to market for a primary care practice?

Answered 06/30/09 15:56:39 by Jack G. Hardy

A: I need to know more about your practice before I could venture an answer.

Submitted by Dr. Debby Hirschhorn from Hollywood, FL

Q: Five years ago, I was selling an ebook on my website for $39.00. Then I took a seminar which pointed out that if I create a three-ring binder and make the ebook into a course, I could get a lot more money for it. That person was correct; it has provided me a healthy stream of income at $139 for the course. (go to DrDeb.com to see it.) Now, you're suggesting that ebooks may be the next big thing. How do I do both without the ebook sales taking away from the binder/workbook sales? Thank you very kindly for your advice.

Answered 06/15/09 17:13:41 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Take a look at how you can start giving the course - in person - via the Internet. There are several well prepared tools: go to Cisco.com for one - Webex for another.Just add a charge for type of participation involved: individual coaching, group participation, general audience.

Submitted by Patricia Merino from Pembroke Pines, Fl

Q: Mr. Hardy I read your articles every week and have saved all pertaiing to internet marketing. We have a very new company. It is been in the making for two years but was placed on the web only 6 weeks ago. I am following a lot of your advice and we have it on Google were we are getting about 40.000 hits per day. I am however a novice on marketing and thinking of adds on internet travel publications and also a press release. Will you be kind enough to take a look at our AWSOME web site WWW.SEARCHVACATIONRENTAL.COM and advice how to best proceed on my marketing strategies. Thank you very much for your time Patricia Merino 954 450-1420

Answered 06/10/09 17:34:26 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Patricia Great site-well thought out! I see two marketing strategies: Find vacation homes and sell available rentals. I'm guessing - but I'd start by locating best vacation places in world for furnished home rentals - check out your competition. I'd then try to determine best local source for listings: real estate brokers, etc. I'd gather a mailing list. then use an eMail campaign to gain action: Constant Contact.com Word of Mouth may well be the way to find renters - but you should check out links to other non-competitive vacation websites - see where you can get a listing. Also start work on investing in Google ads - to attract traffic to your website - Jack G hardy (jackghardy.com)

Submitted by Nelson Bonet from 9150 sw 124th st miami,fl 33176

Q: Desde hace un tiempo vengo leyendo sus acticulos, aunque puedo leer en Ingles me cuesta esribirlo . Espero que UD si pueda contestarme en Espanol. Yo estoy trabajando en un Plan de Negocio para una nueva compania de servicio y me gustaria saber cual es el metodo a serguir para determinar el tipo marketing que le corresponde a mi compania o que infomacion UD nesecita para detrminarlo. Muchas gracias por su tiempo.

Answered 06/10/09 17:27:58 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Sin saber que tipo de negocio de servicio tu tienes en mente - es imposible que te responde. Comunique con migo atravez de mi website (jack@jackghardy.com)

Submitted by Patricia Merino from Pembroke Pines, Fl

Q: Mr. Hardy I read your articles every week and have saved all pertaiing to internet marketing. We have a very new company. It is been in the making for two years but was placed on the web only 6 weeks ago. I am following a lot of your advice and we have it on Google were we are getting about 40.000 hits per day. I am however a novice on marketing and thinking of adds on internet travel publications and also a press release. Will you be kind enough to take a look at our AWSOME web site WWW.SEARCHVACATIONRENTAL.COM and advice how to best proceed on my marketing strategies. Thank you very much for your time Patricia Merino 954 450-1420

Answered 06/10/09 17:25:41 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Patricia, Yes, I agree you've got a well thought out website! I'd see two separate marketing strategies: obtain listings, attract renters. I'd also think you have access to identify best worldwide vacation locations. How do you attract rentals from the most desirable locations? Let's say Italy - Can you hook up with real estate people in Florence? But surely you can determine viable contacts by country and region. Now work on an eMail campaign directed to the contacts uncovered. Consider ConstantContact (see my website (jackghardy.com) Word-of-Mouth Advertising may be the best way to stimulate rentals. Check out WOMA on Internet using Google. Give me feedback, please Jack G Hardy

Submitted by Jerry Doyle from Miami Florida

Q: We have just updated our website www.miamifurnituremedic.com I have yellow pages ad under Furniture Repair, my company is Furniture Medic By Doyle. We are spending close to $900 each month on my Yellow pages and Internet yellow pages. I feel I should reduce the size of my print ad and concentrate more on the web. My question. Is this the right direction and how can I get The most from The Internet. Jerry Doyle Owner Furniture Medic By Doyle

Answered 05/20/09 16:47:01 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Jerry Your website is elegant. Please read next Monday's column for tips on how to evaluate your website. You may need changes to focus upon specific target markets. Regarding Yellow Pages - How much new business does your investment provide each month? Enough to pay the bill? Calculate over 3 to 6 months. Adjust accordingly. Jack G Hardy www.jackghardy.com

Submitted by Lori Wilbur from Hialeah, FL

Q: Dear Mr. Hardy, I was wondering if you have ever heard of a company called Stores On Line. If so, do you know if they are legitimate or not. Please email me at ljw7100@comcast.net. Thank you very much! Lori Wilbur

Answered 05/15/09 12:33:27 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Lori, Please use Google to search for Stores On Line - I know nothing about them. But there are several warning entries on the same Google page.

Submitted by Marta from Coral Gables

Q: Jack, Your column today is very helpful. I will try to buy Scientific Advertising.

Answered 04/13/09 09:16:54 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Have fun! Match it up against many of the marketing techniques "invented" during the '80's and later on via direct marketing experts.

Submitted by Tammy Green from Miami Beach

Q: Mr. Hardy - While I am usually a fan of your marketing column, I feel you have a done a disservice to the already suffering local production community. You completely ommitted any mention of the agents that are successfully booking national and international campaigns AND are located in Miami. The Green Agency currently represents voice-over talent that is located both here and throughout the country. Because we are able to work digitaly, we are consistantly signing new voice-over performers regardless of their locale. As a result of our wealth of Spanish speaking performers, we have booked ads for national clients like Home Depot, Burger King, Ford, Target, Tylenol to name a few. There is no need to search "coast to coast" for opportunity when professional agents and jobs are abundant in our home town. Tammy J. Green President The Green Agency 1620 Drexel Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139 305/532-9225

Answered 03/24/09 16:24:56 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Tammy, Thanks for being a fan of Bootstrap! I did say right at the beginning of my Oyeme USA column: "I’ve been involved with selecting talent, radio and television, from my ad agency and client days. Even so, I pondered, “What can I offer a group of professional announcers?” When I visited your elegant model talent website I did not recognize it also is aa source for voice talent including Spanish. Going back today I found it mentioned at the end of About Us. Sorry for not seeing it the first time. Jack

Submitted by Monica Wetherington- from Miami Beach, Florida

Q: I am a wedding planner, most of my business is word of mouth. I have a vendor referral program, a website offering free Day Of Planning www.itsallaboutm-eweddings.com. I work with the local churches & synagouges & have advertised at local events. My question is what other advertising avenues can I do that will drum up more clients without it breaking the budget?

Answered 03/18/09 07:11:51 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Monica Nice website. I'm sure you'll agree, satisfied clients are your best source of new business: referrals. I's suggest you learn more about ConstantContact - an excellent way to use eMail and encourage your client base to talk about you.Please visit http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?pn=jackghardy for more information. Visit my website www.jackghardy.com

Submitted by Richard Gregory from Quincy IL

Q: I am a dentist. I have wondered how to word a newspaper ad that would reach the more mature population without leading my younger patients to beleive I was limiting my practice to an older group. I have to keep it rofessional and to the point. I believe the newspapar is the place for this ad since more seniors still take a newspaper.

Answered 03/09/09 14:26:45 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Richard, Without doubt you are a member of the ADA. Please visit the ADA website. Refresh your marketing knowhow.The Internet is redefining how dentists practice and market dentistry. Patients are your most valuable asset. Referrals are your most powerful marketing tool. Does your database eMail addresses of all your clients? Do you have a website? Dental practice Web sites are important to any successful marketing program. Add an eNewsletter with info about how you cater to senior problems You'll have an inexpensive, powerful marketing tool. Or, with Herald Direct can send free-standing inserts to households in Miami-Dade and Broward. You can target zip codes and sub-zip codes around your practice or target zips based on demographics. For more info call Silvia Schencker at (305) 376-2708

Submitted by Thom from Pembroke Pines, Fl

Q: Hey Jack! I recently sold a few bottles of pepper sauce that I learned to make using my father-in-law's recipe. The response has been very positive and encouraging. I would like to know how to take it to the next level. How do I protect my idea while seeking ways to distribute the sauce to restaurants, stores and online? What regulations should I be aware of when marketing a food product to the public?

Answered 02/16/09 13:03:58 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Thom, First step would be to prove your idea (and sauce) is viable as a business - I suggest you look for "The Core Value Proposition" at amazon.com for the process to use. As you are proving the idea, start collecting info regarding registries on MyFlorida.com. - Most likely you will find an established food manufacturer that will handle the manufacturing process.(Google "contract manufacturing") You can also line up a knowledgeable mentor at SCORE - a person with experience in food manufacturing. (visit score.org)

Submitted by Lisa Frost from Miami, Florida

Q: Hello Jack, I would like to set up a meeting with you under the SCORE premise if possible. I have been working on a Green Business idea for over a year now and need your help before my dream dies on the vine. Please call or email me: 786-368-5164

Answered 02/12/09 06:14:51 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Lisa, Certainly - I'll set you up for a SCORE counseling session - for my contact info, please visit www.jackghardy.com

Submitted by Fred and Gerry Smith from Miami, FL

Q: We recently started a shredding business, Papersmith Mobile Secured Shredding LLC. We hired a company to design our website. They did that. They were then supposed to do site navigation to get us "higher" on the list. We have a funny feeling that they are gone! They are not answering our e-mails or phone calls. What do we do now?

Answered 02/07/09 12:11:05 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Please confirm your URL address is http://psshredding.com/paperdistributor.html and that your website was prepared by MINDesign -located in Coral Gables. Their website is http://www.mindesigncorp.com/ O que faria voce no Brasil? Send info to Jack@jackghardy.com or call-305-775-1759

Submitted by Daryl Kutner

Q: Mr. Hardy, I work for Eagil Financial, a life settlement provider out of New York. I wish to have a phone conference with you to explain our strategy for seniors that provides for cash from the policies while living and increased coverage for the estate with less or no premiums for the future. I feel strongly in educating those in the community so that our new branch office grows roots in the community as fast as possible. Please call me anytime or email when convenient. Daryl A. Kutner 786 333 2696 cell 305 777 0329 ofc 4000 Ponce De Leon Suite #400 Coral Gables Fl. 33146

Answered 02/05/09 10:17:56 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Daryl, Sorry I can't help you. You haven't asked a question. Rather you want me to listen to your sales presentation - no doubt very well prepared. Jack

Submitted by Denise Glasser from Miami,FL

Q: Hi Jack, I always enjoy reading your column and would appreciate some advice from you. Our internet baby gift company is 4 yrs old and we'd like to increase our visibility and increase our sales. We've tried many different avenues ie- advertising on Google, redesigning the site, enclosing discount coupons, offering online discounts. With a $7 billion baby gift industry,we'd like a small %. Thanks for your time.

Answered 02/05/09 10:14:57 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Denise, How can I be of help without actionable information about your business? You didn't give me your website address! Just a wish for more sales. You can contact me at 305-775-1975 or visit www.jackghardy.com

Submitted by Manny Alonso from Miami,Florida

Q: I own an Event Design & Flowers company. I found it in 1985. It is a full service flower shop. I also design, coordinate and produce events, private and corporate. This brings a lot of confusion and conflict. Recently, I even changed the name from Florist to what is now. But I want to eliminate the flower part and it's name and market the event part using my name. How do I proceed? Where should I advertise. Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answered 01/22/09 16:47:22 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Manny, One of the most difficult things to do in business is FOCUS. You're right - you can't be all things to all people. The design, coordination and production of events, private and corporate - has nothing to do with Florist or for that matter "Event Design & Flowers company." Have you attended FIU or SCORE business workshops? I think you'd profit from being better focused. Get the basics! Define your business clearly and the name will be improved. You'll also focus upon your target market with precision with a clear message. Visit jackghardy.com for more ideas.

Submitted by Maria Luisa Castella from Miami, Florida

Q: I have been reading your column in the Herald for years and really enjoy it. I want to attract more leads through my website, www.unitedarchitectsinc.com. I get traffic but I don't have a high conversion rate. Could you please look at my website and tell me how to improve it? Thank you.

Answered 01/22/09 16:40:47 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Maria Luisa, Thanks for the kudos! I've quickly visited your website. It needs help in streamlining content - I found it hard to read. Structurally it appears sound. Downloading is a bit confusing and you should gather more prospect info. Surely you concentrate upon a specific market segment(s) - what are they? Are you using an email "newsletter" as a promotional device? If you're interested we could meet and talk about your marketing. Visit jackghardy.com for more info - or call me at 305-775-1759

Submitted by Sylvia P Rochin from 900 S:W 2 Ave Miami FL 33131

Q: Hi Jack, we are an urgent care center in Miami and will open another in South Beach soon, but we don't seem to find ¨THE¨ perfect marketing,although we have tried some. Could you help us, I need the right words. Sylvia

Answered 01/19/09 15:55:41 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Certainly! Please provide me with info regarding your present marketing activities and samples of materials. send to jack@jackghardy.com