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

Submitted by rick from north miami beach

Q: I do loan modifications and stop foreclosures for people who have fallen behind on their payments. would like to attarct more customers without spending large amounts of money. what type of marketing would you sugest i do?

Answered 01/05/09 16:18:39 by Jack G. Hardy

A: If you can obtain a list of foreclosures in process with name and address of owner - do a first contact by telephone, send a printed trifold with your credentials - followup with a personal visit - all as quickly as possible. If most have Latin last names & if you speak Spanish go for it

Submitted by Ruben Cedeno from Kendall Miami

Q: Dear Mr Jack, Tks for the advice to all of us, As a family we started a Unique service targeting the tourist,corporate and VIP niche market, can you recomend specif ways to get some media coverage by way of press releases, 2)financing sources available to low income families. 3)South Florida's corporate listing directory info? We are persevearing, in challeging times and Appreciate your Help.

Answered 01/05/09 16:14:21 by Jack G. Hardy

A: 1. Please visit http://www.wheatmark.com/articles/view.cfm?aid=43 for full instructions on how to prepare a Press Release 2. Financing available – If this is for business you’ll need a well prepared business plan. Visit www.scoremiami.org or www.score.org for help. 3. South Florida Corporate Listing: Please visit www.usadata.com or www.FloridaListCompany.com

Submitted by joel sussman from Miami Beach

Q: Jack, I am looking to hire a management consultant to review/observe our operation and make suggestions to improve management. We own a 269 room hotel on Miami beach and have 80+ employees. Any suggestions? Joel

Answered 11/25/08 15:30:40 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Joel, I would be happy to review & observe your operations and suggest improvements based upon my experience and practical approach to business. However, I will not be available until the New Year, January 5,2009. We can schedule a 1-hour meeting - with no obligation - to talk about objectives. 305-775-1759

Submitted by Rafael Cereghino from Miami, FL

Q: Hi Jack I read an article a while back about word of mouth marketing. It is not e-marketing like your article on May 12 of this year. This article was about word of mouth marketing but people get together and talk about a product and recommend it. Can you please help me I'm trying to find the name of the company and how much it cost. Best Regards Rafael Cereghino

Answered 11/11/08 07:20:30 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Here's some of the info - "Can your business find marketing leverage with these new word-of-mouth marketing techniques? Are they affordable? The WOMMA website (womma.org) is a good place to start your search. Click on Library – scroll down to WOM 101 for an excellent overview. This case study captured my attention: Create Pass-Along Tools or Objects. That’s where I found BzzAgent.com and its “Frogpond.” for the complete column, go to my website: jackghardy.com - click on Miami Herald Columns - look for May 12, 2008 - What’s a secret? Something you tell to one person at a time! Enjoy! Jack

Submitted by Senen Jimenez from Miramar, Florida

Q: I have a small business which I have grown from my expertise in manufacturing. I have one customer at the present time and would like to expand my customer base. Can you help with marketing strategies and how I can get my web site to have more exposure while keeping my cost to a minimum. You can see what I am selling by visiting my site at racksystemsusa.com . Thank you in advance.

Answered 11/11/08 07:13:48 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Senen, First- take a look at your website. It loads very slowly; the Meta Tags can be stated better for quick reading. Consider including a downloadable sales brochure - with all info plus tips - you will pick up prospect info for followup. Consider using ConstantContact.com for prospects and clients - visit their website for more info. If you need help with the above, contact me at jack@jackghardy.com Jack

Submitted by david from miami

Q: Greetings, since the credit crunch and the economy in recessions, we have had to depend on our selves and our community. my sister and i have created a small website that allows business to join and have access to a local business that are willing to participate in a barter trade. It will receive many benefits, like exposure on google and getting the right people onto your website. www.thefloridadistrict.com The service free and it will feature other services. i would like to share this website with many people among Miami. does the Miami herald hold any blog/forum for new business to join? do you have any recommendations how i can utilize Miami herald resources. As you know, this system has been created by the default of our recessions thus can only offer my services or expertise as exchange ;) thank you kindly! david www.thefloridadistrict.com

Answered 11/03/08 09:01:49 by Jack G. Hardy

A: I find it difficult to understand the rationale behind your service: "Design for small business to improve you customer traffic to your website via the online community." What exactly do you provide besides listing? How do you attract people to YOUR website so they can see customer listings. I don't believe the Miami Herald has resources you can use.

Submitted by Jose De La Rosa from Sunrise, Florida

Q: Hola Jack, Good afternoon, I currently work for Simon Malls in Sawgrass Mills. I am an Area Director for 3 malls Sawgrass, Coral Square Mall & Also Miami International Mall. i have only been in the City for 3 months & it's been very difficult trying to get any Casino to spend Advertising/Marketing $ at any of our Malls - What do you reccomend & also if possible How can I spend my time going out after the big fish (I don't know who they are or have the contacts) so my time is not wasted on the little guys who during these times don;t have any $. Thank you for your time.

Answered 10/23/08 11:03:18 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Jose, Bienvenidos al surcursal de Sud America (South Florida). First of all I don't know what an Area Director does. Second you don't tell me what you are selling. Third, you indicate casinos as "big fish" - which needs confirmation. I can only guess! Obviously you are doing one of two things: Attracting more people to your three malls or 2. Providing a great pass-by show space for graphic advertising (if you own the billboards). Suggestion: From the above tell me the whole story. jack G Hardy jack@jackghardy.com

Submitted by Mia from Miami, FL

Q: Hi Jack, My name is Mia and I own a boutique graphic design firm along with 3 of my friends. We have officially existed for a few months now and are having a little bit of trouble finding good clients. We have so much talent that we are practically bursting at the seams! As someone who is familiar with the creative business, where, in your opinion, can we go to find good clients? We were thinking of joining some type of networking group, but we've been to a few that just are not our speed. Are there any networking groups for younger business professionals? Thanks in advance for your reply, --mia--

Answered 10/15/08 07:20:13 by Jack G. Hardy

A: Mia, First step: Decide the focus of your services. Develop a Core Value Proposition Second: Confirm a business development plan. Third: Focus upon those prospects within your target. Fourth: Start selling. You can find my guide to developing your Core Value Proposition at amazon.com

Submitted by Neal Atkins from Miami Beach, FL

Q: Dear Jack, I have created and registered several Internet domain names. For example SobeSingles.com. That was the easy part. Now, how do I sell them? How do buyers find me? Thanks for your help. Neal

Answered 10/14/08 13:22:44 by Jack G. Hardy

A: You have two avenues -G to www.godaddy.com and put up for auction or fond a comany that needs your URL and sell directly